Double Angler Trip with Straw Hats Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing trip using live bait and luresAll fishing equipment and gear provided onboardSingle angler capacity for personalized fishing experience
Looking for a personalized inshore fishing adventure that puts you front and center with some serious gamefish? This Double Angler Trip delivers exactly that – a focused, one-on-one charter experience where you'll work both live bait and artificial lures to target whatever's biting during the current season. With Straw Hats Fishing Charters, you're not just another angler on a crowded boat. You get the captain's full attention, prime positioning, and the flexibility to adjust tactics on the fly based on what the fish are telling us.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. With just you on board, we can move fast when we mark fish, stay put when they're feeding, and switch up our approach without worrying about other anglers' preferences. The trip kicks off early when the water's still cool and fish are most active. We'll start by checking current conditions – water temperature, bait movement, and tide phases all play into where we set up for the day. You'll be fishing prime inshore waters where tarpon roll and sheepshead stack up around structure, using a mix of live bait presentations and targeted lure work. The beauty of this setup is we can cover more water efficiently, hitting multiple spots until we find where fish are concentrated. Whether we're sight-fishing rolling tarpon or working structure for sheepshead, having the boat to yourself means every cast counts and every hookup gets the attention it deserves.
We'll be running a two-pronged approach that keeps you busy and maximizes your shots at quality fish. Live bait is king when targeting these inshore species – fresh pinfish, pilchards, and crabs work magic on finicky feeders. We'll rig baits on circle hooks with just enough weight to get them down to the strike zone while keeping them lively and natural. When fish are aggressive or we need to cover water quickly, we'll switch to artificials. Soft plastics on jig heads work great for sheepshead around structure, while tarpon respond well to large swimbaits and topwater plugs when they're surface feeding. All tackle comes provided, including rods matched to target species, reels spooled with appropriate line weights, and a full selection of terminal tackle. We carry everything from light spinning gear for finesse presentations to stouter baitcasting setups when we need stopping power around heavy cover. The key is reading conditions and fish behavior to determine which presentation will trigger strikes.
Tarpon fishing here is legendary for good reason. These silver giants show up in numbers during their seasonal migrations, offering some of the most exciting inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. Tarpon are ambush predators that feed heavily on baitfish, and when conditions align, they'll crash baits with explosive strikes that'll test your reflexes and drag system. These fish average 80-120 pounds in our waters, with occasional giants pushing 150 pounds or more. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action typically happening during incoming tides when bait gets pushed into feeding areas. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics. These fish will jump repeatedly, throwing hooks and testing your skills at every turn. The key to success is keeping steady pressure without over-fighting them, letting their own weight tire them out during long runs.
Sheepshead present a completely different challenge that many anglers find addictive once they dial in the technique. These black-and-white striped fish are structure-oriented feeders with powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and crustaceans. They're notorious bait thieves that can strip a hook clean without you feeling a thing, earning them respect among seasoned anglers who appreciate finesse fishing. Sheepshead run larger here than in many areas, with fish in the 3-8 pound range common and occasional slabs pushing double digits. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they school up around docks, pilings, and rocky structure. The trick is using small hooks, light line, and detecting the subtle taps that signal a pickup. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, and sand fleas are top baits, presented with minimal weight and maximum stealth. Landing a limit of quality sheepshead requires patience and skill, but the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the water.
This Double Angler Trip represents serious value for anglers who want a premium charter experience without the premium price tag. You're getting dedicated guide service, top-quality tackle, and access to productive fishing grounds that produce consistent results throughout the season. Whether you're targeting your first tarpon or looking to master sheepshead techniques, having the boat to yourself means more fishing time, better positioning, and personalized instruction that helps you become a more successful angler. Straw Hats Fishing Charters has built a reputation on putting clients on fish while maintaining the laid-back, professional approach that makes for memorable days on the water. Book your trip now and experience why savvy anglers choose focused, single-angler charters when they want results. The fish are biting, conditions are prime, and your spot on the water is waiting.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating fish around. Most run 1-3 pounds, though 8-pounders show up around good structure. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip your hook clean. Look for them around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered pilings year-round, with spring being prime time when they spawn. The trick is getting your bait tight to structure and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your shrimp or fiddler crab in seconds if you hesitate. Their white, flaky meat makes the challenge worth it.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what tarpon fishing dreams are made of. These massive fish average 80-100 pounds and 4 feet long, but giants can hit 200+ pounds. What makes them special? Their aerial show - tarpon can launch 10 feet out of the water when hooked, making every fight a spectacle. You'll find them around deeper channels, flats edges, and harbor mouths from late spring through summer. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great, but the fight is legendary. Pro tip: when they jump, bow your rod toward the fish to keep slack in the line - that's how you avoid getting thrown hooks. Live bait works best, especially crabs and mullet drifted near structure.
Port Charlotte, FL