Looking to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Skipper's Suwannee Gulf Charters has you covered with this 7-hour weekday trip that'll have you casting for redfish, trout, and more. We'll cruise the creeks, flats, and nearshore grounds where the fish are biting, putting you on the action without the weekend crowds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!
We'll push off from Suwannee bright and early, giving us plenty of time to explore the maze of creeks and flats that make this area a fisherman's playground. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll be hitting all the honey holes where the reds and trout love to hang out. As we work our way through the skinny water and out towards the Gulf, keep your eyes peeled for tailing redfish or schools of trout busting bait on the surface. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what might grab your line next – could be a bruiser black drum or a acrobatic snook that'll test your drag.
We'll be using a mix of light tackle techniques to put fish in the boat. Expect to do some sight-casting with soft plastics when we're working the flats for reds, or maybe tossing live bait under a popping cork for trout. Your guide will have all the gear and bait ready to go, so no need to worry about bringing your own unless you've got a lucky rod you can't leave behind. We might also do some drifting over deeper holes or along channel edges, where bigger fish like to lurk. The key is staying versatile and ready to switch it up based on what the fish are telling us that day.
Redfish are the crown jewels of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in skinny water or hanging around oyster bars, ready to crush a well-placed bait. They're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often stripping line and testing your drag. Fall and winter are prime time for bigger reds, but you can find them year-round in Suwannee.
Sea trout, or specks as the locals call 'em, are another staple of our inshore waters. These spotted predators are a blast on light tackle, often hitting topwater lures with explosive strikes. They tend to school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bigger trout, but they're a reliable target all year.
Spanish mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters. These toothy critters can smoke a reel when they hit, making for some of the most exciting action you'll find. They usually show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, often chasing bait schools near the surface. Watching a school of Spanish shred through a bait ball is a sight you won't forget.
Florida pompano might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and flavor. These golden-bellied battlers are prized for their tasty fillets and their ability to put a deep bend in a rod. Look for them around sandbars and passes, especially in the spring and fall when they're migrating along the coast.
Suwannee's got a special charm that keeps fishermen coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the marsh grass, painting the sky in oranges and pinks. Or it could be the thrill of watching a redfish tail in water so shallow you can see its back. For some, it's the peace and quiet of being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle. Whatever your reason, this trip's got all the ingredients for a day you won't soon forget. And with all the gear and licenses provided, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch).
So there you have it, folks – a full day of inshore fishing action waiting for you right here in Suwannee. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just soak in the natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast, this trip's got you covered. With limited spots available and the fish always biting, you don't want to miss out. Give Skipper's Suwannee Gulf Charters a call and let's get you on the water. The fish are waiting, and the tide's just right – what are you waiting for?
Florida pompano are prized catches in our coastal waters. These silvery, deep-bodied fish usually run 10-14 inches and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them cruising the surf zone and sandy flats, often in water less than waist deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love pompano for their hard fighting ability and absolutely delicious meat - some of the best eating fish out there. To target them, try fishing sand fleas or small pieces of shrimp on a double dropper rig. Work the deeper troughs between sandbars during an incoming tide. A local tip: look for "pompano holes" - darker patches in the surf where these fish often congregate to feed. With some patience and the right bait, you'll be in for some of the tastiest fish dinners around.
Redfish are one of our top targets here in Suwannee's shallow waters. These bronze-colored beauties usually run 28-33 inches and 8-12 pounds when fully grown. Look for them tailing in water as shallow as 1-4 feet deep, often right up against oyster bars or grass flats. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love chasing reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. That distinctive tail spot helps you spot them in clear shallows. To land a big one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom, and hang on when they strike - redfish pull like freight trains! Just watch for that tail breaking the surface, and you'll be in for some awesome shallow water action.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species here in Suwannee. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with a silvery body covered in dark spots. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love hanging around oyster bars and creek mouths. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers enjoy targeting sea trout for their light, flaky meat and the fun fight they put up on light tackle. To improve your odds, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork - the noise attracts trout and keeps your bait at the right depth. Just remember not to set the hook too hard, as they have soft mouths. With some patience, you'll be reeling in these tasty fish in no time.
Spanish mackerel are speed demons of the nearshore waters. These sleek, silvery fish typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in large schools chasing bait, often within sight of the beach. Late spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers love targeting Spanish macks for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating, with a rich, oily flavor perfect for smoking or grilling. To catch them, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means Spanish mackerel are pushing bait to the surface. Cast a small, flashy lure into the frenzy and hang on tight. These fish hit hard and run fast, so be ready for some serious light tackle action!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90