Looking for a top-notch kayak fishing experience in Tallahassee? You're in for a treat with this exclusive Salt Strong Insider Member charter. As a local guide who's fished these waters for years, I can tell you - this trip is the real deal. We're talking 5 solid hours on the water, chasing after some of Florida's most prized inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this half-day adventure is packed with action, insights, and the kind of fishing stories you'll be sharing for years to come.
Rise and shine, folks! We typically kick off around 6 AM, but don't worry - we keep an eye on those tides to make sure we're hitting the water at prime time. You've got options when it comes to getting to our launch spot. We offer a convenient pick-up service, or if you prefer, you can meet us right at the boat ramp. Just a heads up, this trip is for the 16 and up crowd, so leave the little ones at home for this one. As a Salt Strong Insider, you're in for some extra special treatment - we've tailored this trip just for you guys, leveraging all those insider tips and tricks you've been soaking up.
Now, let's talk gear and technique. We're not just any old kayak charter - we're Pedal Driven. That means you'll be cruising in state-of-the-art kayaks that let you navigate with your feet, keeping your hands free for casting and reeling in the big ones. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. I'll show you how to work a popping cork for those trout, sight cast to tailing redfish, and maybe even how to entice a flounder from its hidey-hole. The beauty of kayak fishing is the stealth factor - we can sneak into those skinny water honey holes where the big boats can't go.
"Captain Courtney did an excellent job of putting us on the fish despite the wind . He is very knowledgeable and knows how catch fish. He is very patient and makes sure you have good experience. Captain Curtney suppled everything to make our trip successful. The only thing we had to bring was bug spray and sun tan lotion. I would recommend to anyone booking a trip with Captain Courtney Ashburn." - Tony
Let's break down the top targets we'll be chasing on this trip. First up, sea trout - these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. They're known for their speckled patterns and their willingness to hit topwater lures, making for some exciting surface action. Spring and fall are prime times for trout, but we catch 'em year-round. They typically range from 1-5 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a gator trout pushing 8 pounds or more.
Next, we've got redfish, or as the old-timers call 'em, red drum. These copper-colored beauties are the bulldogs of the flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, often tailing in shallow water where you can sight cast to them. The slot size here in Florida is 18-27 inches, but we sometimes encounter bulls over 40 inches. Fall is fantastic for reds, but they're around all year.
Last but not least, there's the southern flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush predators. They lie in wait on the bottom, often near structure or drop-offs. The challenge with flounder is not just finding them, but also setting the hook at the right moment - they've got a unique way of grabbing a bait. Fall is the best time for flounder as they start their migration to spawn. A good-sized flounder here might hit 5 pounds, and let me tell you, they're not just fun to catch - they're delicious too (if you're keeping your catch).
What sets this trip apart isn't just the fishing - it's the whole experience. As a Salt Strong Insider, you're already clued into some of the best fishing tactics out there. This trip takes those insights and puts them into action. You'll be fishing from top-of-the-line pedal kayaks, which means better control, more casting time, and the ability to access those secret spots where the big fish hide.
We provide everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and even lunch. That's right, we'll keep you fueled up for a full morning of fishing. And let's not forget the views - Tallahassee's coastline is a mix of pristine flats, oyster bars, and marshes that are not just productive fishing grounds but also stunningly beautiful. You might spot ospreys diving for fish, dolphins cruising by, or even a manatee if we're lucky.
One of the best parts? The knowledge you'll gain. As your guide, I'm not just here to put you on fish - I'm here to help you become a better angler. We'll talk about reading the water, understanding tides, and how to match your technique to the conditions. By the end of the trip, you'll have new skills to add to your Salt Strong arsenal.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a world-class kayak fishing experience that combines the knowledge you've gained as a Salt Strong Insider with hands-on guidance from a local expert, this is your trip. We're talking about 5 hours of targeted fishing for some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. You'll be using top-notch gear, fishing from stealthy and comfortable pedal kayaks, and potentially landing your personal best trout, redfish, or flounder.
Remember, spots are limited and these trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. If you're ready to put your Salt Strong knowledge to the test and experience some of the best kayak fishing Tallahassee has to offer, don't wait. Book your trip now and get ready for a fishing adventure that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Just make sure to give us at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel - we'd hate to have to charge your card for a missed opportunity on the water. See you on the flats!
March 31, 2024
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are one of the most popular game fish in our area. They're easy to spot with their copper-red color and black spot near the tail. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much larger offshore. You'll find these guys in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time for redfish, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers go crazy for reds because they put up a great fight and taste delicious. They'll hit a variety of baits, from live shrimp to artificial lures. When sight-fishing, look for their tails sticking up as they feed in shallow water - it's an exciting way to fish. One local trick: on calm days, try using topwater lures early in the morning. There's nothing like seeing a big red explode on a surface plug. Just be ready to hold on tight when they make that first run!
Southern Flounders are masters of disguise, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match their surroundings. They typically grow 15-18 inches long and hang out in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish are most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of spotting them. They're not known for putting up a big fight, but landing one feels like solving a puzzle. To catch Southern Flounder, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom. Live bait like mullet or shrimp works well, but artificial lures can be effective too. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, give the fish a moment before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow, so patience pays off.
Southern Flounder are flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on their left side. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. Most flounder we catch are 15-18 inches long, but they can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find these ambush predators in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They prefer sandy or muddy areas where they can bury themselves and wait for prey. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they move to deeper water for spawning. Anglers love flounder for their mild, sweet-tasting fillets. While they're not known for hard fights, the challenge is in the technique. It takes skill to detect their subtle bites and finesse to land them. To catch flounder, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait or soft plastics. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift to set the hook.
Captain Courtney did an excellent job of putting us on the fish despite the wind . He is very knowledgeable and knows how catch fish. He is very patient and makes sure you have good experience. Captain Curtney suppled everything to make our trip successful. The only thing we had to bring was bug spray and sun tan lotion. I would recommend to anyone booking a trip with Captain Courtney Ashburn. Tony Riley