Expert Steinhatchee Inshore Fishing | Southern Fried

Full Day Fishing Trip In Steinhatchee

Looking for a solid day of inshore fishing on Florida's Nature Coast? Captain Chris Davy knows these Steinhatchee waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This isn't just another charter – it's your chance to experience what locals have been raving about for years. We're talking redfish cruising the grass flats, flounder lying in wait near the drop-offs, and sea trout that'll test your drag system. You'll launch from the Marina at Deadman's Bay aboard a 25-foot 2021 Ranger that's built for both comfort and fishing performance. Captain Chris provides everything you need – bait, tackle, ice, water, and even covers your fishing licenses. Just bring yourself and up to two buddies for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early at Deadman's Bay Marina, where Captain Chris will have the Ranger rigged and ready to roll. This 2021 boat isn't just eye candy – it's designed specifically for navigating Steinhatchee's diverse inshore waters, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels where the big boys hang out. You'll cover a lot of ground, hitting multiple spots based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of fishing with a local like Captain Chris is that he reads the water conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days you'll be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, other days you'll be working deeper structure for flounder and sheepshead. The pace stays relaxed but productive – perfect for families or groups of friends who want to actually catch fish without feeling rushed. Every angler gets personal attention, whether you're a weekend warrior or picking up a rod for the first time.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

Captain Chris runs a variety of techniques depending on what's working and what you're targeting. Live bait fishing is huge here – we're talking live shrimp, pinfish, and mullet that drive the inshore species absolutely crazy. You'll also get into some artificial action with soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs when the conditions are right. The tackle setup is perfectly matched to Steinhatchee's conditions – medium-action spinning rods with enough backbone to handle a bull redfish but sensitive enough to feel a flounder picking up your bait. All the gear is top-quality and well-maintained, so you won't be dealing with any equipment headaches. Captain Chris is big on teaching proper techniques, so if you want to learn how to read the water, work structure, or improve your casting accuracy, he's got you covered. The boat's equipped with a trolling motor for stealthy approaches to spooky fish, plus all the electronics needed to locate productive bottom and mark fish-holding structure.

Customer Stories

"We really loved our first fishing trip with you. It was awesome. Fishing was great and we had a wonderful time. Captain Chris puts us on the fish and even got to catch and release a shark. Thank you Captain Chris." - Timothy

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Steinhatchee inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars that define this area, and they'll give you a fight that'll test both your tackle and your technique. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from slot-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40 inches. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm, and watching one blow up on a topwater plug in shallow water is pure fishing magic.

Sea trout might not be the biggest fish in these waters, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These spotted beauties patrol the grass flats and drop-offs, especially during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. A good sea trout bite can save the day when other species are being finicky, and they're perfect for getting kids or beginners hooked on saltwater fishing. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot.

Summer flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These flatfish require a different approach – you'll be bouncing baits along the bottom near structure, feeling for that subtle tap that signals a flounder has picked up your offering. They're not flashy fighters, but landing a nice doormat flounder is deeply satisfying, and they're among the best-eating fish in these waters.

Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the inshore world, using their human-like teeth to steal baits with surgical precision. They hang around structure like docks, pilings, and oyster bars, making them relatively easy to locate but challenging to hook. The key is using the right bait – fiddler crabs and barnacles work best – and being ready for their subtle bite. Land a few sheepshead and you'll have some of the finest-tasting fish that swims.

Tarpon represent the ultimate inshore challenge, and Steinhatchee sees good numbers of these silver kings during the warmer months. These prehistoric fish can reach massive sizes and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Most tarpon fishing here is catch-and-release, focusing on the experience rather than keeping fish. Landing a tarpon, even a smaller one, is a bucket-list achievement that'll have you talking for years.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day Steinhatchee adventure with Captain Chris offers everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience on Florida's Nature Coast. With all gear, bait, licenses, and refreshments included, you