Full-Day Fishing Adventure - Nokomis, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore fishing targeting multiple species with Captain MikeGroups up to 4 guests can catch Jacks, Cobia, and GroupersFlexible catch-and-release or keep options available throughout trip
Captain Mike knows these Nokomis waters like the back of his hand, and when you're ready to spend a full day chasing some serious fish, this is your ticket. We're talking about a proper fishing adventure that'll keep you busy from sunrise to late afternoon, targeting everything from hard-fighting amberjacks to massive goliath groupers. The Gulf waters off Nokomis are loaded with structure and baitfish, making it one of Florida's top-rated inshore fishing destinations. You'll have plenty of room to spread out with just four anglers max, so everyone gets their shot at the action without feeling crowded.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Captain Mike designs these full-day charters to really explore what these coastal waters have to offer. You'll start early, hitting the productive morning bite when the fish are most active, then work through different spots as conditions change throughout the day. The boat stays comfortable even on longer trips, and you'll have time to really dial in your technique whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning the ropes. Expect to move around to several different fishing zones - from nearshore reefs where the grouper hang out to the deeper edges where those big amberjacks cruise. The flexible schedule means if one spot isn't producing, you've got all day to find where they're biting.
Captain Mike runs a mix of bottom fishing and drift fishing techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. For the grouper, you'll be dropping heavy jigs and live bait down to the structure, feeling for that telltale thump when a big red grouper inhales your offering. The amberjacks require a different approach - these fish love to cruise the water column, so expect some vertical jigging and live bait fishing at various depths. When the blacktip sharks show up, it's all about fresh cut bait and letting them run with it. All tackle and gear is provided, but if you have favorite rods or reels you're comfortable with, bring them along. The key to success out here is reading the water and adapting your presentation - some days they want it slow and steady on the bottom, other days they're aggressive and ready to chase down fast-moving jigs.
Goliath grouper are the true giants of these waters, and hooking into one is something every angler needs to experience at least once. These monsters can push 300+ pounds and will test every piece of tackle you've got. They hang around the deeper structure and artificial reefs, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. Summer and fall are prime time for goliaths in Nokomis waters. These are strictly catch-and-release fish, but the fight alone makes it worth the trip. When you feel that initial hit and realize you're connected to something that might outweigh you, it's pure adrenaline.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and Captain Mike knows exactly where to find the quality fish. These guys average 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep your catch. They're bottom dwellers that love rocky structure and ledges, usually found in 30-80 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, and they'll hit both live bait and jigs. The trick is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish can steal it, and being ready for that classic grouper head shake when they grab it.
Greater amberjack are some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters, known for their powerful runs and stubborn attitude. These fish can range from schoolie size up to 50+ pounders, and they'll test your drag system every time. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through spring, when they move in closer to the reefs and wrecks. Amberjacks are aggressive feeders that will chase down live bait or fast-moving jigs, and once hooked, they'll make multiple runs trying to get back to their structure. The bigger ones are notorious for completely emptying your reel if you're not prepared.
Blacktip sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the mix, especially when you're targeting other species and suddenly your rod goes screaming. These sharks are common in Nokomis waters year-round but peak during the warmer months when they're most active. They typically run 20-60 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Fresh cut bait works best, and the key is letting them take the bait and run before setting the hook. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is what it's all about with blacktips.
Yellowtail amberjack might be smaller than their greater amberjack cousins, but they make up for it with pure speed and attitude. These fish are perfect for lighter tackle and offer non-stop action when you find a school. They're most common during the spring and summer months, often found around the same structure as the larger amberjacks but higher in the water column. Yellowtails are excellent eating if you decide to keep a few, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
A full day with Captain Mike gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these Nokomis waters have to offer. You're not rushed, you're not limited to just one fishing style, and you've got time to really get into the rhythm of the fishing. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience the rush of fighting something big, this charter delivers. The four-angler limit means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get on the fish. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot.
Captain Mike's fully rigged fishing boat puts you right where the action is along Nokomis waters. This setup handles up to 4 anglers with room to move around while you're working lines for Jacks, Cobia, and those deeper Groupers and Snappers. The flybridge gives you elevated sight lines to spot fish movement, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots. When you need to get into tight areas without spooking fish, the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet. GPS keeps you on productive numbers, and the multimedia system means you can stay connected or play some tunes between bites. Whether you're keeping your catch for dinner or practicing catch and release, this boat's built for a solid day of coastal fishing around Nokomis waters.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are serious fighters that'll test your arms and equipment. They average 15-40 pounds around here, with those distinctive amber stripes and streamlined bodies built for speed. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 80-200 feet, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. April through May is spawning season when they're really fired up. Guests love them because they make long, powerful runs and never give up easy. The meat's good eating too - firm and mild when prepared right. They're not picky eaters and will hit live bait, jigs, or trolled baits. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line, and when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out first.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the largest grouper in the Atlantic. They hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 30-150 feet of water. Since they're protected, it's strictly catch and release, but the experience is worth it. Their first run will test your gear - they're surprisingly strong for such bulky fish. You'll find them year-round in our waters, though summer months tend to be best. They're curious fish that'll often check out divers and baits. Use heavy tackle with 50-80 wide reels and circle hooks. My tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to get their attention, and anchor just far enough from structure so you can pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are exciting fish that average 4-5 feet but can reach over 9 feet. You'll know them by those black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked. They patrol shallow waters from 30-100 feet around reefs and structure, especially during warmer months. They're actually pretty timid despite their reputation, but once they smell chum, they get fired up fast. The fight is what guests remember - they make multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag. We practice catch and release for these. They're attracted to oily fish like mackerel and sardines. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks and 30-50 pound tackle. My tip: get a good chum slick going with ground mackerel or herring, then fish live sardines on the edge of the slick where they come up to investigate.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail amberjack are powerful swimmers that usually run 15-25 pounds, though we occasionally see 40-pounders that'll really test your gear. Those bright yellow fins make them easy to spot. They hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and deep structure, often near the bottom but will come up for the right bait. Spring and summer are prime times when warmer water brings them closer to shore. Guests love the fight - they're fast, strong, and don't quit easy. The meat's excellent, especially the smaller ones, and it's prized for sushi. They'll hit live bait, jigs, and cut bait readily. Here's what works: use live sardines or mackerel near structure, but don't reel too hard at first - let them run and tire out, or they'll dive straight into the rocks and break you off every time.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are solid fighters that average 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20-30 pounds on good days. Their rusty red color with white spots makes them easy to identify. They live around rocky bottom and ledges from 10-300 feet, but we usually find the good ones in 60-100 feet. The meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, with a slight shellfish taste that makes them table favorites. They're open year-round except January through April when they spawn. These fish are aggressive and will hit live or cut bait readily. They put up a long, hard fight once hooked. Here's a local tip: use fresh shrimp or crab on the bottom around structure, but be ready to horse them up quickly before they dive back into the rocks and cut you off.
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