Santa Rosa Beach: 5-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Santa Rosa Beach
$375 - $975 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action in Santa Rosa Beach? Join Salty Jig Charters for a 5-hour inshore adventure that'll have you reeling in Florida's finest. Your experienced skipper knows just where to find the hotspots for Tarpon, Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout. No need to fuss with gear or licenses – they've got you covered with all the equipment and bait you'll need. This trip is perfect for small groups, with room for up to 3 guests. Just bring your camera to capture the big catches, some sun protection, and your favorite snacks and drinks. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at fishing for the first time, you'll love exploring the rich waters off Santa Rosa Beach. Get ready to cast your line and feel that rush when you hook into something big!

Santa Rosa Beach: 5-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

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5-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure in Santa Rosa Beach

Get ready to hit the waters of Santa Rosa Beach for an action-packed 5 hours of inshore fishing. We'll cruise the productive flats and backwaters, targeting some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. With all the gear provided and an expert skipper at the helm, you'll have everything you need to reel in some beauties. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement on the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast.

What to Expect on the Water

As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the anticipation building. Your skipper knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. We'll start by hitting some of the local hotspots - grass flats, oyster bars, and hidden creeks that hold monster redfish and speckled trout. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you could be battling a hard-fighting jack crevalle. And don't forget about the mighty tarpon - if they're in town, we'll give you a shot at the "silver king". With a 3-person max, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to hone your skills and maximize your chances of landing the big one.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. Your skipper will show you the ropes of popular inshore techniques like popping corks for trout, slow-rolling jigs for flounder, or tossing topwater plugs for explosive redfish strikes. We provide all the gear, from light spinning tackle to heavier setups for those bull reds and tarpon. Don't worry if you're new to this - your guide will walk you through each technique, from proper casting to setting the hook. And for the more experienced anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod and reel if you prefer - just check with the captain beforehand to make sure it's suitable for the species we're after.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are known for their hard-fighting nature and distinctive spot on the tail. In the shallows of Santa Rosa Beach, you can often spot them "tailing" - feeding with their backs out of the water. They love live shrimp and crabs, but will also smash a well-placed artificial lure. The "slot" size for keeping redfish is typically between 18-27 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a monster "bull" red over 40 inches!

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a staple of inshore fishing. They're known for their delicate mouths and tendency to shake the hook, so a gentle touch is key. We often find them around grass flats and deeper holes, especially during the cooler months. A popping cork rig with live shrimp is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures can also produce exciting strikes.

Tarpon: If you're lucky enough to be here during tarpon season (typically late spring through summer), you're in for a treat. These "silver kings" can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long, powerful runs. Hooking a tarpon is exciting; landing one is an accomplishment. We use heavy tackle and live bait like mullet or crabs when targeting these giants.

Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their flavor. We often find them lurking near structure, waiting to ambush prey. Slow-rolling a jig or dragging a live bait along the bottom is the ticket to enticing a flounder bite. They're masters of camouflage, so keep your eyes peeled when reeling one in - they can be hard to spot in the water!

Jack Crevalle: When a school of jacks moves through, hold on tight! These powerful fish punch well above their weight class and can strip line from your reel in seconds. We often spot them crashing bait on the surface - a topwater lure in the middle of the frenzy can lead to some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. While not known for their table fare, jacks are pure fun on light tackle.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Santa Rosa Beach isn't just about the fishing - it's the whole package. As we cruise the pristine waters, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty. Keep an eye out for dolphins, ospreys, and even the occasional manatee. The area's sugar-white beaches and emerald waters provide a stunning backdrop for your fishing adventure. And let's not forget the weather - with over 200 days of sunshine a year, the odds are good that you'll have perfect conditions for a day on the water. After the trip, you're just minutes away from some of the best restaurants and beaches on the Gulf Coast. It's no wonder anglers come back year after year - once you experience fishing in Santa Rosa Beach, nowhere else quite compares.

