Elite Steinhatchee Inshore Fishing | Southern Fried

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Steinhatchee
$400 - $800 price range
Updated Date: September 21, 2025

Summary

Ready for a fantastic day of fishing in Steinhatchee? Captain Chris Davy's 3/4 day inshore trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. You'll head out on a 20-foot Sundance Skiff, built for both comfort and performance, to target a variety of species like redfish, sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, and even tarpon. Leaving from the Marina at Deadman's Bay, you'll explore the rich waters of Florida's Gulf Coast. Captain Chris provides everything you need - bait, tackle, ice, water, and fishing licenses for up to three guests. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, he'll make sure you have a great time on the water. You'll pick up new techniques, learn about the local ecosystem, and hopefully land some impressive catches. It's a hands-on experience that showcases the best of Florida fishing, all wrapped up in a fun, relaxed day on the water.

Elite Steinhatchee Inshore Fishing | Southern Fried

Inshore Action Shots

Cast your line in peaceful Steinhatchee waters

Sunrise bites in Steinhatchee never disappoint

Reeling memories in quiet Steinhatchee creeks

Calm mornings and strong pulls in Steinhatchee

Reel in the Big Ones on Steinhatchee's Flats

Get ready for a fish-filled adventure on the beautiful waters of Steinhatchee, Florida! Captain Chris Davy's 3/4 day trip is the perfect way to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Sunshine State has to offer. Whether you're chasing redfish in the shallows or hoping to land a monster tarpon, this trip has something for anglers of all skill levels. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to hit the flats!

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early at the Marina at Deadman's Bay, where you'll hop aboard Captain Chris's 20-foot Sundance Skiff. This versatile boat is perfect for navigating Steinhatchee's diverse inshore waters, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. With room for up to three guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast and reel in your catch. Captain Chris provides all the gear you need, including top-notch rods, reels, and fresh bait. He'll even take care of your fishing license, so you can focus on what matters – catching fish!

Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots

Steinhatchee's waters offer a mix of fishing techniques to keep things interesting. You might start the day sight-fishing for redfish tailing in the shallows, using light tackle and artificial lures to entice a bite. As the sun climbs higher, you could switch to drifting live bait for sea trout over deeper grass beds. Captain Chris knows all the local honey holes, from oyster bars where sheepshead hang out to deep holes that hold big flounder. He'll tailor the day to match conditions and what's biting, always aiming to put you on the fish.

Top Catches This Season

Steinhatchee's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but some seasons really shine. Spring and fall are prime time for redfish, when schools of bulls cruise the flats. Summer brings the chance to tangle with hard-fighting tarpon as they migrate along the coast. Flounder fishing heats up in the cooler months, with some real doormats lurking around structure. And don't forget about the ever-present sea trout – these tasty fighters are a staple of Steinhatchee fishing trips.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," hooking into one of these acrobatic monsters is a bucket-list experience for many anglers. Tarpon in Steinhatchee can reach over 100 pounds, and their aerial displays are legendary. They typically show up in late spring and stick around through summer, offering heart-pounding action on heavy tackle.

Summer Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. Steinhatchee's flounder tend to hang around structure like docks and fallen trees. Captain Chris will show you how to work a jig or live bait along the bottom to entice these ambush predators. The bigger ones, called "doormats," can stretch over 20 inches!

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are a unique target in Steinhatchee's waters. These crafty fish have powerful jaws full of human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. They're notorious bait-stealers, so feeling the bite takes practice. But once you hook one, you're in for a stubborn fight and some excellent table fare.

Sea Trout: A staple of inshore fishing, sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are abundant in Steinhatchee's grass flats. These cousins of the weakfish put up a great fight on light tackle and are known for their delicate flavor. Look for them around potholes in the grass or along channel edges, especially during moving tides.

Redfish: Perhaps the most sought-after inshore species in Florida, redfish are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee fishing. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in shallow water or schooling up in deeper holes. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest-fighting fish in the area, and their distinctive spot makes for great photos.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it! Steinhatchee offers a laid-back, Old Florida vibe that's getting harder to find these days. The scenery is stunning, with miles of undeveloped coastline and crystal-clear flats. Wildlife sightings are common, from ospreys diving for fish to dolphins playing in the boat wake. And let's not forget the satisfaction of learning new techniques from a pro like Captain Chris. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're sure to pick up some tricks to improve your fishing game.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer? Captain Chris Davy and Southern Fried Charters are waiting to show you the magic of Steinhatchee's waters. With all gear provided and his years of local knowledge, you're set up for a day of non-stop action and unforgettable memories. Whether you're dreaming of that bull redfish, hoping to check tarpon off your bucket list, or just want to fill the cooler with tasty trout and flounder, this trip delivers. Don't miss out on your chance to get in on the action – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your 3/4 day trip now and get ready to feel that tug on the line!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. They average 28-33 inches when full grown, but can push 45 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up for spawning. Anglers go crazy for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll eat just about anything, making them great for beginners and pros alike. Live bait like mullet or cut pinfish works well, but artificials are just as effective. Here's a tip: look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. A well-placed cast can lead to an explosive take right on the surface.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters can hit 30 inches. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love structure like oyster bars and drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime, as they school up in deeper holes. Anglers prize them for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to hit lures. Soft plastics work great, especially shrimp imitations. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for them feeding on the surface. A topwater walk-the-dog lure can lead to explosive strikes you won't forget.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing, with human-like teeth and black and white stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, jetties. They're here year-round, but winter and early spring are best as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait stealers. Their teeth can make short work of crustaceans, so you need to be quick on the hookset. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, white meat. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait. Pro tip: use a small, strong hook and thread the crab on sideways. It's harder for the sheepshead to steal and gives you a better chance at a solid hookup.

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are crafty ambush predators that blend right into the seafloor. They average 15-20 inches but can hit 26 pounds. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, especially near sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall is prime time as they migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of outwitting these masters of camouflage. They put up a good fight too, with strong runs and head shakes. Live bait like minnows or squid strips work great. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Count to three – flounder often grab the bait sideways before turning it to swallow. That pause lets them get it just right, increasing your hookup rate.

Tarpon

Tarpon are real showstoppers, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. Most you'll see are 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds though. They're famous for their acrobatics, leaping 10 feet out of the water. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. Spring and summer are prime time, especially around full and new moons. Anglers love targeting them for the intense fight and the thrill of seeing a giant silver fish launch into the air. They're not great eating, so it's all about the sport. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well. My tip? When you feel that first nibble, wait a second before setting the hook hard. Tarpon have bony mouths, so you need a solid hookset to land one of these prehistoric beasts.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: -

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Chris Davy's 20B Sundance Skiff is your ticket to a great day of fishing in Steinhatchee. This versatile boat is perfect for inshore trips, comfortably accommodating up to three guests. Its design balances comfort and performance, allowing you to navigate shallow waters with ease while still providing a smooth ride. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to cast your lines and reel in the catch of the day. With its reliable engine and sturdy construction, this skiff is well-suited for pursuing redfish, sea trout, flounder, and other local species. The boat is equipped with all the necessary fishing gear, safety equipment, and amenities to ensure a productive and enjoyable outing on the waters of Deadman's Bay.

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