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    • HOME
    • INSHORE CHARTERS
    • FISHING REPORTS
    • WHERE WE FISH
    • WHAT TO EXPECT
    • REVIEWS
    • CAPT PAUL
    • FISHING SEASONS
    • TARGET SPECIES
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  • HOME
  • INSHORE CHARTERS
  • FISHING REPORTS
  • WHERE WE FISH
  • WHAT TO EXPECT
  • REVIEWS
  • CAPT PAUL
  • FISHING SEASONS
  • TARGET SPECIES
Book My Trip

REDFISH - OUR #1 TARGET FOR INSHORE FISHING CHARTERS!

Redfish fishing along Florida’s Gulf Coast offers some of the most exciting shallow-water inshore action anywhere in the region. From Dunedin to Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, and New Port Richey, redfish can be found feeding along grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and shallow backwater areas throughout the year.

Depending on tides and conditions, trips may focus on sight fishing shallow flats, targeting moving water along mangrove edges, or staying mobile to locate actively feeding fish. Redfish are known for aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers looking for exciting light tackle action in shallow water.

Guided by a full-time Gulf Coast fishing captain fishing the waters from Dunedin to New Port Richey year-round.

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Species spotlight: Redfish - Our #1 target

Redfish in tarpon springs on a inshore fishing trip with tightlines charter

Redfish are one of the most consistent and exciting inshore species in St Josephs Sound, making them a top target for anglers year-round. Found cruising shallow grass flats, tailing along oyster bars, and holding tight to mangrove shorelines, redfish are perfect for sight fishing and light tackle action.


What makes redfish so popular on Florida’s Gulf Coast is their combination of accessibility and power. They are aggressive feeders that will strike artificial lures, soft plastics, and live bait, yet they fight hard and make strong runs once hooked. Whether you’re a first-time angler or experienced fisherman, redfish provide an unforgettable experience on the water.

Big redfish on a Tarpon Springs fishing trip. Live shrimp on a mangrove shoreline

BEST TIME TO CATCH REDFISH


Redfish can be caught year-round in St Josephs Sound, but the most consistent fishing typically occurs during the fall and spring months. During these seasons, redfish are often found in shallow water feeding aggressively, making them ideal for sight fishing opportunities. In cooler months, they tend to school up and become easier to locate, while in warmer months they spread out across the flats and mangroves.


Check out one of our Blog posts here for more info.

Redfish belly crawling on an oyster bed on a St Josephs Sound fishing charter with Tightlines

WHERE WE TARGET REDFISH


On our Inshore Fishing Charters, we focus on shallow-water environments where redfish naturally feed:


  • Grass flats in 1–3 feet of water
  • Mangrove shorelines and edges
  • Oyster bars and sandy potholes
  • Backwater areas with moving tides


These areas allow us to sight fish when conditions are right, giving clients the chance to actually see the fish before making the cast.

Redfish fly fishing charter in Tarpon Springs. Sight fishing for reds on the flats

HOW WE CATCH REDFISH


We primarily target redfish using light tackle and techniques tailored to conditions:


  • Artificial lures for active fish and sight fishing
  • Soft plastics and topwater baits in shallow water
  • Live bait when needed for consistent action


Our approach is focused on creating opportunities for clients to learn, improve, and experience the excitement of targeting redfish the right way.

Redfish Fishing FAQs & Local Tips

Planning a Gulf Coast fishing charter? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about inshore fishing, seasonal patterns, and what to expect on the water. These quick tips will help you choose the best time to fish and get the most out of your trip.

Redfish can be caught year-round, but the most consistent fishing typically happens from late summer through fall when fish begin grouping up and feeding aggressively. During these months, redfish are often found in shallow water and can be easier to locate and target.

That said, the best time to catch redfish on any given day comes down more to tide movement and conditions than the season itself. The most productive windows are usually during the last part of an outgoing tide or the first push of incoming water, when fish are actively feeding along flats, mangroves, and edges.

In cooler months, redfish tend to group up in deeper holes and along protected shorelines, while in warmer months they spread out across the flats and structure. Understanding where they position based on tides and conditions is the key to consistently finding fish.


The best way to catch redfish in our area depends on conditions, but both artificial lures and live bait can be very effective when matched to where the fish are feeding.

For anglers who enjoy a more active approach, artificial lures like soft plastics, paddle tails, and jerk baits work well when redfish are feeding along flats, edges, and potholes. This style allows you to cover water, target specific fish, and adjust quickly as conditions change.

