Ready for some good ol' family bonding on the water? Captain John's got you covered with this laid-back 6-hour fishing trip around Tiki Island. It's perfect for folks who want to wet a line without any fuss. Whether you're showing the kids how to bait a hook for the first time or looking to unwind with some easy fishing, this trip hits the sweet spot. You'll be reeling in Redfish, Sheepshead, and Sea Trout before you know it – and making memories that'll last way longer than your sunburn.
This ain't your grandpa's intense fishing marathon – it's a chill day out that's all about having a good time. Captain John's got years of experience under his belt, and he knows how to keep things fun for everyone from little tikes to grandparents. You'll be cruising the calm inshore waters, which means less seasickness and more fish-catching. The best part? All the gear's included, so you don't have to lug anything but your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks). Captain John's got a knack for putting folks on fish, so even if you've never held a rod before, you've got a solid shot at landing something to brag about.
Alright, let's talk shop. We're not out here trying to win any speed records – this is all about the slow and steady approach that puts fish in the boat. We'll be doing a mix of drift fishing and anchoring up on some prime spots. Captain John's always got his eye on the fish finder, looking for those underwater honey holes. We might toss out some live bait, or if the bite's right, we'll switch it up with some soft plastics or topwater lures. The shallow waters around Tiki Island are perfect for sight casting too, so keep your eyes peeled for those tell-tale swirls and shadows. And don't worry if you're not sure how to work a lure or set the hook – Captain John's there to show you the ropes every step of the way.
Look, we could tell you all day how great the fishing is, but sometimes it's better to let the catch do the talking. Here's what some happy anglers have been saying about their trips with Captain John:
Tiki Island's waters are home to some real characters, and you never know who might show up to play. Here's a rundown of the usual suspects:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail, and they fight like they've got something to prove. Redfish love to hang out near oyster bars and grass flats, and when they're feeding, you can sometimes see their tails sticking out of the water. That's when things get really exciting – sight casting to tailing reds is about as good as it gets. They're around all year, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're not actually trout at all, but part of the drum family. Sea trout have a soft mouth, so you've got to finesse them a bit when you're reeling them in. They love to hang out over grass beds and around structure. Early morning and late evening are your best bets for hooking into some nice ones. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the sound of a big trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Sheepshead: These striped oddballs are the dentists of the sea – they've got a mouthful of chompers that look like human teeth. They use those chompers to crush barnacles and crabs right off the pilings. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so when you're fishing for them, you've got to have a light touch. They're most active in the cooler months, and they taste amazing. Just be careful when you're handling them – those teeth are no joke!
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage. They can change their color to match the bottom, making them almost invisible until they move. Flounder like to ambush their prey, so you'll find them near drop-offs and channel edges. Fall is the best time to target them as they move to deeper waters. When you're reeling one in, it feels like you're dragging in a dinner plate – until they turn sideways, that is. Then it's game on!
Black Drum: The big brothers of the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes. The smaller ones, what we call "puppy drum," are great eating and put up a solid fight. They've got sensitive barbels under their chin that they use to feel for crabs and shrimp on the bottom. Black drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is why they're sometimes called the "big uglies." Don't let that nickname fool you though – hooking into a big one is a thrill you won't forget.
So there you have it, folks – a day out on Tiki Island waters that's tailor-made for making memories with the fam. It's not about setting any records or filling the freezer (though you might do both). It's about laughing together when someone gets a backlash, cheering for the little ones when they reel in their first fish, and maybe learning a thing or two from Captain John's years on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or you don't know a rod from a reel, this trip's got something for everyone. The fish are biting, the water's fine, and Captain John's ready to show you a day you won't forget. So what are you waiting for? Grab the family, book your spot, and get ready for some good old-fashioned fishing fun. The memories are out there – all you've got to do is cast a line!
Sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing, with their human-like teeth and convict-striped bodies. Usually 1-8 pounds, these structure-loving fish are pros at stealing bait. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and oyster beds, munching on barnacles and crustaceans. Winter and early spring are prime Sheepshead seasons. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-thieves, plus they're excellent eating. To land one, you need finesse and patience. Here's a local tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. Fish right up against pilings or structure, and when you feel the lightest tap, wait a second, then set the hook hard. It's all about timing with these crafty fish.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for catching flounder as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky fish. To land a flounder, try slow-dragging a live bait or soft plastic along the bottom. A local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it, so patience can mean the difference between a catch and a miss.
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, often tipping the scales at 30-50 pounds. These big boys love hanging around oyster beds and structures in brackish waters. You can spot 'em by their distinctive chin barbels and powerful, teeth-crushing jaws. Spring's the best time to target Black Drum, as they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their strong fight and the deep, croaking sound they make. For table fare, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds - they're much better eating. Here's a local trick: use fresh, peeled shrimp or crab for bait, and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second to get the bait in their mouth before setting the hook.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers, known for the black spot near their tail, typically run 20-30 inches in the bays. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs are out of the water. They love to hang around oyster reefs, grass beds, and marshes. Fall is prime time for Reds, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for their powerful runs and their "shoulder-shaking" head bobs when hooked. For eating, they're hard to beat. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp just ahead of them, and hold on tight!
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Here's a local tip: try using a popping cork with a live shrimp or soft plastic about 18 inches below. The noise attracts trout from a distance, and they'll come investigate that trailing bait. When you see that cork disappear, it's game on!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 48
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225