8 Hour Flats and Backwater Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day charter targeting redfish, snook, and speckled trout inshoreCovers shallow flats, mangrove edges, and backwater areasAccommodates up to 4 guests with licenses and guidance included
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, this full-day adventure aboard the Dek Kat delivers exactly what you're after. Captain Larry's 8-hour charter gives you the time to really work the water – hitting multiple spots as conditions change and fish move throughout the day. With room for up to 4 anglers, this isn't your typical rushed half-day trip. You'll cover shallow flats where redfish cruise in gin-clear water, work the mangrove edges where snook ambush bait, and explore backwater pockets that hold speckled trout and other species most boats never reach.
The Dek Kat offers a rock-solid platform that lets you focus on fishing instead of fighting for balance. Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand and keeps the boat moving to stay on active fish – no sitting around waiting for something to happen. The extended time means you're not rushing from spot to spot. Instead, you'll work productive areas thoroughly, adjust tactics as needed, and move when the bite slows down. The shallow draft design gets you into skinny water where bigger boats can't follow, opening up prime fishing grounds that see less pressure. Your fishing licenses are covered, and whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler, Captain Larry provides the guidance to help you succeed.
This charter covers the full spectrum of inshore fishing environments. On the flats, you'll sight-fish for tailing redfish and work the grass edges where trout feed actively. The technique here is all about stealth and presentation – making accurate casts to fish you can see without spooking them. Around the mangroves, it's a different game entirely. You're targeting structure with precise casts, working topwater plugs at dawn and dusk, and bouncing soft plastics through the roots where snook hold tight. The backwater areas offer a mix of both worlds – deeper pockets connected by shallow runs where fish move predictably with the tides. Captain Larry reads the conditions and adjusts the approach accordingly, whether that means switching from live bait to artificials or moving from aggressive topwater action to finesse techniques when the fish get picky.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches and put up a serious scrap once hooked. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish tailing on shallow flats during moving tides. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat – they'll hit everything from live shrimp to gold spoons, making them perfect for anglers at any skill level. The sight-fishing opportunities are world-class when you spot a school working the shallows.
Snook bring the explosive strikes that get your heart pumping. These ambush predators hang tight to structure and absolutely demolish baits when they're feeding. The best snook fishing happens during warmer months, particularly around mangrove points and creek mouths. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and long runs, plus they're one of the best eating fish in these waters. A slot snook makes for an outstanding dinner, but the bigger breeders over 28 inches provide the trophy photos you'll be showing off for years.
Speckled trout might not have the raw power of redfish or snook, but they make up for it with numbers and table fare. These spotted beauties school up over grass flats and respond well to both live bait and soft plastics. They're most active during cooler months and early mornings, often feeding aggressively in 2-4 feet of water. Trout are perfect for introducing kids to fishing since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. A good trout bite can produce 20-30 fish in a morning when you find them schooled up.
Black drum often surprise anglers with their bulldogging power and impressive size. These bottom feeders cruise the flats and grass beds, particularly during their spawning runs in late winter and early spring. They're not flashy fighters, but a big drum will test your drag and your patience. Young drum under 16 inches make excellent table fare, while the bigger fish provide serious bragging rights. They're suckers for fresh cut bait and will absolutely load your rod when they take off.
Sheepshead round out the mixed bag with their notorious bait-stealing abilities and excellent eating quality. These convict-striped fish hang around structure and have mouths full of human-like teeth perfect for crushing shellfish. They require finesse and quick hook-sets, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers who appreciate the challenge. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action, and a cooler full of these makes for some of the finest fish tacos you'll ever taste.
This 8-hour charter with Weeki Wachee Fish Company gives you the best shot at a memorable day on the water. The extended time, experienced captain, and access to productive fishing grounds create the perfect recipe for success. Whether you're looking to put together a mixed bag of species or target specific fish, Captain Larry's local knowledge and the Dek Kat's capabilities stack the odds in your favor. The stable platform, included licenses, and guidance for all skill levels mean you can focus on what matters most – fighting fish and making memories. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – book your charter and let Captain Larry show you why this top-rated experience keeps anglers coming back season after season.
The 27ft Dek Kat cuts through flats and backwaters with serious speed and comfort. This modern fishing machine packs a powerful Suzuki 350HP engine that'll get your crew of up to 4 anglers to the hottest spots fast, hitting speeds up to 50 MPH when you need to chase the bite. Built spacious with a stable hull, there's plenty of room to work the water whether you're sight-casting redfish on shallow flats or working mangrove edges for snook and speckled trout. Captain Larry knows these waters and keeps moving to stay on active fish throughout your 8-hour adventure. The boat's designed for comfort during those long days targeting inshore species, with enough deck space so everyone can fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for mixed groups since guidance comes with the trip, and your fishing licenses are covered.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bruisers of the flats, commonly running 10-20 pounds but capable of hitting 50-plus. These grey-black fish with powerful crushing jaws love oyster beds, muddy bottoms, and shallow flats where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're famous for that steady, throbbing fight that'll test your drag and patience. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, especially during spawning season. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. Bigger fish get tough and are better released. My go-to technique is fresh crab on a circle hook, fished right on the bottom near structure. Keep your bait still - they're methodical feeders who like to inspect their meal before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing, usually running 20-30 inches with that copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes break the surface. These fish are year-round residents but really turn on during fall when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat almost anything and fight like freight trains in shallow water. They'll crush topwater plugs, spoons, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Look for them tailing or pushing wakes in skinny water early morning or late evening. My favorite trick is using a gold spoon - that flash triggers their aggressive instincts, and the hookup is usually explosive. Just be ready for a long, powerful run.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, typically running 12-18 inches with those beautiful spotted sides. They roam grass flats, shallow bays, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp, small fish, and crabs. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when water temps are in the comfort zone. These fish have soft mouths, so they're perfect for light tackle and provide steady action for anglers of all levels. The meat is sweet and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater plugs at dawn to soft plastics bounced along the bottom. Night fishing under lights can be spectacular. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - those soft mouths tear easily, and a gentle hand keeps more fish in the boat.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around. Most run 2-5 pounds, though we see some nice ones pushing 8-10 pounds around deeper structure. They live around anything with barnacles: docks, pilings, bridges, and jetties where they use those human-like teeth to scrape off shellfish. Winter through early spring is peak season when they gather for spawning. These fish are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick until your hook is clean. The key is fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard. Their mouths are tough as leather. Get your bait right against the structure because they won't chase it far from cover.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the premier inshore gamefish, typically running 18-28 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush prey. These fish are incredibly temperature-sensitive, so they're most active when water temps are stable in the 70s and 80s. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll hit topwater plugs, jerkbaits, and live shrimp with authority. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and flaky. Pro tip: cast tight to cover and be ready to horse them away from structure quickly, because they'll wrap you up in a heartbeat if you give them slack line.
Bayport, FL