Question 1

How do I book a fishing charter?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is to book online using our booking calendar at risingsonexpeditions.com/book-now — you can see real-time availability and reserve your spot in minutes. You can also call or text Captain Trey directly at (850) 400-2242, or send us a message through the Contact page. We recommend booking early, especially during peak season (spring and fall), as spots fill up fast.

Question 2

How much does a fishing charter cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer three trip options: the 2-Hour Beginners/Kids Trip starts at $500 (up to 4 guests, $50 per additional person), the 3-Hour Fisherman's Special starts at $650 (up to 4 guests, $50 per additional person), and the Half-Day Morning & Afternoon Trip starts at $750 (up to 4 guests, $50 per additional person). All prices include tackle, bait, ice, water, and your Florida saltwater fishing license. Returning customers receive a 10% discount — just mention your previous trip when booking.

Question 3

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekend trips and peak season dates (spring break, summer, and fall). Popular dates can book out weeks in advance. That said, we do sometimes have last-minute availability — call or text us at (850) 400-2242 to check.

Question 4

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand plans change. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. We will always do our best to accommodate rescheduling. Trips cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions will be rescheduled at no charge — your safety always comes first.

Question 5

Do you offer a discount for returning customers?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Returning customers receive 10% off their next trip. Simply mention your previous trip when booking and we'll apply the discount automatically.

Question 6

How long are your fishing charter trips?

Accepted Answer

We offer three trip lengths: 2 hours (perfect for beginners and kids), 3 hours (the Fisherman's Special, ideal for experienced anglers), and 4 hours (our Half-Day Morning & Afternoon trip, the best value for families and groups). If you'd like to fish beyond the offered hours, contact Captain Trey directly to make special accommodations.

Question 7

What is included in the charter price?

Accepted Answer

Everything you need to fish! Every trip includes: your Florida saltwater fishing license, all high-end rods and reels, live bait, fresh/cut/frozen shrimp or artificial lures, ice and bottled water, expert guidance from a USCG-licensed captain, and complimentary fish cleaning and bagging at the end of the trip so you're ready for a 'Hook and Cook' dinner.

Question 8

What should I bring on my fishing charter?

Accepted Answer

Keep it simple — we handle the gear. Bring sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), sunglasses (polarized are great for spotting fish), a hat, comfortable closed-toe shoes or boat shoes (no flip-flops on the boat), any snacks or additional drinks you'd like, a valid ID, and a camera or charged phone for photos. Dress in layers — mornings on the water can be cool even in summer.

Question 9

Can we go sight-fishing on the flats?

Accepted Answer

We are not currently set up for sight-fishing on the flats, but we are planning to offer this experience in 2027. Stay tuned — it's going to be an exciting addition to our lineup!

Question 10

Do you use live bait or artificial lures?

Accepted Answer

We use a mix of both, plus fresh cut and frozen bait depending on conditions and target species. Captain Trey will select the best presentation based on what the fish are responding to that day. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastic lures are all in our arsenal.

Question 11

What is the banana superstition on fishing boats?

Accepted Answer

Many captains believe bananas are bad luck and won't allow them on board — and we're no different! We strictly adhere to the maritime superstition: no bananas allowed on board. It's one of the oldest traditions in fishing, and we're not about to tempt fate!

Question 12

Where are the best fishing spots in the bay?

Accepted Answer

We'd rather not give away our secret spots! Captain Trey will take you to the best locations within your allotted time frame based on current conditions, tides, and target species. Our home port at Black Creek Lodge Rd in Freeport gives us a strategic advantage — faster access to the quiet, less-pressured North Bay and river mouth areas compared to the crowded Destin harbor.

Question 13

What fish can I catch in Choctawhatchee Bay?

Accepted Answer

Choctawhatchee Bay is one of Florida's premier inshore fisheries. Primary targets include Redfish (Red Drum), Speckled Trout (Spotted Sea Trout), and Flounder. Depending on the season, you may also encounter Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, and more. The bay's diverse habitats — grass flats, oyster bars, river mouths, and bridge structure — support an incredible variety of species year-round.

Question 14

What is the best season for fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay?

Accepted Answer

Every season offers great fishing! Spring (March–May) is excellent for Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, and Pompano near jetties and bridge structure. Summer (June–August) is prime time for Mangrove Snapper, Speckled Trout, and Redfish on the grass flats — book early morning or late evening trips to beat the heat. Fall (September–November) is arguably the best season, with 'Bull' Redfish, Flounder (the famous Flounder Run), and Black Drum. Winter (December–February) offers technical fishing for Redfish, Black Drum, and Speckled Trout in deep bayous and river mouths.

Question 15

What is the Flounder Run?

Accepted Answer

The Flounder Run is one of the most exciting seasonal fishing events on the Gulf Coast. Every fall, large numbers of Flounder migrate through the passes and along the bay edges as water temperatures drop. This creates exceptional fishing opportunities for targeting these prized flatfish, which are known for their delicious white meat. Captain Trey targets the Flounder Run near the pass and Mid-Bay Bridge for the best action.

