Expert Guided Inshore Fishing Adventures in North Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional captain guides inshore fishing adventure near ApalachicolaTarget multiple fish species using diverse fishing techniquesSmall group experience accommodates up to four guests
Ready to get your line wet in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Allan and Woodduck's Guide Service are waiting to show you why the Apalachicola Bay system and St. George Island shallows are considered prime real estate for serious anglers. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – we're talking about a personalized fishing adventure where you'll actually learn something while filling the cooler. With crystal-clear flats, grass beds loaded with baitfish, and oyster bars that hold fish year-round, these waters offer the kind of variety that keeps both rookie anglers and old salts coming back for more.
Captain Allan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're targeting multiple species in a single trip. You'll start early – that's when the fish are most active and before the weekend warriors hit the water. The boat holds up to four anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole family or just a couple of fishing buddies, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques. Expect to move around quite a bit throughout the day as conditions change and fish patterns shift. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're drifting over deeper grass beds targeting flounder. Captain Allan reads the water, wind, and tides to put you on fish, not just take you for a boat ride. The beauty of fishing these inshore waters is the variety – you never know what's going to hit your bait next.
This is where things get interesting. You'll be using everything from live bait under popping corks to artificial lures worked along structure. Captain Allan brings the gear, but if you've got your favorite rod, feel free to bring it along. Expect to throw a mix of soft plastics, spoons, and live shrimp depending on what the fish are telling us. When we're working the grass flats for redfish, we'll often use weedless jigs and paddle tails to avoid hanging up. For pompano, it's all about reading the sand bars and using jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas. The Spanish mackerel action usually calls for small spoons or gotcha plugs worked fast through the water column. Don't worry if you're new to some of these techniques – Captain Allan is there to coach you through it. Half the fun is learning new ways to fool fish, and these waters are the perfect classroom. The key is staying versatile and matching your approach to what the fish want on any given day.
Redfish are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars around Apalachicola Bay. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight – they don't jump much, but they'll pull steady and hard. You'll often spot them tailing in shallow water, which makes for some of the most exciting sight fishing you'll find anywhere.
Florida Pompano are the gold standard when it comes to table fare, and these waters produce some beauties. These silver-sided speedsters love clean sand bottom and moving water, making the areas around St. George Island perfect habitat. Peak season runs from March through September, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Pompano are notorious for their finicky feeding habits – one day they'll crush anything you throw at them, the next they'll ignore your best offerings. When they're on, though, few fish fight harder pound-for-pound or taste better on the plate.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying flat against sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting baitfish. These flatfish are most active during cooler months, with fall and winter providing the best action as they stage for their offshore spawning runs. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the subtle bite – you'll feel more like a slight heaviness or ticking sensation than a hard strike. They're excellent eating and provide a nice change of pace from the more aggressive species.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that gets hearts pumping. These toothy critters show up in big schools during warmer months, usually from late spring through early fall. When you find them, it's game on – they hit fast, fight hard, and often travel in large numbers. The key is having your gear ready because the bite can be hot one minute and gone the next. Fresh Spanish mackerel on the grill with some lemon and seasoning is hard to beat.
Black Drum round out the lineup as the heavyweights of the group. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars and structure where they can root around for crabs and shellfish. Larger drums are usually catch-and-release, but the smaller "puppy drums" in the 2-8 pound range are excellent eating. They're not the flashiest fighters, but their steady, determined runs and surprising strength make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate a good tussle.
Here's the bottom line – this top-rated inshore fishing experience offers something you can't get from the big charter boats or crowded fishing piers. Captain Allan's local expertise, combined with the incredible diversity of these waters, creates the kind of fishing trip that has you planning your return visit before you even get back to the dock. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to expand your inshore game or a newcomer ready to experience what Florida fishing is all about, this world-class fishery delivers. The waters around Apalachicola and St. George Island are trending for good reason – they
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets here around Apalachicola and St. George Island. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-28 inches and are famous for that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. You'll find them cruising super shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, often around oyster bars and grass beds where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. My local tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're moving and let it sit still. They'll find it.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are the speed demons of our inshore waters, with that classic streamlined silver body covered in yellow spots. These fast swimmers typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, traveling in large schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them around structure in open water, near piers, and over grass flats where they chase baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when the water warms up and they move closer to shore. What guests love is the aggressive strike and their acrobatic fight - plus they're excellent eating with a mild flavor that's perfect grilled or smoked. The trick with Spanish mackerel is speed - use small shiny spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast. When you find a school, work quickly because they move constantly. Wire leader helps since their sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sandy and muddy bottoms around our bays and estuaries. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches and can grow up to 20 pounds, with both eyes on their left side - a unique feature guests always find fascinating. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Fall and winter are your best bet when they're most active and feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes flounder fishing fun is the surprise factor - you never know when that "dead stick" will suddenly come alive with a solid hookup. They make excellent table fare with firm, white, flaky meat. Pro tip: use live bull minnows or shrimp on a sliding sinker rig and fish it right on the bottom - patience pays off with these sneaky predators.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are the silver bullets of our inshore waters - sleek, fast, and absolutely delicious. These flat-sided beauties average 12-15 inches and 1-3 pounds, with bright yellow fins that make them easy to spot. You'll find schools of them working the sandy beaches and Gulf waters, especially around St. George Island where they feed on sand fleas and small crustaceans. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in our area. What guests love about pompano is their scrappy fight despite their size - they're part of the jack family and act like it. The real prize is on the dinner table though - pompano has some of the best-tasting meat in the Gulf. Here's a local trick: use small hooks with sand fleas or shrimp, and fish right in the surf where waves stir up their food.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of our shallow waters - powerful, stubborn fighters that can reach impressive sizes up to 30+ pounds around here. These gray-black fish have strong crushing jaws and distinctive chin barbels, making them easy to identify. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time during spawning season when they school up and are easier to target. What guests enjoy is the strong, steady fight - black drum don't give up easy and will test your tackle. Smaller ones under 15 pounds make good eating, while the big ones are better released. The secret is fishing right on the bottom with fresh blue crab or clams - black drum are serious bottom feeders. Use enough weight to stay put and be patient - when a big drum picks up your bait, you'll know it.
Apalachicola, FL