OUTLAW CHARTERS(239) 628-0534Check dates

THE FISH

San Carlos Bay, the back bay and the near Gulf. What's biting depends on the month.

The cleaning table loaded with snapper, grouper and sheepshead
In season now
13 species
  • SnookYear round
  • RedfishYear round
  • Spanish mackerelMar–Nov
  • Mangrove snapperYear round
  • Spotted sea troutYear round
  • Bonnethead sharkMar–Nov
  • LadyfishYear round
  • PompanoSep–Apr
  • Mutton snapperYear round
  • SheepsheadDec–Apr
  • Gag & goliath grouper
  • TarponApr–Aug
  • CobiaMar–Jun

Highlighted are running right now.

Snook caught with the charter

Ambush feeders tucked against mangrove roots, dock pilings and bridge shadows. They hit hard, run for the nearest structure and jump. Pound for pound the best fight in the back bay.

Typical size24–34 in
Where we find themMangrove shorelines, docks, bridges
BaitLive pinfish, shrimp, artificials
Keep or releaseMostly release — tight slot limits
Best trip for itHalf Day Back Bay
Redfish caught with the charter

Copper-colored with a black spot near the tail, often tailing in inches of water on the flats. Stubborn, shouldering fight and the best eating fish we catch inshore.

Typical size20–30 in
Where we find themGrass flats, oyster bars, potholes
BaitLive shrimp, cut bait, gold spoons
Keep or releaseOne per person in the slot
Best trip for itHalf Day Back Bay
Sheepshead caught with the charter

Striped bait thieves with unsettlingly human teeth. They pick a shrimp off the hook without you feeling it, so hooking one is genuinely satisfying.

Typical size12–18 in
Where we find themPilings, bridges, oyster beds
BaitLive or fresh-cut shrimp
Keep or releaseKeeper — sweet white meat
Best trip for itHalf Day Back Bay
Gag & goliath grouper caught with the charter

Structure fish that dive straight back into the rocks the second they're hooked. Heavy tackle, live bait and a real arm workout. Goliaths are catch, photo, release only.

Typical sizeGag 20–30 in · goliath 200 lb+
Where we find themNear-Gulf ledges and hard structure
BaitLive pinfish
Keep or releaseGag in season · goliath release
Best trip for itFull Day Back Bay
Spanish mackerel caught with the charter

Fast, toothy and greedy — they run in schools and hit a moving bait hard. When they're thick you can fill a cooler lid in an afternoon, and the whole boat stays busy.

Typical size16–24 in
Where we find themPasses, beaches, bait schools
BaitLive shrimp, spoons, jigs
Keep or releaseKeeper — best eaten fresh
Best trip for itHalf Day Back Bay
Mangrove snapper caught with the charter

Small, sharp-eyed and everywhere once you find them. They stack up on structure and bite all day, which makes them a favorite with kids — and they're as good on the table as anything we catch.

Typical size10–16 in
Where we find themDocks, rock piles, near-Gulf ledges
BaitLive shrimp, cut sardine
Keep or releaseKeeper — excellent eating
Best trip for itHalf Day Back Bay

Also on the card: spotted sea trout, tarpon, bonnethead shark, ladyfish, pompano, mutton snapper, cobia. Licenses are covered for everyone aboard.

Next open: Sunday, Oct 4Call (239) 628-0534Check dates