Ready for a high-octane inshore fishing trip that'll put your skills to the test? This half-day charter with Bulletproof Inshore Charters is tailor-made for anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. We're talking four hours of non-stop action in some of the most productive inshore, nearshore, flats, and backcountry waters around. Whether you're looking to land a trophy redfish or battle it out with a hard-fighting king mackerel, this trip's got you covered. Grab your fishing buddy and let's hit the water!
This isn't your average lazy day on the boat. We're kicking things off bright and early at 7 AM, giving you prime time on the water when the fish are most active. For $550, you and a buddy get a private charter with a seasoned captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Want to bring more friends? No problem - we can add extra anglers for a small fee. You'll be using light tackle and spinning gear, perfect for the variety of species we'll be targeting. From the hard-pulling black drum to the lightning-fast Spanish mackerel, every cast could bring a new challenge. This trip is all about maximizing your time and upping your inshore game, so come ready to fish hard and learn some new tricks along the way.
When it comes to inshore fishing, versatility is key. We'll be using light tackle setups that give you the sensitivity to feel even the slightest nibble, paired with the backbone to land hefty fish. Expect to do a lot of casting with spinning gear - it's the go-to method for picking apart the flats and working structure in the backcountry. Your captain will show you how to work soft plastics along grass lines for trout, or how to present a live bait to tempt a big redfish out of its hideout. We'll hit a mix of spots, from shallow flats where you might sight-cast to tailing reds, to deeper channels where snapper and mackerel hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're finessing a flounder, the next you're battling a bruiser black drum. It's all about reading the water, adjusting your technique, and being ready for anything.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and a real treat to catch. They love to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure like docks or oyster beds. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision - you'll need to work your bait slowly along the bottom to entice a bite. The "doormat" sized ones (5+ pounds) are prized catches, offering both a fun fight and excellent table fare. Spring and fall are peak seasons when these fish are most active.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you - black drum are one of the most fun inshore species to target. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, with some topping 50 pounds! They're bottom feeders that love crustaceans, so we'll often use crab or shrimp baits to lure them in. The smaller "puppy drum" (under 15 pounds) are great eating, while the big ones provide an epic battle on light tackle. You can catch them year-round, but spring is prime time when they gather to spawn.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are the adrenaline junkies of the nearshore waters. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. We typically target them by slow-trolling live baits or by casting large spoons or jigs. The average size is 10-20 pounds, but fish over 40 pounds aren't uncommon. Late spring through fall is the best time to tangle with these toothy predators. Landing a big king is a true test of your angling skills - are you up for the challenge?
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout (or "specks" as we call 'em) are a staple of inshore fishing. These wily predators are known for their soft mouths and tendency to throw hooks, making them a fun and sometimes frustrating quarry. We'll target them over grass flats and around oyster bars using soft plastics, topwater lures, or live shrimp under a popping cork. The "gator" trout (over 5 pounds) are highly prized and make for great photos. You can catch trout year-round, but the bigger ones tend to show up in the cooler months.
Redfish: No inshore trip would be complete without targeting the iconic redfish. These copper-colored beauties are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in the shallows. We'll look for them tailing on the flats during high tides or prowling the mangrove shorelines. Sight-casting to a big red in skinny water is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing. They'll eat just about anything - from live bait to artificial lures. The "slot" sized fish (typically 18-27 inches) are great for the table, while the oversized bulls provide an unforgettable catch-and-release battle.
Listen up, anglers - if you're itching for a fishing trip that'll push your skills and fill your camera roll with trophy shots, this is it. Four hours might not seem like a long time, but trust me, when you're on fish after fish, it flies by. Whether you're a local looking to sharpen your game or a visitor wanting to experience the best of inshore fishing, Bulletproof Inshore Charters has got you dialed in. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Grab your fishing buddy, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for a half-day of non-stop inshore action. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. Look for them in brackish waters around oyster beds, muddy flats, and pier pilings. They're bottom-feeders with strong jaws perfect for crushing shellfish. Spring's your best bet, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their powerful fight and the unique drumming sound they make. For table fare, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds - the big boys can get tough. Here's a local trick: use fresh crab for bait. It's like candy to them and tends to avoid bait-stealers like catfish. Fish it on the bottom with just enough weight to hold in the current. When you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook.
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are the speedsters of the near-shore waters. These sleek predators typically weigh around 30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in depths from 40 to 150 feet, with bigger ones often lurking in harbors and inlets. Summer and fall are prime seasons when water temps hit the sweet spot between 68-84°F. Anglers love Kings for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They're a blast on light tackle, but be ready for a fight. For the best shot at landing one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Use a double-hook rig with a stinger treble to counter their tendency to bite the tail of the bait. Keep your drag set light - these fish can peel off line in a heartbeat. Remember, the bigger ones have high mercury levels, so catch-and-release is often the way to go with Kings.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. They're easy to spot with that signature black tail spot. Most inshore reds run 28-33 inches, but they can grow to over 40 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water - around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. They love crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Fall is prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and dogged fights. To hook up, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or weedless jerk bait. Work it slow and steady - reds often follow a lure before striking. When you see that copper flash, get ready for action. Remember, big reds over 27 inches are breeders, so consider releasing those to keep the population strong. The smaller ones make excellent table fare.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are inshore favorites known for their spotted bodies and delicate flavor. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters push 40. You'll find them in estuaries, grass flats, and around structure in 1-4 feet of water. They're suckers for shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime, with fish schooling in deeper channels as temperatures drop. Anglers love 'em for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their tasty, flaky meat. Here's a tip: try working a soft plastic shrimp imitation or topwater plug around grass edges at dawn or dusk. Sea trout have soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset. These fish are temperature sensitive, so release them quickly in hot weather to ensure they survive. For eating, the smaller ones tend to taste best.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, with both eyes on their left side and a flat, oval shape perfect for ambushing prey from the bottom. Typically 15-18 inches long and weighing around 5 pounds, these fish are found in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms where they can easily hide. Fall is prime time for catching flounder as they migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of enticing a bite. To up your odds, try using a single-hooked slip lead rig with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Work it slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive "thump" when a flounder strikes. Patience is key - give them a moment to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200