8 Hour Flats and Backwater Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour inshore charter targeting redfish, snook, and speckled troutCovers shallow flats, mangrove edges, and backwater areasAccommodates up to 4 guests with licenses and guidance included
If you're looking to spend a full day chasing some of Florida's best inshore species, this 8-hour charter with Captain Larry aboard the Dek Kat is exactly what you need. We're talking about a serious fishing day here - not just a quick morning trip, but a real chance to work different areas as conditions change and fish move throughout the day. You'll have room for up to 4 anglers, so bring your crew and get ready to cover some serious water targeting redfish, snook, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting in the backwaters and flats.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you hit one spot and hope for the best. With 8 hours on the water, Captain Larry can really work his magic and adapt to what the fish are doing. You'll start early and fish through different tides, hitting shallow flats when the water's right, working mangrove edges during the moving water, and exploring backwater areas that hold fish when the main flats get tough. The Dek Kat is built for this kind of fishing - stable enough to handle choppy days but shallow enough to get you into those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hang out. The boat's got plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably, and you won't be stepping on each other's lines. Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand and keeps the trip moving to stay on active fish rather than beating dead water. Your fishing licenses are covered, and he'll work with whatever skill level you bring to the boat.
The beauty of this charter is the variety of fishing you'll experience throughout the day. On the shallow flats, you'll be sight-fishing with live bait and artificials, looking for tailing redfish and cruising trout in 2-4 feet of water. The mangrove edges call for a different approach - working structure with soft plastics and topwater plugs, especially during the early morning and late afternoon bite. In the backwater areas, you might be drifting live shrimp under popping corks or working jigs around oyster bars and grass beds. Captain Larry provides all the tackle and knows which techniques work best in each area. The extended time means you can really dial in what's working and spend more time fishing the productive spots. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tides affect fish movement, and pick up techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip is over. The gear is top-notch spinning tackle matched to the species you're targeting, and there's always a backup plan when one bite slows down.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and backwater areas you'll be fishing. They're most active during the cooler months from fall through spring, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Redfish are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they'll take you into the grass, around mangrove roots, and test your drag system. What makes them special is how they feed in shallow water, often with their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Snook are the glamour fish of the inshore world, and the backwaters hold some real monsters. These ambush predators love structure - mangrove overhangs, dock pilings, and oyster bars where they can surprise their prey. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding but also incredibly finicky, making them a true challenge. The best snook fishing happens during the warmer months, and there's nothing quite like watching one explode on a topwater plug in shallow water. Speckled trout are schooling fish that can make for fast action when you find them. They prefer grass flats and sandy areas where they hunt in groups. Trout are willing biters and fight well for their size, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Black drum are the heavyweights of the flats, often running 20-40 pounds and putting up bulldogging fights that'll test your endurance. Sheepshead are the technical challenge - these black-and-white striped fish have incredible eyesight and are notorious bait stealers, but they're excellent eating and fun to target around structure.
An 8-hour charter gives you the kind of fishing experience that creates lasting memories and makes you a better angler. You're not rushing through different spots or calling it quits when the morning bite slows down. Instead, you're getting a full education in inshore fishing while having a blast doing it. Captain Larry's experience and the Dek Kat's capabilities mean you'll fish areas and techniques that most shorter trips never touch. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or a group wanting to really get into the fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The variety of species, fishing styles, and locations keeps things interesting all day long, and the extended time on the water means everyone gets plenty of chances to get into fish. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active.
Meet the 27ft Dek Kat, your ticket to some serious inshore action. This modern fishing machine packs a Suzuki 350HP engine that'll get you flying across the water at 50 MPH, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. Built with comfort and performance in mind, she's got room for up to 4 anglers without feeling cramped. The spacious deck gives everyone plenty of room to work their rods whether you're sight-casting on shallow flats or working the mangrove edges for snook. Captain Larry knows how to put this boat's stable platform to work, keeping you positioned perfectly as you hunt redfish, speckled trout, and whatever else is biting in the backwaters. The smooth ride means you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat during your 8 hours on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the flats, typically running 10-25 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, mud flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. What guests love is the bulldogging fight and the satisfaction of outsmarting such a wary fish. Smaller drum under 15 pounds make excellent eating with flaky white meat. The key to success is keeping your bait on the bottom with fresh crab or cut bait. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately - let them fully commit to the bait first, then drive it home hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing, typically 18-30 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. What makes them special is that heart-stopping topwater strike and powerful fight - they'll make runs that strip line off your reel. Plus, they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live shrimp to big topwater plugs. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon and working it steady over grass flats - the flash drives them crazy, and you can cover a lot of water fast.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of these flats, running 12-20 inches with beautiful spotted sides. They prefer grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channels. Fall and spring offer the best fishing, though they bite year-round. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They're also excellent table fare with tender, flaky meat - just don't overcook them. During cooler months, they school up in deeper holes and channels. The secret is working topwater plugs early morning over the grass beds - the strikes are explosive. Use a popping cork with live shrimp underneath when they're being finicky, and work it slowly over the grass.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, perfect pan-fish size. They're structure addicts - any dock piling, bridge, or oyster bar will hold them. Winter and early spring are peak times when they gather near passes for spawning. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves and the reward of some of the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, flaky white meat. They feed on barnacles, crabs, and oysters, so fresh shrimp or fiddler crab works best. The trick is getting your bait right against the structure and setting the hook fast when you feel that telltale nibble - hesitate and they'll clean your hook every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, running 18-35 inches on average with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love structure - mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes them special is that explosive strike and powerful run when hooked, plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, white meat. They're temperature sensitive, so look for them in deeper water during cold fronts. Here's a tip that works every time: cast your lure right into the mangrove roots and work it slowly back out - that's where the big ones hide.
Bayport, FL