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Expert-Guided Florida Inshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: December 3, 2025
- Fishing
- $400 price range
- Updated Date: December 4, 2025
Summary
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Reels and Rods in Action
Reel in the Big One on Florida's Coastal Gems
Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Timothy Glover's got you covered with his half-day guided trips out of Crawfordville. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, these 4 to 6-hour adventures are the perfect way to experience the rich fisheries of St. Marks River, Panacea, Econfina, and Apalachee Bay. With all the gear and know-how provided, you'll be hauling in redfish, trout, and more before you know it.
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step aboard Cap'n Tim's boat, you're in for a treat. He's got everything dialed in – from top-notch rods and reels to the freshest live bait. No need to sweat the small stuff like licenses or ice; it's all taken care of. You'll cruise through the skinny waters and hidden honey holes where the fish are biting, with plenty of cold drinks on hand to keep you refreshed. Whether you're bringing the whole family or flying solo, the skipper's got room for up to 4 anglers, with a little wiggle room for extras if needed.
Techniques That Land Lunkers
Cap'n Tim's a master at reading these waters, and he'll have you using tried-and-true local techniques in no time. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in the grass flats, working a popping cork for speckled trout, or dropping live shrimp near structure for black drum. He's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like the perfect retrieve speed for fooling a wary sea trout or the exact spot to place your bait when targeting those big bull reds. And don't worry if you're new to this – the captain's patient teaching style will have you feeling like a pro by trip's end.
Top Catches This Season
The inshore waters around Crawfordville are teeming with game fish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, you'll find hefty black drum congregating near deep holes and bridge pilings. As spring rolls in, the redfish action heats up, with schools of bronze-backed beauties prowling the flats. Summer's the time for speckled trout, when they're eager to smash topwater lures at first light. And don't forget about those hard-fighting black sea bass – they're a blast on light tackle and make for some mighty fine eating, too.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Florida's inshore waters. Known for their powerful runs and tell-tale tail, redfish can grow upwards of 40 inches in these parts. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a "tailing" behavior that gets every angler's heart racing. Cap'n Tim's got a knack for putting you on the reds, whether they're schooling up or hunting solo.
Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted predators are a staple of inshore fishing. They're known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Sea trout often hang around grass flats and oyster bars, ready to ambush baitfish and shrimp. Their delicate flavor makes them a favorite for the dinner table, too.
Black Drum: The cousins of redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes in these waters. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Younger "puppy drum" are excellent eating, while the big ones provide an epic battle on the end of your line. Look for them around structure and in deeper channels, especially during the cooler months.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty little fighters punch well above their weight class. Found around rocky bottoms and reefs, black sea bass are eager biters and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're available year-round but really shine in the cooler months. As a bonus, they're absolutely delicious, with firm white flesh that's perfect for a variety of recipes.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Cap'n Tim's trips offer something for everyone. Families love the laid-back vibe and the chance to create lasting memories together. Beginners appreciate the patient instruction and the thrill of their first catch. And seasoned anglers? They can't get enough of the captain's local knowledge and the chance to target trophy fish in these rich waters. Plus, with morning and afternoon options, it's easy to fit a trip into any schedule. Whether you're on vacation or a local looking for a quick fishing fix, these half-day adventures hit the sweet spot.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks – a chance to fish some of Florida's most productive inshore waters with a guide who knows them like the back of his hand. Cap'n Tim's half-day trips are the perfect way to experience the best of what Apalachee Bay and its surrounding waters have to offer. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty fillets or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, you won't be disappointed. The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and the captain's raring to go. All that's missing is you. So why wait? Grab your spot on the boat and get ready for a fishing trip you won't soon forget. The big one's out there – and Cap'n Tim's gonna help you catch it!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family. These bruisers can top 90 pounds, though most are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them in shallow mudflats and around oyster beds - they love crushing shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum are incredibly adaptable, so you might find them anywhere from freshwater creek mouths to depths of 100 feet. They're not the prettiest fish, but man can they pull! For the best eating, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. When targeting big boys, use fresh crab on the bottom - it's less likely to get stolen by bait thieves. And don't be surprised if you hear them croaking underwater - it's how they communicate during spawning season.
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a fun catch for anglers of all skill levels. These plump-bodied fish typically weigh 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 8 pounds. You'll find them hanging around underwater structures like jetties, piers, and wrecks in waters up to 120 feet deep. Late spring to summer is prime time, when they gather near shore. Black sea bass put up a good fight until they break the surface. To land one, use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line and bottom fish with squid or fish strips. Their white, flaky meat makes for great eating too. Here's a local tip: target rocky bottoms in slightly deeper water for the bigger males. Just remember the seasons - they're usually open February and May through December.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a blast to catch in the shallows. Look for their copper backs and signature tail spot in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds offshore. These fish put up a great fight and will hit just about any bait or lure. Try topwater plugs for explosive strikes, or sight-cast to tailing fish with shrimp imitations. Redfish really turn on in fall when the water cools down. Their light, sweet-tasting meat is popular on dinner tables too. Here's a local trick: on super shallow flats, look for "push water" ahead of cruising reds. Cast well ahead of them and slowly work your lure into their path. With some skill and patience, you'll be hooked up in no time.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target for inshore anglers. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters push 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure and drop-offs. Sea trout are aggressive feeders and great fighters, making them fun to catch on both live bait and artificial lures. Try topwater plugs early morning or evening for exciting strikes. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. The meat is mild and tender - just be careful not to overcook it. Here's a tip: if you're having trouble locating them, try slow-trolling along grass edges. These tasty fish are popular for a reason, so make sure to follow local regulations to keep the population healthy.
About the Apalachee Bay Inshore Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
