5.0(1 Reviews)Winter Nearshore Fishing Charter in Florida
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Black Seabass, Flounder, and Grunt on nearshore waters32foot Boston Whaler accommodates up to four anglers comfortablyAll fishing gear included with experienced captain guidance
Winter fishing in Florida brings some of the year's best action, and this 4-hour nearshore charter puts you right in the thick of it. You'll be targeting Black Seabass, Summer Flounder, and other seasonal favorites just off the coast aboard a spacious 32' Boston Whaler. With flexible departure times and all gear included, this trip takes the hassle out of planning while maximizing your time on productive waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, our experienced captain knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them.
The 32' Boston Whaler is a proven fish-catching machine with plenty of room for up to 4 anglers to spread out and work their lines. The boat's stable platform makes fighting fish easier, and the smooth ride means you can focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. Your captain will have you rigged up and ready before you even reach the fishing grounds. Winter nearshore fishing in Florida means targeting structure and drop-offs where fish congregate during cooler months. The water clarity is typically excellent this time of year, and the reduced boat traffic means the fish are less spooked. You'll spend your time bouncing bottom rigs, working jigs, and maybe even throwing some live bait when conditions are right. The captain provides all tackle, bait, and gear, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Nearshore winter fishing is all about precision and patience. Your captain will set you up with medium-heavy conventional rods paired with circle hooks and sinkers sized for the current and depth. Bottom fishing dominates the action, with bucktails, cut bait, and live shrimp being go-to presentations. The key is staying in contact with the bottom while feeling for those subtle taps that signal a Black Seabass or Flounder has picked up your bait. You'll learn to distinguish between different species by how they fight – Seabass tend to dive hard and use their broad sides, while Flounder often feel like dead weight until they get close to the boat and start thrashing. The captain will coach you through proper hook-setting technique and fighting strategies to maximize your catch rate. Live bait fishing might come into play if conditions allow, especially for targeting larger Flounder that prefer a more natural presentation.
"Highly recommended!" - Casey
Black Sea Bass are the stars of Florida's winter nearshore scene, and for good reason. These chunky, hard-fighting fish stack up on rocky bottom and artificial reefs during the cooler months, making them prime targets for bottom fishing. Most fish run between 12-16 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a real bruiser pushing 18-20 inches. They're aggressive feeders that aren't shy about taking bait, and their distinctive black coloration with white markings makes them easy to identify. What makes Seabass so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – the firm, white meat is perfect for grilling or frying.
Summer Flounder, also known as Fluke, are the ultimate ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for prey to swim by. Winter fishing can produce some real doormat Flounder as they move into deeper nearshore waters. These fish are masters of camouflage, changing color to match the bottom, and they strike with lightning speed before trying to bury themselves again. Landing a keeper Flounder over 18 inches is always a trophy moment, and fish over 20 inches are true bragging-rights catches. The challenge with Flounder is detecting their subtle bite – they often just swim away with the bait rather than hitting it hard. Once hooked, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish, and their delicate white meat makes them one of the most prized table fish in Florida waters.
Winter nearshore fishing in Florida offers some of the most consistent action you'll find all year, with less crowded waters and hungry fish that haven't seen as much pressure. This 4-hour charter gives you enough time to work multiple spots and target different species without feeling rushed. The flexible scheduling makes it easy to work around your vacation plans or weather windows. With all gear provided and an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this nearshore charter delivers exactly what Florida winter fishing is all about. Don't wait – prime winter fishing windows fill up fast, and the fish won't wait for you to make up your mind.
This 32-foot Boston Whaler center console is built to handle Florida's nearshore waters with confidence. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines deliver plenty of power to get you to the fishing grounds quickly, while the spacious layout gives four anglers room to work without bumping elbows. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a productive day targeting black seabass and flounder - GPS keeps you on course, radar helps in low visibility, and the fish finder will show you what's swimming below. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a toilet for convenience during longer trips. The center console design offers 360-degree fishing access, making it easy to follow the action whether fish are biting off the bow or stern. Built for both performance and comfort, this Boston Whaler handles chop well and provides a stable platform for reeling in winter species along Florida's coast.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky members of the grouper family are winter favorites around structure. Most weigh 1-4 pounds with dark, mottled coloring, though males turn bright blue during spawning and can hit 8+ pounds. They love wrecks, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Winter is their prime season here since they migrate south when northern waters cool. What guests love is their aggressive bite and excellent eating quality - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit squid, cut bait, and small jigs with authority. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and drop it right on structure. They don't roam much, so if you're not on the bottom near rocks or wreck, you won't find them.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Most run 15-20 inches, but bigger ones push past 5 pounds and make great table fare. They're ambush predators that love live baitfish, sea worms, and clams. Winter months are prime time here in Florida when they move inshore to feed. You'll find them on sandy flats and around structure in 15-40 feet of water. What makes them fun is their sneaky bite - they'll grab bait and run sideways before you know it. The key trick is using a circle hook and letting them take the bait completely before setting. Their unique sideways bite means patience pays off, and once hooked, they put up a solid fight on lighter tackle.
5.0 out of 5.0Highly recommended!
Myrtle Beach, SC