Ready for the ultimate day on the water? Our Private Island Special with Fishing is like hitting the jackpot for fun-seekers and anglers alike. We're talking 8 solid hours of coastal cruising, wildlife watching, sandbar chilling, and of course, plenty of fishing action. It's the kind of trip that'll have you grinning from ear to ear before you even leave the dock.
Picture this: You and your crew (up to 6 people) hop aboard at 10 AM, and we're off like a herd of turtles - in the best way possible. First up, we're on the hunt for some of nature's coolest customers - playful dolphins and chilled-out manatees. It's like a real-life nature documentary, but you're in it! After we've had our fill of flipper-watching, we'll cruise nearshore, soaking in those postcard-perfect ocean views that never get old. But the real kicker? We're setting you up on a primo sandbar that's basically your own private island for the day. We're talking chairs, umbrellas, snacks - the works. And here's the beauty of it - you can fish from the boat or the sandbar whenever the mood strikes. It's your day, your way.
Now, let's talk fishing. We've got all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, even the licenses. So don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before. We'll show you the ropes, literally. We might do some light trolling near the sandbar, or set up some bottom fishing if that's where the action is. And if you're more about the chill than the catch, no worries. Grab a cold one (bring your own cooler!), kick back in a beach chair, and let the waves do their thing. It's all about balance, you know?
Alright, fish nerds (and soon-to-be fish nerds), let's dive into what's swimming around out there. We've got a lineup that'll keep even the most seasoned anglers on their toes.
First up, the snook. These bad boys are like the rockstars of inshore fishing. They're sleek, they're strong, and boy, do they put up a fight. Snook love to hang out near structures, so we'll be targeting mangroves and jetties. Spring and fall are prime time for snook, but honestly, they're a year-round blast. And if you're lucky enough to land a keeper, you're in for some of the tastiest fish tacos of your life.
Next, we've got redfish. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite around here, and for good reason. They're not too picky about bait, which makes them great for beginners, but they can still give you a run for your money. Look for that telltale spot on their tail - it's like nature's bullseye. Redfish are most active in the fall, but we catch 'em year-round. They're known for their delicious, mild flavor, so if you're into catch-and-cook, redfish is a top pick.
Now, if you're itching for something with a bit more oomph, say hello to the greater amberjack. These guys are the heavyweights of our nearshore waters. They're strong, they're stubborn, and they'll make your arms feel like jelly. Amberjack season peaks in the spring and fall, but these bruisers are around all year. Just a heads up - they're called "reef donkeys" for a reason. Once they're hooked, they head straight for the bottom, so be ready for a workout!
For those of you with a taste for the toothy critters, we've got bonnethead sharks. These little cousins of the hammerhead are like the puppy dogs of the shark world - small, cute (in a sharky way), and fun to catch. They're most active in the warmer months and love hanging out in shallow waters. Don't let their size fool you, though - they can still put up a decent fight.
Last but definitely not least, there's the bull shark. Now we're talking serious business. These guys are the bruisers of the shark world - thick, muscular, and not afraid of anything. Bull sharks can grow up to 8 feet long and are known for their aggressive nature. They're around all year, but summer's when they're most active. Landing a bull shark is a real badge of honor for any angler, so if you're up for the challenge, we'll do our best to put you on one.
Look, I could go on and on about why this trip is the bee's knees, but here's the deal: It's not just about the fishing. It's about that perfect mix of action and relaxation. One minute you're reeling in a feisty snook, the next you're lounging on a sandbar with your toes in the water. It's about spotting a pod of dolphins and feeling like a kid again. It's about swapping stories over cold drinks as the sun starts to dip. And yeah, it's about potentially catching the biggest fish of your life. But mostly, it's about making memories that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
So, what do you say? Ready to trade your usual weekend plans for a day of sun, sand, and fish scales? For $750, you and up to 3 buddies can have the run of the boat for 8 full hours. Want to bring more friends? No problem - it's just $39 extra per person after the first 4. Remember, we've got all the gear you need, so all you have to do is show up ready for a good time. Trust me, this is the kind of day that'll have you checking your calendar to see when you can do it all over again. So don't wait - snag your spot now and get ready for a day that's equal parts chill and thrill. See you on the water!
Bonnethead sharks are like the puppy dogs of the shark world - small, curious, and pretty harmless to humans. Most run 3-4 feet long with that distinct shovel-shaped head. You'll spot them cruising the shallows near beaches and in bays, often in small groups. Summer's your best bet as they move north into warmer waters. Anglers enjoy targeting bonnetheads for their spunky fight and the novelty of catching a shark from the beach. To hook one, use a chunk of fresh blue crab on a circle hook. Here's a tip: look for them tailing in shallow water at high tide - you can often sight cast to them. Just remember, they're quick and can make sudden direction changes, so stay alert!
Bull sharks are the bruisers of inshore waters, packing a lot of power into their stocky 7-11 foot frames. You can ID them by their broad, blunt snout and aggressive demeanor. These sharks are unique in their ability to tolerate fresh water, so you might find them miles upriver or in coastal lagoons. Summer and early fall are prime times as they follow bait inshore. Anglers target bulls for the pure adrenaline rush - hooking one is like trying to stop a runaway truck. For the best shot, use a big chunk of oily fish like bonito or mackerel. Local tip: chum slicks work wonders, but be ready for a fast, hard run when a bull picks up your bait.
Greater amberjacks are bruisers that'll test your strength. These powerful fish average 30-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for their bluish-gray color and amber stripe along the side. You'll find AJs around offshore wrecks and reefs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move to shallower waters. Anglers love targeting these fish for their sheer power - hooking one feels like you've snagged a freight train. They're also excellent table fare. To land a big AJ, drop a live blue runner or hefty jig near structure and hang on tight. Here's a local secret: when you hook one, crank like mad to get it away from the wreck before it can break you off.
Redfish are a favorite target for good reason - they're fun to catch and great eating. Look for that telltale spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, though big bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find reds tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs exposed. 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. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to bulldoze away from the boat. For a real thrill, sight-cast to tailing fish with a gold spoon or scented soft plastic. Pro tip: On a falling tide, set up near creek mouths where redfish wait to ambush bait being swept out.
Snook are a prized catch around here, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty white meat. These sleek predators typically run 1-3 feet long, with a distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow coastal waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the sweet spot. Snook put up an acrobatic fight, often leaping clear out of the water. To land one, try working a soft plastic swimbait or live bait like pinfish along seawalls and other structure. A stealthy approach is key - these fish spook easily. Oh, and here's a local tip: on incoming tides, target points and cuts where bait gets flushed in. The snook will be waiting to ambush.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115