Ready to hook some monster fish in Pensacola's rich inshore waters? Our 3-hour charter fishing trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. We'll cruise the local hotspots, targeting redfish, flounder, snapper, and more. With Captain Alex Pilot at the helm, you're in for a fishing adventure that'll have you coming back for more.
As soon as we shove off, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Captain Alex knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for finding where the fish are biting. We'll hit up some prime spots in Pensacola Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, or even sneak into the backwaters if conditions are right. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and expert guidance. And hey, with a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and chances to land the big one.
On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques. We might start with some light tackle casting along grass flats for trout, or drop some live bait near structure for sheepshead. If the redfish are running, we'll break out the popping corks and watch those rod tips bend. Captain Alex will show you the ropes on everything from proper casting to setting the hook. And don't worry about gear – we've got quality rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat!
"Captain Alex was sure to find good fishing for our family. Great time and highly recommended!" - Brandy
Southern Flounder: These flat masters are a favorite target for good reason. They're sneaky, blending in with the sandy bottom, but man, are they tasty! We usually find them near drop-offs or around structure. The fight might not be as dramatic as some other fish, but the challenge of spotting and hooking them is half the fun. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they start moving towards the passes for their annual spawn.
Grey Snapper (Mangrove Snapper): Don't let their size fool you – these guys punch above their weight class when it comes to both fight and flavor. We'll often find them hanging around pilings, jetties, or any structure they can hide in. They're crafty little devils, known for their light bite and ability to cut you off on structure. But when you hook one, hold on tight! Summer and early fall are great times to target these tasty snappers.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are sometimes called "convict fish." They're notorious bait stealers, with a mouth full of teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. We'll target them around bridges, pilings, and oyster beds. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Plus, they make for some mighty fine eating!
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum – the crown jewel of inshore fishing for many anglers. These copper-colored beauties can be found in the shallows, often tailing in less than a foot of water. We might sight fish for them or use live bait to entice a strike. When a big red takes off, you'd better hold on! They're available year-round, but fall and winter can be especially good as they school up in the bays.
There you have it, folks – a peek at what our Pensacola inshore fishing charter has in store for you. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, we've got you covered. Captain Alex is ready to put you on the fish and create some lasting memories. Remember, our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sunscreen, bring your camera, and let's go catch some fish! Book now and get ready for an awesome day on Pensacola's waters. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so choose your day wisely. See you on the boat!
March 28, 2024
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are crafty little fighters that pack a punch for their size. Most inshore catches run 1-2 pounds, but they can hit 20 pounds in open water. Look for them around structure - docks, piers, and reefs are prime spots. These opportunistic feeders are most active at night, especially during full moons when they spawn. They're quick and can be finicky, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Grey Snapper are prized for their white, flaky meat, so they're great for the dinner table too. They're around year-round, but summer and fall often see the best action. Here's a local trick: use a light leader and small hook with live shrimp. Hook it through the tail to keep it lively, and let it sink near structure. Be ready for a quick, sharp strike - these guys don't mess around when they decide to bite!
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a favorite target in Pensacola's shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers are identified by the distinctive black spot near their tail. Most inshore catches run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much larger offshore. You'll find redfish in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall and winter are prime seasons when big schools move into the shallows. Anglers love redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to catch on a variety of lures and baits. Here's a local secret: look for "tailing" redfish in very shallow water during high tides. Their tails and backs often break the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. Sight-casting to these fish is an exciting challenge that'll get your heart pumping!
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes, are a unique target in Pensacola waters. These tough customers typically weigh 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20 pounds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. You'll find sheepshead around structure - docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They love areas with plenty of barnacles to munch on. Spring is peak season as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers. Their tough mouths and nibbling feeding style make them tricky to catch, but the fight and tasty white meat make it worth the effort. Pro tip: use small, strong hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. When you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook hard - sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait if you're too quick on the draw.
Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. They put up a good fight when hooked, often making strong runs. For best results, try drift fishing or still fishing near structure using live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local tip: when you feel a bite, give the flounder a moment to fully take the bait before setting the hook. These guys are known for their subtle strikes, so patience is key to landing the big ones.
Captain Alex was sure to find good fishing for our family. Great time and highly recommended!