Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the waters off Pine Island, Florida. This 8-hour offshore trip with Reel Adventures is perfect for anglers looking to mix it up and catch a variety of species. We'll be targeting snook, redfish, trout, sheepshead, snapper, and pompano – talk about a mixed bag! As your local guide, I'll make sure you're on the fish and having a blast the whole time. We'll even throw in a relaxing beach stop if you want to stretch your legs. With ice-cold drinks and fresh fruit on board, you'll stay cool while reeling in the big ones.
Our day starts early, meeting at the dock as the sun's coming up. We'll load up the boat with our gear and head out to my favorite fishing spots. I know these waters like the back of my hand, so we'll waste no time getting to where the fish are biting. We'll start by targeting the inshore species like snook and redfish, working the mangrove shorelines and grass flats. As the day heats up, we'll move offshore to deeper water for sheepshead, snapper, and maybe even some pompano if they're running. I'll be right there with you, helping you bait up, giving casting tips, and making sure you're having a good time. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – I love teaching folks of all skill levels.
We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. For the inshore fishing, we'll do some sight casting with light tackle – it's a real thrill to see a big snook come up and smash your bait. When we move offshore, we'll switch to bottom fishing with heavier gear. I'll show you how to properly present your bait and set the hook when you feel that telltale thump. We've got top-notch equipment on board, but if you've got a favorite rod you want to bring, that's fine too. Just make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen – that Florida sun can be brutal out on the water!
Snook are the rock stars of Pine Island fishing. These hard-fighting fish love to hang around structure and will give you a run for your money when hooked. They're known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. The best time to target them is during the warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. Snook can grow up to 40 inches long, so be ready for a workout!
Sheepshead are another favorite among our guests. These striped fish with human-like teeth are masters at stealing bait, so hooking one is a real accomplishment. They hang around pilings and reefs, and the colder months are prime time to catch them. They're excellent eating fish too, so if you're looking to take home dinner, sheepshead are a great target.
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are abundant in our waters year-round. They're known for their delicate bite and tend to school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to catch them, especially over grass flats. They put up a good fight on light tackle and are another tasty option for the dinner table.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow water, giving sight-fishing enthusiasts a real thrill. They're known for their powerful runs and can be caught year-round, but fall is particularly good when they school up. Redfish over 27 inches are called "bull reds" and can give you an arm-burning fight you won't forget.
Folks love our Pine Island trips because of the variety we offer. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in inches of water, the next you're battling a big snook around a mangrove root. And when we hit those offshore spots, you never know what might grab your bait – could be a tasty snapper or a hard-pulling sheepshead. Plus, the scenery around Pine Island is just gorgeous. We might see dolphins, manatees, or all sorts of birds while we're out there. And let's not forget that optional beach stop – nothing beats taking a quick dip or just wiggling your toes in the sand between fish catches.
I know a day on the water can take it out of you, so we make sure you're comfortable. We've got a cooler stocked with water and Gatorade to keep you hydrated. And there's nothing better than biting into a slice of cold watermelon or cantaloupe when you're out in the sun all day. We've got shade on the boat too, so you can take a break from the rays when you need to. Just remember to bring your own snacks or lunch – fighting fish works up an appetite!
Man, we've been on a hot streak lately! Last week, we had a father-son duo out and the kid hooked into a monster snook – must've been pushing 40 inches. Took him a good 15 minutes to get it to the boat. Then there was the group of buddies who came down from up north. They couldn't believe how many redfish we were catching – we had a double hookup at one point! And just yesterday, we found a school of pompano that were practically jumping in the boat. When the bite is on like that, it's non-stop action from start to finish.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Pine Island has to offer, don't wait to book your trip. We've only got room for 3 anglers per boat, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, the $100 deposit is non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there reeling in fish after fish, you'll see it's worth every penny. So grab your fishing buddies, pack your sunscreen, and let's make some memories out on the water. The fish are biting, and I can't wait to show you what Pine Island fishing is all about!
Redfish are a Pine Island favorite, known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep, around oyster bars and mangroves. Most reds we catch are in the 18-27 inch slot, but bulls over 40 inches cruise nearby passes. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. They're not picky eaters - live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures all work well. For a real thrill, try sight fishing with topwater plugs in early morning. Redfish put up a stubborn, bulldogging fight and are excellent eating. Here's a local trick: on windy days, fish the lee shores where bait gets pushed up. Reds often cruise these areas looking for an easy meal.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a Pine Island staple. These silvery fish with spotted backs hang out over grass flats and around oyster bars, usually in 2-6 feet of water. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. They're active year-round but really turn on in fall as water temps cool. Sea trout are suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but soft plastics and topwater lures work great too. At night, try fishing lighted docks - trout can't resist the bait that gathers there. They're not huge fighters, but make up for it with their willingness to bite and excellent taste on the table. One tip: when you find a school, work it thoroughly. Where there's one trout, there's usually more.
Sheepshead are an oddball fish with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. You'll spot their distinctive black and white stripes around docks, bridges, and reefs. Most run 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. They're craftiest in winter and early spring when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so use a small, sharp hook and set it quick when you feel that telltale nibble. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles on a jighead are top baits. Work your offering right up against pilings or structure - that's where they feed. The fight can be stubborn, and cleaning them takes some work, but the sweet, white fillets are worth the effort. Locals call 'em "convict fish" - you'll see why when you catch one.
Snook are a prized catch around Pine Island, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. You'll find them lurking near mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water, typically 1-4 feet deep. Adults average 20-30 inches but can grow over 40 inches. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are ideal. Snook put up an impressive fight and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. To improve your chances, try using live bait like pinfish or pigfish near structure during incoming tides. When using artificials, walk-the-dog topwaters or soft plastic jerkbaits work well. Just remember, snook can be leader-shy, so use fluorocarbon when sight fishing in clear water. Their distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw make them easy to identify once you hook one.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150