Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Englewood, FL

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$480 - $720 price range
Updated Date: September 6, 2025

Summary

Captain Ronald Jones offers a flexible 4-hour inshore fishing charter out of Englewood, Florida. You'll head out morning or afternoon to target popular catches like redfish, sea trout, gag grouper, snapper, and amberjack. If conditions allow, you might even venture into the Gulf for some nearshore action. This trip works for all skill levels - whether you're just starting out or have years of experience. No need to worry about gear either. The captain provides quality rods, reels, tackle, and takes care of fishing licenses too. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great option for small groups or families looking to explore Southwest Florida's productive inshore waters. Captain Jones knows these waters well and adapts the day to give you the best shot at hooking into some quality fish. Expect a mix of structure fishing, drifting flats, and working shorelines as you search for the bite.

Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Englewood, FL

Inshore Action Shots

null

Fishing success in Placida

Placida fishing adventure begins

Fresh Grouper from Placida trip

Reel in the Action: Englewood Inshore Fishing

Hey there, anglers! Ready to get your lines wet in some of Southwest Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Ronald Jones here, and I'm itching to show you the sweet spots around Englewood where the redfish and snapper are practically begging to be caught. This 4-hour trip is perfect whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. We'll hit the flats, cruise the mangroves, and maybe even sneak out to the nearshore Gulf if the weather's playing nice. Trust me, once you've felt the tug of a big red on light tackle, you'll be hooked for life.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're gliding across glassy waters as the sun peeks over the horizon, rod in hand, anticipation building. That's how we kick off our morning charters. Or if you're more of an afternoon person, no worries – we've got trips that'll let you sleep in and still get your fish on. We're talking versatile fishing here, folks. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you're dropping baits near structure for some hard-fighting snapper. And hey, if the Gulf's calm, we might just run out a bit to tangle with some gags or AJs. The best part? I've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to that all-important fishing license. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack or two.

Top Catches This Season

Let's talk technique, 'cause that's what separates the keepers from the throwbacks. For redfish, we're often working the edges of grass flats or mangrove shorelines. I'll show you how to work a soft plastic on a jighead or maybe free-line a live pinfish – it's all about matching the hatch and presenting it just right. When we're after snapper, precision is key. We'll use light tackle and drop our baits right into their hidey-holes around docks or oyster bars. And if we venture into deeper water for grouper, get ready for some arm-wrestling. Bottom fishing with live bait or jigging can really get those gags fired up. Don't worry if you're new to this – I'll walk you through every cast and retrieve until you're hauling 'em in like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can grow over 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They love to cruise the shallows, especially on a flooding tide, and when they're tailing, it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch 'em year-round here.

Now, let's talk snapper – specifically, those tasty grey (mangrove) snapper. These guys are the ninjas of the inshore world. They're quick, they're smart, and they taste amazing on the grill. You'll find them hanging around structure, ready to ambush any bait that comes their way. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but pound for pound, they're some of the best fighting and eating fish out there.

Gag grouper are the heavyweights of our nearshore waters. These bottom-dwelling brutes can grow over 50 pounds and will test your strength and your gear. They love to hunker down in rocky areas or artificial reefs, and when you hook one, be ready for a battle. The season's limited, but when it's open, it's game on.

Sea trout, or spotted seatrout as they're officially known, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're abundant, they're aggressive, and they're a blast on light tackle. Look for them over grass flats, especially early in the morning when they're actively feeding on the surface. A well-placed topwater lure can lead to some explosive strikes.

Last but not least, we've got amberjack. These offshore powerhouses aren't always on the menu for our inshore trips, but when conditions allow us to venture out, they're a target you won't soon forget. AJs are like underwater freight trains – hook into one, and you'd better have your drag set right, or they'll smoke your reel faster than you can say "Fish on!"

