Inshore Gulf Fishing Adventure in Shalimar, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twotank scuba diving trip exploring inshore Gulf reefs and structuresSmall group experience with maximum three certified divers per tripLess than nine miles offshore from Shalimar with professional guidance
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the long haul to deep water? This inshore Gulf trip from Shalimar puts you right where the fish are feeding, less than 9 miles from shore. We're talking about hitting productive reefs, natural ledges, and artificial structures that hold some serious fish. With only 3 anglers max, you'll get plenty of room to work and personal attention from your guide. This isn't about crowds or cattle boat fishing – it's about putting you on fish in waters that consistently produce.
Your day starts at the Shalimar marina where we'll get you rigged up and ready to fish. The beauty of this inshore Gulf setup is we're not burning half the day getting to the fishing grounds. Within 30 minutes, we're already working structure that holds red snapper, cobia, and plenty of other gamefish. The Gulf side offers cleaner water than the bay, but without the long runs and big seas you'd face going way offshore. We fish natural bottom, artificial reefs, and ledges that create the perfect ambush points for feeding fish. The boat stays positioned over productive structure while you drop baits or work jigs in the strike zone.
We fish these inshore Gulf spots with a mix of bottom fishing and vertical jigging techniques. For the snapper and triggerfish, we'll have you dropping fresh cut bait on circle hooks to the bottom structure. When cobia show up, we switch gears to sight fishing with live bait or throwing bucktails and soft plastics. The flounder bite often happens on the edges where we'll work jigs and live shrimp. All tackle and bait are provided, but if you have favorite rods or reels, bring them along. The depths we're fishing range from 25 to 60 feet, so we're not dealing with the heavy weights and long drops of deep water fishing. This makes it perfect for anglers who want action without the arm workout.
Grey Triggerfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during their peak season from May through August. These feisty fish pack serious attitude in a compact package, averaging 2-4 pounds with some pushing 6-7 pounds. They love structure and will absolutely hammer fresh cut bait. What makes triggers so fun is their fight – they use that flat body to their advantage and feel twice their size on the rod. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Crevalle Jack bring the muscle to this trip. These silver torpedoes show up year-round but peak in summer months when they're actively feeding around structure. Averaging 10-20 pounds with some monsters over 30, jacks will test your drag and your stamina. They hit hard, run fast, and never give up. While they're not great eating, catching one is pure adrenaline that'll have you talking about it for years.
Cobia are the wild card that can make your whole trip. Spring through fall, these brown sharks (as some folks call them) cruise the structure looking for an easy meal. They're curious fish that often come right up to the boat, giving you sight fishing opportunities you don't get with many species. At 20-40 pounds average, cobia are powerful fighters that make long runs and will challenge your tackle. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the Gulf.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel when they're in season. These iconic Gulf fish live on the bottom structure and provide both great fishing action and world-class table fare. During open season, typically summer months, snapper fishing is as good as it gets. They average 3-8 pounds in these waters, with some larger fish mixed in. Snapper are smart and structure-oriented, so knowing exactly where to drop your bait makes all the difference.
Southern Flounder round out the target list and provide steady action throughout the cooler months. These flatfish live on sandy bottoms near structure edges and are masters of camouflage. They typically run 1-3 pounds but fight smart, hugging the bottom and using their flat profile. Flounder are outstanding eating fish with delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for any preparation. They hit live shrimp, cut bait, and jigs worked slowly along the bottom.
This inshore Gulf fishing trip gives you the best of both worlds – easy access to productive waters and fish species that'll keep your rod bent. With only 3 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and room to fish comfortably. Whether you're after dinner or just want to feel some fish pull back, these Shalimar waters deliver consistently. The combination of structure, current, and diverse fish populations makes this one of the most reliable trips you can book on the Gulf Coast. Don't sleep on this one – book your spot with Taz's and get ready for some serious fishing action just minutes from shore.
Hit the Gulf waters aboard our speedy 30ft ProKat Catamaran, powered by twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to prime diving spots in no time. This 2003 beauty cruises at an impressive 49 knots, cutting through the waves with the stability only a catamaran can provide. With room for up to 3 divers, you'll have plenty of space to gear up and move around between dives. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint those sweet inshore reefs and ledges, plus VHF radio to stay connected with the dive community. Perfect for exploring Gulf Coast dive sites within 9 miles of shore - close enough for easy access but far enough to find pristine underwater terrain. The twin hull design means a smoother ride out and back, so you can focus on what's waiting below the surface rather than fighting choppy waters.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown torpedoes are loners that cruise our reefs and structures looking like small sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. They average around 3-4 feet but can push 6 feet and 100 pounds - serious fish with serious fights. You'll spot them in 20-60 feet around wrecks, reefs, and any structure that holds baitfish. Spring migration and summer months are your best bet when they're moving through our waters. Guests go crazy for these fish because they're strong fighters, grow huge, and the meat is some of the finest you'll ever taste - firm and sweet like premium white fish. My go-to move is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. Color doesn't matter much, but that presentation does.
Caranx HipposThese brassy bulldogs of the Gulf are pure muscle - averaging 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. Look for them around our inshore structures, reefs, and anywhere baitfish gather. They're curious fish that'll actually swim up to divers, probably drawn by the bubbles. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding aggressively in schools. Guests love the arm-burning fight these fish deliver - they're relentless once hooked. The meat's decent but most folks catch them for the sport. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - when jacks push baitfish to the surface, the birds go crazy feeding from above. Cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and reel fast - they love the chase.
Balistes CapriscusThese tough fish are built different - they've got leather-like skin and can wedge themselves into cracks using their trigger-like dorsal spine when threatened. Most run 12-17 inches, but some push 2 feet and 13 pounds. You'll find them around our artificial reefs, ledges, and structure in 30-100 feet of water where they munch on crabs, urchins, and whatever else they can crunch with those sharp teeth. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. Here's the trick - use chunk squid about an inch wide and drop it near other fish like snapper. Triggers are greedy and will charge in to steal the bait from the competition.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of our Gulf reefs, these crimson beauties are what most folks dream about catching. They average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but the big ones push 3 feet and 35+ pounds. You'll find them hugging bottom around our reefs, ledges, and artificial structure in 30-100 feet. Summer season is prime time when they're active and feeding hard. Guests love snappers because they fight smart - diving for cover and testing your drag - plus they're hands-down the best eating fish we've got. Sweet, mild, and perfect for any recipe. Here's what works: fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish on heavy tackle. Keep that bait on bottom and be ready - when they hit, reel fast before they can run back to the rocks and cut your line.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of disguise lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged until they ambush passing prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but doormat-sized fish can reach 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and around structure where they bury themselves in sand waiting for shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are best when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. Guests enjoy the challenge of targeting these sneaky fish - they're fun to catch and excellent on the table with sweet, flaky meat. The key is drift fishing or still fishing with live bull minnows or shrimp on light jigheads. Fish slow and stay patient - they inhale bait softly, so watch for subtle taps.
undefined, undefined