The 15 Best Inshore and Bay Fishing Trips

1.Bay Fishing South Padre Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 206 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $32Our pick

Spend about four hours fishing the lower Laguna Madre aboard the 49-foot Hard Bottom Too. Captain Murphy’s crew supplies rods, reels, bait, and tackle, while guides such as David, Cesar, Mike, and Roy help you fish for trout, whiting, drum, sheepshead, stingrays, and more. Bring snacks, drinks, and a Texas saltwater license if you are 17 or older.

“Well, we went out right on schedule! (I really dig that). Got out to the spot, baited up, hooks in the water, and BAM! Within 5-7 minutes we were pulling in fish (sand trout). Now I realize that's not the case for everyone, but it really worked out for me and my boy. We caught 15 or 16 between the two of us (12 keepers, 1 bait fish, and 3 stingrays) and I saw lots of other stringers on the boat that looked pretty good. They even fileted them out for us at the end (for a lfew extra bucks)! The crew was awesome to work with! They helped with…”

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2.Out n About Sportfishing for Share and Private Charters on Reef and Estuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 203 reviews · from $154

Fish from Port Douglas with a maximum of six people per boat, choosing reef or estuary water as conditions allow. Rods, reels, bait, water, soda, sunscreen, and insect repellent are supplied. Skippers including Malcolm, Sean, Rossco, and Paul are praised for hands-on help with beginners and families.

“The fishing trip was awesome. We were lucky enough to have great weather. It took about 25 min to get out onto the reef and started catching fish straight away. Highly recommend Out n About”

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3.Cairns Estuary Fishing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 121 reviews

Join Darryl or Dazza from Fish Tales Charters at 6:30 am for 4.5 hours aboard the 19-foot River Rocket. You will fish Trinity Inlet for grunter, fingermark, mangrove jack, queenfish, threadfin, and possibly barramundi, while cruising mangroves where crocodiles may appear. Gear, bait, water, ice, and an esky are included.

“Great experience. Darryl was an excellent host. We did not catch a lot of fish but it wasn’t from a lack of effort. It was a beautiful stretch of water and got to see a lot of the estuary system. We would come again if we are in Cairns.”

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4.Private Bay Fishing South Padre Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) Top rated

Fish South Padre Island’s bay on a private 4 to 5-hour trip for up to six people. Captain Brady, Chapo, Rett, and other local guides provide rods, bait, tackle, and hands-on help. Bring drinks and snacks, keep your catch, and add fish cleaning or a restaurant fish-cooking option.

“Our family had a fabulous time! Wonderful experience and had a great guide, Chapo, he made sure we were all having a great time and also knowledgeable about the best way to fish!”

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5.Inshore Fishing on the Waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Captain Rob takes up to four anglers aboard the 25-foot Dress Blues for a private inshore trip on Choctawhatchee Bay. Expect Penn gear, live bait, a fishing license, shade, seating, a private head, and fish cleaning. Families can choose a shorter Memory Maker outing near the dock.

“We went on the 2 hr “memory maker” fishing excursion with Capt Rob. He was very friendly and took time to explain fishing strategies with the kids. He also examined every fish we caught and provided details of each one. We caught catfish, croaker, red fish, black Drum, stingray and blue crab. Lots of fun for the family!”

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6.Naples Backwater/Calm Bay Fishing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 74 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $145

Set out from downtown Naples with Pure Florida for 3.5 hours of backwater fishing. Captain Chris, Adam, Sam, Dan, and other crew members have earned praise for helping children and first-time anglers. Expect provided gear, several fishing spots, Naples scenery, and a marine restroom. You may also reach the Gulf when conditions allow.

“Sam and Tyler were awesome! We went to three different places and caught some nice fish. Great music in the boat and laid back environment.”

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7.Private Inshore Fishing Experience in Isla Mujeres and Cancún

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 69 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Fish within six miles of Isla Mujeres on a private four-hour boat for up to six people. Captains such as El Chicles, Mario, Oscar, and Chuy provide gear, bait, drinks, and hands-on help. Expect barracuda, snapper, grouper, bonito, or permit, plus a chance to have your catch cooked locally.

“We had an amazing experience! Captain Mario and Oscar were born and raised in Isla Mujeres. They are super friendly and very professional, taught my kids how to catch a barracuda. We caught two good size barracudas! Can’t wait to come back and go with them for another fishing & Snorkeling tour!”

