6-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip - Nokomis, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure in Nokomis watersTarget Jacks, Cobia, Triggerfish, Snappers, and GroupersSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the long boat ride offshore? This 6-hour inshore charter with Untide Charters puts you right where the fish are biting around Nokomis. Captain Joshua knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's got one goal – getting you hooked up with some quality fish. Whether you're after hard-fighting jacks or hoping to land a keeper snapper, these protected waters offer some of the most consistent fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast. With space for up to four anglers, this trip gives you plenty of elbow room to work your lines and enjoy the day.
Captain Joshua runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to find the fish based on tide, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll be fishing the grass flats, structure, and channels that make Nokomis inshore fishing so productive. The beauty of staying inshore means calmer seas and more time with your line in the water instead of burning fuel getting to the fishing grounds. Expect to work a variety of spots throughout the day – from shallow flats where you can sight-fish cruising tarpon to deeper channels holding snapper and grouper. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. This isn't a rushed trip either – six hours gives you real time to dial in your technique and hit multiple productive areas.
You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are showing interest in. Captain Joshua keeps a good selection of pinfish, shrimp, and pilchards on board – the bread and butter baits for these waters. When the bite is hot, you might find yourself bottom fishing with circle hooks over structure for snapper and grouper. Other times, you'll be casting jigs or live bait to surface-feeding fish or working the grass lines for cobia and jacks. The tackle is sized right for the target species – heavy enough to pull fish out of structure but light enough that you'll feel every head shake and run. If conditions are right, you might even get some sight-fishing opportunities where you can watch tarpon roll or spot cobia cruising the flats. The captain will coach you through the techniques, so don't worry if you're not an expert – that's what he's there for.
Grey snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are smart, scrappy fighters that'll test your drag and make you work for every one you bring to the boat. They hang around structure and ledges in 15-40 feet of water, and they're not shy about taking a well-presented bait. The best action usually happens during moving water, and Captain Joshua times the trips to hit the prime feeding windows. What makes grey snapper so popular with anglers is their combination of fight and table fare – they'll bend your rod and taste great on the dinner plate.
Tarpon fishing around Nokomis is something special, especially during the warmer months when these silver kings move into the shallows to feed. These fish can range from juvenile "baby" tarpon around 20-40 pounds up to mature fish over 100 pounds. What gets anglers hooked on tarpon isn't the eating – they're catch and release – it's the pure adrenaline rush of watching a six-foot fish launch itself completely out of the water. They're notorious for throwing hooks, so landing one feels like a real accomplishment. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when the bait schools are thick.
Cobia are like the golden ticket of inshore fishing. These curious, powerful fish often cruise alone or in small groups, and they're known to follow rays and other marine life. What makes cobia exciting is that you often see them coming – they'll cruise right up to the boat or follow your bait for what feels like forever before deciding to eat. When they do commit, get ready for a bulldogging fight that'll test your arms and your drag system. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. Spring and fall are prime time for cobia, when they're moving through these waters in good numbers.
African pompano might be the most underrated fighters in these waters. Don't let the name fool you – these fish are built for speed and endurance. They've got the classic pompano body shape but can grow much larger, and when you hook one, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're not as common as some other species, which makes landing one feel special. These fish love structure and current, and they're known for their aggressive strikes on both live bait and artificial lures.
Red snapper bring their own set of challenges and rewards to the table. These deep-bodied fish are strong fighters that know how to use structure to their advantage. They're typically found in deeper water around hard bottom and artificial reefs, and they require some finesse to consistently hook and land. What separates red snapper fishing from other species is the precision required – you need to get your bait right in their wheelhouse and be ready for a quick, decisive bite. When everything comes together and you're pulling up quality red snapper, it's some of the most satisfying fishing you'll find inshore.
This 6-hour inshore trip with Captain Joshua gives you the best of both worlds – consistent action without the expense and seasickness potential of offshore fishing. You're getting a full day on the water with a captain who lives and breathes these fishing grounds, quality tackle, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the Gulf Coast. The species variety keeps things interesting, and the extended timeframe means you're not rushed to make the most of every minute. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler, test your skills against tarpon, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends
This well-equipped fishing boat puts you right where the action is in Nokomis waters. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility to spot feeding fish and working birds, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and schools below. When you need to get into shallow spots quietly, the wireless trolling motor won't spook the fish. Captain Joshua knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand and will position you over productive reefs and grass flats where snapper, grouper, and cobia hang out. The onboard multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride out, and GPS navigation ensures efficient travel between honey holes. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The boat handles the Gulf chop well, keeping you comfortable while you're focused on landing that keeper fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of bottom fish and what many consider the ultimate Gulf trophy. These deep-red beauties average 2-5 pounds inshore, but the big ones offshore can hit 20+ pounds. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30+ feet, preferring cooler months when regulations allow. Red snapper are true fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, so be ready. What makes them special is that perfect combination of challenging fight and outstanding table fare - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. May through October is spawning season when they're most active. Here's the local trick: use live pinfish or fresh squid, drop it to the bottom, then lift just enough to keep your bait moving. Heavy tackle helps muscle them away from structure.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these greyish-red fish are perfect for anglers who enjoy a smart challenge. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They love hanging around docks, piers, and mangrove structure where they ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are warm. What makes them special is their wariness - they're opportunistic but spook easily, so patience pays off. The reward? Some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just enough to stay off structure. Keep movement minimal and wait for that subtle tap.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown, shark-looking fish are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook inshore. Adults average 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds, with that distinctive single dorsal fin. They're loners, not schooling fish, so we sight-fish for them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-60 feet. Spring through early summer is prime time during their migration and spawn. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They'll eat crabs, squid, and baitfish. Best technique is bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. Color doesn't matter much, but here's the trick: work it slow near bottom structure. These fish are curious and will follow before striking.
Alectis CiliarisThese silvery members of the jack family are speed demons that'll test your drag system. Juveniles are diamond-shaped with long trailing fins, while adults grow sleek and round, reaching 20-30 pounds on average. Find them from 30-250 feet around reefs and structure. They're fast swimmers attracted to shiny, moving objects, making them perfect targets for jigs and live bait. Summer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their blistering runs and the challenge of stopping a fish built for speed. They're decent eating too. Pro tip: use bright jigs or anything flashy - these jacks can't resist. When you hook up, tighten that drag immediately because they'll make a long, fast run toward structure every time.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what bucket-list fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds around here, with their signature jumps that can clear 10 feet of water. Look for them in shallow flats, channels, and around structure during spring through fall migration. They're not great table fare - we practice catch and release - but the fight is absolutely worth it. Tarpon can live 50+ years and swim 35 mph, so respect these ancient fish. What guests love most is watching that silver torpedo explode from the water when hooked. Local secret: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. Keeps tension off and prevents throwing the hook during those aerial shows.
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