Inshore Gold with the Crew
- Captain Pete France
- October 31, 2025
- 12:23 am
- 0 comments
There’s nothing quite like a crisp morning on Florida’s Nature Coast, a boat full of good friends, and the promise of an unforgettable day on the water. This trip—what we came to call “Inshore Gold with the Crew”—was one of those perfect days where everything lined up: the tides, the weather, and the fish. For anglers who live for inshore action, this story is a reminder of why we do what we do—chasing redfish, snook, and trout across some of the most beautiful coastal waters in Florida.
Setting Out on Florida’s Nature Coast
The day started early, the kind of morning where the air is still cool and the sunrise paints the horizon pink and gold. Out here on the Nature Coast, mornings like this mean one thing: it’s time to hunt for inshore gold—those hard-fighting redfish, aggressive snook, and gator trout that make this region legendary.
As the tide began to rise, baitfish flickered across the surface like tiny sparks. The water was calm, and every ripple felt like a promise. There’s something about inshore fishing on the Nature Coast that feels untouched—no crowds, just endless flats, winding creeks, and the sound of a reel screaming to life.
Finding the Bite — Reading the Water
Success in Inshore Gold with the Crew didn’t come by luck. It came from reading the water, watching for signs, and trusting experience. The Nature Coast is a patchwork of oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines—each one capable of holding fish if you know when and how to approach it.
Key Tactics for Locating Inshore Gold:
- Watch the tides: On a rising tide, redfish push shallow, tailing in the grass as they hunt shrimp and crabs.
- Follow the bait: Pelicans and terns diving are a dead giveaway that predators are nearby.
- Use stealth: Poling quietly or drifting with the wind helps you get close without spooking fish in shallow water.
The crew spread out along a mangrove edge, each of us scanning for movement. Then it happened—the first swirl, the first blow-up—and just like that, we knew we were in for a wild day.
The First Strike — Hooked on Redfish
When you’re chasing redfish on the Nature Coast, the first hookup sets the tone for the whole day. My buddy’s rod bent deep, and the drag sang as a beautiful red drum tore across the flat. The bronze scales shimmered like sunlight under the surface—true inshore gold.
We used soft plastics rigged weedless on 1/8-ounce jig heads, working them slowly along the bottom. The key in November’s cooler water is patience—keeping that lure in the strike zone just long enough to tempt a bite.
Redfish Tactics that Paid Off:
- Lure Choice: Paddle tails and shrimp imitations in natural colors like “new penny” or “gold flake.”
- Retrieve: Slow and steady with occasional twitches to mimic a wounded baitfish.
- Presentation: Cast ahead of feeding fish, not directly at them. Let the lure drift naturally.
Every fish released swam off strong, leaving a swirl and a memory.
Snook in the Shadows — The Ambush Masters
After a few solid reds, we moved toward deeper mangrove cuts and current-swept points. That’s snook country. These ambush predators love structure and shadow lines, and as the sun climbed higher, they were waiting for bait to pass through.
One cast under a mangrove limb turned into an explosion—a snook crushed the lure and headed straight for the roots. The rod doubled, the drag peeled, and everyone on board started cheering. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of fighting a snook in tight quarters.
Snook Fishing Tips for the Nature Coast:
- Use strong leaders (30–40 lb fluorocarbon)—these fish have rough mouths and sharp gill plates.
- Cast parallel to structure and let the current carry your bait naturally.
- Try topwater plugs early in the morning or soft jerkbaits once the sun’s up.
We landed a few snook that morning, all released after a quick photo. Each one reminded us how much power these fish pack.
Trout on the Flats — Finishing the Slam
No inshore slam is complete without a speckled trout, and the Nature Coast’s grass flats are home to plenty. As the tide topped out, we switched to lighter gear and soft plastics under popping corks.
It wasn’t long before a big “gator” trout inhaled a bait and started head-shaking across the surface. The water erupted in a flash of silver and foam—a perfect cap to an already incredible day.
Trout Fishing Techniques That Work:
- Rig: 3”–4” soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork for sound and visibility.
- Retrieve: Pop, pause, pop—mimicking shrimp movement.
- Location: Grass flats 3–5 feet deep with moving water and plenty of bait.
With redfish, snook, and trout all checked off the list, we had officially earned our Inshore Gold with the Crew moment.
The Magic of Fishing with Friends
At the heart of it all, this trip wasn’t just about the fish. It was about the laughs between casts, the friendly ribbing after a missed hookset, and the quiet moments watching the sunrise over a glassy flat.
Fishing with friends on Florida’s Nature Coast brings out something special—teamwork, excitement, and the shared respect for a fishery that still feels wild. Out here, success isn’t measured by how many fish you catch, but by the memories made along the way.
Planning Your Own Inshore Adventure
If this story sparks your interest in inshore fishing on the Nature Coast, a guided trip can help you experience it the right way. With expert knowledge of local tides, seasonal patterns, and tackle setups, you’ll not only catch fish—you’ll learn the techniques that make this coast so special. Just click here to book online or call me at 727-218-7969 if you’ve got questions.
For trip information, conservation guidelines, and tide forecasts, check out resources like:
Final Thoughts from Captain Pete
Days like Inshore Gold with the Crew remind me why I fell in love with fishing in the first place. It’s not just about the catches—it’s about connecting with nature, the rhythm of the tides, and the people who share that same passion for the outdoors.
So next time you’re loading up the boat or planning your next adventure, remember: the real gold isn’t what’s in the cooler—it’s the moments, the friendships, and the stories that come from a perfect day on the Nature Coast.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Booking your first Florida fishing charter with me is simple. Just click here to book online or call me at 727-218-7969 if you’ve got questions.
Let’s go Nature Coastin’—and make your first trip one you’ll never forget.
