Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Dalton Bryant's half-day trips out of Pine Island are just the ticket. Whether you're after a bull redfish or a crafty snook, these waters are teeming with action. With room for up to four anglers, it's the perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon with family and friends, making memories and hopefully landing some fish dinners!
Pine Island Sound is a fisherman's playground, and Captain Dalton knows every nook and cranny. Depending on when you visit, you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, drifting for speckled trout over grass flats, or working structure for hard-fighting snook. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're finessing a sheepshead off a piling, the next you're battling a bruiser red in open water. And with all gear provided, you just need to show up ready for action.
Captain Dalton's boat is rigged and ready with top-notch equipment suited for inshore battles. Light tackle is the name of the game here, giving you the best feel for the fight. You might be tossing soft plastics, working topwater lures, or soaking live bait - it all depends on what's hot and what you're after. The captain's years of local experience mean you're not just fishing, you're fishing smart. He'll put you on the spots where fish are feeding and show you the techniques that work best in these waters.
Pine Island isn't just about the fish - it's about the experience. As you cruise the sound, you'll soak in views of mangrove islands, perhaps spot some dolphins or manatees, and enjoy the laid-back vibe that makes this area special. It's close enough to civilization for convenience, but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. Plus, with a max of four guests, you get the personal attention that can make the difference between a good day and a great one on the water.
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are a blast to catch and even better to eat. In Pine Island Sound, you can find them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools move in to spawn. Look for their copper-colored bodies and distinctive tail spots in shallow water. They'll test your drag with powerful runs, especially the bigger ones over 30 inches we call "bull reds."
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. They're abundant, willing biters, and make for excellent table fare. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Trout love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars, often in schools. A popping cork rig with live shrimp is hard to beat, but artificials work great too.
Snook: If you're after a real inshore challenge, snook are your target. These wily predators are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. They love structure, so we'll often find them around mangrove roots, docks, and bridges. The biggest ones show up in summer for the spawn, but fall and spring offer great action too. Landing a big snook is a true Florida fishing accomplishment.
Sheepshead: Don't let their striped, almost comical appearance fool you - sheepshead are smart fish and notoriously tricky to hook. They have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles, their favorite foods. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, when they gather around pilings and reefs. It takes a deft touch to feel their subtle bite, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
A half-day trip with Captain Dalton is more than just a fishing excursion - it's a chance to experience the best of what Pine Island has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish, or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, this trip fits the bill. The flexible start times mean you can fit it into even the busiest vacation schedule. And remember, while the fishing is always exciting, it's the memories made on the water that truly last. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the flats for some Pine Island action. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?
Redfish are a Pine Island favorite, known for their coppery color and that distinctive tail spot. Most run 3-8 pounds, but bull reds over 20 pounds show up in the fall. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats and mangrove shorelines, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. They feed best on rising tides, especially in spring and fall. Anglers love sight-casting to redfish for the visual thrill and their strong, determined fights. To hook up, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic along the edges of grass flats. One local trick is to look for pushes or swirls in shallow water - that's often a dead giveaway for feeding reds. Just approach quietly and make an accurate cast. Once hooked, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. And don't forget, these guys make excellent table fare too!
Sea trout, or specks as we call 'em, are a Pine Island staple. These silvery fish usually run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them cruising grass flats and channels in 2-6 feet of water, often near drop-offs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Fall and spring are prime seasons as water temps are ideal. Anglers love chasing trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, delicate meat. To get into some good action, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork or working soft plastics along the grass edges. One local trick is to look for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to a school of feeding trout. Just remember to work your lure with a slow, steady retrieve. These guys aren't known for their long runs, but they sure know how to shake a hook!
Sheepshead are quirky fish that'll test your skills around Pine Island. These striped "convicts" typically run 2-5 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 10. You'll find them hugging structure like docks, pilings, and reefs in 5-20 feet of water. They have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans, so barnacle-covered areas are prime spots. Winter and early spring are best as they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their crafty bait-stealing and delicious, flaky white meat. To outsmart them, use a small sharp hook with fiddler crabs or shrimp. My go-to trick is scraping some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up before dropping your bait right in the mix. Just be ready for that subtle bite - set the hook fast or they'll clean you off every time.
Snook are a prized catch around Pine Island, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. These ambush predators typically range from 5-15 pounds, though trophy fish over 30 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in depths of 3-10 feet. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures change. Snook put up an exciting fight and make excellent table fare, with firm white meat. To land one, try free-lining live bait like pinfish or mullet near structure. A local trick is to cast your lure or bait right up against the mangroves - that's where the big ones hide. Just be ready for that initial explosive strike and have your drag set right, or they'll wrap you around the roots in no time.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150