Expert Steinhatchee Inshore Fishing | Southern Fried

Full Day Fishing: Steinhatchee's Hidden Gems

Ready to chase some of Florida's most prized inshore species? Captain Chris Davy's got you covered with a full day of fishing fun in Steinhatchee. Whether you're itching to battle a hard-fighting redfish or hoping to land your first flounder, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be cruising the fertile waters of Deadman's Bay, where the fish are plentiful and the scenery's nothing short of stunning. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why Steinhatchee's known as the Big Bend's best-kept fishing secret!

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early at the Marina at Deadman's Bay, where you'll meet up with Captain Chris and hop aboard his 20B Sundance Skiff. This slick little boat's perfect for navigating Steinhatchee's shallow waters and getting you right where the fish are biting. We'll spend the day hitting up Captain Chris's top fishing spots – from grass flats teeming with sea trout to oyster bars where redfish love to hang out. And don't worry if you're new to fishing or feeling a bit rusty – Chris is a pro at helping folks of all skill levels land some impressive catches. With all the gear provided and your fishing license covered, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two).

Top Catches This Season

Steinhatchee's waters are home to a smorgasbord of fish species, and we'll be targeting some real beauties on this trip. Redfish are always a crowd-pleaser, with their copper scales and bulldog fight. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures to entice them out from under docks and around oyster bars. Sea trout are another local favorite – these guys love to hang out in the grass flats, and there's nothing quite like the excitement of a topwater strike. If you're looking for a real challenge, we might even get a shot at some tarpon, depending on the season. These silver kings can put up one heck of a fight! And let's not forget about flounder – these tasty flatfish require a bit of finesse to catch, but boy, are they worth it. Captain Chris will show you the tricks to jigging for these bottom-dwellers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"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: These copper-colored beauties are a staple of Steinhatchee fishing. Known for their distinctive black spot near the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of just a few pounds to bruisers over 40 inches long. They love to cruise the shallows, tailing in mere inches of water as they search for crabs and small fish. The best part? Redfish put up a stellar fight, often making long runs that'll have your drag screaming. Fall and winter are prime times to target these guys, but you can find them year-round in Steinhatchee.

Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a blast to catch on light tackle. They've got a beautiful speckled pattern and can range from little 12-inchers to gator trout pushing 5 pounds or more. Sea trout are ambush predators, often hanging out in deeper potholes on the grass flats. They're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or topwater lure. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for big trout, but you can catch them all year in Steinhatchee.

Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with their delicious taste. Flounder are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the sandy bottom and waiting to ambush passing prey. We'll target them with jigs or live bait, working slowly along drop-offs and channel edges. The biggest flounder, called "doormats," can reach over 20 inches long. Fall is usually the best time for flounder fishing, as they start moving towards the inlets to spawn.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are unmistakable. Sheepshead are structure-loving fish, often found around pilings, jetties, and oyster bars. They're notorious bait stealers, so finesse is key when trying to hook one. But once you do, you're in for a treat – sheepshead put up a great fight for their size and are excellent table fare. Winter and early spring are prime times for sheepshead fishing in Steinhatchee.

Tarpon: The silver king of inshore fishing, tarpon are the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 6 feet long and put on acrobatic displays when hooked, leaping clear out of the water. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the fight – it's catch and release only in Florida. We typically see tarpon in Steinhatchee waters from late spring through summer, with peak season in June and July. Landing one of these giants is a true bucket-list experience for any angler.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks – a full day of fishing in Steinhatchee that's guaranteed to create some lasting memories. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big red, finessing a flounder, or maybe even tangling with a tarpon, Captain Chris has got the skills and local knowledge to put you on the fish. With everything from rods and reels to bait and licenses provided, all you need to do is show up ready for action. Don't let this chance to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing slip away – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So what are you waiting for? Give Captain Chris a call and lock in your date for a day of Steinhatchee fishing at its finest. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that fish of a lifetime!