Ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action in one of Florida's hidden gems? Captain Dalton Bryant's got you covered with this 8-hour trip that'll take you through the fish-rich waters of Pine Island Sound. Whether you're looking to land a trophy Snook or just want to spend a relaxed day on the water with friends, this customizable adventure is perfect for anglers of all levels. With room for up to 4 guests, it's ideal for small groups or families looking to make some lasting memories (and maybe catch dinner while you're at it).
Picture this: You're cruising through the mangrove-lined channels of Pine Island Sound, the early morning mist just starting to burn off. Captain Dalton's at the helm, sharing local knowledge as you head to his favorite fishing spots. With a full 8 hours ahead, you've got time to really explore what these waters have to offer. Maybe you'll start by sight-casting to tailing Redfish on the flats, then switch it up with some drifting for Sea Trout. As the day heats up, you might duck into the mangroves to target some hard-fighting Snook. The beauty of a full day trip is the flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, no worries, there's plenty of time to find where the fish are biting.
On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing techniques. Depending on the species we're after and the conditions, we might do some light tackle casting, work some topwater lures, or even do a bit of fly fishing if that's your thing. Don't sweat it if you're new to any of these methods – Captain Dalton's there to show you the ropes. All the gear you'll need is provided, from rods and reels to lures and live bait. We're talking quality stuff here – no bargain bin tackle on this boat. Just bring yourself, some sunscreen, and maybe a lucky hat. Oh, and don't forget your Florida fishing license – you can grab a temporary one online if you need it.
Pine Island's waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, Redfish and Sheepshead are often the stars of the show. As things warm up, the Snook bite really turns on, and you might find yourself in the middle of a Trout bonanza. But that's just scratching the surface – depending on when you visit, you could also hook into some hard-fighting Jack Crevalle, tasty Mangrove Snapper, or even the occasional Tarpon. Captain Dalton keeps his finger on the pulse of what's running, so you'll always be in the right spot at the right time.
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Pine Island staple. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, Redfish (or Red Drum) can be found year-round but really shine in the fall and winter. They love to cruise the shallow flats and mangrove edges, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Sight-casting to tailing Reds is an angler's dream, offering that perfect mix of challenge and reward. They're also great fighters, known for powerful runs that'll test your drag system.
Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your average freshwater trout. Spotted Sea Trout are actually members of the drum family, and they're a blast to catch. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round in Pine Island Sound. Sea Trout love to hang out over grass flats and around oyster bars, often in schools. They're suckers for a well-presented lure or live bait, and their aggressive strikes make for some exciting fishing. Plus, they're delicious if you're looking to keep a few for dinner.
Snook: If there's a rock star of inshore fishing in Florida, it's got to be the Snook. These sleek, powerful fish are prized for their fighting ability and their tendency to make spectacular leaps when hooked. Snook love structure, so you'll often find them lurking around mangrove roots, dock pilings, or in the passes. They're most active in the warmer months, with the bite really heating up in late spring and summer. Landing a big Snook is a true accomplishment – they're known for their clever tactics to shake the hook or wrap you around obstacles.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and some serious teeth, Sheepshead are one of the more unique-looking fish you'll catch around Pine Island. They're winter specialists, showing up in big numbers when the water cools down. Sheepshead are structure-oriented, hanging around pilings, rocks, and oyster bars. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking them can be tricky – but that's part of the fun. Once you get the hang of it, you'll appreciate their fight and their excellent table fare.
There's something special about fishing Pine Island Sound that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the variety – where else can you target Redfish on the flats in the morning, tangle with some Snook in the mangroves after lunch, and finish the day drifting for Trout? Or maybe it's the scenery – between the mangrove islands, the bird life, and the chance to spot a manatee or dolphin, there's always something to see. But if you ask the regulars, they'll probably tell you it's Captain Dalton that makes the difference. His local knowledge, patience with newbies, and ability to put you on fish consistently is what turns first-timers into repeat customers.
So, are you ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer? This full-day trip with Captain Dalton is your ticket to a day full of bent rods and screaming reels. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy Snook or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, this trip's got you covered. With all gear provided and Captain Dalton's expertise at your disposal, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to document your catches). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Book your Pine Island fishing adventure today and get ready to make some memories on the water!
Redfish are a Pine Island favorite, known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches show up in fall. Look for them tailing on shallow flats or cruising mangrove shorelines. They'll eat just about anything - live bait, soft plastics, even topwater plugs. Fall and winter are prime as fish school up. Redfish give a great fight, often making strong runs and head shakes. Their firm white meat is excellent on the grill too. One local tip: on low tides, focus on potholes in grass flats where reds get trapped. Sight fishing for tailing reds is a rush - watch for their tails waving above the surface as they root for crabs. Just remember to release the big breeders over 27 inches to keep our fishery strong.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a Pine Island staple. Most run 15-20 inches, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them cruising grass flats and channels, often in 3-6 feet of water. They're suckers for soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Fall through spring offers the best action as water cools. Sea trout are known for their light tackle fights and delicate white meat - perfect for a fresh fish dinner. They've got soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set. One local trick: work topwater lures at first light for exciting surface strikes. Sea trout often school up, so if you catch one, there's likely more nearby. Just remember to practice catch and release with the bigger breeders to keep populations healthy.
Sheepshead are the convicts of Pine Island waters, with distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 8-10 pounders aren't rare. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, pilings, reefs. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans, so small crabs or shrimp are top baits. Winter and early spring are prime, when big schools gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive rod and quick hook-set are musts. Their firm white meat is delicious but cleaning them can be tricky with those tough scales. Here's a local tip: use a small, sharp hook and wait to feel weight before setting - patience pays off with these clever fish. The fight isn't spectacular, but outsmarting them is half the fun.
Snook are a prized catch around Pine Island, known for their strong fights and tasty fillets. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches, though trophy fish over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in the shallows. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Snook love to ambush prey, so working lures tight to cover is key. Try twitching a soft plastic jerk bait or walking a topwater plug for exciting strikes. Be ready for powerful runs - snook will test your drag. Their delicate white meat makes great fish tacos too. One local trick: on incoming tides, look for snook staging at points waiting to push up onto the flats with the water. Cast ahead of them and you might hook into a beast.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150