Looking to sleep in and still catch some fish? Our half-day afternoon trip is just the ticket. We'll cruise the rich waters of Apalachicola Bay and St. George Island, where the fish are always biting. Whether you're after a monster Goliath Grouper or a tasty Red Snapper, we've got you covered. This trip is perfect for families, friends, or anyone who wants to experience the best fishing Florida's Forgotten Coast has to offer.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The afternoon sun sparkles on the water as we head to our favorite fishing spots. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and maybe a lucky hat. Our experienced crew will help you set up your tackle and show you the ropes if you're new to fishing. And if you're an old hand? Well, we might just learn a thing or two from you! We'll target a variety of species, from the hard-fighting Redfish to the delicious Sea Trout. Don't forget to bring your camera – the sunsets out here are almost as impressive as the fish you'll catch.
We use a mix of techniques to make sure you get the most out of your trip. For Redfish and Sea Trout, we might do some light tackle casting along the grass flats. If we're after Sheepshead, we'll anchor near some structure and use live bait. And for the big boys like Goliath Grouper? We'll break out the heavy gear and hang on tight! We know all the local honey holes, from the oyster bars of Apalachicola Bay to the deep channels around St. George Island. Our captains have been fishing these waters for years, and they know exactly where the fish are biting on any given day.
Red Snapper: These beauties are the pride of the Gulf. With their bright red scales and white-tipped fins, they're as pretty as they are tasty. Red Snapper season is short but sweet, usually running from June to August. They love to hang around reefs and wrecks, and when you hook one, be ready for a fight – these fish can grow up to 40 pounds!
Goliath Grouper: True to their name, these giants can reach sizes of up to 800 pounds. They're catch-and-release only, but the thrill of reeling one in is unforgettable. Goliaths love to hide in deep holes and around big structures. When you hook one, it's like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom of the ocean!
Sheepshead: Don't let their funny name fool you – these striped fish are smart and delicious. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush crabs and barnacles. Sheepshead are most active in the cooler months, from October to April. They're tricky to catch, but oh so worth it when you do.
Sea Trout: Also known as Speckled Trout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing. They're active year-round but really start biting in the spring and fall. Sea Trout love to hang out in grass flats and around oyster bars. They're great for beginners because they're plentiful and put up a good fight on light tackle.
Redfish: With their distinctive spot near the tail, Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species. They can be found in the bay year-round, but the big bulls come in to spawn in the late summer and fall. Redfish will test your skills – they're strong fighters and can make blistering runs that'll have your reel singing.
There's something special about fishing in Apalachicola Bay. Maybe it's the way the sun sets over the water, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Or perhaps it's the moment when your line goes tight, and you know you're in for a battle with a big fish. Our guests tell us they love the laid-back vibe of our trips. No rush, no fuss – just good fishing with good people. And let's not forget the bragging rights. When you bring home a cooler full of fish and a phone full of photos, your friends back home will be green with envy.
Ready to experience some of the best fishing Florida has to offer? Our afternoon trips are perfect for anyone looking to make the most of their time on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we guarantee you'll have a blast. We can take up to four guests, so bring your family or round up a few friends. Remember, all gear and licenses are included, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Just show up ready to fish and have fun. But don't wait too long to book – our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Give us a call or book online today, and let's get you out on the water for an afternoon of fishing you won't forget!
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a blast to catch in the bay. Most run 14-20 inches, but we occasionally hook into some real gators over 5 pounds. Look for them around grass flats, channels, and deeper holes, especially early morning or evening. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Spring and fall are peak seasons when the water temps are just right. Trout put up a good fight with some acrobatic jumps, and they're delicious on the grill. One trick I like is to fish the tide changes - that first hour of incoming or outgoing tide can be red hot for trout. Keep your eyes peeled for diving birds, which often signal a school of trout feeding on bait.
Redfish are a favorite target in our waters, known for their coppery color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near mangroves - anywhere from 1-4 feet deep. They're fun to sight fish for, especially on calm mornings when you can spot their tails breaking the surface as they feed. Redfish will hit just about any bait or lure, but I like using gold spoons or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Aside from the exciting action, redfish make excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor. One local tip: on windy days, focus on leeward shorelines where bait gets pushed up against the bank. That's where you'll often find reds prowling for an easy meal.
Red snapper are one of our most prized catches when they're in season. These beautiful fish are usually 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. We target them over natural and artificial reefs in 60-300 feet of water. They put up a strong fight all the way to the surface. Live bait like cigar minnows works great, but we also catch plenty on cut bait or jigs. The season's limited, so check the current regulations. When we find a good spot, we can often limit out pretty quick. Red snapper make for some of the best eating around - white, flaky meat that's perfect for any recipe. Here's a local secret: on days with a light north wind, the snapper bite can be insane. Something about that wind really turns them on.
Goliath grouper live up to their name - these massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. They're catch-and-release only, but make for an unforgettable battle. Look for them around deep structure like wrecks, reefs, and bridge pilings. They're ambush predators, so we'll use big live baits like jacks or grunts. You'll need heavy tackle - I'm talking 80-pound test minimum. When a goliath hits, hold on tight. They've got incredible power and will try to dive back into their hole. The key is turning their head in the first few seconds. Even if you can't land one, just seeing these giants is a thrill. Best time is summer when the water's warmest. One tip: make some noise underwater by banging on the boat. That curiosity often draws them out.
Sheepshead are one of the trickier fish to catch, but that's what makes them fun. These striped convict fish usually run 2-5 pounds and hang around structure like docks, pilings, and reefs. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. You'll need light tackle, a sharp eye, and quick reflexes - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. I like using fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp on a small hook. The bite is super subtle, more like a gentle tap than a strong pull. When you feel that tap, set the hook fast and hard. It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked. Bonus: sheepshead are excellent eating with firm, white meat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150