Hey there, night owls and fish fanatics! If you're itching to hit the water when the sun goes down, boy do I have a treat for you. Captain Jamie's evening inshore trip is the real deal for anyone looking to tangle with some of Pensacola's finest after dark. We're talking about a 4-hour adventure that kicks off at 8 PM, perfect for those who like their fishing with a side of starlight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. And with room for just 4 guests, you know you're in for some quality time on the water without feeling like sardines in a can.
Let me paint you a picture: You're gliding through the glowing waters of Milton and Pensacola, rod in hand, with Captain Jamie at the helm. The air's got that salty tang, and the only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and maybe the odd splash of a fish. We're on the hunt for some of the area's most prized catches - Redfish and Sea Trout are the stars of the show, but don't be surprised if you end up battling a Black Drum, Crevalle Jack, or Grey Snapper. It's like a lucky dip, but instead of prizes, you're pulling up fish!
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Do I need to bring my own gear?" Nope! Captain Jamie's got you covered. All the fishing gear you need is included in the $500 trip price. And here's a sweet little bonus - you don't even need to worry about a fishing license. We've taken care of all the boring stuff so you can focus on the fun part: reeling in the big ones. As for techniques, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. We might do some drift fishing or anchor up in a honey hole - it all depends on where the fish are partying that night.
Alright, let's talk fish. When the sun dips below the horizon, that's when some of our favorite species come out to play. Redfish, or as we like to call 'em, "red drums," are like the rock stars of Pensacola's inshore scene. These copper-colored beauties can put up one heck of a fight, especially when you hook into a big bull red. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting dock lights and bridge pilings where they like to ambush their prey.
Sea Trout, on the other hand, are the ninjas of the night. They've got a knack for sneaking up on your bait when you least expect it. These guys are known for their soft mouths, so setting the hook just right is key. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a big speck light up in the water as you reel it in.
Black Drum are like the heavyweight champions of the inshore world. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! If you hook into a big one, get ready for a workout. These bottom-feeders love to cruise around looking for crabs and shrimp, so we'll be dropping baits right in their path.
Crevalle Jack, or "jacks" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the bunch. If you hook one of these guys, hold on tight! They're known for their blistering runs and never-say-die attitude. Catching a jack is like hooking into a freight train - it's a rush you won't forget.
Last but not least, we've got the Grey Snapper, or "mangrove snapper" if you're feeling fancy. These guys might be on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in taste. They're crafty little devils, known for their light bite and quick escapes. Landing a nice mangrove snapper is always a treat, especially if you're planning on a fish fry the next day.
Now, you might be wondering why we're heading out when most folks are settling in for the night. Well, let me tell you, night fishing in Pensacola is something special. For one, the heat of the day is gone, replaced by a cool breeze that makes being on the water downright pleasant. But more importantly, many fish species are more active at night, especially during the warmer months. They come out of their daytime hideouts to feed, which means more action for us anglers.
Plus, there's something magical about fishing under the stars. The water takes on a different character at night, sometimes even glowing with bioluminescence. It's like you're fishing in a whole new world. And let's not forget the peace and quiet - no jet skis buzzing around, no pleasure boaters to dodge. It's just you, your fellow anglers, and the fish. Can't beat that kind of serenity.
So, what do you say? Ready to try your hand at some night fishing Pensacola style? Captain Jamie's Half Day Evening Inshore trip is calling your name. For $500, you get 4 hours of prime fishing time, all the gear you need, and the expertise of a local guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to catch your personal best or just want to experience the thrill of fishing under the stars, this trip's got you covered.
Remember, space is limited to just 4 guests, so don't wait too long to book. Once you're all set, Captain Jamie will send over the meeting instructions, and you'll be all ready to go. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of setting the hook on a big fish in the dark of night. It's an experience you won't forget anytime soon. So go on, treat yourself to a night out on the water. The fish are waiting, and the adventure's calling. See you out there!
Black Drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. These cousins of Redfish can grow huge - we're talking 50+ pounds - but the eating-size ones run 5-30 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and hanging around oyster bars, using their strong jaws to crush shellfish. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen for that "drum roll" when you're fishing. Spring is spawning time, when big schools gather and are easier to target. These fish aren't known for crazy runs, but they pull hard and steady. For the best eating, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. Use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom, and here's a local tip: a piece of cut blue crab is Black Drum candy. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're fun to catch and make some tasty fish tacos.
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These hard-fighting fish typically run 3-15 pounds around here, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them busting bait schools on the surface - they're aggressive feeders and not shy about making a commotion. Jacks aren't known for being great table fare, but what they lack in eating quality, they more than make up for in fighting ability. These guys will test your tackle and your arms. They're most active in warmer months, often charging into the shallows to chase bait. Fast-moving lures like spoons or topwater plugs work great. Here's a local tip: watch for diving birds to find feeding schools. When you hook one, hang on tight and enjoy the ride - pound for pound, Crevalle Jacks are some of the strongest fish in these waters.
These tasty little fighters are a blast to catch in the shallows around Pensacola. Typically 1-2 pounds inshore, they hang around structures like docks and reefs. Grey Snappers are most active at night, making them perfect for our evening trips. They put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and taste great on the table. Look for them around oyster beds or mangroves using live shrimp or small jigs. A local trick is to chum with crushed oysters to really get them fired up. Just be ready for a quick bite - these opportunistic feeders don't mess around when they see food. Grey Snappers spawn during full moons in summer, so that's often prime time to target big schools. Whether you're after a fun fight or a delicious dinner, these "mangrove snappers" deliver.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Pensacola's inshore scene. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark tail spot typically run 3-15 pounds in the bays, but we sometimes see bulls over 30. They love shallow water - I've seen their backs out of the water on really skinny flats. Look for them around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangroves, often in less than 3 feet of water. Reds put up a great fight, with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your gear. They're also fantastic eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet works great, but artificial lures are just as effective. Here's a local tip: on hot summer days, try sight-fishing for them in ultra-shallow water. There's nothing like watching a big red crash a topwater lure.
Spotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple of our evening trips. These silver beauties with dark spots usually run 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see gators over 20 inches. They love to hang in grass flats and around drop-offs, often in just a few feet of water. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so look for them around points and creek mouths. They feed actively at night, which makes them perfect for our evening charters. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Plus, they're excellent eating - mild, flaky, and great on the grill. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. Here's a local secret: on calm nights, listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound to locate feeding schools.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 36
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225