Question 16

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All fish kept must comply with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) size and bag limits, which Captain Trey will explain on the water. At the end of your trip, our captains provide complimentary fish cleaning and bagging so you're ready to cook your catch. We encourage catch-and-release for undersized fish and conservation of the resource for future generations.

Question 17

Is there a chance I won't catch any fish?

Accepted Answer

Fishing is fishing — we can never guarantee a catch, but we do guarantee our best effort! Captain Trey's deep knowledge of Choctawhatchee Bay, combined with real-time scouting and adaptive tactics, gives you the best possible chance of landing fish. On the rare occasion conditions are tough, you'll still have a great time on the water with an experienced guide who will teach you something new.

Question 18

Is this trip suitable for kids and beginners?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We specialize in making fishing accessible and fun for all ages and skill levels. Our 2-Hour Beginners/Kids Trip is specifically designed for first-timers and junior anglers. Captain Trey is patient, encouraging, and great with kids. We provide all the gear and instruction — no experience necessary. Many of our best reviews come from families whose kids caught their first fish with us!

Question 19

What is the maximum group size?

Accepted Answer

All of our standard trips accommodate up to 4 guests. Additional guests can be added for $50 per person. For larger groups or corporate events, we have a diverse fleet of vessels available — contact us directly to discuss options and availability.

Question 20

Will I get seasick on a bay fishing trip?

Accepted Answer

Bay fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay is generally much calmer than offshore fishing. The protected waters of the bay mean significantly less wave action, making motion sickness much less likely. In Captain Trey's experience, he hasn't had anyone get sick due to water conditions on a bay trip. If you're prone to motion sickness, taking an over-the-counter remedy like Dramamine before your trip is always a good precaution.

Question 21

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

Your safety is our absolute top priority. If weather conditions are unsafe — high winds, lightning, or rough water — we will reschedule your trip at no charge. Captain Trey monitors weather conditions closely and will contact you in advance if a trip needs to be rescheduled. We never put guests on the water in unsafe conditions, period.

Question 22

Are you USCG licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all of our captains are fully USCG (United States Coast Guard) licensed and our vessels are fully insured. We prioritize safety above everything else, including 'getting the fish.' You can fish with complete confidence knowing you're in the hands of certified, experienced professionals.

Question 23

What are your top pro tips for first-time bay fishermen?

Accepted Answer

Captain Trey's top tips for first-timers: (1) Listen to your captain — they know where the fish are and what presentation works. (2) Be patient and stay quiet on the boat; noise travels through the hull and can spook fish in shallow water. (3) Wear polarized sunglasses — they cut glare and let you see fish in the water. (4) Set the hook firmly when you feel a bite — don't hesitate! (5) Keep your line tight when fighting a fish. (6) Enjoy the experience — even a slow day on the water beats a great day at the office.

Question 24

What is the best time of day to go fishing?

Accepted Answer

Early morning and late afternoon/evening are generally the most productive times for inshore fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay. Fish are most active during lower light conditions and around tide changes. During summer, early morning trips are especially productive as fish feed aggressively before the heat of the day sets in. Captain Trey schedules morning and afternoon departures to take advantage of these prime feeding windows.

Question 25

How do tides affect fishing?

Accepted Answer

Tides are one of the most important factors in inshore fishing. Moving water — either incoming or outgoing tide — pushes baitfish and activates feeding behavior in predator fish like Redfish and Speckled Trout. Captain Trey plans every trip around the tide schedule to maximize your time on actively feeding fish. The two hours before and after a tide change are often the most productive windows of the day.

Question 26

What gear do you recommend for guests who want to practice before their trip?

Accepted Answer

If you want to practice casting before your trip, a medium-action spinning rod (7 feet) with 10-15 lb braided line and a fluorocarbon leader is a great all-around inshore setup. However, don't worry if you've never fished before — we provide all gear and will teach you everything you need to know on the water. Many of our guests have never held a rod before and still have a fantastic time.

Question 27

Where do we meet for the charter?

Accepted Answer

We depart from 583 Black Creek Lodge Rd., Freeport, FL 32439. This is our home port at Black Creek Lodge, which provides strategic access to the quiet, less-pressured North Bay and river mouth areas. Detailed directions and a map will be provided in your booking confirmation. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Question 28

Do you provide fishing licenses?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your Florida saltwater fishing license is included in the price of every charter. You do not need to purchase a separate license. All guests are covered under our captain's charter license for the duration of the trip.

Question 29

What vessels do you use?

Accepted Answer

Our fleet includes a 22-foot catamaran powered by a 200 HP Suzuki outboard, and a 2017 Carolina Skiff DLV 22 powered by a 115 HP Yamaha outboard. Both vessels are fully equipped with safety gear, fish finders, GPS, and all the tackle you need for a successful day on the water. All vessels are fully insured and USCG compliant.

Question 30

Do you give back to the community?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 5% of every charter booking goes directly to a charitable cause. We believe in giving back to the community and supporting the conservation of the incredible fishery that makes our business possible. When you book with Rising Son Expeditions, you're not just booking a fishing trip — you're contributing to something bigger.

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Seasonal Fishing Matrix — Choctawhatchee Bay