Chassahowitzka PM Inshore Fishing You'll Hookem

Half-Day Chassahowitzka Inshore Redfish & Snook

There's something special about fishing Florida's Nature Coast, and the Chassahowitzka River system is about as good as it gets for targeting redfish and snook in truly wild water. This afternoon charter kicks off right from the Chassahowitzka Boat Ramp, where you'll meet Captain and slip into some of the most productive yet peaceful backcountry waters on the Gulf Coast. We're talking crystal-clear spring-fed rivers, endless grass flats, and oyster bars that hold fish year-round – all without the crowds you'll find further south.

What to Expect on the Water

This top-rated half-day trip runs in the afternoon when the fish are active and the bite is hot. We'll cruise through the scenic Chassahowitzka River system, weaving between mangrove islands and into the remote backcountry where most weekend warriors never venture. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – one cast you're working a grass flat for tailing redfish, the next you're pitching live bait under a mangrove overhang for snook. With just two anglers max, you'll get plenty of personalized instruction and prime fishing time. The boat stays comfortable for the duration, and since we're in protected waters, rough weather rarely shuts us down. Expect to cover different structures throughout the trip – from shallow oyster bars to deeper creek mouths where the big fish ambush baitfish.

Techniques & Tackle

We fish light tackle here – typically 15-20 pound spinning gear that gives you the sensitivity to feel subtle bites and the backbone to turn fish away from structure. Live bait is king in these waters, so we'll have plenty of fresh shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards on board. For redfish, we'll work the flats with popping corks and free-lined baits, letting them find the fish cruising the grass beds. Snook fishing requires a different approach – we'll target them around structure with live bait presentations and the occasional well-placed artificial. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe a cooler with drinks. Polarized sunglasses are a must – not just for comfort, but because sight fishing is a huge part of what makes this trip special. You'll learn to spot fish before you cast to them, which is a game-changer for any angler.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the bread and butter of Chassahowitzka fishing, and these aren't your typical muddy lagoon reds. These fish live in crystal-clear water and fight like they're twice their size. Most of what we catch runs 18-26 inches – perfect slot fish that pull drag and make long runs across the flats. They're here year-round, but fall and spring produce the most consistent action when they school up and feed aggressively. Watch for their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spot as they cruise the shallows, and get ready for that classic redfish headshake when they realize they're hooked.

Snook are the premium target species, and the Chassahowitzka system holds some beautiful fish. These ambush predators love the mangrove shorelines and creek mouths where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. A typical snook here runs 20-28 inches, with occasional fish pushing 30-plus that'll test your drag system. They're most active during warmer months, roughly April through October, and they absolutely hammer live bait presentations. The fight is what makes snook special – explosive initial runs followed by stubborn bulldog fights as they try to wrap you around every mangrove root in sight.

Sea trout add numbers to your catch, especially during cooler months when they move into the deeper grass flats. These spotted beauties are willing biters that respond well to both live bait and artificials. Most run 14-18 inches with occasional "gator" trout over 20 inches that provide serious excitement. They school up around structure and drop-offs, making them reliable targets when other species are being finicky.

Sheepshead round out the mix as opportunistic feeders around oyster bars and structure. These black-and-white striped fish are notorious bait stealers with incredible bite detection, but once hooked they provide steady, determined fights. They're best targeted with small pieces of shrimp or crab around hard bottom areas, and they're excellent table fare for anglers looking to take home dinner.

Time to Book Your Spot

The Chassahowitzka backcountry offers world-class inshore fishing without the pressure and crowds of more famous destinations. This customer favorite trip gives you access to waters that produce fish consistently while providing the peaceful, authentic Florida fishing experience that's getting harder to find. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or someone wanting to learn proper inshore techniques, this charter delivers the goods. The afternoon timing means you'll fish through prime feeding periods and potentially catch the evening bite that can really turn on during certain times of year. With all gear provided and expert instruction included, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. Book your trip now and discover why You'll Hookem's Chassahowitzka charters keep anglers coming back season after season.