Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Carrabelle, FL

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

$425 - $1,400 price range

Summary

Hop aboard our 22' Baycat for a morning of fishing in the rich waters around Carrabelle, Florida. We'll cruise the inshore and nearshore areas, hitting up the bay and local reefs for a shot at a variety of fish. Depending on what's biting, you might land Redfish, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Sea Bass, or even Grouper. This half-day trip is great for all skill levels - whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your technique. We've got room for up to 5 guests, so bring your buddies or the family. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up while you're reeling them in. The fishing's good, the atmosphere's relaxed, and the scenery can't be beat. Join us at Gritwater Outfitters for a solid morning of angling in one of Florida's best fishing spots.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Carrabelle, FL

Catches of the Day

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Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing in Carrabelle

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Summer Flounder caught while fishing in FL

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Summer Flounder caught while fishing in Carrabelle

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Half-Day Fishing Adventure in Carrabelle's Waters

Get ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore and nearshore waters. Our half-day trip out of Carrabelle is the perfect way to experience the diverse fishery of the Forgotten Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. Hop aboard our 22' Baycat and let's see what's biting!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll cruise out from Carrabelle's calm harbor, setting our sights on the rich fishing grounds that make this area a year-round angler's paradise. Depending on the conditions and what's running, we might hit the flats for some redfish action, work the grass beds for speckled trout, or run out to the nearshore reefs for some bottom-fishing excitement. Our goal is to keep the rods bent and the fish coming over the gunwales. With a max of 5 guests, there's plenty of elbow room and personal attention from your guide. Don't forget to pack some snacks and your favorite drinks – nothing works up an appetite like reeling in the big ones!

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, we'll use a mix of light tackle techniques to target a variety of species. We might start off sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, using artificial lures or live bait. If the trout are biting, we'll drift the grass flats, working soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. When we hit the reefs, it's time to drop some live bait or jigs to the bottom for grouper, sea bass, and other structure-loving fish. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, rigged and ready to go. Just bring your sunscreen, hat, and camera – you'll want to capture the memories (and maybe a few bragging rights).

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sheepshead: These striped convicts are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They hang around structure like pilings and reefs, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Sheepshead fishing is all about finesse and timing – when you feel the bite, set the hook fast! They're at their peak in late winter and early spring when they school up to spawn.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish will test your drag and your patience. We target these copper-colored beauties year-round, but fall is prime time when the big bulls move into the shallows. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in gin-clear water is a heart-pounding experience every angler should try. Their distinctive spot and powerful runs make them a favorite among our guests.

Cobia: These curious fish are often called "brown bombers" for their torpedo-like shape and hard-fighting nature. Cobia start showing up in our waters in spring, following rays and turtles. They're known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fish you'll tangle with in these waters.

Gag Grouper: The heavyweight champs of our nearshore reefs, gag grouper will try to break your line and your heart. These ambush predators love structure and will head straight for it when hooked. The battle to turn their head and get them away from the bottom is what reef fishing is all about. They're available year-round, but regulations determine when we can keep them.

Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little battlers punch above their weight class. They're abundant on our nearshore reefs and wrecks, often biting as fast as you can get your bait to the bottom. Sea bass are the perfect target for anglers of all skill levels, and they make for some mighty fine eating too.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Carrabelle's waters offer a unique mix of inshore and nearshore fishing opportunities that keep our guests coming back season after season. One day you might be sight-casting to redfish in skinny water, the next you're battling grouper over a deep reef. The diversity of species and fishing styles means there's always something biting and new techniques to master. Plus, our laid-back Forgotten Coast vibe is the perfect antidote to the busy world you left behind. No high-rises or crowded beaches here – just miles of unspoiled coastline and some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best fishing the Forgotten Coast has to offer? Our half-day trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to join in on the action. We'll put you on the fish, share some local knowledge, and make sure you have a great time on the water. Whether you're after a cooler full of fillets or just want to bend a rod and enjoy the coastal scenery, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online with Gritwater Outfitters USA, and let's make some fishing memories in Carrabelle!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are a fun, tasty target on our nearshore trips. These feisty little guys usually run 1-4 pounds, but can get up to 8. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active in late spring and summer when they move inshore to spawn. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait or lure. They put up a decent scrap for their size, especially on light tackle. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. We often catch them while fishing for other species, which is always a welcome bonus. My tip? Use a two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut bait. When you find one, there's usually more nearby, so it's worth dropping back down in the same spot.

Cobia

Cobia are one of those fish that'll really get your heart pumping. These powerful battlers can top 100 pounds, though most we see run 20-50. They show up in our waters from spring through fall, often following large rays or hanging around buoys and wrecks. Cobia are curious fish - they'll swim right up to the boat to check things out. That makes sight fishing for them a blast. They put up an epic fight, making blistering runs and using their size to bull-dog you. The meat is excellent too, with a firm texture perfect for grilling. My favorite way to target them is with live eels or big bucktail jigs. Pro tip: always have a pitch rod ready. When you spot one, you've got to act fast before they lose interest and dive.

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are a staple on our deeper trips. These bruisers typically run 10-30 pounds but can get much bigger. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months when they move closer to shore to spawn. Gags are ambush predators, so they love structure. When you hook one, be ready for a fight - they'll try to drag you back into their rocky lairs. The meat is top-notch, with a sweet, mild flavor. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great, but big jigs can entice them too. My secret weapon is a butterfly jig worked right along the bottom. Just remember, these guys grow slow, so practice some catch-and-release to keep populations healthy.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular targets here in Carrabelle. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 20-40 inches and love cruising the shallows, often in water so skinny their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves, especially on incoming tides. Fall and winter are prime seasons when big schools push into the bays. Reds put up a fantastic fight, often making long runs and bulldogging near the boat. They're also great eating fish. To spot 'em, we scan for their signature tail waving above the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. My go-to trick is using a gold spoon - that flash drives 'em crazy. Just remember to check those regulations, as slot limits apply.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a real character on our trips. These striped beauties typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks and reefs. We find them year-round, but spring's prime time when they gather to spawn. Sheepshead put up a stubborn fight and they're notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth. Locals call 'em "convict fish" for those distinctive black bars. They make excellent table fare too, with sweet, white meat. My tip? Use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or oysters. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook fast - these guys are masters at stripping bait. Patience and a quick hand are key to landing these crafty fish.

About the 22' Twin Vee

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard our 22' Baycat for a morning of fishing fun in the scenic waters around Carrabelle, Florida. We'll explore the bay and local reefs, giving you a chance to reel in a variety of fish like redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, sea bass, and grouper. This half-day trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels - whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your technique. The calm inshore waters provide a relaxed setting to cast your line and enjoy the coastal scenery. Don't forget to bring along some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up while you wait for the big catch. With room for up to 5 guests, it's a great way to spend quality time with family or friends on the water. Join Gritwater Outfitters for a laid-back morning of fishing and soaking up the Florida sunshine!

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