Ready for a laid-back day of fishing with the whole family? Our Carrabelle, Florida fishing charters are perfect for groups looking to wet a line and make some memories. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or just want a relaxing day on the water, we've got you covered. We'll provide all the gear and know-how – you just bring the sunscreen and sense of adventure!
Picture this: You're cruising the calm inshore waters of Carrabelle, rod in hand, with your loved ones by your side. Our half-day trips are designed for groups of up to 4, making them ideal for families or small groups of friends. Don't worry if you've never fished before – our experienced captains will show you the ropes and adjust the trip to match your skill level. We'll target popular inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, using techniques that are easy for beginners to pick up. The waters around Carrabelle are teeming with fish, so there's a good chance you'll be reeling in some keepers before you know it!
Fishing with us is all about keeping it simple and fun. We use light tackle gear that's perfect for inshore fishing and easy for kids and beginners to handle. Your captain will set you up with everything you need – rods, reels, bait, and tackle. We'll show you how to cast, how to work your lure, and how to reel in a fish when you get a bite. Our boats are comfortable and stable, perfect for fishing in the protected waters around Carrabelle. We might try a few different spots throughout the day, drifting along grass flats or anchoring near oyster bars where the fish like to hang out. The pace is relaxed, so there's plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and maybe even spot some dolphins or sea birds while you're waiting for the next bite.
Carrabelle's inshore waters are home to a variety of fish that are fun to catch and tasty to eat. Here's a rundown of what you might hook into on your trip:
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers of all skill levels. Redfish, also known as red drum, love to hang out near structure like oyster bars and grass flats. They put up a great fight and can grow to impressive sizes – we're talking 20-30 inches for slot-sized fish. The best part? They're delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these fish are more silver than speckled, but they're a blast to catch. Speckled trout are known for their delicate bite and tendency to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round in Carrabelle. Trout are perfect for light tackle fishing and are another great option for the dinner table.
Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their tasty white meat. Flounder like to hang out on the bottom, often buried in the sand with just their eyes poking out. Catching them requires a bit of finesse, making them a fun challenge for anglers looking to hone their skills. Fall is typically the best time to target flounder as they move to deeper waters.
Black Sea Bass: These dark-colored fish are found near structure like rocks and reefs. They're aggressive feeders and fun to catch, especially for kids or beginners. Sea bass have a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. While they're not huge (typically 1-3 pounds), they make up for it in numbers – when you find a school, you can often catch several in quick succession.
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these fish are smart and can be tricky to catch, which makes landing one even more rewarding. They hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. Grey snapper are known for their light, flaky meat and are considered one of the best-tasting fish in the area. They're active year-round but really heat up in the summer months.
Tripletail: These oddly-shaped fish are a real treat to catch. Tripletail get their name from their large dorsal and anal fins, which make them look like they have three tails. They're often found floating near the surface, mimicking floating debris. Tripletail put up a good fight and are excellent eating. While not as common as some other species, landing a tripletail is always a highlight of any fishing trip.
Carrabelle's fishing scene is something special, and it's not just about what's on the end of your line. The area's natural beauty is off the charts – think pristine beaches, lush coastal forests, and waters so clear you can often see the fish before you catch 'em. Our trips are all about creating a laid-back, fun atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves, regardless of their fishing experience. Many of our guests tell us the best part of their trip was spending quality time with family or friends, away from the distractions of everyday life. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the smile on a kid's face when they reel in their first fish. It's the kind of moment that turns first-timers into lifelong anglers.
If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure in Carrabelle, Florida, you've come to the right place. Our half-day charters are the perfect way to introduce kids to fishing or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water with friends. Remember, we provide all the gear and know-how – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to capture those "first fish" moments). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready to make some unforgettable fishing memories in Carrabelle!
Black Sea Bass are a popular inshore target, typically weighing 1-4 pounds but can reach up to 8 pounds. You'll find them around structure like jetties, piers, and wrecks in waters up to 120 feet deep. They're most active from late spring through summer when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting these fish for their firm, flaky white meat and the fun fight they put up. To catch them, use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line and bottom fish with squid or fish strips. A local tip: look for underwater structure in 30-60 foot depths, and try a two-hook rig with small pieces of cut bait. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so patience and proper bait presentation are key to landing a nice Black Sea Bass.
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are a blast to catch around Carrabelle. These fish usually run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. Look for them around structures like docks, mangroves, and grass flats in shallow water. They're most active at night, so evening trips can be productive. Anglers love Grey Snapper for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present - they're smart and can be finicky. To catch them, use light tackle with a 4J hook and live shrimp or mud minnows. Here's a local trick: thread your shrimp tail-first on the hook to keep it alive longer. Let your bait sink to the bottom near structure, then reel up slightly to avoid snags. Be patient and wait for that telltale tug - Grey Snapper are opportunistic predators and will strike when the moment's right.
Redfish are a staple in Carrabelle's inshore fishing scene. These bronze beauties typically range from 20-35 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds, though most inshore catches are in the 3-10 pound range. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. They're active year-round but especially so in fall. Anglers love Redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. To catch them, try topwater lures like Skitter Walks in shallow water for exciting strikes. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, sight-cast to tailing Redfish in clear flats. Use a weedless soft plastic lure and make a quiet cast well ahead of the fish. Let it sink and twitch it slowly as the Red approaches. This technique can produce some of the most thrilling catches you'll ever experience.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Carrabelle's inshore waters. These fish typically range from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some can get much bigger. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They prefer cooler temperatures, so fall through spring is prime time. Anglers love Sea Trout for their delicate, mild flavor and the fun they provide on light tackle. To catch them, try artificial lures like jerk baits, topwater plugs, or soft plastics that mimic shrimp. Here's a local tip: during winter, look for deeper channels where big schools gather in waters up to 164 feet deep. Troll slowly along these areas if you're having trouble locating them. Remember, Sea Trout have soft mouths, so use a light touch when setting the hook and reeling them in.
Tripletail are an oddball catch that's becoming more popular around Carrabelle. These weird-looking fish typically run 18 inches and 2-13 pounds, but can reach up to 40 pounds. You'll find them floating near the surface around structure, buoys, or floating debris. They're most active in warm months, peaking in July and August. Anglers love Tripletail for their firm, tasty meat (similar to Snapper) and the unique challenge of sight-fishing for them. To catch one, use light tackle and sight-cast with live shrimp or small crabs. Here's a local trick: when you spot a Tripletail, don't cast directly at it. These fish spook easily, so cast beyond it and slowly work your bait back. Be ready for a quick, powerful strike when the fish decides to eat. It's a visual game that'll test your patience and casting skills, but landing a big Tripletail is incredibly rewarding.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 140