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Expert-Led Inshore Fishing in Port St Joe
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Port St Joe, FL
- $500 - $800 price range
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Mangrove snapper haul—productive.
Redfish—strong.
Speckled trout—classic.
Redfish—reliable.
Nice flounder—solid.
Mangrove snapper—feisty.
Redfish—solid.
Redfish—impressive.
Speckled trout—awesome.
Redfish—quality.
Mangrove snapper haul—productive.
Redfish—strong.
Speckled trout—classic.
Redfish—reliable.
Nice flounder—solid.
Mangrove snapper—feisty.
Redfish—solid.
Redfish—impressive.
Speckled trout—awesome.
Redfish—quality.
Mangrove snapper haul—productive.
Redfish—strong.
Speckled trout—classic.
Redfish—reliable.
Port St Joe Fishing: 8-Hour Inshore Adventure
Get ready to wet a line on the rich inshore waters of Port St Joe! Our 8-hour private charter is your ticket to some of the best fishing Florida's Forgotten Coast has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got everything you need for a day of rod-bending action. Bring your A-game and let's see what we can put in the cooler!
Trip Overview
Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet you at the dock at 8 AM sharp, ready to hit the water. This full-day trip is all about you – it's 100% private, so you're calling the shots. We can accommodate up to 4 fish-hungry folks, with the base rate covering 2 anglers. Got a bigger crew? No problem, just add $50 per extra person. Don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all set for you. Our seasoned crew will be right there with you, showing you the ropes (or lines) and making sure you're on the fish. We'll be prowling the inshore honey holes known for redfish, trout, and flounder. By the end of the day, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets!
What to Expect on the Water
Inshore fishing in Port St Joe is like hitting the jackpot – we've got a mix of grass flats, oyster bars, and deep channels that fish just love to hang around. We'll likely start by throwing some live bait or artificial lures near structure, watching for that telltale twitch of the line. Might do some drift fishing over the flats, or if the bite is hot, we'll anchor up and really work a spot. Don't be surprised if we switch tactics throughout the day – that's the name of the game in inshore fishing. We're after whatever's biting, but our main targets are the inshore slam: redfish, trout, and flounder. Keep your eyes peeled for birds diving or bait fish jumping – that's often where the action is!
Top Catches This Season
Port St Joe's inshore waters are teeming with life, and we've been on a hot streak lately. Anglers have been hauling in some chunky redfish, especially around the oyster bars. The speckled trout bite has been insane on the grass flats, particularly on those early morning topwater bites – nothing beats seeing a gator trout explode on your lure! Flounder have been showing up in good numbers too, especially near the drop-offs. And let's not forget about the bonus catches – we've been seeing some nice sheepshead around structure, and even hooked into a few surprise lemon sharks that really got the drag screaming!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Sheepshead: These striped bandits are the ultimate structure-huggers. Known for their distinctive black and white stripes (hence the "convict fish" nickname), sheepshead are crafty bait-stealers and put up a great fight for their size. They love hanging around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds. Spring is prime time for sheepshead, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting these guys because they're not only fun to catch, but they make for some mighty fine eating too!
Lemon Shark: Now here's an inshore surprise that'll really get your heart racing! Lemon sharks in Port St Joe waters typically range from 4 to 8 feet long, and they're known for their yellowish-brown color (hence the name). These guys are usually found in shallower, coastal waters and are most active during warmer months. While we're not specifically targeting them, hooking into a lemon shark is always an exciting bonus. They put up one heck of a fight, and it's a catch-and-release thrill you won't forget!
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these are one of our most popular inshore targets. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight, often making spectacular leaps out of the water. Sea trout love to hang out over grass flats and around structure. We catch them year-round, but the bite really heats up in spring and fall. Anglers can't get enough of the "gator" trout – the big ones over 20 inches that'll make your drag sing. Whether you're tossing live bait or working a topwater plug, hooking into a big speck is always a blast!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get excited every time we push off from the dock. There's something special about Port St Joe fishing that keeps anglers coming back for more. Maybe it's the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you're battling a surprise shark. Or perhaps it's the laid-back vibe of the Forgotten Coast, where you can fish all day without seeing another boat. Whatever it is, I can guarantee you this: spend a day on these waters, and you'll be itching to come back. The fishing's good, the scenery's beautiful, and the memories you'll make? Well, those are priceless.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, anglers, let's make this happen! Our 8-hour inshore charter in Port St Joe is your ticket to a day full of bent rods and screaming drags. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the passion to make sure you have an awesome day on the water. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day casting lines with friends and family, we've got you covered. Remember, these trips are private, so it's all about what you want to target. And with our flexible booking, it's easy to find a date that works for you. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Forgotten Coast has to offer. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's go fishing!
Learn more about the species
Lemon Shark
Lemon sharks are a cool sight in our waters, usually cruising in at 6 to 10 feet long. These yellowish-brown predators prefer shallow, coastal areas and often hang out near mangroves or seagrass beds. Spring and summer are your best bet for spotting them, as they move inshore to pup. While we can't target them directly, they sometimes show up as bycatch when bottom fishing. Lemon sharks put up a good fight and make for some exciting catch-and-release action. If you hook one, keep it in the water and use a dehooker for a quick release. Remember, these guys play a crucial role in our ecosystem, so we always handle them with care. Fun fact: lemon sharks are one of the few shark species known to sometimes hunt in groups.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a local favorite here in Port St. Joe. These silver-sided fish usually run 14 to 24 inches and love hanging out in grass flats and shallow waters. Night fishing can be especially productive. You'll find them schooling up in deeper waters during winter, sometimes as deep as 160 feet. Sea trout are known for their light, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. They're fun to catch on artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. For the best results, try trolling slowly along grass flats or casting near drop-offs. These fish have a soft mouth, so set the hook gently. Here's a local secret: listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound to locate a school. It's a telltale sign you're in for some good fishing.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a unique inshore species that'll give you a run for your money. These striped "convict fish" typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time for sheepshead fishing, as they form large spawning groups. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present - they're notorious bait stealers. To catch one, use light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them, and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale nibble. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum line and bring them right to you.
About the Florida Cracker Charter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
