Ready to reel in some of Florida's finest inshore species? Skipper's Suwannee Gulf Charters has you covered with our 7-hour fishing trip that'll have you exploring the rich waters near Suwannee. We're talking pristine flats, winding creeks, and hidden backcountry spots where the fish are always biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our guides know how to put you on the fish and make sure you're having a blast doing it.
When you step aboard one of our boats, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing action. We'll cruise through the diverse ecosystems of Florida's Gulf Coast, from grass flats teeming with redfish to deeper channels where sea trout hang out. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll hit all the honey holes where the fish are biting. You'll be using top-notch gear and learning techniques that the pros use to land the big ones. And with a max of 4 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with your guide to fine-tune your skills.
On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing methods. We might start by sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats, using light tackle and artificial lures to entice a strike. When the tide's right, we'll drift live bait along oyster bars for some trophy sea trout. If the Spanish mackerel are running, we'll break out the spoons and troll the nearshore waters. And don't be surprised if we throw a cast net to catch some fresh bait – it's all part of the authentic Florida fishing experience. Our guides are always happy to show you the ropes, whether you're learning to work a popping cork or how to finesse a soft plastic through a likely spot.
Anglers have been crushing it lately on our charters. The redfish bite has been on fire, with several slot-sized beauties coming to the boat each trip. Sea trout have been schooling up nicely, providing steady action and some tasty fillets for the dinner table. We've also been seeing some monster black drum hanging around structure – these bruisers will test your tackle and your biceps! The Spanish mackerel run has been hot, offering some fast-paced fishing when we find the schools. And let's not forget about those elusive snook – they've been lurking in the mangroves, just waiting for the perfect cast.
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive spot on the tail, redfish put up a great fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they feed. Spring and fall are prime times for redfish, but we catch them year-round in Suwannee.
Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing. They're known for their speckled backs and canine-like teeth. Sea trout are ambush predators, often hanging out in deeper holes or along grass edges. They're suckers for live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic their prey. The best part? They're delicious on the grill!
Spanish Mackerel: When these speedsters show up, get ready for some fast action. Spanish mackerel are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We typically find them in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more nearby. They're most common in the warmer months and put up a great fight on light tackle.
Florida Pompano: These silvery, deep-bodied fish are prized for both their fighting ability and their taste. Pompano love to hang out in the surf and along sandy bottoms. They're not huge, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. Spring and fall are the best times to target pompano, and they're a real treat if you're lucky enough to hook one.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the inshore world, black drum can grow to impressive sizes. They're bottom feeders with a weakness for crabs and shrimp. When you hook a big one, be prepared for a slugfest – these fish don't give up easily. While the smaller ones are great eating, the big ones are usually released after a photo op. You can catch them year-round, but winter is prime time for the giants.
Folks who fish with us rave about the variety of species we target and the personalized attention they get from our guides. Many are surprised by how productive these waters are, even if they've fished other parts of Florida before. Our customers love that we provide all the gear and know-how, so they can just show up and start catching fish. The scenic beauty of the Suwannee area is another big draw – it's not uncommon to spot dolphins, manatees, or a variety of shorebirds while we're out on the water.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with Skipper's Suwannee Gulf Charters. Our 7-hour charter is the perfect way to spend a day, whether you're a serious angler looking to add some new species to your list or a family wanting to make some memories on the water. We'll make sure you're in the right spots at the right times to maximize your chances of landing that trophy fish. Plus, with our local knowledge and top-notch equipment, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water – the fish are waiting!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, though some gators push 5 pounds or more. Look for them over grass flats, around creek mouths, and near oyster bars. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout fishing heats up in fall and winter as they school up in deeper holes. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. To catch 'em, try working soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, listen for that distinctive "pop" as they attack bait on the surface. Once you hear it, cast beyond the sound and work your lure right through the feeding zone.
Black drum are the big bruisers of the drum family, often weighing 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters topping 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish - that crunching sound can give away their location. Spring's the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy the hard-pulling fight of a big drum, but keep in mind the smaller ones under 15 pounds taste better. For bait, fresh crab is tough to beat. Here's a local trick: fish the bottom with a half-ounce egg sinker above your leader. When you feel that tell-tale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook.
Florida pompano are prized catches - flat-bodied with silvery sides and yellow fins. They typically run 1 to 3 pounds but can reach 8 or 9. You'll find 'em in the surf zone and along sandy beaches, often right in the wash. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love pompano for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. To catch 'em, try small jigs tipped with shrimp or sand fleas. Work the bottom in that 3 to 6-foot depth range, especially where you see deeper troughs between sandbars. Here's a local trick: look for darker patches of water - those often indicate deeper cuts where pompano feed. Cast just beyond and slowly work your jig back through the zone.
Redfish are a favorite target around here, known for their copper-red backs and distinctive black tail spot. You'll typically find 'em in shallow waters, from 1 to 4 feet deep, hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. They average 28 to 33 inches but can grow much larger. Fall is prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers love redfishing for the strong fights and excellent table fare - the meat's mild and sweet. To land one, try working topwater lures or jigs with shrimp imitations along the edges of flats during moving tides. My local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around in really skinny water. Sight-casting to tailing reds is as exciting as it gets.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90