Top-Rated Inshore Fishing in Cape Coral | Fish Fins

4-Hour Inshore Bonanza: Live Bait Fishing

Get ready for a half-day of non-stop action on the flats, oyster bars, and mangroves. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to hook into some of the area's most sought-after inshore species. With live and natural bait at your disposal, you'll be set up for success as we target the honey holes where the big ones lurk.

Trip Overview

We'll kick things off by loading up on fresh, lively bait before heading out to the prime fishing grounds. Your experienced captain will navigate the shallow waters, putting you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're casting around mangrove islands, working the edges of oyster bars, or drifting the flats, you'll have plenty of opportunities to feel that telltale tug on your line. This trip is ideal for families, friends, or solo anglers looking to maximize their time on the water without breaking the bank.

Tactics and Terrain

We'll be using a variety of live and natural baits to entice the fish. Expect to throw shrimp, pinfish, or mullet, depending on what's working best that day. Your guide will show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or help you fine-tune your technique if you're more experienced. We'll mix it up between sight-casting on the flats, working structure around docks and mangroves, and drifting the deeper passes. The versatility of this trip means we can adapt to the conditions and where the fish are feeding, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of keepers.

Customer Stories

"Absolutely had the best time with Captin Todd and First Mate Steven. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! It was so much fun, they were so attentive and never stopped moving with our family of 6. Kid and inexperienced friendly! They do everything for you and you're never not fishing/catching!! Absolutely take a trip with Todd! We had such a great first trip with him and Steven at the beginning of our stay, that we went back for a second trip before we left!" - Katie

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Snook love to ambush prey around structure, so we'll target them near mangrove roots, dock pilings, and oyster bars. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast to catch on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime times for snook, but they can be caught year-round in our waters.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped, prison-jumpsuit looks fool you – these crafty fish are masters at stealing bait. Sheepshead hang around structure like oyster bars and pilings, using their human-like teeth to crush crustaceans. Winter is the peak season for sheepshead, and they're not only fun to catch but also excellent eating.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these spotted predators are a staple of inshore fishing. We'll look for them over grass flats and around potholes, where they love to ambush bait fish. Sea trout are active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months. They're great for beginners since they're often eager to bite and put up a good fight for their size.

Redfish: With their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are one of the most recognizable inshore species. We'll target them in shallow water, often sight-fishing for tailing reds in just inches of water. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. Fall is typically the best time for big schools of reds, but we catch them all year.

Bonnethead Shark: These smaller cousins of the hammerhead shark are a common sight in our inshore waters. Bonnetheads typically range from 2-4 feet long and provide an exciting fight on light tackle. We'll look for them cruising the flats, where they feed on crabs and small fish. They're most active in the warmer months and are a great introduction to shark fishing for kids and beginners.

What to Expect on the Water

This 4-hour trip is designed to give you a taste of what inshore fishing is all about. We'll cover a variety of spots, from skinny water flats to deeper channels, adapting our approach based on the tide and conditions. Your captain will be on the lookout for signs of feeding fish, like birds diving or bait getting pushed to the surface. Don't be surprised if we switch locations a few times – that's all part of the strategy to put you on the fish.

While we provide all the necessary gear, feel free to bring your own rod and reel if you prefer. Don't forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare on the water. And remember, even if it's warm on land, it can get breezy out on the boat, so a light jacket isn't a bad idea.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our inshore waters are a fish factory, plain and simple. The mix of habitats – from seagrass meadows to mangrove forests – creates the perfect environment for a variety of gamefish. And with our experienced guides, you're not just going fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of the best spots. Many of our repeat customers tell us they learn something new every trip, whether it's a new technique or a secret honey hole they never knew existed.

The beauty of inshore fishing is its accessibility. You don't need to be a seasoned pro to have a great time and catch fish. Our guides are patient teachers, happy to show newbies the ropes or help experienced anglers dial in their technique. And with a maximum of six people per trip, you'll get plenty of personal attention and time with a rod in your hand.

Top Catches This Season

Every season brings its own highlights, but we've been seeing some real beauties lately. The redfish have been on fire, with several customers landing bulls over 30 inches. Snook fishing has been consistent, especially around the new and full moons when they really turn on the feed bag. And for those looking for a real drag-screaming experience, we've had some encounters with oversized jack crevalle that'll make your arms burn.

Don't forget about the "slam" potential either. Landing a trio of redfish, snook, and trout in one trip is the inshore angler's equivalent of hitting a home run, and it's definitely achievable on our waters. We've had several boats come back to the dock with happy anglers showing off their slam photos.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our 4-hour inshore trip is the perfect way to experience the incredible fishing our area has to offer. With a variety of species to target and diverse fishing grounds to explore, no two trips are ever the same. Our experienced guides will work hard to put you on the fish and ensure you have a great time on the water.

Don't let the big ones get away – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Give us a call or book online to reserve your date. We can't wait to show you why our inshore fishing is some of the best in the business. Tight lines and see you on the water!