Nearshore Fishing Charter Florida – Seabass & Flounder
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Four-hour winter charter targeting seabass and flounder nearshore.26' Sea Fox accommodates up to four guests comfortably.All gear, bait, and licenses included with flexible departure times.
When the winter months roll around the Florida coast, nearshore fishing really comes alive. This 4-hour charter puts you right in the sweet spot where seabass and flounder love to hang out, just a short boat ride from shore. Running on a well-maintained 26' Sea Fox, we keep groups small at just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking for a quick half-day getaway, this trip delivers consistent action without the long haul to deeper waters. We handle all the details – gear, bait, licenses, the works – so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat.
The Sea Fox 26' is built for comfort and fishing efficiency, giving us the perfect platform to work the nearshore structure where these fish like to feed. We typically run 3-8 miles offshore, targeting depths between 25-60 feet where the bottom composition changes from sand to hard structure. The ride out is smooth and quick, usually taking 15-20 minutes to reach the prime fishing zones. Winter conditions along the Florida coast are generally calmer, making this an ideal time for families and newer anglers who might get queasy on rougher days. The flexible departure times mean you can start early to beat any afternoon wind or sleep in and fish the warmer part of the day. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, constantly moving to stay on active fish and adjusting techniques based on what's working best that day.
Bottom fishing is the name of the game for this charter, using a variety of rigs and techniques to target different species throughout the trip. We'll set you up with circle hooks and egg sinkers for the seabass, typically fishing with cut bait like squid or sardines that these fish can't resist. For flounder, we switch tactics to a more finesse approach, using bucktail jigs tipped with live or cut bait, slowly working the bottom structure where these flatfish ambush their prey. The key is reading the fish finder and understanding how these species relate to structure – seabass stack up on hard bottom and artificial reefs, while flounder prefer the edges where sand meets structure. We carry a full selection of tackle sizes, from light spinning gear for the smaller fish to heavier conventional setups when the bigger seabass are biting. Don't worry if you've never bottom fished before; our crew will walk you through proper technique, from setting the hook to fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of Florida nearshore winter fishing, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish typically range from 1-4 pounds, with the occasional keeper pushing 5-6 pounds that'll really bend your rod. They're structure-oriented fish, meaning they stick close to reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. Peak season runs from November through March when water temperatures drop and these fish become more active and easier to target. What makes seabass so appealing to anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. They fight harder than their size suggests, making multiple runs toward structure, and they're perfect for beginners since they're not overly finicky about bait presentation.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate challenge fish on this charter, requiring more skill and patience but rewarding successful anglers with one of the finest eating fish in the ocean. These masters of camouflage typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional doormat-sized fish over 20 inches that make for trophy photos. Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud, waiting for baitfish, shrimp, or crabs to pass overhead before striking with lightning speed. Winter months are prime time for flounder as they move into nearshore waters during their spawning migration, making them more concentrated and easier to target. The technique requires more finesse – you need to feel the subtle tap of a flounder picking up your bait and know when to set the hook. Many anglers describe catching their first keeper flounder as a milestone moment, and once you taste the sweet, delicate meat, you'll understand why these fish are so highly prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen.
This nearshore charter fills up fast during prime winter months, especially when word gets out about hot fishing. The 4-hour timeframe makes it perfect for fitting into vacation schedules or weekend getaways, and the small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of chances at fish. Since all gear and licenses are included, you can book with confidence knowing there are no hidden costs or last-minute shopping trips for tackle. The captain's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish, combined with the comfortable Sea Fox platform, makes this a top-rated option for anyone wanting to experience Florida's excellent nearshore fishing scene. Reserve your spot early to lock in your preferred departure time and get ready for some serious fish-catching action just minutes from shore.
This 26' Sea Fox center console is built for serious nearshore fishing along Florida's productive waters. Twin 150HP Mercury engines push this fishing machine to 40 knots, getting you to the seabass and flounder grounds fast. The spacious center console layout comfortably handles up to four anglers with plenty of room to work lines and land fish. You'll stay on the bite with the onboard fish finder and GPS navigation, while the radar keeps you safe when coastal weather rolls in. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure where flounder like to hide. Between fishing sessions, grab cold drinks from the icebox or use the onboard head. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride to your fishing spots. This Sea Fox combines speed, stability, and fishing-focused features that make those 4-hour winter charters productive for families and seasoned anglers alike.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky, dark-bodied members of the grouper family are winter favorites along our nearshore waters. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, with bigger males pushing 4-6 pounds in deeper water. They love structure - wrecks, rocks, hard bottom, and artificial reefs in 20-60 feet. Winter months are perfect since they move offshore and stack up around cover. What makes them fun is their scrappy fight on the way up, plus they're some of the best eating fish around. Males turn bright blue during spawn and develop a distinctive hump. They start as females then change to males around 9-13 inches, which always gets guests talking. Best approach is dropping cut squid or shrimp on a double-drop rig right to the bottom. Keep your bait tight to structure - that's where they live and feed.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. What makes them unique is having both eyes on one side of their head - usually the left. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. Winter is prime time when adults move offshore to our nearshore waters. They're found in 10-40 feet over sandy bottoms near structure. Guests love the challenge since they're not flashy fighters but require finesse to locate. They're also excellent table fare. Pro tip: use a light jighead with live shrimp or mud minnows, and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to fully take the bait.
Myrtle Beach, SC