South Florida Inshore Charter – 6 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guests.Multiple launch locations from Miami to Florida Keys available.Target Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Bonefish with included equipment.
Picture this: you're drifting through crystal-clear flats with your line in the water, waiting for that telltale tug that gets every angler's heart racing. That's exactly what you'll get on this top-rated 6-hour private charter with Tropical Tides Fishing Charters. We're talking about some of the best inshore fishing South Florida has to offer, and trust me, these waters don't mess around when it comes to delivering action.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. You and up to three buddies get the whole vessel to yourselves, which means more room to cast, better chances at prime spots, and your captain's undivided attention. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – you can launch from four different marinas depending on what's biting and where you want to fish. Crandon Park Marina puts you right in the heart of Miami's inshore action, while Flamingo Marina opens up the legendary backcountry of Everglades National Park. If you're leaning toward Biscayne National Park, Homestead Bayfront Marina is your gateway, and for those wanting that authentic Keys experience, you've got Caribbean Club or Founders Park as your starting points. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will make the call on the best launch spot based on current conditions, tides, and what species are most active. Everything you need is covered – tackle, bait, fishing licenses, ice, and fuel – so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish to the boat.
South Florida inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will have you rigged with everything from live shrimp under popping corks for those spooky redfish cruising the mangroves, to cut bait on circle hooks when the snapper are schooled up around structure. Depending on the target species and conditions, you might find yourself sight-fishing the flats with spinning gear, or working deeper channels with heavier tackle when the big boys are holding in the current. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels suited for the inshore game – think medium to medium-heavy action spinning setups that can handle everything from a scrappy bonefish to a bulldogging cobia. Live bait is often the name of the game here, whether that's pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp, but don't be surprised if your captain breaks out some artificials when the fish are aggressive. Soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs can absolutely light up the action when conditions are right.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and South Florida's flats are world-class permit territory. These disc-shaped fighters are notorious for being picky eaters and putting up an absolute battle once hooked. You'll typically find them cruising shallow flats and around wrecks, often in small schools. Spring through fall offers your best shot, with peak action during the warmer months. What makes permit so special isn't just their fight – though they'll test your drag system for sure – it's the challenge. These fish have seen every lure and bait in the book, so when you finally connect with one, you've earned it. The satisfaction of landing a permit is something that stays with anglers for years.
Cobia are like the bulldogs of the inshore world. These brown sharks look-alikes can stretch well over 30 inches and fight like they're twice their size. Peak season runs from March through June when they're moving through South Florida waters during their annual migration. What's really cool about cobia is how curious they are – they'll often follow the boat or swim right up to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're suckers for live bait, especially crabs and eels, but they'll also smash a well-presented jig. Once you hook into a cobia, get ready for a fight that combines powerful runs with stubborn, head-shaking resistance.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and South Florida has some of the most consistent bonefishing in the world. These silver bullets prefer shallow, sandy areas where they tail and cruise in search of crabs and shrimp. The cooler months from October through March are prime time, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes bonefish so addictive is the visual aspect – you're often sight-fishing to fish you can see, which adds a whole different level of excitement. When a bonefish takes off on its initial run, you'll understand why they're called the "grey ghost." They're fast, they're smart, and they'll make multiple screaming runs that'll have you questioning your knot-tying skills.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore species, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure – think mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings – where they wait to attack unsuspecting baitfish. Summer months bring the best action, especially around the full moons when they're most active. Snook have that classic bass-like fight with explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, but they're way more finicky about their environment. They need that perfect combination of salinity, temperature, and structure. What really gets anglers fired up about snook is their attitude – they hit hard, jump high, and have this way of throwing hooks at the worst possible moment. Landing a quality snook requires patience, skill, and a little bit of luck.
Goliath Grouper are the gentle giants of South Florida's inshore waters. These massive fish can easily top 200 pounds and provide an experience you won't forget. While they're catch-and-release only, the fight these fish put up is absolutely legendary. You'll find them around structure – wrecks, bridges, and deep holes – where they use their incredible size and strength to try and break you off. Summer through
Our 23' bay boat is built for South Florida's shallow inshore waters where the big fish hide. This nimble craft gets you into backcountry spots and flats that bigger boats can't reach, perfect for stalking Snook around mangroves or sight-casting to cruising Tarpon. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the water without crowding each other. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida days. GPS navigation means we can hit multiple productive spots efficiently, from Biscayne Bay's grass flats to the Everglades backcountry. Whether you're throwing topwater plugs at dawn or working live bait in the afternoon heat, this boat handles South Florida's diverse inshore fishing perfectly.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "silver ghosts" of the flats, typically 3-8 pounds with torpedo-shaped bodies and forked tails. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes just inches deep - hunting crabs and shrimp on grass flats and sandy bottoms. Rising tides bring the best action as bones move up to feed. What makes them special is the challenge and speed - they'll spot you before you see them, and when hooked, they'll rip 100+ yards of line in seconds. We practice catch-and-release since they're too bony to eat. The thrill is in the hunt - sight casting to individual fish or tailing schools. My advice: when you see a tail, cast 5 feet ahead of where you think the head is and let your shrimp or crab fly sit still until they find it.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are aggressive brown fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They're usually loners hanging around structure like reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move into our area to spawn. What guests love about cobia is the strong fight and amazing table fare - firm, white meat that tastes similar to mahi. These fish are curious and will often approach the boat, making them exciting to sight fish. They'll crush bucktail jigs, live bait, and topwater lures. Here's my tip: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet and work the jig slowly - cobia like to inspect before they eat.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs, reaching 200-400+ pounds and living 50+ years. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 20-100 feet of water. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. What makes them special is the sheer power - that first pull can yank you right off your feet. These fish are protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the experience is unforgettable. They're curious and will often approach divers and boats. Use heavy tackle - 80-pound gear minimum with big circle hooks and fresh bait like jack or ladyfish. Pro tip: anchor up-current from the structure and bounce your bait near the bottom to get their attention. Be ready for a short but incredibly strong fight.
Trachinotus FalcatusThese silver ghosts are the holy grail of flats fishing, running 2-4 feet long and up to 60 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow grass flats in just 2-6 feet of water, often tailing while they dig for crabs. Their golf ball-sized eyes rotate almost 360 degrees, making them spook easily. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially during spawning season from April to October. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're incredibly smart and picky eaters. When you do hook one, expect a blistering run that'll test your drag. We're catch-and-release only since they're not great table fare. Pro tip: use live blue crabs on circle hooks and approach dead quiet - these fish can spot you from 100 yards away.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are South Florida classics with that distinct black lateral line and golden color. Most run 18-30 inches, but trophy fish can hit 40+ inches. They love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and inlet mouths where they ambush baitfish. Summer and fall are peak seasons, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. What makes snook great is their aggressive strike, acrobatic fight, and excellent eating - flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months are best. These fish are smart and cover-oriented, just like bass fishing. My go-to tip: work the shadow lines under docks and bridges with live shrimp or soft plastics. Cast tight to structure and be ready - when a snook hits, it's explosive.
Homestead, FL