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these waters for years, and I still get excited every time I leave the dock. There's something special about Englewood's inshore fishing scene. Maybe it's the variety – one day you're sight fishing for reds, the next you're bottom bouncing for grouper. Or maybe it's the laid-back vibe – no need for fancy gear or a PhD in angling here. We keep it simple, we keep it fun, and we catch fish. That's what brings folks back time and time again. Plus, with our flexible scheduling, you can fit in a morning trip before the family beach day or cap off your vacation with an evening charter. It's fishing on your terms, and that's how it should be.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, here's the deal: Englewood's inshore waters are calling, and the fish are waiting. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just soak up some Florida sunshine, this trip's got you covered. We've got the gear, we've got the know-how, and we've got the hot spots dialed in. All that's missing is you. So what do you say? Let's get out there and make some memories. Trust me, once you've felt that first big red surge away with your line, or pulled up a chunky snapper from its hidey-hole, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot now and let's get fishing!

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are a prized catch in our waters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so look for structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They'll put your skills to the test, often trying to dive back into their rocky homes. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but I've had great luck with large jigs too. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first bump, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and start to run – that's when you'll get a solid hookset. Just be ready for a battle, as these fish don't give up easily!

Grey Snapper

Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are a blast to catch inshore. They usually run 1-5 pounds, but can get bigger offshore. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, and any structure in 5-100 feet of water. These fish are smart and have great eyesight, so light tackle and stealth are key. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially during summer months. Anglers love targeting Grey Snapper for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. They're known for their quick, light bite and for racing back to cover once hooked. Live shrimp is hard to beat for bait, but small pilchards work well too. Here's a tip: use a fluorocarbon leader to improve your chances – these fish can be leader shy in clear water. Once you hook one, get it away from structure fast or you'll lose it!

Red Grouper

Red Grouper are a favorite target, typically weighing 5-15 pounds inshore, but they can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-300 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders, so look for areas with lots of bait fish. Fall and winter are great seasons, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Red Grouper for their hard fighting and excellent eating quality. They'll test your gear and your arms, often trying to dive back into their rocky lairs. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but large jigs can be effective too. Here's a local trick: when you're bottom fishing for them, give your bait a few quick jerks to stir up the bottom – this can trigger strikes from nearby grouper. Just be ready to crank hard when you feel that thump, or they'll rock you up in no time!

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are a top target in our area. They average 3-10 pounds inshore, but bulls over 30 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and tailing in grass during high tide. They love structure, so target mangrove edges and docks. Fall is prime time, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love Reds for their powerful runs and their copper color with that distinctive spot near the tail. They'll test your drag system and your patience, often making long runs when hooked. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet works great, but they'll also hit artificial lures. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in shallow grass flats. Cast well ahead of them and slowly drag your bait into their path for explosive strikes. Just be ready to hold on tight!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a staple of our inshore fishing. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during winter. They love moving water, so fish the tide changes. Spring and fall are prime, but we catch them year-round. Anglers enjoy Sea Trout for their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate flavor. They're not the hardest fighters, but their acrobatic jumps make for exciting catches. Soft plastic jigs and topwater lures work great, especially at dawn and dusk. Here's a tip: when you find a school, don't leave. These fish often hang in groups, so if you catch one, there are likely more nearby. Try varying your retrieve speed to trigger more bites – sometimes a slow drag along the bottom is irresistible to a big trout.

About the Saltwater Spoiled Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 62

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Ronald Jones welcomes you aboard his well-equipped vessel for a laid-back 4-hour inshore fishing adventure in Englewood, Florida. This versatile charter can accommodate up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small groups or families. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, you'll find plenty of action as you target prized catches like redfish, sea trout, gag grouper, snapper, and amberjack in the rich coastal waters. The captain provides all the necessary gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. With morning and afternoon departures available, you can choose the time that works best for your schedule. If conditions allow, you might even venture into the Gulf of Mexico for a change of scenery and additional fishing opportunities. Throughout your trip, Captain Ronald will share local knowledge and fishing tips to help you make the most of your time on the water. Get ready for a fun-filled day of fishing in the beautiful Southwest Florida inshore waters!

Sitemap