Ready to reel in some of Florida's most prized inshore species? Captain Ronald Jones is your go-to guy for a full day of fishing action in Placida's rich waters. This 8-hour adventure takes you through winding backwaters and into nearshore hotspots where redfish, snook, and more are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Cap'n Ron's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need to land the big one.
When you step aboard Cap'n Ron's boat, you're in for a treat. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a full-on inshore exploration. We'll cruise through Placida's maze-like backwaters, hitting prime spots for redfish and snook. If the weather's right and you're up for it, we might even push out to nearshore waters for a crack at some bigger game like cobia or gag grouper. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – we go where the fish are biting, and Cap'n Ron's local knowledge means you're always in the right spot at the right time.
On this trip, we're not just casting and hoping – we're using tried-and-true inshore tactics to put you on fish. Expect to do some sight fishing in the shallows, where we'll be stalking redfish tailing in mere inches of water. For snook, we'll be working structure along mangrove shorelines with precision casts. If we venture nearshore, you might find yourself dropping live bait for grouper or sight-casting to cruising cobia. Cap'n Ron's all about hands-on learning, so you'll pick up new skills whether you're a first-timer or an old salt.
Anglers have been crushing it lately in Placida's waters. The redfish bite has been on fire, with several bull reds over 30 inches hitting the deck. Snook fishing has been equally hot, with some lucky anglers landing trophy-sized linesiders in the 40-inch range. And let's not forget about the surprise catches – a few lucky guests have even tangled with some hefty cobia that decided to crash the inshore party.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweights of our nearshore waters. Gags love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting reefs and ledges. They put up a mean fight and make for some excellent table fare. The best time to target them is during the cooler months when they move closer to shore.
Snook: The prized catch of Florida's inshore waters, snook are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These silver-sided gamefish love to ambush prey around mangroves and docks. We target them year-round, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Landing a big snook is a true trophy, and they're catch-and-release only, so bring your camera!
Sheepshead: Don't let their striped, almost comical appearance fool you – these guys are crafty and delicious. Sheepshead are structure-oriented and have a knack for stealing bait. We'll target them around pilings and oyster bars, where their powerful jaws crush crustaceans. They're most active in the cooler months and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.
Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish are a favorite among inshore anglers. We'll sight-fish for them in shallow water, watching for their characteristic tailing behavior. Reds are around all year, but fall is prime time when big schools gather. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a redfish chase down your lure in clear water.
Cobia: These curious fish are often called "crab eaters" and can grow to impressive sizes. We sometimes encounter them while fishing nearshore structures or even free-swimming on the flats. Cobia are known for their powerful runs and tend to show up more in the warmer months. Landing one of these brown bombers is always a highlight of any trip.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Folks come back to fish with Cap'n Ron because of the whole package. You're not just a passenger; you're part of the crew. He'll have you dialed in on the local bite patterns, show you how to read the water, and maybe even spill a few local secrets (if you're lucky). Plus, the scenery around Placida is something else – from quiet mangrove tunnels to wide-open flats, it's a slice of Old Florida that's getting harder to find these days.
Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler (or camera roll) with some of Florida's finest inshore species, this is the trip for you. Cap'n Ron's got the local know-how, the right gear, and the patience to make sure everyone on board has a shot at landing the big one. Whether you're looking to tick species off your list or just want a day of quality fishing with good company, this full-day charter in Placida delivers. The fish are biting, the weather's fine, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let this one slip away – book your trip now and get ready for some real Florida fishing action!
Cobia are powerful fish that'll test your tackle, typically 20-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll often spot them near the surface around buoys, wrecks, or following big rays and sharks. They migrate through our waters in spring and fall. Cobia put up an amazing fight, known for long runs and dogged battles near the boat. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat. Use live eels, big jigs, or sight-cast with bucktails when you see them. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, get it away from the structure fast or it'll break you off. And have a gaff ready - these fish can be a handful at boatside. Just be careful of those powerful tails when you bring them aboard.
Gag Grouper are a prized catch around here, typically weighing 10-30 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so they love structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Gags put up a heck of a fight - they'll try to dive back into their holes, so keep that rod tip up and reel steady. Tasty too, with firm white meat that's great for grilling. One tip: use live bait like pinfish or grunts if you really want to entice the big ones. Just make sure you've got heavy tackle - these fish don't give up easy. Watch out for their teeth when you're unhooking them!
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They average 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or prowling mangrove shorelines, often in just a foot or two of water. Look for their copper color and distinctive black tail spot. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Reds put up a great fight, often making long runs in shallow water. They're also excellent eating. Try gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like pinfish or shrimp. One local trick: on hot days, fish the deeper potholes in grass flats where reds gather to cool off. Just approach quietly - these fish can be spooky in shallow water.
Sheepshead are unique-looking fish with black and white stripes, usually 2-5 pounds but can reach 15. You'll find them around pilings, jetties, and oyster bars - anywhere there's structure with barnacles or crustaceans. They're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Winter and early spring are prime seasons when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead put up a decent fight and are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix. It takes patience, but when you get into them, the action can be non-stop.
Snook are one of our most popular gamefish, growing up to 40 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlets - anywhere there's structure and moving water. They're ambush predators, so cast your lure right up against cover. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Snook put up an amazing fight, with explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent eating, though highly regulated. Use live bait like pilchards or pinfish, or try walk-the-dog topwater lures at dawn and dusk. One local trick: fish the outgoing tide around dock lights at night - that's when big snook come out to feed. Just watch out for their razor-sharp gill plates when handling them.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 62
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150