Gearing Up for Success

While we provide all the fishing essentials, there are a few things you'll want to bring to make the most of your day: - Sunscreen (and plenty of it) - A hat and polarized sunglasses (helps cut glare and spot fish) - Light, breathable clothing (long sleeves and pants can provide sun protection) - Non-slip, non-marking shoes - A camera or waterproof phone case (for those trophy fish pics) - Snacks and drinks (stay hydrated!) - Motion sickness meds if you're prone to seasickness (better safe than sorry) Remember, Florida weather can change quickly, so it's not a bad idea to pack a light rain jacket, just in case. And don't forget to grab your fishing license before the trip - your skipper can help you with this if needed.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just want to experience the thrill of the catch, this 5-hour inshore trip with Salty Jig Charters is the ticket. With an experienced skipper, top-notch equipment, and some of the best inshore fishing grounds in Florida at your fingertips, you're in for a day you won't soon forget. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddies (or make it a family outing) and get ready to create some lasting memories on the water. The fish are biting in Santa Rosa Beach - are you ready to join them?

Learn more about the species

Crevalle Jack

Redfish

Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters, and hooking one is an angler's dream. These prehistoric beasts can top 8 feet and 280 pounds, though 100-pounders are more common. They migrate through our area from spring to fall, with peak action in summer. Look for tarpon rolling in coastal passes, along beaches, and in deeper holes in the bays. They're here to feed on baitfish schools, so finding the bait is key. Watching a school of 100-pound tarpon turn on your bait is heart-stopping. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but artificials like swimbaits and flies can produce too. Be ready for spectacular jumps and long runs. Local secret: on calm mornings, cruise the beaches looking for big schools finning on the surface. It's sight-fishing at its finest.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of our inshore fishery. These slender, spotted fish usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy specimens over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around oyster bars. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch trout year-round. They're popular for both their sporty fight and excellent table fare. Trout have soft mouths, so finesse is key when fighting them. To target sea trout, try working soft plastics or live shrimp around grass edges and drop-offs. At night, look for them in shallower water hunting bait. Pro tip: in winter, trout school up in deeper holes. Try slow-trolling along channel edges to find the motherlode.

Tarpon

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 28-33 inches when fully grown, but can reach over 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall is peak season as the reds school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round here. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and distinctive tail spot. That black dot near the tail actually helps confuse predators. To hook into a red, try working topwater lures or shrimp imitations across the shallows. A 3-inch weedless fly works great too if you're into fly fishing. Local secret: upsizing your lure to 5-6 inches can help you target the real trophies lurking on the flats. Just be ready for an epic battle when that big boy hits!

Winter Flounder

Crevalle Jack are real bulldozers of the ocean. These powerful fish usually run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can get up to 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them in both inshore and offshore waters, from shallow flats to depths of 1100 feet. They love structure - seagrass beds, reefs, oil rigs, you name it. Spring through fall is prime time for jacks here in Santa Rosa Beach. They're a blast to catch - hard-fighting and often travel in big schools. Watch for birds diving on bait fish getting pushed to the surface. That's your cue to cast. These guys will hit just about anything that moves fast. Try silver spoons, crankbaits, or topwater plugs. Retrieve quickly to trigger that chase instinct. For a real thrill, sight cast to a school with a popper fly. Just be ready for an explosive strike and screaming drag. Local tip: if you smell watermelon, you're probably near a feeding school of jacks.

About the Cape Horn

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for a relaxed day on the water? Hop aboard for a 5-hour fishing trip in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Your experienced skipper knows all the best spots to catch local favorites like tarpon, redfish, flounder, and speckled trout. No need to worry about gear or licenses – it's all taken care of. Just bring your camera, sun protection, and some snacks to keep you going. With room for up to 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time, your guide will help you make the most of your time on these rich inshore waters. Spend a relaxed morning or afternoon casting lines, soaking up the Florida sunshine, and hopefully reeling in some impressive catches. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Santa Rosa Beach from a different perspective.

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