Get ready to kick back and reel in some of Florida's finest inshore species on this extended half-day trip with Reel Adventures. Captain Dalton Bryant knows Pine Island Sound like the back of his hand, and he's itching to share his favorite spots with you. With six full hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to work different areas and really dial in on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailored to give you the best shot at some quality catches and a darn good time.
As soon as you step aboard Captain Dalton's boat, you'll feel right at home. He's got all the gear you need, so don't sweat it if you forgot your lucky lure. The calm waters of Pine Island Sound are perfect for a smooth ride, and with room for up to four guests, you can bring the whole crew. Dalton's got a sixth sense for where the fish are biting, and he'll adjust the game plan based on what's hot that day. You might find yourself sight casting on the flats, drifting through channels, or working the mangrove edges – wherever the action is, that's where you'll be.
On this trip, you'll get to try out a bunch of different fishing techniques. If the conditions are right, you might start off sight fishing for tailing redfish on the flats. It's like hunting, but on the water – spotting those copper-colored tails waving in the shallows gets your heart pumping every time. When the tide's moving, Dalton might have you drifting live bait through the channels, a killer method for hooking into some monster trout. And don't forget about working those mangroves – that's where the snook like to ambush their prey, and where you might just land the catch of the day. Captain Dalton's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, so be ready to learn some new skills that'll up your fishing game.
Redfish are the rock stars of Pine Island Sound, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll test your drag and your biceps. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars, often giving themselves away with their signature tail-out feeding behavior. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Sea trout might not have the same star power as redfish, but don't let that fool you. These spotted beauties are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. They school up in deeper grass flats and channels, especially during the cooler months. When you find a good trout hole, it's not uncommon to catch one after another – talk about non-stop action!
Sheepshead are the oddballs of the bunch, with their human-like teeth and distinctive black and white stripes. They're notorious bait stealers, but when you figure out their bite, it's game on. Winter is the best time to target these structure-loving fish, and they're often found around docks, pilings, and oyster bars. Don't let their small size fool you – pound for pound, they're one of the tastiest fish in the sea.
Last but not least, we've got the snook – the holy grail of inshore fishing for many anglers. These wily predators are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They love to hang out in the mangroves, using the structure to ambush prey. Snook fishing really heats up in the warmer months, especially during their spawning runs in late spring and early summer. Landing a big snook is something you'll be bragging about for years to come.
Folks who fish with Captain Dalton tend to book their next trip before they even get back to the dock. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's about the whole package. You've got the beautiful scenery of Pine Island Sound, with its maze of mangrove islands and crystal-clear flats. There's the thrill of stalking fish in skinny water, where you can see them before they see you. And let's not forget the wildlife – from ospreys diving for their lunch to manatees lazily cruising by, there's always something to see.
The fishing's been on fire lately, with some real trophies coming over the gunwales. Just last week, a father-son duo landed a 32-inch redfish that put on a show worthy of a fishing show. The trout bite has been steady, with plenty of "gator" trout in the 20-inch range being caught on topwater lures at first light. And for those willing to work a bit harder, the sheepshead fishing around the bridge pilings has been off the charts, with some real hubcap-sized fish testing anglers' skills.
If you're itching to get out on the water and see what Pine Island Sound has to offer, this extended half-day trip with Reel Adventures is your ticket to a top-notch fishing experience. Captain Dalton's knowledge of the area, combined with the extra time on the water, gives you the best shot at not just catching fish, but having a day you'll be talking about for years to come. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with some hard-fighting redfish, finesse some tricky sheepshead, or maybe even tangle with a trophy snook, this trip's got you covered. Don't let another fishing season slip by – grab your crew, book your date, and get ready for some real Pine Island action. The fish are waiting, and Captain Dalton's ready to put you on 'em!
Redfish are the bulldogs of Pine Island's flats. Most keepers run 18-27 inches, but trophy "bull" reds over 40 inches cruise the deeper channels. Look for them tailing on shallow grass flats at high tide or prowling mangrove shorelines as the water drops. Fall and winter are prime seasons as big schools push into the bays. Redfish are prized for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll test your drag and patience, especially around oyster bars or docks. Gold spoons are a local favorite - that flash drives reds crazy. For bigger fish, try cut pinfish or ladyfish on the bottom. Here's a tip: on calm days, scan the flats for pushing water or muds. That's often a dead giveaway for feeding redfish. Cast ahead of them and hang on!
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a Pine Island staple. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them cruising grass flats and channels, often in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially around moving tides. Fall through spring offers the best action as water temperatures cool. Trout are popular for their aggressive strikes and delicate, white meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers - it's not unusual to catch dozens in a good spot. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a local favorite, but soft plastics work great too. Try working jigs or twitch baits with erratic retrieves to trigger strikes. One trick: focus on potholes in the grass flats, trout love to ambush bait from these sandy patches.
Sheepshead are the convicts of Pine Island's waters, with distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 2-4 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, rock piles - where they use those weird human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter is prime sheepshead season as they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. But once hooked, they put up a stubborn fight on light tackle. The white, flaky meat is delicious too, though cleaning them can be tricky. Here's a local tip: use a small, sharp hook with fresh fiddler crab or oyster for bait. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard. Sheepshead are masters at nibbling bait off the hook, so you've got to be quick!
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Pine Island. These hard-fighting predators typically range from 24-34 inches, with some monsters pushing 40+ inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, oyster bars, and dock pilings, especially during summer spawning runs. Snook love structure and use their powerful bodies to ambush prey in currents. Fall and spring are prime seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers prize snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their delicate white meat also makes excellent table fare when in season. To entice a big snook, try working a soft plastic jerk bait or live pinfish right up against mangrove shorelines. Let it sit, then twitch it enticingly - that often triggers an explosive strike from a hidden snook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150