Hudson FL Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter accommodates up to two guestsTargets multiple species including tarpon, snook, and redfishAll equipment, tackle, bait, and licenses provided
Looking for a proper fishing adventure along Florida's Nature Coast? This full-day inshore charter out of Hudson puts you right in the heart of some of the state's most productive shallow waters. You'll spend the day working the flats, grass beds, and structure that hold everything from bucket-list tarpon to table-fare snapper. With just two anglers max, this private trip gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and plenty of time to really dial in your technique. Captain Sports Coast Fishing knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while teaching you the ins and outs of inshore fishing along the way.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking a full day to really explore what Hudson's inshore waters have to offer. You'll start early to beat the heat and hit multiple spots as conditions change throughout the day. The beauty of fishing the Nature Coast is the variety. One minute you might be sight-casting to rolling tarpon in three feet of water, the next you're dropping live bait around structure for cobia or working the grass beds for monster seatrout. The captain reads the tides, watches the wind, and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days that means starting shallow and moving deeper as the sun climbs. Other days you might spend hours working a single productive area. That's the difference between a good day and a great day – having the flexibility to follow the fish instead of sticking to a rigid schedule.
You'll fish with quality light tackle that's perfectly matched to the species and conditions. Think 15-20 pound spinning gear that can handle a 100-pound tarpon but still lets you feel every head shake from a three-pound seatrout. The captain brings everything – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and licenses – so you can focus on fishing instead of gear prep. Throughout the day, you'll use different techniques depending on what's happening. Live bait fishing around structure for snook and redfish. Trolling spoons for Spanish mackerel. Sight-casting with artificials when fish are feeding on top. Bottom fishing for sheepshead and grunt around docks and bridges. The captain will show you how to read the water, spot feeding fish, and present your bait or lure in a way that gets bit. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to up your game or someone who just wants to catch fish, the approach adjusts to your skill level and interests.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Hudson's waters hold some real bruisers. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings – anywhere they can hide and surprise their next meal. Fall through early spring is prime time when cooler water pushes them into the protected backcountry areas. A good snook will test your drag and your nerves, making blazing runs toward whatever structure they can find. The slot limit means you keep fish between 28 and 33 inches, but honestly, the big girls over the slot are the most fun to catch anyway.
Tarpon fishing around Hudson is absolutely world-class, especially during the spring and summer months. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound range all the way up to giants pushing 150 pounds or more. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics. When a tarpon eats your bait and goes airborne, rattling its gills and throwing spray everywhere, you'll understand why people travel from around the world just for that moment. The shallow waters around Hudson are perfect tarpon habitat, with plenty of bait and the right depth for sight-fishing.
Redfish, or red drum as some call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive eaters and put up a bulldogging fight that will surprise you. Hudson's grass flats are perfect redfish territory, especially when the tide is moving and stirring up crabs and shrimp. You'll often see them tailing in shallow water, their distinctive black spots flashing as they root around in the grass. A good redfish will make several strong runs before coming to the boat, and they're excellent table fare if you keep one in the slot.
Crevalle jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll absolutely wear you out on light tackle. These silver bulldogs school up in large numbers and feed aggressively on baitfish. When you find a school of jacks feeding on the surface, it's pure chaos – birds diving, bait flying everywhere, and non-stop action. They're incredibly strong for their size and will test your endurance on spinning gear. While most anglers release them, jacks are actually decent eating when prepared properly and are considered excellent bait for larger species like sharks and tarpon.
Cobia are one of the most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them due to their appearance and habit of cruising near the surface, are both excellent fighters and fantastic table fare. Spring brings the best cobia fishing as they move inshore to spawn. You'll often spot them following rays or just cruising along structure. Cobia are curious fish and will often come right to the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. When they eat, they typically make a long, strong run before settling into a bulldogging fight that showcases their power.
Hudson's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on Florida's west coast. This full-day charter gives you the time and flexibility to really experience what makes this area special – from sight-fishing for tarpon on the flats to working structure for snook and redfish. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish and learn. The captain's local knowledge and willingness to adjust
Your fishing platform for the day is a well-equipped 24' Tidewater bay boat that handles Hudson's inshore waters with ease. Powered by a reliable Yamaha 250 HP engine, this boat cuts through the Gulf Coast shallows while you target everything from snook and redfish to tarpon and cobia. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom features. With quality electronics including GPS navigation, you'll spend more time fishing and less time guessing where the fish are hiding. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight fish, and there's an icebox onboard to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the long day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like brown sharks with attitude, averaging 30-50 pounds and growing over 6 feet long. They're loners that cruise around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-60 feet of water, though you'll spot them shallow during spring migration. April through June is prime time when they move through our area heading to spawn. What makes them special is they're curious fish that come up to investigate the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. Plus, they're some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They fight hard with long runs and surprising power. Best technique: when you see one near the surface, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose. Cobia are opportunistic feeders and rarely pass up an easy meal presented right.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of the flats - aggressive fighters that average 12-24 inches and hit like freight trains. You'll find them in schools around grass beds, sandy bays, and near structure from shallow water to 30+ feet deep. They're here year-round but spring and summer offer the hottest action when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their pure aggression - these fish chase down lures with attitude and fight way above their weight class. They're not the best eating, but the fight more than makes up for it. Look for diving birds working baitfish schools - that's your jackpot. My secret: when you find a school feeding on top, cast past them and rip your lure back fast. Jacks can't resist a fleeing baitfish and will hammer it without hesitation.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect inshore targets, typically running 20-35 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-red coloring. They love super shallow water - grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet where you'll sometimes see their backs out of water. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action when they school up. These fish fight hard with strong runs and are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not spooky like some species and will eat almost anything that fits in their mouth. What makes them fun is watching them cruise the flats and getting that perfect cast ahead of a moving school. Pro tip: look for tailing fish with their heads down feeding - that's when they're most focused and likely to bite.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore targets, averaging 18-30 inches with that signature black lateral line and golden color. They love structure - mangroves, docks, creek mouths, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. These fish are temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through October give you the best action. What makes them special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight, plus they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. They're ambush predators that hit fast and jump when hooked. My tip: work your lure slowly along mangrove edges during moving tides. Snook sit in the shade waiting to pounce, so get that bait right in the strike zone and be ready for a hard pull.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that average 80-120 pounds and can hit 6 feet long. They're found in shallow bays, channels, and around structure from 3-30 feet deep. Peak season runs May through September when they migrate through our waters to spawn. What draws anglers is their raw power and aerial show - these fish can jump 10 feet out of the water and make runs that'll test your drag. Most are released since they're bony and not great eating, but the fight is what it's all about. They're prehistoric survivors that can live 50+ years. Here's the key: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It reduces tension and keeps them from throwing the hook during those wild acrobatics.
Hudson FL