Top-Rated Steinhatchee Fishing Charters | Florida

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Hop aboard Captain Chris Davy's 20B Sundance Skiff for a full day of fishing in Steinhatchee, Florida. This inshore trip is perfect for groups of up to three, whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned angler. You'll cruise out from the Marina at Deadman's Bay, targeting a variety of species including Redfish, Sea Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and even Tarpon. Captain Chris provides everything you need - bait, tackle, ice, water, and fishing licenses are all included. He'll share his local knowledge and help you improve your technique while you enjoy the beautiful waters around Steinhatchee. It's a great way to spend time with friends or family, soak up the Florida sunshine, and hopefully land some impressive catches. With Captain Chris's expertise, you're in for a fun, laid-back day on the water with plenty of fishing action.

Top-Rated Steinhatchee Fishing Charters | Florida

Reels and Keels

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: Steinhatchee's Full Day Feast

Get ready for a serious day of rod-bending action in the fish-rich waters of Steinhatchee, Florida. Captain Chris Davy's full-day inshore trip is your ticket to hooking into some of the Sunshine State's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to experience the thrill of Florida fishing at its finest, this trip has got you covered. With all the gear provided and Captain Chris's local know-how, you're in for a day of non-stop action that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

What to Expect on the Water

Kicking off bright and early from the Marina at Deadman's Bay, you'll hop aboard Captain Chris's 20B Sundance Skiff – a sweet ride that's built for both comfort and fish-slaying performance. This rig can handle up to three anglers, making it perfect for a small group of friends or a family outing. As you cruise out, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of coastal birds that call this area home. Once we hit our spots, it's time to get down to business. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Chris will make sure you're dialed in on the best techniques to land the day's targets.

Top Catches This Season

Steinhatchee's inshore waters are teeming with a variety of gamefish, and we've got the inside scoop on how to hook 'em. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's hot that day. For redfish and trout, we might be tossing soft plastics or working topwater lures around oyster bars and grass flats. When it comes to sheepshead, we'll often switch to fiddler crabs or shrimp and fish tight to structure. Flounder love a well-presented jig or live bait dragged slowly along the bottom. And if we're lucky enough to tangle with a tarpon, hold on tight – these silver kings will test your mettle with acrobatic jumps and blistering runs.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Steinhatchee offers a slice of Old Florida that's getting harder to find these days. The laid-back vibe, crystal-clear waters, and abundance of wildlife make every trip special. Captain Chris's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Plus, with all the gear provided, including licenses, you can just show up ready to fish. No hassle, no fuss – just pure fishing enjoyment from start to finish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Steinhatchee anglers. Known for their powerful runs and delicious taste, redfish can be found year-round but really heat up in the fall. Look for their distinctive tail fins (spots) breaking the surface as they feed in shallow water. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, with some real bulls pushing past 40 inches.

Sea Trout: Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee's inshore fishing scene. These spotted beauties are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them year-round. We'll target them over grass flats and around creek mouths, often using popping corks to entice strikes. A 20-inch trout is considered a good catch, with gator trout over 24 inches not uncommon.

Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their tasty white meat. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, as we'll be working jigs or live bait slowly along sandy bottoms and around structure. Fall is the best time to target big flounder as they move towards the Gulf. A 3-pounder is a nice catch, but we occasionally see doormat-sized fish pushing 5 pounds or more.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a unique target. These structure-loving fish are masters at stealing bait, so hooking them requires quick reflexes and a bit of luck. Winter and early spring are prime times to target sheepshead around pilings, rocks, and oyster bars. A 5-pound sheepshead is considered a good catch, but trophy fish over 10 pounds are possible.

Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish for many anglers, and Steinhatchee offers some world-class tarpon fishing in the summer months. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. Hooking a tarpon is thrilling; landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget. We'll target them with live bait or artificials, often sight-casting to rolling fish. Even a small 40-pounder will test your arms and your drag.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, Captain Chris Davy's full-day trip in Steinhatchee is calling your name. With a variety of species to target, top-notch equipment, and a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand, you're in for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer or just want to feel the rush of battling some hard-fighting fish, this trip delivers. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot now and get ready to create some lasting memories on the water. The fish are waiting, and Captain Chris is ready to put you on them. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, but can grow much larger. Look for them tailing in shallow flats or cruising near oyster bars and mangroves. They love to hunt in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers prize redfish for their strong fights and excellent eating. That distinctive tail spot helps you ID them. For sight fishing, use a gold spoon or weedless soft plastic. If you can't see them, try a popping cork with live shrimp. When a red takes your bait, let it run a bit before setting the hook. Once hooked, they'll make powerful runs, so be ready to adjust your drag. There's nothing like the pull of a big red on light tackle.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target. They usually run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with some gators topping 5 pounds. You'll find them in grassy flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars. They like moving water, so fish the tide changes. Fall and spring are peak seasons as they feed heavily. Trout are fun to catch on light tackle and make excellent table fare. They have soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset. I like to use a popping cork rig with live shrimp or a soft plastic under it. Work it with sharp twitches to mimic a fleeing baitfish. When you see that cork disappear, reel down and sweep the rod to set the hook. Sea trout often school up, so if you catch one, there are likely more nearby.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can top 10 pounds. Look for them around docks, pilings, and oyster beds - anywhere with barnacles or crustaceans to munch on. Winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Anglers target sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth. Use small, strong hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Fish right up against structure, feeling for the lightest taps. Set the hook fast and hard when you feel weight. It takes practice, but landing a big sheepshead is hugely satisfying. Just watch out for those sharp dorsal spines when handling them.

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage with both eyes on their left side. They typically run 15-20 inches and a few pounds, but can reach over 20 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or drop-offs. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before winter. Anglers love flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They have a subtle bite, so stay alert. I like to use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish, bouncing it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. These flatfish put up a good fight for their size.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the giants of inshore fishing, growing up to 8 feet long and 280 pounds. Most average 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds. They're famous for their acrobatic jumps, leaping 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, often around structures like bridges or reefs. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they migrate to our area. Anglers love targeting tarpon for the explosive strikes and powerful fights. They're not great eating, so it's all about the thrill of the catch. When you hook one, keep your rod tip up and let it run to tire itself out. Be ready for those spectacular jumps - that's when many shake the hook loose. Patience is key with these silver kings.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: -

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Captain Chris Davy's 20B Sundance Skiff is ready to take you on a full day of fishing fun in Steinhatchee. This nimble vessel is perfect for navigating the inshore waters, offering both comfort and performance as you seek out Redfish, Sea Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and even Tarpon. With room for up to three guests, it's ideal for a small group of friends or family looking to spend quality time on the water. The boat is well-equipped with all the gear you'll need, including bait, tackle, and ice. Plus, Captain Chris provides water and takes care of your fishing licenses, so you can focus on the excitement of the catch. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, this trip offers something for everyone. Get ready to cast your line and make some great memories on the beautiful waters of Steinhatchee!

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