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Expert Steinhatchee Inshore Fishing | Southern Fried
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Steinhatchee
- $400 - $800 price range
- Updated Date: September 21, 2025
Summary
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Rods Bent, Fish On!
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Reeling in the reds with perfect bait casting technique!
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!
Customer Review
Shark Catch Thrill
Timothy Ratliff
July 19, 2025
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of inshore fishing here. Most run 20-30 inches, but bulls can top 40 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water, often tailing in 1-4 feet deep. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time when big schools gather. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and copper color with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're also excellent eating. Here's a local tip: on hot days, look for them up in flooded grass or mangroves. Use a weedless gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a light jighead. Cast past the fish and slowly retrieve. When you see that big bronze shape turn, hold on tight! The initial run of a big red in shallow water is something you've got to experience. Just remember to handle them carefully – we want to keep our redfish population strong for years to come.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target. Most run 14-24 inches, but trophy fish can hit 5 pounds or more. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love structure like oyster bars and deep holes. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up. Anglers prize sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild flesh. They'll hit a variety of lures, making them fun for all skill levels. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances called "nervous water" – that's often feeding trout. Try a topwater plug walked slowly across the surface. When you see a swirl, pause it, then twitch. The explosion when a big trout hits is unforgettable. Just remember to fish them sustainably – they're too good to only catch once.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with distinctive black and white stripes. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds, but can reach up to 20. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs – anywhere with barnacles or oysters. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers love sheepshead for their crafty nature and excellent table fare. They're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. Here's a local tip: use small, strong hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters. When you feel a nibble, wait a beat before setting the hook hard. It's like a chess match with these clever fish. The fight isn't spectacular, but landing a big sheepshead is deeply satisfying. Plus, that white, flaky meat makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a flatfish with both eyes on the left side. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to blend with the seafloor. Most run 15-20 inches, but trophy fish can hit 26 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and estuaries. Fall is prime time, especially September to November. Anglers love flounder for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking them. These ambush predators wait to pounce on passing prey, so a slow retrieve works best. Here's a local trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish. Bounce it along the bottom with short hops. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to get the bait in its mouth, then reel down and sweep the rod to the side. It's a game of patience, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish around.
Tarpon
Tarpon are a bucket list fish for many anglers, known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful fights. These silver giants can reach 8 feet long and 280 pounds, though most are in the 4-foot, 80-100 pound range. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, often around structures like bridges or channels. Spring and summer are prime tarpon seasons here in Steinhatchee. Folks love targeting them for the pure excitement - hooking into one feels like battling a small car! They're not great eating, so it's all about the thrill of the catch. A local tip: when you feel that first nibble, wait to set the hook until you feel the tarpon's weight. They have bony mouths, so a strong, sideways hook set is key. Bring your A-game and prepare for an arm-wrestling match you won't soon forget.
About the
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: -
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
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.