Old Town Inshore Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targets redfish, trout, snook, and black drumAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included with experienced captainAccommodates up to four guests on well-equipped twenty-four foot boat
Nothing beats the rush of working Old Town's shallow waters when the fish are biting. This 6-hour inshore charter puts you right in the middle of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where redfish cruise the grass flats and tripletail hang around structure waiting for your presentation. Starting at 8 AM gives you the prime morning bite, when the water's cool and the fish are actively feeding. You'll fish from a well-maintained 24-foot center console that's set up specifically for these shallow waters – shallow draft, quiet motor, and all the gear you need to make it happen. Captain provides everything from rods and reels to bait and licenses, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Your day kicks off early when the flats are still quiet and the fish haven't seen much pressure yet. Old Town's backwater system is a maze of grass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths that hold fish year-round. The shallow draft lets us get into spots where bigger boats can't go – those skinny water honey holes where redfish tail and snook ambush baitfish. You'll be sight fishing one minute, then working structure the next. The variety keeps things interesting, and there's always a backup plan when one area gets slow. This trip works for everyone, whether you're learning to cast or you've been fishing these waters for years. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan – maybe we're poling the flats looking for tailing reds, or anchoring up on a productive drop-off where the black drum are stacked up.
Inshore fishing in Old Town is all about finesse and reading the water. We're talking light spinning gear, live bait when it's available, and artificials that match what the fish are eating. The water's relatively shallow most places we fish, so presentation matters more than power. You'll learn to work soft plastics through the grass, pitch live shrimp around structure, and maybe throw some topwater when conditions are right. The 24-foot center console is rigged with a shallow water anchor system that keeps us positioned perfectly without spooking fish in skinny water. Rod holders, live well, and plenty of storage mean everything stays organized when the action heats up. The captain brings different tackle setups for different situations – lighter gear for trout and spanish mackerel, beefier stuff when we're targeting bigger redfish or drum around structure.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Old Town inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters cruise the grass flats in schools, especially during moving tides. They're not picky eaters – live shrimp, cut bait, or soft plastics all work when presented right. Fall and winter months are prime time when cooler water concentrates them in predictable spots. What makes reds special is how they fight in shallow water – they use every oyster bar and grass bed to try breaking you off. Plus, they're great eating if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Tripletail might be the most unique fish you'll target on this trip. They're ambush predators that hang around floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats, looking like floating leaves until something edible swims by. Summer months bring the best tripletail action when they're spawning offshore but still hanging around inshore structure. They're incredibly good eating and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. The trick is getting close enough for a good presentation without spooking them – they're smart fish that have seen plenty of lures.
Spanish mackerel show up when conditions are right, usually around grass edges and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. They're speed demons that hit hard and fast, making them perfect for lighter tackle. Spring and fall migrations bring the best numbers, but you can find them year-round in Old Town waters. They're willing biters that chase both live bait and fast-moving artificials, and they make excellent table fare when iced down properly.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the group – bottom dwellers that cruise oyster bars and shell beds looking for crabs and shrimp. They're not the prettiest fish, but they make up for it with pure pulling power. Cooler months tend to be most productive, especially around structure during moving tides. They're excellent eating in smaller sizes, and the bigger ones are fun to catch and release. Patient fishing with fresh bait on the bottom is usually the ticket, and when a big drum takes off, you'll know it immediately.
Old Town's inshore waters fish well year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and challenges. This charter gives you access to local knowledge that takes years to develop – where fish hold during different tides, which baits work best in various conditions, and backup spots when your first choice doesn't produce. The 6-hour trip length gives you time to try different areas and techniques without feeling rushed. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just get away from it all for a day, this trip delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Bring your own snacks and drinks, don't forget the sunscreen, and get ready for a day of quality fishing in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters.
Your fishing platform is a solid 24' center console built for Old Town's inshore waters. This boat handles the shallows like a champ, getting you to those prime redfish and speckled trout spots without breaking a sweat. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to work your lines and land fish without bumping elbows. She's rigged with a reliable fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, plus GPS to mark those honey holes for future trips. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 6-hour adventure. A built-in livewell maintains your bait in perfect condition, while quality rods and tackle are ready to go. The stable ride means you can focus on fishing instead of fighting rough water, making it perfect whether you're chasing snook around mangroves or working the grass flats for drum. This setup delivers everything you need for a productive day on Old Town's fish-rich waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our shallow water scene, and they'll give you a real workout. These bottom-huggers typically run 10-25 pounds around Old Town, with some bruisers pushing 40+ pounds. They cruise oyster beds, mud flats, and creek mouths using those chin barbels to root out crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up in shallow water. What's cool about drum fishing is hearing them "drumming" underwater - they actually make noise you can hear from the boat. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, while the big ones are better released. Best bait is fresh blue crab or cut mullet fished right on the bottom. Pro tip: let them eat it - don't set the hook too quick or you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in Old Town. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-30 inches and love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail and that telltale red coloring. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you see their backs pushing water in super shallow spots, cast well ahead of where they're going and let them find your bait.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes around Old Town's nearshore waters. These silver bullets average 1-2 feet long and travel in fast-moving schools, often busting bait on the surface. You'll find them around structure, grass flats, and channel edges from spring through fall when water temps climb. They hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait like rockets - their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make for exciting light tackle action. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling. They're also great for getting kids hooked on fishing since the action stays fast once you locate a school. Key tip: use a wire leader or they'll cut you off every time, and keep your drag loose - they'll straighten hooks on that first screaming run.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our coolest sight-fishing targets around Old Town. These chunky, disc-shaped fish average 2-5 pounds but can hit 15+ pounds. They're masters of disguise, floating on their sides near debris, weed lines, or channel markers to mimic floating leaves. You'll find them year-round in our area, but summer months are prime time. What makes them fun is the visual game - spotting them laying sideways near the surface, then making that perfect cast. They're surprisingly acrobatic for their bulky build and excellent eating with firm, sweet meat that rivals snapper. The key is being stealthy - cast past them and drag your bait slowly into their strike zone. Spook them once and they're gone.
undefined, undefined