Get ready to reel in some serious action on the Gulf Coast! Our 6-hour inshore and nearshore fishing charter out of Pensacola Beach is the perfect mix of shallow water stalking and deep-water thrills. Whether you're itching to battle a bull redfish in the flats or want to test your mettle against hard-fighting amberjack, Captain Marcus has got you covered. With top-notch gear provided and years of local knowledge, this trip is your ticket to experiencing the best fishing Pensacola has to offer.
We'll start bright and early, loading up the boat with everything you need for a day of non-stop fishing. As we head out, you'll get to soak in the stunning views of Pensacola Beach's sugar-white sands. Once we hit our first spot, it's time to wet those lines! We'll start inshore, targeting the grass flats and oyster bars where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. As the day progresses, we'll push a bit further out, giving you a crack at some of the bigger nearshore species. Captain Marcus knows all the honey holes, from artificial reefs to natural structure, where the fish are biting. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – we'll make sure you're hooking up in no time!
On this trip, we'll use a variety of fishing techniques to maximize your chances of landing a monster. Inshore, we'll do some light tackle casting with soft plastics and topwater lures. This is a blast, especially when a big trout explodes on your lure! As we move nearshore, we might switch to bottom fishing with live bait for snapper and grouper. For the pelagics like kingfish, we'll break out the trolling gear. All the rods, reels, and tackle are provided, and it's quality stuff – we're talking Penn reels and Star rods. Just bring your sunscreen and a good attitude, and we'll handle the rest!
Let's talk about the fish you'll be chasing on this trip. Inshore, redfish are the kings of the flats. These copper-colored bruisers put up a heck of a fight and are delicious on the grill. Speckled trout are another favorite – they're not as big as the reds, but they're a blast on light tackle. When we push nearshore, red snapper are the stars of the show (when in season). These tasty bottom-dwellers can grow to impressive sizes and will test your arm strength. For pure excitement, it's hard to beat a screaming run from a kingfish or the bulldogging pull of an amberjack. And if we're lucky, we might even run into some high-flying mahi-mahi!
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the Gulf. They can hit 50 pounds and make blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. We usually target them by slow-trolling live baits like blue runners or menhaden. Kings are most active in the warmer months, from late spring through fall. The thrill of watching a king skyrocket on a bait is something you won't soon forget!
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these inshore heavyweights are a favorite among local anglers. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure like docks and oyster bars. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs and head shakes. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like sight-casting to a tailing redfish in skinny water!
Greater Amberjack: Nicknamed "reef donkeys" for their incredible strength, amberjack are the ultimate test of an angler's endurance. These powerful fish live around deep structure and can grow over 100 pounds. We typically target them with live bait or large jigs. The best action is in the warmer months, but they can be caught year-round. Be prepared for an arm-burning battle when you hook into one of these bruisers!
Great Barracuda: These toothy predators are the perfect mix of speed and aggression. They're often found lurking around structure, waiting to ambush prey. Barracuda are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. We usually catch them on fast-moving lures or by trolling. While they're around all year, the bite really heats up in summer. The sight of a big 'cuda's razor-sharp teeth is sure to get your heart racing!
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the pride of the Gulf. They're found on reefs and other structure in depths from 60 to 200 feet. Red snapper are known for their hard initial run towards the bottom and their excellent table fare. The recreational season is limited, but when it's open, it's some of the best fishing of the year. There's a reason anglers plan their entire vacations around snapper season!
Folks love our 6-hour trip because it gives you the best of both worlds. You get to experience the laid-back vibe of inshore fishing, where you can sight-cast to tailing redfish or work a topwater for explosive trout strikes. But you also get to venture out a bit further and tangle with some of the harder-pulling nearshore species. It's perfect for families or groups with mixed skill levels – there's something for everyone. Plus, with 6 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to really dial in your technique and put some serious fish in the box.
If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that Gulf Coast saltwater spray on your face, it's time to lock in your trip. Our 6-hour inshore and nearshore charter is one of our most popular options, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we provide all the gear you need, so all you have to do is show up ready for action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a first-timer wanting to see what the fuss is all about, Captain Marcus will put you on the fish. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the world-class fishing Pensacola has to offer. Give us a call or book online today – the fish are waiting!
Great barracuda are the speed demons of the sea. These sleek predators can hit 35 mph in short bursts and grow up to 6 feet long. You'll spot them near the surface around reefs, wrecks and channel edges. They're most active in warmer months when bait is plentiful. Anglers target 'cudas for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Fair warning though - they've got a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, so handle with care! To hook one, try trolling with tube lures or casting topwater plugs near structure. The key is a fast retrieve - make that lure look like fleeing prey. When a barracuda hits, it's like a freight train! Set the hook hard and get ready for some airborne action. Just keep your hands clear of those teeth when landing one.
Greater amberjack are hard-fighting beasts that'll test your stamina. These deep-water bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can top 100 pounds and 6 feet long. You'll find them around offshore wrecks, reefs and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move to shallower waters. Anglers love AJs for their sheer power - expect long, punishing runs that'll leave your arms burning. They're also excellent eating. For best results, drop large live baits like blue runners or hardtails near structure. Once hooked, pump and wind like crazy to keep them from diving back to their hidey-hole. And hang on tight - these fish can easily pull you overboard if you're not careful!
Red snapper are a prized catch here in Pensacola. These beauties typically run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, though monsters over 35 pounds have been landed. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks and other structure in 30-600 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bite really heating up May to October during spawning season. Folks love targeting snapper for their hard-fighting spirit - they'll make a beeline for cover when hooked, so you've got to muscle them up quick. The tasty white meat is a bonus too. For best results, drop your bait all the way to the bottom using heavy weights. Live pinfish or pigfish are my go-to for trophy snappers. Just be ready for a battle when that rod bends over!
King mackerel are lightning-fast predators that'll make your reel scream. These streamlined speedsters average 10-20 pounds but can top 50 pounds and 5 feet long. Look for them in open water from the beach out to 200 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They're also tasty smoked or grilled. To target them, try slow-trolling live baits like blue runners or menhaden. Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. When a king hits, it's like someone threw your bait on a motorcycle! Let them run to avoid pulled hooks, then hang on for a wild ride. Keep the rod tip high and pump steadily to wear them down.
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored battlers average 28-33 inches but can reach over 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and delicious mild flavor. To land a big one, try sight-fishing with topwater lures early in the morning. When you see that telltale wake, cast just ahead of it and hold on tight. The explosion when they hit is unforgettable! For a real thrill, use light tackle and prepare for an epic fight.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150