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Premium Pine Island Fishing: Inshore Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Pine Island
- $350 - $1,500 price range
- Updated Date: October 10, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Matlacha magic on every cast.
Just me, the tide, and a hungry fish.
Nothing beats a sunrise bite.
Matlacha—where every cast has a story.
Matlacha mornings and tight lines.
Casting where the mangroves meet the sky.
Hooked on Matlacha’s backwaters.
Another day, another snapper.
Grouper sneaking through the shallows.
Calm water, clear skies, perfect cast.
Matlacha magic on every cast.
Just me, the tide, and a hungry fish.
Nothing beats a sunrise bite.
Matlacha—where every cast has a story.
Matlacha mornings and tight lines.
Casting where the mangroves meet the sky.
Hooked on Matlacha’s backwaters.
Another day, another snapper.
Grouper sneaking through the shallows.
Calm water, clear skies, perfect cast.
Matlacha magic on every cast.
Just me, the tide, and a hungry fish.
Nothing beats a sunrise bite.
Matlacha—where every cast has a story.
Reel in the Action: Matlacha's Half or Full Day Fishing
Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive waters, you've come to the right place. Captain Whitney Hall here, ready to take you on a fishing adventure you won't soon forget in the heart of Matlacha and Pine Island. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our half-day or full-day trips are tailor-made to get you on the fish and having a blast. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's dive into what makes fishing these waters so darn special.
What's the Scoop?
Picture this: You're cruising through the mangrove-lined channels of Matlacha Pass, the sun's warming up, and the anticipation is building. We're talking 4 to 8 hours of non-stop fishing action, depending on how much time you've got. Our stomping grounds? The rich inshore and nearshore waters around Pine Island and Matlacha. We're not just casting randomly here - I know these waters like the back of my hand, and I'm all about putting you where the fish are biting. Redfish, snook, trout, snapper, and even the occasional shark are all on the menu. And the best part? You don't need to be a pro to have a great time. I'll make sure you're comfortable with the gear and techniques, so you can focus on the fun part - reeling 'em in!
Bait, Tackle, and Tactics
Alright, let's talk shop for a second. We're all about light tackle fishing here - it's the way to go for a real hands-on experience with these inshore species. I'll set you up with top-notch gear that's perfect for the job. We might be tossing live bait around mangrove roots for snook, or maybe sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats. If the sheepshead are hanging around structure, we'll break out the fiddler crabs and get ready for some nibble detecting. And for you artificial fans, don't worry - we've got a tackle box full of lures that these fish can't resist. The name of the game is versatility, and we'll switch it up based on what's working that day. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the thrill of a snook exploding on a topwater plug or a redfish thumping a jig in the grass flats.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down some of the stars of the show you might encounter on our trip. First up, the snook - these bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're ambush predators with a mean streak, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Spring and fall are prime time for snook, but they're a blast year-round. Then there's the humble sheepshead, don't let those funny-looking teeth fool you - these striped bandits are crafty and put up a great fight. They're winter specialists, so if you're here when it's cooler, get ready for some sheepshead action.
Sea trout are another favorite. These speckled beauties are abundant and make for some fantastic light tackle sport. They're suckers for a well-presented artificial lure, and they're delicious to boot if you're keeping a few for dinner. Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, especially when they're tailing in shallow water. The sight of a copper-colored back breaking the surface as it chases down your lure? That's pure fishing magic, folks.
Last but not least, we've got the permit. Now, these guys are the holy grail for many inshore anglers. They're not always around, but when they are, hold onto your hats. Permit are notoriously picky eaters and will make you work for every bite. But land one of these silver discs, and you've got serious bragging rights. They typically show up in the warmer months, and if we spot them, we'll give it our all to get you hooked up.
Time to Lock in Your Trip
So there you have it, folks - a little taste of what's waiting for you out on the waters of Matlacha and Pine Island. Whether you're looking to bend a rod for a few hours or make a full day of it, we've got you covered. Remember, fishing isn't just about what you catch - it's about the stories you'll tell, the skills you'll learn, and the memories you'll make. But let's be honest, landing a monster snook or your personal best redfish doesn't hurt either!
Don't let another fishing season slip by without experiencing some of the best inshore action Florida has to offer. Spaces fill up quick, especially during peak seasons, so why not lock in your spot now? Grab your fishing buddies, or make it a family outing - we can take up to 4 anglers, so there's room for everyone. Just give us a shout, and we'll get you set up for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, the fish are waiting, and the time to book is now. See you on the boat!
Learn more about the species
Permit
Permit are the holy grail for many Matlacha anglers. These wary fish usually run 10-30 pounds, with some giants pushing 40. You'll find them cruising shallow flats or hanging around nearshore structure. Spring and summer are best as permit move inshore to spawn. They're incredibly challenging to catch, which is why anglers love 'em. Permit have excellent eyesight and spook easily. For the best shot, look for "muds" where permit are rooting for crabs. Approach quietly and make a long cast with a small crab imitation. Let it sink, then give it tiny twitches. If a permit follows, don't move the bait - let the fish decide. When it eats, set the hook and pray your knots hold. The fight is worth it!
Redfish
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats here in Matlacha. Most run 18-27 inches, but bulls over 40 inches show up in deeper water. Look for them tailing in shallow grass or cruising mangrove shorelines, especially on high tides. Fall is prime time as reds school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard pulls and copper color. They're also great eating when slot-sized. To find 'em, scan shallow flats for pushing water or tails in the air. Gold spoons are classic redfish catchers, but nothing beats a live pinfish under a popping cork. When you see a red, make a quiet cast ahead of its path and hang on - they hit hard!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a staple in Matlacha's grass flats. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in 2-6 feet of water, especially around potholes in the grass or along dropoffs. They're active year-round, but fall and spring are prime as bait moves through. Trout are fun on light tackle and make great table fare. They've got soft mouths, so set the hook gently. To find the big ones, try topwater plugs at first light or last light - that surface explosion is hard to beat. If that's not working, switch to a jig and soft plastic combo, bouncing it slowly along the bottom. Green and white are my go-to colors.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of Matlacha's waters. These crafty fish usually run 1-8 pounds, with some old-timers pushing 20. You'll find them around docks, pilings, and oyster bars, using those human-like teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are prime time as sheepshead school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook fast and hard. For best results, use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or oysters. Rig it so only the tip shows. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for fish tacos. Just watch those fins when cleaning - they're sharp!
Snook
Snook are one of the most prized catches in Matlacha. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long, with some monsters pushing 4 feet. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in the shallows. They love ambushing prey, so look for points and eddies where bait gets pushed. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love snook for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating when in season. To land a big one, try freelining live pilchards or pinfish near structure during low light. Just be ready - when a snook hits, it hits hard and fast. Set the hook quick and hold on tight!
About the 24ft Center Console
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
