Get ready for a half-day of non-stop action on the water with Captain Chris Davy in beautiful Steinhatchee, Florida. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this inshore fishing trip is your ticket to hooking into some of the Sunshine State's most prized catches. We're talking monster redfish, speckled sea trout, and those tasty flounder that'll have you coming back for seconds. With all the gear provided and room for up to three guests, it's the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon with friends and family. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to see why Steinhatchee is a fisherman's paradise!
Your adventure kicks off at the Marina at Deadman's Bay, where you'll hop aboard Captain Chris's 20B Sundance Skiff. This bad boy is built for both comfort and fish-catching performance, so you'll be cruising in style. As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got all the local intel on where the fish are biting. We'll hit up some prime spots, from grass flats to oyster bars, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish. And don't worry if you're new to this – the Captain's got you covered with tips and tricks to improve your game. Before you know it, you'll be reeling in your first catch of the day!
Alright, let's talk fish. Steinhatchee is known for its variety, and boy, do we have some beauties lined up for you. Redfish are the stars of the show around here – these copper-colored brutes put up a fight that'll have your arms burning (in the best way possible). Then there's the speckled sea trout, a local favorite that's as fun to catch as it is delicious to eat. If you're lucky, we might even run into some tarpon, the silver kings of the flats that'll test your skills and your tackle. And let's not forget about the flounder and sheepshead – these bottom-dwellers might not look like much, but they're some of the tastiest fish you'll ever sink your teeth into. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. From light tackle to sight fishing, we'll adjust our techniques to make sure you're in on the action all day long.
There's something special about fishing in Steinhatchee that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the laid-back vibe of the town, where time seems to slow down and the only thing that matters is the tug on your line. Or perhaps it's the thrill of never knowing what you might catch next – one minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're finessing a flounder off the bottom. Captain Chris has a way of making every trip feel like you're fishing with an old buddy, sharing stories and laughs between casts. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fish for dinner. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida's Nature Coast, this half-day trip hits all the right notes.
Let's break down some of the all-stars you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, the redfish – these guys are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee fishing. They range from scrappy "rat reds" to monster bull reds that'll make your drag scream. Redfish love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, and they're suckers for a well-placed live shrimp or artificial lure. The best part? They're around all year, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers.
Sea trout are another fan favorite. These spotted beauties are known for their acrobatic leaps and delicate white meat. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, and love to ambush bait in deeper holes and along grass edges. A popping cork with a live shrimp is like ringing the dinner bell for these guys.
Now, let's talk about the flounder – the ninjas of the flats. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the sand and waiting to ambush prey. They might not look like much, but hooking into a big doormat flounder is always a treat. Spring and fall are your best bets for flounder, and they love a slowly dragged soft plastic or live minnow.
Sheepshead are the oddballs of the bunch, with their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office. These structure-loving fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, when they gather around pilings and rocky areas to spawn.
Last but not least, there's the tarpon – the silver king of the flats. These prehistoric monsters can reach well over 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays. Hooking into a tarpon is like tying your line to a Mack truck with a bad attitude. They typically show up in the late spring and stick around through summer, following schools of baitfish along the coast. Landing a tarpon is a bucket-list item for many anglers, and Captain Chris knows just where to find them when they're in town.
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, check your pulse! This half-day trip with Captain Chris is the real deal – all the gear you need, a comfy boat, and a guide who knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with some hard-fighting reds, fill the cooler with tasty trout and flounder, or maybe even tangle with a high-flying tarpon, Steinhatchee's got it all. And remember, with room for up to three guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. The fish are biting, the sun is shining, and Captain Chris is ready to show you the best that Florida's Nature Coast has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready for a fishing trip you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's go fishing!
Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in 1-2 feet. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time when they school up for spawning. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and copper-colored sides. They're not picky eaters - live bait, cut bait, or lures all work well. One local trick: look for "nervous water" where their tails or backs break the surface. Sneak up quietly and make a long cast just beyond them. Let your bait sit until you see a wake heading toward it, then hang on tight. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big red inhaling your bait.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. They usually run 14-24 inches, but some monsters hit 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love structure and often hang around oyster bars and creek mouths. Fall and winter are prime, when they school up in deeper holes. Anglers prize them for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to hit lures. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly effective. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for them busting bait on the surface. Cast a topwater plug into the fray and hold on. It's some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can hit 20 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find these structure-loving fish around pilings, reefs, and rocky areas. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they spawn near inlets. Anglers love 'em for their fight and fantastic table fare. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need a sensitive touch. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait. Local tip: use a small, sharp hook and wait for the second tap before setting it. When you feel weight, set hard - their mouths are tough. Cleaning them can be a chore, but the sweet white meat is worth it.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and inlets. They're ambush predators, so look for structure they might hide near. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water. Anglers love flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They have a unique sideways bite, so you gotta be quick on the set. Live bait like minnows or strips of squid work well. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, drop your rod tip and give 'em a second before setting the hook. It's all about timing with these guys. Once hooked, they put up a decent fight with some dogged runs.
Tarpon are real bruisers, often hitting 80-100 pounds with some monsters pushing 280. These silver kings are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. You'll find them cruising the flats, channels, and near coastal structures. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate through. Anglers love 'em for the intense fight - hooking one is like strapping yourself to a rocket. To land these beasts, use heavy tackle and be ready for a workout. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works great. My local tip: when you see 'em rolling, cast beyond and slowly retrieve across their path. Patience and a smooth presentation are key. Whether you boat one or not, battling a tarpon is an experience you won't forget.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: -
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150