Ready to hit the flats and backwaters of Placida for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer? Saltwater Spoiled Fishing has you covered with our customized charters targeting redfish, snook, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we'll put you on the fish and show you the ropes of inshore fishing in this pristine corner of the Sunshine State.
Our trips are all about flexibility and maximizing your time on the water. You can choose between 4- or 6-hour charters, giving you plenty of time to explore Placida's productive inshore waters. We'll cruise through mangrove-lined backwaters, grass flats, and oyster bars where the fish love to hang out. Depending on conditions and your preferences, we can even venture into nearshore waters for a shot at cobia or gag grouper. The beauty of Placida fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you could be working a topwater lure for explosive snook strikes.
No need to worry about bringing your own tackle – we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and all the bait and lures you'll need. We primarily use light to medium spinning gear, perfect for battling inshore species without wearing yourself out. Depending on the target and conditions, we might be throwing soft plastics, working topwater plugs, or live-baiting with pilchards or pinfish. For the fly anglers out there, just let us know and we'll make sure to bring the long rods. Our captains are all about hands-on instruction, so whether you're looking to fine-tune your casting or learn the basics of reading the water, we've got your back.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Placida's reds range from "rat reds" in the 18-inch class up to bull reds pushing 40 inches. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars, often giving themselves away with their signature tail-waving behavior. Fall and winter are prime time for redfish, but you can catch them year-round.
Snook: If you're after a hard-fighting, acrobatic inshore game fish, snook are tough to beat. These line-sides are ambush predators, often found lurking around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and creek mouths. They're most active in the warmer months, with spring and fall being particularly good. Snook have a knack for finding structure to wrap you around, so be ready for a true test of your angling skills.
Sea Trout: Often overlooked but always fun to catch, sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are abundant in Placida's grassy flats. They're great for anglers of all skill levels, readily hitting a variety of lures and baits. While most run in the 15-20 inch range, gator trout over 24 inches are not uncommon. These tasty fish are available year-round but tend to be most active in cooler months.
Cobia: When we venture into nearshore waters, cobia become a prime target. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting to these powerful fighters. They typically show up in spring and fall, following bait schools and rays. Cobia can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon.
Gag Grouper: Another nearshore favorite, gag grouper are structure-loving fish that put up a great fight and make for excellent table fare. We typically target them around reefs and ledges, using heavy tackle to winch them away from their rocky lairs. The cooler months are best for gags, with the bite really heating up in fall and winter.
Placida might not be as well-known as some other Florida fishing destinations, but that's part of its charm. Our waters are less pressured, giving you a shot at some truly quality fish. The diversity of species and fishing grounds means there's always something biting, no matter the season. And let's not forget the scenery – from ospreys diving for fish to dolphins cruising the flats, there's always something to see between bites.
Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing spot or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida inshore fishing, our Placida charters deliver the goods. With all gear provided and trips tailored to your skill level, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and a camera to capture your trophy moments. Ready to get salty? Give us a call and let's get you on the water – the fish are waiting!
Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll hook around here. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around structures like buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often investigate anything floating on the surface. That makes sight fishing for them a blast. Live eels or big jigs are go-to baits. Once hooked, be ready for a long, strong fight. They'll make blistering runs and can be stubborn boat-side. Here's a pro tip: always have a big bucktail jig ready to pitch if you spot one following the boat. Cobia are also excellent eating, with firm, white meat that's great on the grill.
Gag Grouper are tough customers, typically weighing 20-50 pounds. They love structure, so we target them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're moving between deep and shallow waters. Anglers prize Gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To land one, use heavy tackle and get 'em off the bottom quick - they'll dive for cover if you give 'em a chance. Live bait like pinfish or grunts works great, but large jigs can also do the trick. When you hook up, be ready for a battle. These fish pull hard and don't give up easy, making for an exciting catch every time.
Redfish are a staple in our shallow waters, usually hanging out in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. They average 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches show up in the fall. These fish are known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. Reds put up a great fight, often making strong runs when hooked. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round. Gold spoons, soft plastics, and cut bait all work well. One trick: look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. That sight fishing is hard to beat. Redfish are also excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor that's hard to top. Just remember, slot limits apply to protect the breeding stock.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in our shallow waters. These fish typically run 14-24 inches, but bigger ones over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea Trout are fun to catch on light tackle and make great eating too. Their soft mouth means you need to play them carefully - no horsing them in. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs work great too. Here's a local tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. They often school up, so if you catch one, work that area thoroughly before moving on.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish around here, growing up to 4 feet long. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and seawalls, especially in the warmer months. They're ambush predators, so look for points and cuts where they can attack bait. Snook put up an amazing fight - they'll run for cover and jump clear out of the water. Fall and spring are great times to target them as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Use live bait like pilchards or pinfish, or try topwater lures at dawn and dusk for explosive strikes. A local trick: fish the outgoing tide around dock lights at night. Snook gather there to feed on bait attracted by the light. Just remember, they can be picky, so sometimes you gotta switch up your presentation to get 'em to bite.
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