Shells & Scales Fishing Charter in Apalachee Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Combo charter targets inshore fish and bay scallops seasonallySnorkeling shallow grass flats for fresh Florida bay scallopsFour-person capacity with experienced North Florida outfitter
Looking for the ultimate North Florida combo adventure? This top-rated charter blends the best of both worlds – chasing redfish and speckled trout in the shallows, then switching gears to hunt for sweet bay scallops. From July through September, Apalachee Bay becomes a hotspot for this unique double-header experience that keeps anglers and families coming back year after year. You'll spend half your day working the grass flats with rod in hand, then cool off snorkeling the crystal-clear shallows for some of Florida's most prized shellfish.
Your day kicks off early, hitting the prime fishing spots while the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. Apalachee Bay's expansive grass flats create the perfect nursery habitat for inshore species, and Captain Williamson knows every pothole, drop-off, and oyster bar where these fish like to hang out. The morning bite typically produces the most action, so you'll be casting topwater plugs and soft plastics around structure before the sun gets too high. Once the fishing action slows and the heat picks up, it's time to grab your mask and snorkel gear. The same shallow grass beds that hold fish also harbor thousands of bay scallops during their summer season. The water's usually gin-clear, making it easy to spot these fan-shaped treasures nestled in the turtle grass.
This charter runs light tackle exclusively – think spinning gear with 15-20 pound braided line and fluorocarbon leaders. You'll be sight-fishing a lot of the time, so stealth and accuracy matter more than heavy gear. Soft plastic jerkbaits, gold spoons, and topwater walking baits are the go-to lures here. The key is working the edges of grass beds and oyster bars where baitfish congregate. For scalloping, it's all about patience and a good eye. Scallops blend in perfectly with the grass, but once you learn to spot that telltale shell outline, you'll start seeing them everywhere. The limit is generous – 2 gallons of whole scallops per person – and most folks easily fill their bags in an hour or two of snorkeling.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Apalachee Bay fishing, especially during summer months. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and respond well to both live bait and artificials. Most fish run 14-18 inches, with occasional gator trout pushing 20-plus inches. They're aggressive feeders in low light conditions and put up a decent scrap on light tackle. The best part? They're excellent table fare when kept on ice.
Redfish are the real prize in these waters. Apalachee Bay reds typically range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag and your arms. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats in small schools, often with their backs out of the water. Sight-casting to tailing reds is about as good as inshore fishing gets. They're notorious for their bulldogging runs and never give up easy.
Tripletail are the wildcard species that keeps things interesting. These oddly-shaped fish float near debris, crab trap floats, and channel markers, looking like floating logs until they turn sideways and reveal their distinctive profile. They're spooky and require a perfect presentation, but hook one and you'll understand why they're considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Summer months bring the best tripletail action.
Spanish mackerel show up in good numbers when baitfish are thick on the flats. These speed demons hit fast and fight hard, making screaming runs that'll burn line off your reel. They're perfect light tackle fish and respond well to small spoons and jigs worked at high speed. Kids especially love the constant action when the Spanish are around.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy potholes waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish require patience and the right technique – slow-rolling soft plastics along the bottom usually does the trick. They're not flashy fighters, but they're arguably the best eating fish in the bay. Look for them around drop-offs and channel edges where current moves baitfish.
This world-class combo charter books up fast during scallop season, and for good reason. Where else can you catch your dinner and gather your appetizer on the same trip? The $950 rate covers up to four anglers, making it a customer favorite for families and small groups looking for variety on the water. Williamson Outfitters provides all the fishing gear and snorkeling equipment – you just bring sunscreen, drinks, and an appetite for adventure. The bay scallop season runs July through September, so don't wait to secure your dates. This is the kind of trip that creates lasting memories and keeps folks planning their return before they even get back to the dock.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of the flats, running 20-35 inches with those signature black spots near their tails. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out - around oyster bars, grass beds, and creek mouths. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most active in our area. What guests love is the hard pull and stubborn fight these fish give, plus they're great table fare with mild, sweet meat. You'll spot their copper backs and tails waving as they root around for crabs and shrimp in the shallows. The key is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish - get too close and they'll spook into deeper water fast.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout run 14-24 inches typically, with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love our shallow grass flats year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is that sweet, flaky white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and when hooked, they'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. During summer trips, we find them cruising the shallow grass beds early morning and late evening. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp - the noise draws them in from a distance, and that slow fall gets them every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the flat masters of ambush, typically 15-18 inches and perfectly designed for bottom living with both eyes on one side. They bury in sandy or muddy bottoms around creek mouths, oyster bars, and channel edges waiting to ambush passing prey. Fall and winter are best when they're moving to deeper water to spawn. What's cool is the challenge of targeting a fish you can't see plus they're some of the best eating around - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat fried. These fish rely on camouflage and patience. Drift fishing with live mud minnows or finger mullet works best - let your bait bounce along the bottom naturally. When you feel that tap-tap bite, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver speed demons with yellow spots, typically 12-20 inches and built for quick strikes. They school up near the surface around structure and baitfish, especially active during warmer months. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit fast, run hard, and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, with a mild flavor that's not too fishy. They travel in large schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Look for diving birds or surface activity - that's where the action is. A simple silver spoon trolled at medium speed works great, but when they're feeding aggressively, they'll hit almost anything shiny that moves through the school quickly.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our coolest targets - they look like floating leaves until you get close and see those three fins that give them their name. Most run 3-8 pounds but can hit 15-20 pounds. They're surface cruisers, often found around floating debris or weed lines during summer months. What makes them fun is the sight-fishing aspect and their acrobatic fight once hooked - they'll jump and flip like crazy. The meat tastes similar to snapper, firm and sweet. These fish are masters of camouflage, changing colors to match their surroundings. When you spot one, cast well past it and drag your bait back slowly - they spook easily but will ambush a well-presented shrimp or small jig if you're patient and quiet.
Eastpoint, FL