Inshore Fishing Charter Florida – Redfish, Sea Trout and Mackerel Guided Trip
There's nothing quite like starting your morning on Florida's inshore waters, and this 4-hour guided fishing trip puts you right in the heart of some of the state's best fishing grounds. Captain Matt runs this top-rated charter aboard his well-equipped 26' Sea Fox, giving you plenty of room to cast and fight fish without feeling cramped. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to scratch that fishing itch or bringing the family out for their first real taste of saltwater angling, this trip delivers exactly what Florida fishing is all about – variety, action, and the kind of memories that keep you planning your next trip before you've even made it back to the dock.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be fishing Florida's inshore waters. The captain tailors each trip based on what's biting and where the fish are holding, so you're never stuck running the same pattern regardless of conditions. Some days that means trolling the flats and drop-offs for Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, letting the boat do the work while you watch the rods and wait for that telltale screaming drag. Other days, you'll anchor up over structure and work the bottom for redfish, sea trout, and flounder – the kind of fishing where every cast could produce something different. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility. Captain Matt reads the water and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means switching from trolling spoons to live bait or moving from the grass flats to deeper channels. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are included, so you can focus entirely on fishing instead of worrying about whether you've got the right setup.
Techniques and Tackle
The 26' Sea Fox is rigged for whatever Florida's inshore waters throw at you. When trolling for mackerel and bonito, you'll be running spoons and small diving plugs at varying depths, covering water efficiently while targeting fish that are actively feeding. The captain handles boat positioning and speed control, leaving you free to manage the rods and enjoy the fight when fish hit. For bottom fishing, expect to work with circle hooks and fresh cut bait or live shrimp, targeting structure where redfish and sea trout like to ambush prey. The boat's electronics help locate fish-holding bottom, but reading the water and understanding tidal movement plays just as big a role in consistent success. You'll learn to feel the difference between a nibbling pinfish and a solid sea trout bite, and how to work a redfish away from structure before it can cut you off. The tackle provided is appropriate for each target species – light enough to feel every headshake from a trout, but with enough backbone to turn a bull redfish when it makes its first run toward cover.
Customer Stories
"Captain Matt did an excellent job! We had an amazing time and even limited out on fish. I'll definitely be back for another trip!" - Charles
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish mackerel are pure dynamite on light tackle, and Florida's inshore waters hold plenty of them during their peak seasons. These fish typically run 1-3 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, making blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag settings. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, often feeding in schools near baitfish concentrations. What makes Spanish mackerel so appealing to anglers is their willingness to hit both trolled baits and cast lures, plus they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Bluefish earn their reputation as some of the most aggressive predators in coastal waters, and when you find a school feeding, the action can be absolutely electric. These fish travel in packs and attack baitfish with a ferocity that creates visible disturbances on the surface. Florida bluefish typically range from 2-8 pounds, with larger fish showing up during cooler months. They'll hit almost anything that moves, making them perfect for beginning anglers, but their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs keep experienced fishermen coming back for more.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the inshore world, using their powerful bodies and stubborn nature to test both your tackle and your patience. These bottom-dwellers can range from puppy drum around 2-3 pounds up to true giants exceeding 30 pounds. They're most active around structure and during tidal changes, using their crushing jaws to feed on crabs and shellfish. Landing a big black drum requires steady pressure and patience – they won't make flashy runs like other species, but they'll use every ounce of their weight to stay glued to the bottom.
King mackerel represent the top of the food chain in these waters, and when a "smoker king" hits your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish are built for speed, capable of runs that'll empty a reel in seconds if your drag isn't set properly. Florida kings can range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds up to true trophies exceeding 40 pounds. They're most active during warmer months and are typically found near baitfish schools or along depth changes where they can ambush prey. The combination of size, speed, and fighting ability makes kings a customer favorite for good reason.
Redfish are Florida's signature inshore species, and for good reason – these copper-colored bruisers combine stunning looks with incredible fighting ability. Slot-sized reds typically run 18-27 inches and provide some of the most consistent action in Florida waters. They're sight fishers in shallow water, tail-walkers over grass flats, and structure huggers around docks and oyster bars. What makes redfish special is their year-round availability and their willingness to eat everything from live shrimp to artificial lures. When a redfish makes its first run, using its broad tail and powerful body to pull drag, you'll understand why they're considere
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Myrtle Beach, SC
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