Our inshore trips are all about variety. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you could be battling a hard-pulling snook around a mangrove root. Sea trout often school up over the grass flats, providing fast action and tasty fillets if you're looking to bring home dinner. And if you're lucky, you might even tangle with the silver king himself – the mighty tarpon. Our captains stay on top of the latest patterns and movements, so you're always fishing where the bite is hottest.
Pine Island's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, big schools of redfish push into the backcountry, often tailing in water so shallow you can see their backs. Spring sees the arrival of tarpon, with 100+ pound specimens cruising the passes and flats. Summertime heats up the snook bite, with these hard-fighting linesiders ambushing bait around mangrove shorelines. And fall? That's when everything seems to be feeding, with mixed bags of reds, trout, and snook commonplace.
Pine Island Sportfishing targets the top Pine Island fish species including Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Speckled Sea Trout. We also catch Snapper, Sheepshead, Jack, Mackerel and Sharks.
Redfish are the bulldogs of Pine Island's inshore waters. Most are in the 18-27 inch slot, but bulls over 40 inches prowl offshore. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in just inches of water. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. These copper-colored beauties are known for powerful runs and excellent table fare. Sight fishing for tailing reds is a favorite, but they'll readily hit artificial lures too. For a stealthy approach in skinny water, try weedless gold spoons or soft plastics. And keep an eye out for that telltale spot near the tail - it's a dead giveaway when you're on the fish.
Spotted seatrout, or "specks," are staples of Pine Island flats fishing. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster bars, especially early mornings. They're active year-round but really turn on in spring and fall. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to hit lures and tasty fillets. Try working a popping cork with a soft plastic shrimp imitation - the noise draws them in from a distance. For bigger trout, go with larger baits like pinfish or mullet around dawn and dusk.
Snook are a prized catch around Pine Island, known for their size and fighting spirit. These fish typically run 24-34 inches long and love hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow water. Look for them year-round, but the bite really heats up in summer. Snook put up an acrobatic fight, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. Their meat is delicious too, making them popular for catch and cook. To land a big one, try freelining live bait like pilchards or pinfish near structure during incoming tides. And don't forget to use a shock leader - snook have razor-sharp gill plates that can slice through light line in a flash.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Pine Island waters. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach 6 feet and 150 pounds, though 80-100 pounders are more common. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in deeper channels and along the beaches, especially from April through June. Tarpon are pure muscle and famous for their gravity-defying leaps when hooked. The fight alone makes them bucket list fish for many anglers. While not great eating, the thrill of battling one makes up for it. For best results, use heavy tackle and chunk baits like mullet or ladyfish. And be ready to bow to the king when it jumps - lowering your rod tip helps keep them hooked.
In the spring, Pine Island transforms into a prime location for outstanding fishing. Anglers eagerly pursue sought-after species such as snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon in the extensive inshore areas around the island. Additionally, Pine Island Sportfishing, under the guidance of Captain Troy, extends its fishing expeditions to the offshore waters near Pine Island. Here, they target rich populations of species like black sea bass, further broadening the variety of fishing adventures on offer.
Every season brings a bounty of ideal catches in the waters around Pine Island. Throughout the year, diverse species like snook, redfish, sea trout, Spanish mackerel, Mangrove snappers thrive here. The specific time of year does influence the kinds of fish available, with different fishing periods highlighting various species. Fortunately, Captain Troy's extensive knowledge and expertise of these waters provide a distinct edge for your fishing trips. His profound understanding of the local marine environment, backed by years of experience, guarantees that you'll always be fishing in the most opportune spots for the finest catches.
Throughout every season, the waters surrounding Pine Island flourish with the ideal fishing opportunities. Regardless of the time of year, Captain Troy's fishing charter guarantees encounters with a variety of sought-after species, including snook, redfish, sea trout, Spanish mackerel and Mangrove snappers.
In Pine Island, the most popular fish species to target include snook, redfish, and speckled trout for inshore fishing. For offshore adventures, anglers often seek grouper, amberjack, and snapper. Captain Troy Creasy expertly guides you to the best spots for these sought-after species.
Snook fishing in Pine Island is best from late spring through early fall when the waters are warmer and the fish are more active. Captain Troy can provide detailed insights on peak times and conditions to maximize your snook catch.
Redfish around Pine Island typically range from 20 to 30 inches in length. However, larger specimens over 40 inches are also occasionally caught. Captain Troy’s expertise ensures you have the best chance of landing these impressive fish.
Yes, speckled trout in Pine Island are more abundant from spring through early fall. They migrate towards the shallower flats and estuaries during these warmer months. Captain Troy’s local knowledge helps in targeting them effectively during their peak season.
Snapper fishing in Pine Island is subject to specific regulations regarding size and bag limits. Captain Troy ensures that all fishing practices adhere to local regulations to promote sustainable fishing and protect the species.
3892 Coconut Dr.
St James City, FL 33956
315-243-2389
troy@highadventurefishing.com
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