Full Day Inshore & Nearshore Private Charter
Picture this: you're on the water at sunrise, coffee steam mixing with the morning mist, while Captain and crew from Strippin Lips Fishing Charters fire up the engines for what's about to be an epic 8-hour fishing marathon. This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Nope, this full-day private charter gives you and one buddy the luxury of time – time to work the flats, explore the inlets, and maybe even venture out to those nearshore reefs where the bigger fish hang out. Starting at 6 AM sharp, you'll have the prime morning bite, the midday action, and if you're lucky, that killer afternoon feed that seasoned anglers dream about.
What to Expect on the Water
This top-rated charter runs from first light until mid-afternoon, giving you maximum flexibility to chase whatever's biting. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is that you're not locked into one style of fishing or one particular spot. Morning might find you working the shallow grass flats with live shrimp, targeting those copper-colored redfish that cruise the shallows like submarines. As the sun climbs higher and the flats start to warm up, your captain might suggest a move to deeper structure or inlet mouths where trout stack up during tide changes. The afternoon could see you heading out to nearshore waters, switching to heavier tackle for tarpon or bigger snook around bridge pilings and docks. Every trip is different because the fish dictate the game plan, and with a full day, you've got time to adapt and chase the action wherever it leads.
Techniques and Tackle
Striplin Lips comes loaded with everything you need – rods, reels, terminal tackle, and even your fishing licenses are covered. You'll be working with light spinning gear most of the day, perfect for the finesse presentations that inshore species demand. Live bait is king out here – pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish are go-to options that trigger aggressive strikes from redfish and snook. Your captain will have you casting to structure, drifting grass beds, and working tide lines with the precision that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. Artificial lures play a huge role too – topwater plugs at dawn, soft plastics over grass, and suspending baits around docks and bridges. The nearshore portion might call for slightly heavier tackle when you're working reefs or targeting those resident tarpon that can turn a relaxing day into an arm-burning battle. Don't worry if you're new to some of these techniques – your guide will have you dialed in quickly, and with 8 hours to practice, you'll be casting like a pro by lunch time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes – 3 to 5 pounders are common, with doormat-sized fish pushing 6 to 8 pounds showing up during cooler months. Fall and winter are prime time for flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning runs. What makes them so fun to target is the challenge of reading the bottom and working your bait just right to trigger that distinctive thump when they inhale your offering.
Snook are the prize fighters of inshore waters, with their distinctive black lateral line and that bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. These ambush predators love structure – docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines – anywhere they can hide and surprise their prey. Spring through fall offers the best action, with the summer months producing some true giants over 30 inches. The rush of watching a snook explode on a topwater plug in shallow water is something that'll keep you coming back trip after trip.
Tarpon, even the smaller resident fish, are pure silver dynamite. These "baby" tarpon might only be 10 to 30 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size with spectacular jumps and long runs that'll have your arms screaming. They're around year-round in these waters, but summer brings the most consistent action. The moment you hook one, you'll understand why tarpon are called the "silver king" – there's no mistaking that head shake and that first explosive jump.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, schooling fish that provide consistent action when conditions are right. These spotted beauties prefer grass flats and sandy potholes, especially during moving tides. While they might not have the raw power of snook or tarpon, trout make up for it with their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Redfish are the copper-colored bruisers that have become the poster fish for inshore fishing. These drum family members can range from schooling "rat reds" in the slot to oversized bulls pushing 40+ inches. What makes reds special is their aggressive nature and the variety of ways you can catch them – sight fishing the flats, working oyster bars, or targeting them around structure. Fall is peak season when big schools move through the area, but quality fish are available throughout the year.
Time to Book Your Spot
This world-class fishing experience gives you everything serious anglers crave – time on the water, expert guidance, and access to some of the most productive inshore and nearshore waters around. With all gear and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The 2-person capacity means you're getting personalized attention and maximum fishing time without crowds or rushed rotations. Whether you're looking to check multiple species off your bucket list, perfect your technique, or just enjoy a full day away from the daily grind, this charter delivers. Strippin Lips