Get ready to tangle with some serious bruisers on this action-packed bull drum fishing trip. For five heart-pounding hours, you'll be on the hunt for trophy-sized redfish in the shallows, armed with artificial lures and guided by the expert hand of Captain Jason. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this half-day trip promises an unforgettable battle with one of the most sought-after inshore species around. So grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're about to get into some rod-bending, drag-screaming fun!
This isn't your average lazy day of fishing – we're talking about non-stop action from the moment we hit the water. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on top of the best bull drum hotspots. You'll be sight-casting to hungry reds in skinny water, feeling the thrill of watching these copper-colored giants chase down your lure. When a big bull takes the bait, hold on tight! These fish can tip the scales at over 40 pounds, and they fight like their tails are on fire. It's the kind of fishing that'll have your arms burning and your face grinning from ear to ear.
Leave your live bait at home for this trip – we're going artificial all the way. You'll be tossing soft plastics, topwater lures, and maybe even some fly gear if that's your style. Captain Jason will show you the ropes on how to work these lures to drive the bull reds wild. We'll be using light tackle to really feel the fight, so expect some serious battles. The shallow water terrain means we might be poling through grass flats, drifting along oyster bars, or sneaking up on tailing reds in back bays. It's a hands-on experience that'll sharpen your skills and give you stories to tell for years to come.
While we're primarily after those bruiser bull reds, don't be surprised if we tangle with some other inshore heavy-hitters. Spanish mackerel might zip through, slashing at our lures with their razor-sharp teeth. Bluefish could show up in a frenzy, chomping anything that moves. We might even stumble upon some doormat-sized summer flounder lurking on the bottom. And let's not forget about the wily sea trout – these spotted beauties are always a welcome addition to any inshore trip.
Bull Redfish: These are the stars of the show, and for good reason. Bull reds, also known as red drum, are the oversized bruisers of the redfish world. They typically range from 27 to 40 inches and can weigh upwards of 40 pounds. These fish are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. In the shallows, you'll often see them "tailing" – their tail fins breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and baitfish. The best time to target these giants is typically in the fall and early winter when they gather in large schools for spawning.
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are like the drag racers of the inshore world. Spanish mackerel are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They usually show up in the warmer months, from late spring through fall. While they might not have the brute strength of a bull red, their lightning-fast attacks and aerial displays make them a blast to catch. They typically range from 2 to 4 pounds, but larger ones aren't uncommon.
Bluefish: If there's a brawler in the inshore waters, it's the bluefish. These aggressive predators are all muscle and attitude. They'll hit a lure so hard it'll make your arms shake, and then they'll fight you tooth and nail all the way to the boat. Bluefish can be found year-round but are most active in the warmer months. They average 2 to 5 pounds, but 10-pounders (known as "choppers" for their vicious teeth) are not unheard of.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing any prey that comes too close. Catching them requires a bit of finesse, as you'll need to work your lure along the bottom to entice a bite. Summer flounder are most active from late spring through early fall. While most are in the 2 to 5 pound range, trophy "doormats" can reach 10 pounds or more.
Sea Trout: These speckled beauties are prized for both their sporty fight and their excellent table fare. Sea trout, also called spotted seatrout, are known for their delicate mouths and tendency to shake the hook. They're often found around grass flats and oyster bars, the same areas we'll be targeting redfish. Sea trout are available year-round but are most active in the spring and fall. Most fish are in the 1 to 3 pound range, but gator trout pushing 5 pounds or more are the stuff of angler dreams.
There's something special about chasing bull reds in the shallows that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the heart-stopping excitement of watching a big red crush your lure in just a foot of water. Or perhaps it's the raw power you feel as these fish peel line off your reel like it's nothing. Whatever it is, this trip offers the kind of fishing that gets in your blood. And with Captain Jason at the helm, you're not just going fishing – you're getting an education in how to consistently put yourself on big fish. Whether you're looking to cross bull reds off your bucket list or you're a seasoned pro wanting to hone your skills, this trip delivers the goods.
Listen, if you're still on the fence about this trip, let me put it this way: big bull reds in skinny water is the kind of fishing that'll ruin you for anything else. It's addictive, it's challenging, and it's downright fun. With room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a group of friends or a family outing. And at just five hours, it fits nicely into even the busiest vacation schedule. So why wait? The bull reds are out there right now, tailing in the shallows and just begging to test your drag. Give Captain Jason a call and lock in your spot. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. Let's get out there and put some bends in those rods!
Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage on the ocean floor. They average 15-20 inches but can grow over 20 pounds. You'll find them in bays, estuaries, and along the coast, usually in sandy or muddy areas. They migrate inshore in spring and offshore in fall, so those are prime seasons to target them. Fluke are ambush predators - they'll bury in the sand with just their eyes showing, waiting to pounce on baitfish. That's why drift fishing works so well. Let your bait bump along the bottom as you drift over likely spots. Fluke put up a decent fight and are excellent eating. Here's a local trick: use a buck-tail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish. The motion imitates a wounded baitfish and drives fluke crazy.
Spanish mackerel are speedsters of the coast, often found in big schools chasing bait. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can get up to 12 pounds. Look for them around inlets, piers, and just off the beaches, especially in summer and early fall. They like clear, warm water and will attack just about any shiny lure that moves fast. Trolling small spoons or jigs is a great way to cover water and find the schools. Once you do, casting small jigs or gottcha plugs into the frenzy is a blast. Spanish macks fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. Local tip: If you're casting, reel as fast as you can - these fish love the chase and will often hit right at the boat.
Bluefish are like ocean-going piranhas - aggressive and always hungry. They average 2-5 pounds but can get up to 20 pounds or more. You'll find them from the surf zone out to open water, often in large schools chasing bait. Summer and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Blues are known for their fierce strikes and powerful runs. They'll hit just about any lure, but metal spoons and topwater plugs work great. Be careful handling them though - those teeth are razor sharp. Bluefish can be good eating if bled and iced immediately, with a rich, oily flavor. Here's a local secret: If you see birds diving, there's likely a bluefish blitz happening below. Motor upwind of the frenzy and drift into casting range.
Redfish are a blast to catch and put up a serious fight. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches long, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish love to cruise the flats, so look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs and shrimp. They'll hit just about any bait, but I like using scented soft plastics on a jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom and hold on tight when they strike. The meat is delicious too - mild and flaky. One tip: If you see a school pushing water, cast well ahead of them and slowly retrieve your lure through the group. Gets 'em fired up every time.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore species. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially early morning or evening. They like cooler water, so spring and fall are peak seasons. Sea trout are ambush feeders - they'll wait in deeper holes to attack bait moving with the tide. That's why working a popping cork rig can be so effective. The noise draws them in from a distance. These fish put up a good fight on light tackle and taste great on the grill. Pro tip: When you find a school, don't leave fish to find fish. Work the area thoroughly - sea trout often hang out in big groups.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150