Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Chris Davy's got you covered with this action-packed half-day trip out of Steinhatchee. Whether you're chasing reds in the grass flats or sight-fishing for tarpon, you're in for a treat. With all the gear provided and Chris's local know-how, you'll be hooked up in no time. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to hit the water!
Launching from the Marina at Deadman's Bay, you'll hop aboard Chris's 20-foot Sundance Skiff - a sweet ride that's perfect for cruising the flats and getting into those skinny-water honey holes. Chris provides everything you need: rods, reels, bait, ice, even your fishing license. Just bring some snacks, your camera, and a good attitude. With room for up to three anglers, it's ideal for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. Chris'll have you on the fish in no time, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod.
Steinhatchee's waters are teeming with game fish, and Chris knows just where to find 'em. You'll be targeting a mix of inshore favorites like redfish, sea trout, and flounder. Depending on the season, you might even tangle with some hard-fighting tarpon or sheepshead. Chris is a master at reading the water and adjusting tactics on the fly. You might start off throwing soft plastics for trout, then switch to sight-casting for tailing reds as the tide changes. It's all about adapting to what the fish are doing and maximizing your chances for a cooler full of keepers.
Folks love fishing with Chris because he's not just about putting you on fish - he's passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping you become a better angler. Whether it's perfecting your cast, learning to read the water, or mastering new techniques, you'll come away with skills that'll serve you well on future trips. Plus, Chris's easy-going nature and local stories make for a fun day on the water, even when the bite's slow. It's no wonder many of his clients become regulars, coming back season after season to chase that personal best or just enjoy a relaxing day on the flats.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Steinhatchee staple. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot on the tail, reds can be found year-round in the area. In the cooler months, they school up in the backwaters, while summer finds them prowling the grass flats and oyster bars. There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a red's tail break the surface as it roots for crabs in skinny water.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are another local favorite, prized for both their fight and their taste on the table. These guys love to hang around grass flats and dropoffs, often striking topwater lures with explosive force. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for trout, when they come up to feed on baitfish. Chris knows all the best spots to find the gator trout - those big ones over 20 inches that'll really test your drag.
Flounder: Don't let their flat shape fool you - flounder are ambush predators that put up a surprisingly good fight. They love to bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms near structure, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Drift fishing or slow-trolling with live bait is a great way to target these tasty flatfish. The biggest challenge is often spotting them before they spook, but Chris has a keen eye for picking out their outline on the bottom.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that look like they belong in a human mouth, sheepshead are one of the more unique fish you'll encounter. They're notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. You'll often find them around pilings, jetties, and other structure, where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. The fight can be intense, especially on light tackle.
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are the prize catch for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs. While they're more seasonal than some other species, typically showing up in late spring and summer, hooking into one of these giants is an experience you won't soon forget. Even if you don't land one (and most people don't - tarpon are usually released), the sheer thrill of the fight is worth it.
Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Captain Chris Davy's half-day trip in Steinhatchee has got you covered. With his wealth of local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a treat. The beauty of Steinhatchee's diverse fishery is that every trip is different - you never know what you might catch next. So why wait? Grab your crew, book your trip, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. The fish are biting, and Captain Chris is ready to show you where!
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 20-30 inches and 6-8 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love reds for their hard fights and copper color with that distinctive tail spot. To catch 'em, try a gold spoon or soft plastic jig. Work it slowly along the bottom, keeping an eye out for their wakes or tails in shallow water. When you hook up, be ready for some strong runs. Reds have great stamina and will use the current to their advantage. They're also excellent eating - firm white flesh with a mild flavor. Just don't keep the big breeders - we want to keep the population healthy.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are popular inshore gamefish. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They like cooler water, so spring and fall are prime seasons. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild flesh. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs worked slowly. Dawn and dusk are the best times. Look for them around points, drop-offs, and grass edges. When you feel a tap, don't set the hook right away - trout often strike short, so give them a second to really take the bait. Once hooked, they put up a decent fight with some head shakes and runs. Just be careful not to overcook them - the meat can get mushy fast.
Sheepshead are those weird-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They're here year-round, but winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Anglers love sheepshead for their sweet, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. These bait stealers are notorious for nibbling without getting caught. To land one, use light tackle with a small, strong hook. Fiddler crabs or oysters make great bait. Get as close to the structure as you can and let your bait sink. When you feel a bite, wait a second then set the hook hard. Their tough mouths and those human-like teeth make them tricky to hook, but the fight and flavor are worth it.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are those funky flatfish with both eyes on the left side. They usually run 15-20 inches, but can hit 26 pounds. You'll find them on the bottom in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters. They're masters of camouflage, changing color to match the seafloor. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper water. Anglers love flounder for their mild, delicate flavor. To catch 'em, use a sliding sinker rig with live minnows or strips of squid. Work it slow along the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump. When you feel weight, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder like to grab bait sideways first. Once hooked, they put up a decent fight with some head shakes. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Tarpon are real bruisers - we're talking fish that can hit 8 feet long and 280 pounds. Most are more like 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds though. They love to put on a show, jumping clear out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. Spring and summer are prime time as they migrate through. Anglers chase tarpon for the thrill of the fight, not the meat. These prehistoric fish can gulp air, so they'll hang in spots with low oxygen that other fish avoid. To land one, use a medium-heavy rod with a smooth drag. Live bait like pinfish or crabs works great. Let it drift down to where they're holding. Set the hook hard when you feel weight - these guys have tough mouths. Be ready for some acrobatics once you're hooked up!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: -
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150