Top-Rated Steinhatchee Fishing Charters | Florida

Full Day Fishing Trip In Steinhatchee - Big Fish

Looking for a fishing adventure that'll have you talking for months? Captain Chris Davy's full-day inshore trip out of Steinhatchee is exactly what you need. This top-rated charter takes you into some of Florida's most productive waters, where the grass flats and rocky structure hold everything from heavyweight redfish to acrobatic tarpon. You'll fish aboard a brand-new 25-foot Ranger that's built for comfort and performance, departing from the Marina at Deadman's Bay with everything included – bait, tackle, ice, water, and your fishing licenses. Whether you're bringing the family or a group of buddies, Captain Chris keeps it fun and educational for anglers of all skill levels.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early at Deadman's Bay Marina, where you'll meet Captain Chris and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The 2021 Ranger is rigged with quality gear and designed to handle Steinhatchee's shallow waters and open bay areas with ease. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might start working the grass flats for trout and redfish, then move to structure for sheepshead and flounder. The beauty of a full-day trip is the flexibility – if the bite is hot in one spot, you can stay put, or if you want to chase different species, there's time to move around and try new areas. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts the approach based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish.

Techniques and Top Spots

Steinhatchee's inshore fishing is all about reading the water and matching your technique to the target. You'll likely spend time sight fishing the flats with live bait and artificials, working popping corks over grass beds, and bouncing jigs around rocky structure. The area's mix of shallow grass, deeper channels, and hard bottom creates perfect habitat for multiple species. Captain Chris carries a variety of tackle setups – from light spinning gear for trout to heavier rods for tarpon and big reds. Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait are staples, but don't be surprised if he breaks out the topwater plugs when conditions are right. The 25-foot Ranger gets you into skinny water where bigger boats can't go, but it's also stable enough to fish the deeper bay areas comfortably.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the bread and butter of Steinhatchee inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters cruise the grass flats year-round, with fall and winter bringing the biggest fish as they school up for spawning. Reds in the 20 to 30-inch range are common, with slot fish providing excellent table fare and oversized bulls offering pure adrenaline. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut mullet, and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm.

Sea trout are another customer favorite, especially during the cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds. Steinhatchee's speckled trout run bigger than average, with fish over 20 inches fairly common. They're sporty on light tackle and make excellent eating, plus they're perfect for teaching kids the basics since they're usually cooperative biters. Look for the best action during moving water on grass flats and around channel edges.

Sheepshead fishing really heats up from late winter through spring when these black-and-white striped fighters move shallow to spawn. They're notorious bait stealers with incredible eyesight, making them a fun challenge for experienced anglers. Steinhatchee's rocky structure and bridge pilings provide perfect sheepshead habitat, and these fish are considered some of the best eating in the Gulf. Their human-like teeth and quirky appearance make them a hit with kids and first-time visitors.

Summer flounder, or fluke, patrol the sandy bottom areas and channel edges throughout the warmer months. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and provide exciting fishing as they ambush bait from their hiding spots in the sand. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you'll drift or anchor and work baits along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive tap-tap bite. They're excellent table fare and their unique appearance always generates excitement on deck.

Tarpon are the ultimate prize during summer months, when these silver kings move into Steinhatchee's waters to feed and spawn. While most fish range from 30 to 80 pounds, even smaller tarpon provide world-class action with their aerial displays and powerful runs. Hooking a tarpon on the flats is a rush like no other – they'll clear the water multiple times and test every piece of tackle you've got. Captain Chris knows the seasonal patterns and tide movements that concentrate these fish in fishable numbers.

Time to Book Your Spot

A full day with Southern Fried Charters gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Steinhatchee has to offer. With all gear, licenses, and essentials included, you can focus on what matters – making memories and catching fish. Captain Chris's local knowledge and quality equipment stack the odds in your favor, whether you're after a fish dinner, your personal best, or just a great day on the water. The 25-foot Ranger provides comfort for up to three anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and maximum fishing time. Book your spot now and discover why Steinhatchee is becoming one of Florida's most renowned inshore fishing destinations.