Southwest Florida Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, snook, tarpon in Southwest Florida watersCaptain Jesse guides up to 5 guests inshoreMultiple species including sheepshead, trout, snapper available
Picture this: you're cruising through crystal-clear shallow waters where seagrass beds meet oyster bars, and every cast could bring a trophy fish to the boat. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain Jesse's top-rated inshore fishing charters in Southwest Florida. These productive waters are home to some of the best year-round fishing on the Gulf Coast, and with space for up to 5 anglers, it's perfect for families, friends, or serious fishing groups looking to target multiple species in one memorable day on the water.
Your day starts early with Captain Jesse, who knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand. You'll be fishing the flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that make Southwest Florida a world-class inshore destination. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to cruising redfish in two feet of water, the next you're working a deep hole where snapper stack up. Captain Jesse runs a clean, well-equipped boat that's perfect for navigating the skinny water where big fish feed. He'll put you on the fish and provide all the guidance you need, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. The scenery alone is worth the trip – think pristine mangrove tunnels, white sand flats, and wildlife everywhere you look.
This isn't your typical offshore trolling trip. Inshore fishing in Southwest Florida is all about finesse, presentation, and reading the water. You'll be using live bait like shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards, plus artificial lures when the situation calls for it. Captain Jesse will have you throwing everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics around structure. The water here ranges from super shallow flats where you can see the bottom to deeper residential canals and passes. You might be sight-fishing one moment and blind-casting to likely holding spots the next. The tackle is typically lighter than what you'd use offshore – think spinning gear in the 20-30 pound class that gives you the sensitivity to feel subtle bites while still having enough backbone to turn a big snook away from the mangroves. Captain Jesse provides all the gear, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along.
Snook are the crown jewel of Southwest Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around docks, mangrove overhangs, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that will jump, run, and do everything possible to throw your hook. The best part? They're active year-round here, though summer evenings and early fall mornings tend to produce the most consistent action. A good snook will go 24-30 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 35+ inches and 15 pounds.
Tarpon fishing here is something special, especially during the spring and summer months when these silver kings move into the backcountry to feed. These fish are pure adrenaline – we're talking about 50-100+ pound fish that will jump completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-40 pound range are incredible fighters that will test your endurance. The key to tarpon fishing is patience and persistence, but when you connect with one, it's a customer favorite memory that'll last a lifetime.
Redfish are probably the most reliable target species in these waters, and they're perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow grass flats and oyster bars where they root around for crabs and shrimp. During the cooler months, you'll often find them in schools of 10, 20, or even 50+ fish. Redfish fight hard and steady, making long runs and using their broad bodies to their advantage. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot limit.
Speckled trout are the bread-and-butter fish of the grass flats, and Captain Jesse knows exactly where to find them. These spotted beauties are most active during the cooler months and early morning hours. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality. Look for trout around potholes in the grass beds and drop-offs near shallow flats. A good trout runs 15-20 inches, with occasional "gator" trout pushing 24+ inches.
Sheepshead fishing peaks during the winter months when these black-and-white striped fish move into shallow water around structure. They're notorious bait thieves with incredibly sharp teeth, but once you get the hang of detecting their subtle bites, they're a blast to catch. Sheepshead are fantastic eating and provide consistent action when other species might be finicky. You'll typically find them around docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they can pick off crabs and barnacles.
Southwest Florida's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere on the Gulf Coast. With Captain Jesse's local knowledge and proven track record, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're securing a day filled with action, beautiful scenery, and the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Whether you're targeting your first snook, hoping to tangle with a tarpon, or just want to bend some rods with friends and family, this renowned inshore charter delivers. The fishing here is good year-round, but prime time runs from October through May when cooler water temperatures have the fish feeding aggressively. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for Southwest Florida's productive inshore waters. This boat comfortably accommodates up to 5 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of redfish, snook, and speckled trout hiding in the grass flats and mangrove shorelines. GPS navigation ensures we hit all the best spots where tarpon roll and snapper feed. Keep your catch fresh in the ice box or grab a cold drink from the refrigerator between fights with feisty sheepshead. Captain Jesse knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish whether you're targeting shallow water reds or deeper structure holding snapper. The boat's design allows access to skinny water backcountry spots while still being stable enough for larger inshore species. Perfect for families or small groups looking to experience the incredible fishing Southwest Florida has to offer.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Southwest Florida flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots average 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds in the slot. You'll find them tailing in water so shallow their backs show, cruising oyster bars, and around mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter offer the best sight-fishing when they school up. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, spoons, and topwater plugs all work. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, mild flesh. The real thrill comes from sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water. My go-to technique: when you see that tail waving, cast your bait 3 feet past the fish and work it slowly back. Redfish are bottom feeders, so let your lure hit the sand before starting your retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a mainstay of our grass flats, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, though we catch plenty of "gator trout" over 20 inches. You'll find them over grass beds and sandy potholes in 3-8 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and early morning or late evening produces the best bite. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're excellent eating with tender, flaky white meat. They make that distinctive drumming sound when caught. Best part is they're usually in schools, so where you catch one, you'll likely catch more. Here's the trick: work your bait slowly over the grass - speckled trout are lazy and won't chase a fast-moving lure. Soft plastics on light jig heads work great.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the flats with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around. These guys typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, with occasional bruisers hitting 8+ pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, rock piles, and oyster bars in 5-25 feet of water. Winter months are prime time when they school up for spawning. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Their white, flaky meat rivals grouper for table fare. They're tricky to hook since they nibble rather than strike, but once you feel that weight, set hard and fast. Local trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and get your bait right against the structure - they won't chase it far from cover.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we catch plenty in the 3-8 pound range. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in water from 2-15 feet deep. They love structure and ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their aggressive fight and that distinctive head shake when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip - when fishing around mangroves, cast your bait right into the roots. Most people fish too far away, but snook sit tight to cover waiting for baitfish to swim by.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish - these silver giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds in our waters. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 8-30 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time, especially May through August when they're most active. What draws anglers from around the world is their aerial show - once hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, sometimes clearing the water by 8 feet. It's pure adrenaline. While most folks release them since the meat is bony and tough, the fight alone makes it worthwhile. These prehistoric fish can live 50+ years, so that 100-pounder you're battling could be decades old. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This gives slack and prevents the line from snapping when they crash back down.
St. James City, FL