Premier Inshore Fishing Charter in Florida

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$550 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Get ready for an awesome afternoon of fishing off the Florida coast with Trophy Time Charters. This 4-hour trip is perfect whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years. We'll head out at 4 PM to some prime nearshore spots where you can try your luck at catching popular fish like Snook, Tarpon, and Permit. Our guides will show you the ropes with bottom fishing and spinning techniques. As we cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the waves and seabirds soaring overhead. It's a great way to cap off your day - fishing, relaxing, and enjoying time with family or friends on the water. We can take up to 5 guests, so bring the crew along. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're good to go before booking. Come join us for some late afternoon fishing action and make some memories out on the Florida waters.

Premier Inshore Fishing Charter in Florida

Florida Fishing Moments

Energetic dolphin leap behind the boat!

Massive Goliath grouper at the boat!

Incredible Goliath grouper boatside!

Gone fishing in paradise – Florida style!

Sunset Fishing Fun: Florida's 4-Hour Charter

Ready for some late afternoon action on the water? Our 4-hour nearshore fishing trip is the perfect way to cap off your day in sunny Florida. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll cruise out just before sunset, when the fish are biting and the views are stunning. It's not just about the catch (though that's pretty awesome) – it's about making memories with your crew and soaking in that golden hour glow.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off at 4 PM, so you can sleep in, hit the beach, or explore town before joining us at the dock. Once we're out, we'll hit some primo spots where the fish are known to hang. You'll get to try your hand at bottom fishing and spinning – two techniques that'll have you reeling in the good stuff in no time. And hey, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake or pelicans dive-bombing for their dinner. It's like a floating nature show out there!

Fishing Know-How for Newbies & Pros

Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – we've got you covered. Our crew will show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to setting the drag on your reel. We use top-notch gear that's easy to handle, even for kiddos or first-timers. For you seasoned anglers, we're always down to chat about the latest techniques or try out a new spot you've heard about. Bottom fishing is our bread and butter – we'll drop lines near structures where fish love to hide. When we're spinning, get ready for some action as we cast and retrieve, mimicking the movement of baitfish to entice those bigger catches.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel are like the sports cars of the sea – fast, flashy, and a blast to catch. These streamlined speedsters travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for more action. They're most active in the warmer months, and their aggressive strikes make for an exciting fight on light tackle. Tasty too – nothing beats fresh mackerel on the grill!

Snook are the rockstars of Florida's inshore waters. These wily predators love to hang around mangroves and docks, ambushing their prey. Catching a snook is all about finesse and timing. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, so hold on tight when you've got one on the line! Spring and fall are prime snook seasons, but they can be caught year-round if you know where to look.

Tarpon, aka the "Silver King," is the heavyweight champ of our waters. These massive fish can top 100 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning (in the best way). Tarpon are famous for their spectacular leaps and head-shaking aerials. They start showing up in big numbers come late spring, and the action peaks in summer. Landing a tarpon is a bucket-list item for many anglers – are you up for the challenge?

Sheepshead might look a bit goofy with those human-like teeth, but don't let that fool you. These striped battlers are smart and can be tricky to hook. They love to hang around pilings and reefs, using those chompers to crush crabs and barnacles. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, when other species slow down. They're not just fun to catch – they make for some mighty fine eating too!

Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These silvery, disc-shaped fish are notoriously picky eaters and spook easily, making them a true test of skill. When hooked, they'll give you a run for your money with powerful runs and dogged determination. Spring and summer are your best bet for permit, especially around shallow flats and near offshore wrecks. Landing a permit is a badge of honor in the fishing world – it's all about the right bait, perfect presentation, and a whole lot of patience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, we could go on about our top-notch gear or how we know these waters like the back of our hand. But what really sets us apart? It's how we treat you like family from the moment you step on board. We're not just here to put you on fish – we want you to have a blast doing it. Whether it's helping the kids reel in their first catch or swapping fish tales with the old-timers, we're all about making your time on the water something special. And let's be real – that Florida sunset ain't too shabby either. It's the kind of view that'll have you planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to trade in your beach chair for a fighting chair? Our 4-hour charter is perfect for fitting some quality fishing time into your vacation without eating up the whole day. With room for up to 5 people, it's ideal for families, a group of buddies, or even a unique date night (nothing says romance like reeling in a whopper together, right?). Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. And hey, that deposit you put down? It's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. We can't wait to show you why fishing in Florida is something special. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Permit

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing - elusive, spooky, and a blast to catch. They're deep-bodied with a forked tail, usually 15-25 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or prowling near offshore wrecks and reefs. Spring and summer are prime times, especially around the full moon when they spawn. Anglers love permit for their wariness and powerful runs. They're incredibly challenging on fly tackle. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but small jigs can work too. Here's a local trick: look for 'muds' - areas where permit are rooting up the bottom for crabs. Approach quietly and make a long cast ahead of the fish. Be ready for a fast strip-strike when they pounce on your fly or bait. Landing a big permit is a true accomplishment in saltwater fishing.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convict fish of the inshore waters, with their distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach up to 15. You'll find them around structure - pilings, jetties, reefs - anywhere there are barnacles and crustaceans to munch on. Winter and early spring are great times to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love sheepshead for their delicious, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're notorious bait stealers with their human-like teeth. For best results, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead like to crush their prey before fully taking the bait. Patience is key with these crafty fish.

Snook

Snook are ambush predators with a distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. They average 20-30 inches but can grow over 40. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and inlets - anywhere with structure and moving water. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love snook for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. They're also picky eaters, which makes them a fun challenge. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works well, but artificial lures can be effective too. Here's a tip: fish the outgoing tide at night with a slow-moving soft plastic. Snook will often stage in deeper holes waiting to ambush prey being swept out with the current. Just remember, they're catch-and-release most of the year to protect the population.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are speedy swimmers that put up a great fight for their size. You'll typically find them in schools near the surface, often around 1-2 feet long and 2-8 pounds. Look for them along coastal areas, inlets, and bays, especially near structures like reefs or wrecks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. These fish are popular for their acrobatic jumps and tasty meat. To land one, try trolling with small, shiny lures or spoons. A local trick is to watch for birds diving - that often means Spanish Mackerel are feeding below. They have sharp teeth, so use a wire leader to avoid cutoffs. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked, but clean them quickly as it doesn't keep well. Remember, they're fast, so be ready to set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, known for their massive size and spectacular aerial displays. Adults typically range from 4-8 feet long and 80-150 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. They love warm water, so late spring through summer is prime time. Sight fishing for tarpon on the flats is an adrenaline rush - watching a 100-pounder roll on your bait is unforgettable. They're pure sport fish, not good to eat, so it's all about the fight. Live bait like crabs or mullet works well, but fly fishing for tarpon is the ultimate challenge. Here's a local tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip. It helps keep tension and reduces the chance they'll throw the hook. Be prepared for a long battle - these fish have serious stamina and can take an hour or more to land.

About the Pathfinder

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 3

Ready for some late afternoon fishing fun in Florida? Join us for a laid-back 4-hour trip that's perfect for the whole family or a group of friends. We'll head out at 4 PM to some prime nearshore spots where you can try your luck catching popular fish like Snook, Tarpon, and Permit. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - our experienced crew will show you the ropes with bottom fishing and spinning techniques. As we cruise along the coast, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins jumping in our wake or seabirds soaring overhead. It's a relaxing way to spend the evening on the water while still getting in some quality fishing time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're sure to have a great time reeling in some Florida fish. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for an awesome afternoon of fishing before you book!

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