Get ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters with King Charters. This 6-hour trip out of Crawfordville puts you right in the heart of Apalachee Bay, where the fish are plentiful and the action is hot. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hefty redfish or outsmart a wily trout, our experienced captains know just where to find 'em. We've got room for up to three anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and let's hit the water!
Apalachee Bay is a real mixed bag when it comes to inshore fishing. One minute you might be battling a bruiser black drum, the next you're finessing a speckled trout out from under the mangroves. Our captains have their finger on the pulse of these waters, knowing exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and time of year. We'll be targeting everything from redfish and trout to jacks and mackerel. And if you've got your heart set on redfish, just let us know – we can tailor the trip to maximize your chances at landing one of these copper-colored beauties.
Leave your gear at home because we've got you covered from stem to stern. We provide top-notch rods and reels, all the bait you'll need, and even take care of your fishing license. But the real secret sauce? That's our local knowledge. We're talking years of experience on these waters, knowing which flats heat up when the tide turns, or which creek mouths are holding fish this week. We'll put you on the fish, show you the techniques that work best here, and maybe even share a local fishing tale or two. It's like fishing with a buddy who happens to know every nook and cranny of Apalachee Bay.
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweights of our inshore waters. They can grow to over 50 pounds, and when they decide to eat, hold on tight! Black drum love hanging around structure and oyster bars. We often find them tailing in shallow water, especially during fall and winter. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull!
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. They're abundant, tasty, and a blast to catch on light tackle. Sea trout love to hang around grass flats and dropoffs. Early morning and late evening are prime times to target them with topwater lures – there's nothing quite like seeing a trout explode on your lure as the sun's coming up.
Redfish: The rockstars of inshore fishing, redfish are what many of our anglers dream about. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow water or cruising along oyster bars. They put up a great fight and can grow to over 40 inches in our waters. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. If you're after that signature redfish 'thump', just let us know and we'll make it happen.
Crevalle Jack: Want a real test of your fishing skills? Hook into a jack crevalle. These speedsters are pure muscle and will make your drag sing. We often find them busting bait on the surface – it's a sight you won't forget. Jacks aren't great eating, but pound for pound, they're one of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.
Cobia: While not as common as our other target species, when cobia show up, it's game on. These curious fish love to investigate anything floating on the surface, which makes sight-fishing for them a real thrill. They grow big – we're talking 50+ pounds – and put up an epic fight. Cobia typically show up in our waters from spring through fall, with peak season being April through June.
Your day starts early – we like to be on the water when the fish are most active. As we motor out of the marina, you'll see the sun starting to paint the sky, promising another beautiful day on the Gulf. We might start by hitting some grass flats for trout, using light tackle and soft plastics. If the tide's right, we could move to some oyster bars to sight-fish for tailing redfish – there's nothing quite like watching a red crush your bait in skinny water.
As the day heats up, we might move to deeper holes for black drum or cruise the flats looking for schools of jack crevalle. Our captains are always watching for bird activity or bait movements that could signal feeding fish. We're flexible too – if you've got a particular species you're after, we'll focus on that. And don't worry about bringing snacks or drinks – feel free to pack a cooler with whatever you need to keep you going through the day.
Folks come back to fish with us year after year, and it's not just because of the great fishing (though that certainly helps). It's the whole package – the knowledge we share, the laughs we have on the boat, and the satisfaction of a day well spent on the water. Our captains aren't just guides, they're teachers. Whether you're looking to perfect your casting technique or learn how to read the water better, we're here to help you become a better angler.
Plus, there's something special about Apalachee Bay. It's not as well-known as some other Florida fishing spots, which means less pressure on the fish and a more authentic experience for you. You're not just on a fishing trip, you're getting a slice of old Florida, the way it used to be.
So there you have it – a full day of top-notch inshore fishing in one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Whether you're after your personal best redfish, want to fill the cooler with trout, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, we've got you covered. Remember, we can only take three anglers, so these trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Sunshine State has to offer. Give us a call, book your trip, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Tight lines, and we'll see you on the water!
These big boys are the heavyweights of the drum family, often hitting 30-40 pounds. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds and mudflats in the bay, using those powerful jaws to crunch shellfish. Spring's the prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their strong fight and decent table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To land a Black Drum, try fishing the bottom with fresh crab or shrimp - they can't resist. Just be ready for some serious pulling when you hook up. One local trick: listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound underwater, it'll help you zero in on a school. They might not be the prettiest fish, but hooking into a big Black Drum will definitely get your heart racing.
Cobia are the oddballs of our waters - they look like a cross between a shark and a catfish. These brown battlers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and even free-swimming on the surface. Spring's the best time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers prize cobia for their hard fights and excellent table fare. To catch one, try sight-fishing with a live eel or large jig. Local secret: keep an eye out for rays - cobia often follow them looking for an easy meal. When you spot one, cast well ahead and let the lure sink. The hit can be explosive, so be ready. Landing a big cobia is a true trophy, and the steaks on the grill later are just icing on the cake.
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our bay - all muscle and attitude. These golden bruisers typically run 3-5 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds offshore. You'll often spot them busting bait on the surface, with birds wheeling overhead. Spring and fall are prime times when they push baitfish into the shallows. Anglers love jacks for their brutal fights - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the sea. To hook up, cast a topwater plug or silver spoon into the fray and hang on tight. Pro tip: when you see a jack frenzy, get there fast - the action's usually over quick. They're not great eating, but for pure fishing excitement, it's hard to beat a big jack on light tackle.
Redfish are the rockstars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark tail spot usually run 20-30 inches around here, but can get much bigger. You'll find 'em tailing in super shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep, hunting crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfishing for the sight-casting opportunities and their bulldogging fights. To land one, try working a gold spoon or scented soft plastic along oyster bars and grass flats. Local secret: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. There's nothing quite like the rush of watching a big red chase down your lure in skinny water.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a staple here in Apalachee Bay. These silvery beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love hanging around grass flats and oyster bars in 3-6 feet of water. Fall and spring are prime times, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look. Anglers go nuts for their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. To boost your chances, try working a soft plastic jig slowly along the bottom at dawn or dusk. Pro tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby - they like to school up. The fight isn't as wild as some other species, but the satisfaction of pulling in a fat speck more than makes up for it.
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