Santa Rosa Beach 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Santa Rosa Beach
$375 - $975 price range

Summary

Ready for an early morning adventure on the water? Join Captain Sloan for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip off Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. You'll cruise the local waters in search of flounder, redfish, and speckled trout. The captain provides everything you need - fishing gear, licenses, and plenty of know-how to help you land a great catch. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Once you've reeled in your fish, Captain Sloan will clean and fillet your catch, then recommend a nearby restaurant to cook it up just how you like. It's a full-service experience that lets you enjoy the best of Florida fishing without any hassle. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, this trip offers a fun way to spend a morning on the water and possibly bring home dinner too. The boat leaves early, so you'll be back with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day in Santa Rosa Beach.

Santa Rosa Beach 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Inshore Catches

Redfish fishing charter

Greater Amberjack Fishing

Freeport, FL Red Drum Fishing

Northern Red Snapper Fishing

Reel in the Action: 4-Hour Santa Rosa Beach Trip

Ready to kick off your day with some serious rod-bending action? Capt. Sloan's got you covered with this early morning inshore fishing adventure off Santa Rosa Beach. For four action-packed hours, you'll be casting lines, battling fish, and soaking up the coastal vibes of the Florida Panhandle. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's perfect for anyone looking to score some quality fish without burning the whole day. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: The sun's just peeking over the horizon as we push off from the dock. The air's crisp, the water's calm, and the fish are hungry. Capt. Sloan knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you'll be on the fish in no time. We're talking redfish tailing in the grass flats, speckled trout busting bait on the surface, and flounder lurking around structure. The captain's got all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Plus, he'll hook you up with a Florida fishing license for the day. No need to sweat the details, just show up ready to fish!

Techniques for Inshore Success

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of light tackle techniques to put you on the fish. Expect to do some sight casting in the shallows for redfish, working topwater lures for aggressive trout, and maybe even some finesse fishing with soft plastics for those sneaky flounder. Capt. Sloan's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so don't be surprised if he pulls out a secret lure or two. He'll walk you through each technique, making sure you're comfortable before we start fishing for real. And when you hook up? Hold on tight, because these inshore bruisers know how to put up a fight!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Winter Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner plate. They like to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure. We'll use a slow, methodical approach to tempt these bottom-dwellers into biting. The best part? They're available year-round in these waters, with peak season in the cooler months.

Bluefish: Pound for pound, bluefish are some of the hardest fighting fish in the inshore waters. These toothy critters are known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs. We typically find them chasing bait schools near the surface, so be ready for some exciting topwater action. They're most abundant in the spring and fall, but we can catch them year-round if conditions are right.

Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these wily fish are a favorite among local anglers. They're smart, strong, and love to hang around structure. We'll need to use some finesse to fool these guys, but the reward is well worth it. Grey snappers are excellent eating and can be caught throughout the year, with summer being the peak season.

Sea Trout: Speckled trout are a staple of inshore fishing in Florida. These spotted beauties are known for their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them a ton of fun on light tackle. We'll target them around grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs. While they're around all year, the best action is typically in the spring and fall.

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are prized for their hard fights and copper-bronze coloration. We'll be stalking these guys in shallow water, looking for their distinctive tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish are available year-round, but the fall "bull red" run is something every angler should experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, this ain't just another fishing trip - it's a chance to create some real memories on the water. Capt. Sloan's not just about putting you on fish; he's all about making sure you have a good time doing it. And let's talk about the perks: When you land that trophy, the captain's got you covered. He'll clean and fillet your catch right there on the boat. But it doesn't stop there - he knows all the best spots in town to get your fish cooked up just the way you like it. Nothing beats the taste of a fish you caught yourself, prepared by local experts who know how to do it right.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen up, anglers - this 4-hour morning trip with Capt. Sloan is the real deal. It's perfect for folks who want to squeeze in some quality fishing without eating up their whole day. You're getting a top-notch guide, all the gear you need, and a shot at some of the best inshore fishing the Florida Panhandle has to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with the family, impress your buddies, or just get out on the water for some peace and quiet (well, until the fish start biting), this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab your spot on the boat now and get ready for a morning of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call 'em, are sneaky little fighters. Most run 10-14 inches inshore, but the big boys offshore can hit 20 pounds. Look for them around structure - docks, rocks, reefs - where they ambush prey. They've got great eyesight and tend to feed at night, so early mornings or evenings are your best bet. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the skill it takes to catch 'em. These guys are picky eaters and line-shy, so use light tackle and small hooks. My go-to trick? Thread a live shrimp on the hook tail-first. Lets it swim more naturally and keeps those shrewd snappers from spotting your trick.

Grey Snapper

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite target here. Most run 14-20 inches, but trophy "gator" trout can top 30. You'll find them in grass flats and channels, often hanging around structure. They're suckers for live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. Just remember, they've got soft mouths, so set the hook gently. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for them "potting" - pushing bait to the surface. Cast a topwater lure into the frenzy and hold on tight!

Redfish

Winter flounder might not look like much, but they're a blast to catch. These flatfish usually run 10-14 inches and hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms. Spring and fall are your best bets, when water temps are cooler. They're not aggressive feeders, so you've got to finesse 'em. Anglers enjoy the challenge and their sweet, delicate meat. Use light tackle and small hooks baited with worms or clams. Here's a local trick: instead of casting, try drifting your bait along the bottom. When you feel that subtle bite, give it a second before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these guys.

Sea Trout

Bluefish are the bulldogs of the bay - all muscle and attitude. They usually run 3-5 pounds inshore, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them chasing bait schools, often giving themselves away with surface commotion. They're here spring through fall, with summer being prime time. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and the challenge of landing one without getting bit. Those teeth are no joke! Blues will hit just about any lure, but metal spoons are hard to beat. Here's a tip: when you see them feeding on the surface, cast just beyond the school and retrieve fast. They can't resist chasing down a fleeing "baitfish".

Winter Flounder

Redfish are a real crowd-pleaser on our trips. These copper-colored beauties usually run 20-30 inches and put up an awesome fight. You'll find them cruising the shallows - we're talking 1-4 feet of water - especially around oyster beds and grassy flats. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and tasty white meat. That distinctive black spot near the tail? It's actually a fake "eye" to fool predators. Pretty clever. If you want to land a big one, try tossing a topwater lure early in the morning. The explosion when they hit it is something else. Just remember to work it slow and steady - redfish aren't known for chasing down fast prey.

About the Cape Horn

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Grab your coffee and head out early with Captain Sloan for a fun morning of fishing in Santa Rosa Beach. Over 4 hours, you'll cruise the inshore waters looking to reel in flounder, redfish, and speckled trout. No need to worry about gear or licenses - it's all covered. The captain knows these waters well and will work hard to help you land some nice catches. He'll even fillet your fish and recommend a local spot to have them cooked up just how you like. It's a great way to start your day on the water without taking up your whole schedule. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, Captain Sloan will make sure you have a good time trying to hook some local species. Bring a couple friends along and enjoy a relaxed morning out on the boat. Just remember to book your spot soon to lock in your preferred date!

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