Full Day Inshore Fishing Adventure in Nokomis Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure with Captain Mike in Nokomis watersTarget Jacks, Cobia, Triggerfish, Snappers, and Groupers throughout the tripAccommodates up to 4 guests with catchandrelease or keep options
Looking for a proper day on the water? Captain Mike knows these Nokomis waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. We're talking a full day of fishing the productive inshore waters along Florida's Gulf Coast, targeting everything from hard-fighting jacks to trophy-sized groupers. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to battle some fish and release them, Captain Mike will adjust the day to match what you're after.
Captain Mike runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to find fish in these waters. You'll start early, hitting the productive spots when the bite is hottest. The coastal waters around Nokomis offer incredible variety - one minute you're working structure for grouper, the next you're sight-casting to cruising cobia. The Gulf side gives you access to deeper holes and ledges where the big snappers hang out, while the inshore flats and grass beds hold plenty of jacks and other aggressive species. Captain Mike reads the conditions daily, so whether the fish are relating to structure, suspended in the water column, or cruising the shallows, he'll put you where you need to be. The boat is equipped with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got preferences. Most importantly, come ready to fish - this is a full day, and the action can be steady when conditions align.
Captain Mike employs a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Live bait fishing is often the ticket for the bigger groupers and snappers - nothing beats a frisky pinfish or grunt sent down to the bottom near structure. For the jacks and cobia, we'll often work with cut bait or even throw some artificials when they're actively feeding. The boat carries a range of tackle from medium-heavy spinning gear for the smaller stuff up to conventional reels with enough backbone to handle those goliath grouper encounters. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to ensure good releases, and Captain Mike will walk you through proper technique if you're not familiar. When targeting species like triggerfish, we'll downsize the tackle and use smaller baits - these guys can be picky but they're great table fare. The key is staying versatile since you never know what's going to grab your bait in these productive waters.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of these waters, often pushing 200-300 pounds or more. These prehistoric-looking fish hang around structure and wrecks, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is more about endurance than speed - they'll try to get back to their hole and break you off. Season runs through December, and the thrill of hooking one of these monsters is something you won't forget. Most anglers are happy just to get one boatside for photos before releasing.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter bottom fish around here, typically running 5-15 pounds with some real doormat-sized fish mixed in. They're structure-oriented and love ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. These fish bite best during cooler months and provide excellent table fare. They're strong fighters that will test your drag, diving straight down when hooked.
Greater Amberjack, or AJ's as most anglers call them, are absolute bulldogs that will give you a workout. These fish often cruise around deeper structure and can reach 40-50 pounds or more. They're available year-round but bite best in spring and fall. The initial run on an amberjack is pure power, and they'll make multiple strong runs before coming to the boat.
Blacktip Shark add serious excitement to any fishing trip, especially when they start jumping and spinning out of the water. These sharks are common in the area and provide fantastic light-tackle action. They're curious fish that often follow hooked fish up from the depths, giving you a chance to target them specifically. Most run 20-50 pounds and are perfect for catch-and-release fun.
Yellowtail Amberjack, the smaller cousins of the greater amberjack, are scrappy fighters that punch well above their weight class. They school around structure and reefs, often in good numbers. These fish are excellent eating and typically run 5-20 pounds. They're less common than other species but always a welcome sight when they show up.
Captain Mike's full-day trips book up quickly, especially during prime fishing months. This is your chance to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing with a captain who knows how to find fish and put his clients on them consistently. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next trophy or someone wanting to learn proper techniques, Captain Mike will make sure you have a productive day on the water. The variety of species available means there's always something biting, and a full day gives you the best shot at multiple species and sizes. Don't wait - these Nokomis waters are fishing as well as they have in years, and spots with Untide Charters fill up fast.
Captain Mike's fishing machine is built for serious anglers who want to make the most of Nokomis waters. This motorboat handles coastal runs with ease while keeping your group of 4 comfortable during those long fishing sessions. The GPS and fish finder combo takes the guesswork out of finding productive spots where Jacks, Cobia, and Groupers hang out. When you need to move quietly into shallow areas or around structure, the wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly without spooking the fish. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility to spot feeding activity and incoming weather. Between the multimedia system and spacious layout, you'll have everything needed for a full day targeting Triggerfish and Snappers along Florida's Gulf Coast.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - they average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds out here. You'll find them cruising wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 60-200 feet of water. They're built like torpedoes with that distinctive amber stripe down their sides that darkens when they get fired up. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them a favorite is the raw power - they'll take line like a freight train and fight all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent eating, firm and meaty, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, or trolled baits. My go-to technique: drop a live sardine or cigar minnow on heavy tackle and hold on tight. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure or they'll cut you off.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the heavyweights of our local waters - we're talking fish that can hit 400+ pounds and stretch over 6 feet long. They hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-150 feet of water, making them surprisingly accessible for such massive fish. What makes them special is they're completely protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the experience is something else. When one grabs your bait, it's like hooking into a freight train - that first run will test every piece of your gear. They're curious fish that aren't spooked easily, often following divers around. Best fishing is during warmer months when they're more active. My tip: use heavy tackle with 80-pound test minimum and big circle hooks. Bounce your bait off the bottom near structure to get their attention, and be ready for the fight of a lifetime.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are some of the most exciting fish you'll tangle with in our coastal waters. They typically run 3-5 feet long and 20-40 pounds, with those distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. You'll find them in 20-100 feet of water around reefs and structure, especially during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is their acrobatic fights - these sharks will jump clear out of the water multiple times, spinning and thrashing. They're actually pretty timid despite being sharks, often hanging back to check things out before committing. We practice catch and release with all our sharks. They feed on small fish like sardines, mackerel, and herring. My local tip: use oily baits like cut mackerel or live sardines, and don't be surprised if they jump right into the boat - they get pretty excited when hooked and can launch themselves skyward at 21 feet per second.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are prized fighters that show up in our deeper waters, especially around structure and kelp beds. These sleek fish typically weigh 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds if you're lucky. They're built for speed with bright yellow fins and that classic amberjack torpedo shape. You'll find them near the bottom around reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas in 80-200 feet of water. Summer months are best when warm water brings them closer to shore. What guests love is the incredible fight - they're fast, strong swimmers that will test your drag and stamina. The meat is excellent, oily and rich, highly prized for sushi. They're not picky eaters but live bait works best due to the erratic movement. My technique: use live sardines or cigar minnows on heavy tackle, and bring them up slowly but steadily. Don't horse them or reel too fast - let the fish tire itself out while keeping it away from structure.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the bread and butter of our reef fishing here in Nokomis. These rust-colored fish typically run 5-15 pounds, though we see some pushing 30+ on deeper spots. They live around rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 20-100 feet of water. What guests love about them is they're aggressive biters and put up a solid scrap on medium tackle. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet with that shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Best action is late spring through fall when they're feeding heavily. They're protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females before some change to males as they mature. My local trick: use fresh cut bait like pinfish or grunt, and don't be afraid to bounce it right on the bottom. They're not shy about grabbing a meal, but once hooked, they'll try to get back into the rocks.
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