Ready for a laid-back morning on the water that still packs a punch? Our Suwannee River Scenic Fishing Charter is the perfect mix of chill vibes and hot fishing action. We'll cruise the iconic Suwannee, where Spanish moss drapes over cypress trees and gators sunbathe on logs. But don't let the postcard views fool you – these waters are teeming with fish just waiting to bend your rod.
We kick things off bright and early at 7 AM, giving us prime time on the river before the day heats up. This 4-hour trip is ideal for anglers who want to wet a line without dedicating a full day. We've got room for two guests, so bring your fishing buddy or significant other for a morning you won't forget. At $350, it's a steal for a private charter on one of Florida's most storied rivers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll tailor the experience to your skill level. And here's the kicker – we can hit either saltwater or freshwater, depending on what's biting and what you're after.
On the Suwannee, we're all about versatility. In the brackish lower river, we might be tossing soft plastics for redfish around oyster bars or working topwater lures for snook in the mangroves. Upriver, it's largemouth bass territory, where we'll flip jigs into submerged timber or work weedlines with spinnerbaits. We provide all the gear, from light tackle spinning setups to baitcasters for those who prefer them. The river changes character as we move along, from wide, lazy bends to narrow, swift-flowing sections. Each spot offers its own challenge and charm, and we'll hit the sweet spots where the fish are holding.
Anglers have been crushing it lately on the Suwannee. We've seen some monster redfish pulled from around dock pilings, and the snook bite has been on fire during the early morning hours. Largemouth bass fishing has been consistent, with several 5-pounders coming to the boat on recent trips. The black drum have been schooling up in the deeper holes, providing some serious pull for those who like a good fight. And let's not forget about the tarpon – when these silver kings roll through, it's a sight you won't soon forget.
Largemouth Bass: The king of freshwater gamefish, Suwannee largemouths are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. These green machines can top 10 pounds in our waters, with the best action happening around structure like fallen trees and vegetation edges. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big bass on a topwater lure at dawn.
Snook: These ambush predators are the ninjas of the brackish water. Snook love to hang tight to structure, darting out to smash baitfish with lightning speed. They're notorious for their powerful runs and gill-rattling head shakes. The Suwannee's snook fishery is a bit of a hidden gem, with less pressure than you'll find in South Florida. We target them year-round, but the bite really heats up in late spring and summer.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and great on the dinner table. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use natural baits like shrimp or crab to entice them. Black drum are year-round residents, but the bigger schools move in during the cooler months.
Tarpon: The "silver king" is the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and for good reason. Tarpon in the 80-150 pound range migrate through our waters, offering the fight of a lifetime on light tackle. These prehistoric fish are known for their spectacular leaps and stubborn stamina. We typically see them from late spring through early fall, with peak action in the summer months. Landing a tarpon is never guaranteed, but just hooking into one will get your heart racing.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of the Suwannee inshore scene. Redfish are opportunistic feeders, happy to hit artificial lures or natural baits. They're famous for their bulldog-like fights and distinctive tail-on-the-surface feeding behavior. We catch reds year-round, with the fall "bull red" run being a particular highlight. There's nothing quite like sight-casting to a tailing redfish in skinny water.
The Suwannee River isn't just a fishing spot – it's a slice of Old Florida that's getting harder to find these days. Our guests rave about the peaceful atmosphere, where you're more likely to see an osprey dive for a fish than another boat. The diversity of species keeps things interesting – you never know if your next cast will hook a bass, a snook, or something totally unexpected. Plus, the scenery is unbeatable. Where else can you cast a line while watching manatees lumber by or alligators sunning on the bank?
Look, I could go on all day about the Suwannee and its fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. This 4-hour trip is perfect for squeezing in some quality angling without eating up your whole day. At $350 for two people, it's a great value for a private, guided experience on one of Florida's most unique waterways. Whether you're a serious angler looking to check some species off your list or just want to enjoy a morning on the water with a rod in your hand, we've got you covered. Just remember, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the fish. So don't wait to book your spot. The Suwannee and its finned residents are calling your name!
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats. These powerful fish range from 5-30 pounds, with some topping 90. You'll find them rooting around oyster bars, channel edges, and mud flats in 3-10 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love their strong, steady fights and distinctive drumming sound. For best results, use fresh cut crab or shrimp on a fish-finder rig. When you feel the tap-tap-tap, let them take it for a few seconds before setting the hook. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are great eating, with sweet, white meat. Bigger ones get tough, so consider releasing those to pass on their genes. Listen closely - you might hear them croaking before you see them!
Largemouth bass are the rockstars of freshwater fishing. These aggressive predators typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 10. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed edges, and docks in 5-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. Anglers love 'em for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. To land a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near cover. When you feel that telltale "thump," set the hook hard and hang on! Bass aren't the best eating, but they're a blast to catch and release. Just remember to handle them gently so they can fight another day.
Redfish, or red drum, are the ultimate shallow water game fish. These copper-colored beauties typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach 40+. Look for them tailing on grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn. Anglers love their powerful runs and ability to strip line from a reel. To target them, try a gold spoon or soft plastic jig worked slowly along the bottom. When you see that tell-tale v-wake, make a quiet cast ahead of the fish. Reds have excellent table quality, with firm white flesh. Just keep an eye out for that distinctive black tail spot - it's your cue to set the hook and hold on tight!
Snook are the ultimate inshore game fish here in Florida. These silver-sided bruisers average 5-15 pounds but can top 30. Look for them around mangroves, dock pilings, and river mouths, especially on incoming tides. Spring and fall are peak seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers prize them for their hard runs and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. To boost your odds, try live pilchards or finger mullet fished under a popping cork. Work it with sharp twitches to mimic a fleeing baitfish. When a snook hits, it'll nearly rip the rod from your hands! They're excellent table fare too, but check regulations as seasons are tightly managed to protect the fishery.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Florida fishing. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can top 200. You'll spot them rolling in coastal passes, around bridges, and on shallow flats. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers chase tarpon for their spectacular aerial acrobatics and sheer power. To hook up, try drifting live crabs or mullet in deeper channels. When a tarpon inhales your bait, count to three, then set the hook hard. Be ready for an epic battle that can last hours! They're catch-and-release only, but the memories last a lifetime. Pro tip: Use circle hooks to improve hookups and make release easier on these magnificent fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 31
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115