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8.KeyWest Half-Day Inshore Fishing Private Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Start at 7:30 am from Stock Island for four hours of private fishing in Key West’s shallow channels and backcountry. Captain Justin or Captain Jagger may guide your group, using live crabs, pilchards, and pinfish for tarpon, sharks, snappers, jacks, barracuda, and permit. Rods, tackle, bottled water, and the fishing license are included.

“Trolling motor not working correctly, so lost lots of fishing time. Would not hold position, and was very noisy.wasted dayJustin was great guy.”

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9.Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Join Jason Tours for a private 3.5-hour inshore fishing trip from Malpaís near Santa Teresa. Your guide supplies rods, tackle, water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit while you fish for tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, snapper, and more. The route reaches Cabo Blanco and may include dolphins, turtles, rays, or whales.

“First experience for my son ! 4 fish and 1 stinray!😂 Good Time with good guide ! Thank you Janvier !”

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10.Biscayne Bay Inshore Flats Fishing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews

Join Miami Bonefishing for a private four-hour charter in Biscayne Bay, departing from Homestead or Key Biscayne. You’ll fish calm, shallow flats for bonefish, trout, snapper, grouper, shark, and other species, using fly or spinning gear supplied by your guide. Bring lunch and drinks, since food is not included.

“This was the best fishing trip I have ever experienced. I have fished all over the world and by far this was the best and we'll run trip.”

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11.Private Inshore Fishing Adventure in Puerto Vallarta with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Fernando and his first mate for a private four-hour fishing trip from Marina Los Peines. Fish inside Banderas Bay for mahi mahi, tuna, sailfish, grouper, snapper, and other species. Your group of up to four gets the boat and guide to itself, with gear and bottled water included. Snacks and drinks may be offered, but there is no bathroom onboard.

“The crew was great. I got sea sick and they were great about taking us in early. Unfortunately we didn't catch any fish.”

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12.Crystal River Inshore Fishing Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.)

Meet Captain Ryan, Chris, or Michael at the public ramp on 1 SW 1st Pl for a private Crystal River fishing trip. You will fish the river and Crystal Bay, with all tackle, safety gear, licenses, a boat, and bottled water supplied. Choose four to eight hours, watch for wildlife, and take home legal catch.

“What a fantastic Jack Crevalle fishing trip! Michael (the captain) is really helpful. We caught 24 Jack Crevalle. We took our ten Jack Crevalle home, gutted, pan-fried in a little extra virgin oil, with lemon, perfect, eaten...done. Please do try this experience, as one novice, it really does open up a complete feeling of a gateway to another world! Michael does make the whole experience amazing; the company is a gem. BOOK IT!”

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13.Inshore Sport Fishing with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Captain Zach takes up to three people on an 18-foot Maverick HPX through Fort Lauderdale’s canals, rivers, mangrove creeks, bridges, and flats. He supplies tackle, licenses, fuel, water, and fishing help. Choose light tackle, fly fishing, or beginner-friendly instruction while targeting tarpon, snook, barracuda, sharks, and jack crevalle.

“Zach the captain was absolutely the best. He new exactly where to go to catch the big tarpon fish. We made many memories that we will remember for a long time.”

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14.Inshore Fishing Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $325

Set out from 50 Immigration Street for an eight-hour private inshore fishing charter in Charleston. Your captain supplies rods, gear, licenses, bait, and bottled water. Depending on conditions, you may fish tidal creeks, sounds, bays, marsh grass, and oyster banks for redfish, flounder, and spotted trout. Captains include Dylan, Ryan, Bill, Dan, and Jeff.

“8 of us went out for a Bachelor Party, Dylan was a great captain. Good catches, good music. Worth the trip.”

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15.4-Hour Private Inshore Fishing Trip in Sarasota

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Captain James Gibson takes your private group of up to four onto Sarasota’s inshore waters for four hours of fishing. He supplies rods, tackle, bait help, and practical instruction while targeting snook, redfish, tarpon, and trout. Kids, dogs, and beginners are welcome, and the trip begins and ends at Harts Landing.

“Catching the fish. James knew exactly where to go on the bay to be successful. He was on time and had everything ready to go the moment we arrived.”

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