Live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, or greenbacks are one of the most consistent methods, especially when fish are holding tight to structure or not actively chasing lures. It’s a great option for producing steady action across a wide range of conditions.

For beginners or anyone looking for a simpler approach, popping cork rigs and cut bait are very effective. A popping cork helps draw fish in and keeps the bait in the strike zone, while cut bait can be a great way to target larger redfish that are feeding along the bottom.

No matter the method, success comes down to fishing the right areas at the right time — focusing on moving water, current edges, and areas where redfish are actively feeding.


Inshore fishing charters are ideal for beginners because they offer steady action in calmer waters. Targeting species like trout and redfish provides plenty of opportunities to catch fish, while light tackle keeps the experience fun and engaging for all skill levels. Check out our What to Expect Page


Trips are priced by hour starting at $300 for 2 hours. Our most popular trip for first timers is the 4 hour inshore charter at $500. All trips are customizable to your skill level, available time and what you want to do. See all our trips here.


Are Redfish Good for Beginners or Just Experienced Anglers?

Redfish caught on a zman ned shrimp sightfishing saltwater flats with Tightlines

Redfish are one of the best inshore species in our area because they offer something for every skill level. In many situations, they can be surprisingly aggressive feeders—often willing to eat live bait, cut bait, or a well-presented lure that comes into their path. This makes them a great option for beginners who want consistent action and a real chance to hook into quality fish.

Inshore redfish charter in dunedin florida. redfish charter

At the same time, redfish can also be one of the most challenging species to target, especially when sight fishing in shallow, clear water. Larger redfish are often cautious and require accurate casts, proper bait presentation, and a good understanding of tides, light, and fish behavior. One wrong move, and the fish is gone.

Redfish belly crawling on an oysterbed on a Tarpon Springs fishing charter with Tightlines

That’s what makes targeting redfish so unique. Beginners can enjoy steady action using simple, effective techniques like live bait or popping corks, while more experienced anglers can push themselves by sight fishing, working artificial lures, and targeting bigger, more pressured fish.


Whether you’re new to fishing or looking to refine your skills, redfish provide the perfect balance of accessibility and challenge on a inshore fishing charter.

CHOOSE YOUR FISHING STYLE

Every trip can be customized to your group. Keep it simple and fun with steady action using live bait, or take a more hands-on approach fishing shallow water flats and sight casting big reds, snook & more!

Clearwater Inshore flats fishing charters for redfish, snook and tarpon.

2 hour CHARTERS

2 hour CHARTERS

2 hour CHARTERS

 A quick, fun inshore fishing trip perfect for all skill levels, focused on Redfish, Trout and snook. This trip focuses on getting lines in the water fast and catching fish without a long time commitment.


Starting at $300

BOOK MY 2 HOUR CHARTER
Redfish charter. inshore fishing charter for redfish. inshore fishing charter

3 Hour CHARTERS

2 hour CHARTERS

2 hour CHARTERS

 ⭐ MOST POPULAR ⭐

A great balance of time & action. Perfect for those who want a relaxed, productive trip with more opportunity than a quick outing. 

Great early morning option!


Starting at $400

BOOK MY 3 HOUR CHARTER ⭐ MOST POPULAR ⭐
Clearwater Inshore flats fishing charters for redfish, snook and tarpon.

4 Hour CHARTERS

2 hour CHARTERS

4 Hour CHARTERS

Great trip for first timers. This gives us time to fish multiple areas, adjust to tides, and choose the best approach for your group — whether that’s steady action or more hands-on fishing.


Starting at $500

BOOK MY 4 HOUR CHARTER

Explore More Inshore Fishing Along Florida's Gulf Coast!

Clearwater inshore fishing charters for big redfish, snook and tarpon. Book your trip today

Great Resources:

  • Weekly Fishing Reports
  • Targeting Inshore Redfish
  • Tarpon Fishing Charters
  • Dunedin Fishing Charters
  • Tarpon Springs Fishing Charters
  • Palm Harbor Fishing Charters

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  • REDFISH
  • SNOOK

TIGHTLINES CHARTER - INSHORE FLATS FISHING

Turtle Cove Marina Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

CALL OR TEXT US AT 727-435-1886

TIGHTLINES FISHING CHARTER  - Private Inshore Fishing Charters from Dunedin to New Port Richey - Call or Text  us at 727-435-1886

Thanks for visiting Tightlines

We look forward to getting you out on the flats and creating memories!

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