6-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip - Nokomis, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure in Nokomis watersTarget Jacks, Cobia, Triggerfish, Snappers, and GroupersCaptain Joshua guides up to four guests
Looking for a solid day on the water without heading way offshore? Captain Joshua's got you covered with this 6-hour inshore adventure that puts you right in the heart of Nokomis's best fishing grounds. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter where you're just another face in the crowd – with only 4 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an amazing day on the water. The waters around Nokomis are absolutely loaded with fish, and Captain Joshua knows every productive spot, from the grass flats to the structure that holds the big ones.
Your day starts when you meet Captain Joshua at the dock, where he'll get you situated with all the gear and give you the rundown on what we're targeting. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might be battling a feisty jack, the next you could be into a cobia that'll test your drag. We'll be working the flats, channels, and nearshore structure where these fish love to hang out. The boat stays comfortable in the protected waters, so you won't be dealing with the big swells that can make offshore trips rough. Captain Joshua reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics throughout the day based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll make sure you're in the game and having success.
Inshore fishing around Nokomis means we're working with live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on what's working best that day. We'll be drifting the flats for snapper and grouper, sight-fishing the shallow water for tarpon and cobia, and working structure for whatever decides to bite. The gear is all top-shelf stuff – Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and rods matched to what we're targeting. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tide and structure work together, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip is over. The spots we fish range from 3 to 30 feet of water, covering everything from grass beds to hard bottom areas where the fish congregate. Captain Joshua's got waypoints marked for productive ledges, holes, and wrecks that consistently produce fish, and he's not shy about sharing his knowledge with guests who want to learn.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and these scrappy fighters are found around every piece of structure. They're most active during moving water, and while they average 12-16 inches, don't be surprised when a 5-pounder crushes your bait and heads straight for the nearest rock pile. What makes grey snapper so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their fantastic table fare – there's nothing like fresh snapper for dinner after a day on the water. Tarpon fishing around Nokomis is world-class, especially from May through September when these silver kings move through in good numbers. These fish range from juvenile tarpon in the 20-50 pound class to monsters over 100 pounds that'll give you the fight of your life. The sight of a tarpon rolling on the surface never gets old, and when one takes your bait and goes airborne, you'll understand why they're called the silver king. Cobia are another favorite target, and these curious fish often cruise the shallows where you can sight-cast to them. They're strong fighters that make powerful runs, and a 30-40 pound cobia will definitely test your skills and your tackle. African Pompano are less common but absolutely worth the wait – these deep-bodied fighters are beautiful fish that put up a battle way out of proportion to their size. Red Snapper are the prize of the deeper water, and while regulations are strict, when they're open these crimson fighters are worth every bit of effort it takes to catch them.
Six hours with Captain Joshua gives you enough time to really get into the rhythm of inshore fishing without feeling rushed. You'll hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and have the best shot at getting into a variety of species. The 4-person limit means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction – no waiting around watching other people fish. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler, learn new techniques, or just spend a great day on some of Florida's best inshore waters, this trip delivers. Captain Joshua's local knowledge and commitment to putting his guests on fish has made this one of the top-rated charters in the area. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and everyone wants to get out there.
Hit the waters around Nokomis aboard this well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot fish and navigate the flats, while the wireless trolling motor lets you approach your targets without spooking them. Captain Joshua knows exactly where to find the Jacks, Cobia, and Snappers that make these Gulf waters famous. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, and GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. With space for up to 4 anglers and a multimedia system for entertainment between bites, this boat has everything you need for a productive day chasing Florida's finest gamefish. The quiet trolling motor is perfect for sneaking up on wary Triggerfish and Grouper in shallow water.
Lutjanus CampechanusThese deep-water fighters typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds inshore, but can grow to 3 feet and 35+ pounds. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-200+ feet, preferring cooler water temps. May through October is prime time when they're spawning and feeding actively. What makes them special is they're true warriors - they'll fight all the way to the boat and make excellent table fare with that mild, nutty flavor. They'll try to cut your line on structure, so be ready. Best baits are live pinfish, cigar minnows, or fresh squid. Here's my trick: when you feel that bite, don't horse them up. Keep steady pressure and work them away from the bottom structure first, then bring them up slowly. They've got sharp gill plates, so use a landing net.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these greyish-red fish typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They love hanging around docks, piers, and any structure where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What makes them special is that white, flaky meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They're tricky though, being naturally cautious and nocturnal. My tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just enough to stay off the structure. Don't jig it around too much - these fish like to study their meal before committing. Once you feel that tap, don't jerk - let them take it and set the hook smooth.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown, shark-lookalike fish are loners that average 3-4 feet and 20-40 pounds, but can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. They cruise around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water, though we spot them shallow during spring migration. Peak season runs May through August when they're spawning and feeding heavy. Guests love them because they fight hard and make outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. We usually sight-fish for them, looking for that dark shadow just under the surface. Pro tip: when you see one, throw a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're swimming. Cobia are curious but spook easy, so lead them by 20 feet and let the bait sink naturally into their path.
Alectis CiliarisThese silvery, diamond-shaped jacks are fast swimmers that put up a serious fight. Adults typically run 10-30 pounds and cruise in 30-250 feet of water near bottom structure and reefs. The juveniles have those cool trailing filaments that disappear as they grow. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding on crustaceans and baitfish. What makes them special is their speed - they'll make long, burning runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. They're attracted to shiny, moving lures, so bucktail jigs and flashy spoons work great. My advice: when you hook one, tighten your drag immediately. These fish use their speed and that flat body to leverage against you, so don't give them slack or they'll throw the hook.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds. They migrate through our waters late spring through summer, cruising shallow flats, channels, and around structure. What draws people back is that first jump - watching a 100-pound fish launch 10 feet out of the water never gets old. They're pure muscle and speed, making runs that'll test your drag and endurance. Most folks release them since the meat's tough and bony. Best fishing happens on moving tides around dawn or dusk. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward them to keep tension without the line snapping. That first leap is when most fish are lost, so stay calm and enjoy the show.
Sarasota