The Best Inshore Fishing Near Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach sits on the northern shore of Choctawhatchee Bay — one of the most productive inshore fisheries on Florida's Emerald Coast. While Destin gets the headlines for offshore fishing, the bay is where the real inshore action is. Shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and tidal creeks hold Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder year-round.
Rising Son Expeditions was built for this water. Captain Trey Senterfitt has fished Choctawhatchee Bay his entire life and knows every flat, every oyster bar, and every seasonal pattern. When you book with us, you're not getting a tourist trip — you're getting a local guide who fishes this bay 200+ days a year.
Whether you're on vacation from 30A, staying in Destin, or a local looking for a guided trip, we'll put you on fish.
Charter Trip Options & Pricing
All trips depart from our private launch on Choctawhatchee Bay. All tackle, bait, and fish cleaning included. Up to 4 passengers per trip.
Beginners & Kids Trip
Perfect for families & first-timers
- All tackle & bait
- Fish cleaning
- USCG-licensed captain
- Life jackets
Returning customers receive a 10% discount. Contact us for group rates.
What You'll Catch Near Santa Rosa Beach
Choctawhatchee Bay is one of the most species-rich inshore fisheries on the Gulf Coast. Here's what we target on our charters.
Redfish (Red Drum)
The crown jewel of Choctawhatchee Bay. Redfish are available year-round, with Bull Reds (oversized drum) running the bay in summer and fall. They fight hard, they're beautiful, and they're delicious.
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout are the most sought-after inshore species in the Florida Panhandle. They school on grass flats and oyster bars, making them perfect for light tackle and fly fishing. Trophy Specks (24"+) are common in winter.
Flounder
Flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms near grass edges and channel drops. The fall Flounder run (September–November) is one of the most exciting events in the bay — fish stack up in predictable locations and bite aggressively.
Also commonly caught: Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle
Best Time to Fish Near Santa Rosa Beach
Choctawhatchee Bay fishes well all year. Here's what to expect each season.
| Season | Redfish | Trout | Flounder | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Trout peak on the flats; Redfish aggressive in grass beds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Bull Reds run the bay; early morning bites are best |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Best overall season — Flounder run + Bull Reds stacked |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Quality Trout & Sheepshead; slower but very fishable |
Where We Fish
Our home water is Choctawhatchee Bay — a 15-mile-long estuary that runs from Destin to Freeport. The bay is protected from Gulf swells, making it fishable in almost any weather. Water depths range from 1–12 feet, perfect for light tackle inshore fishing.
Choctawhatchee Bay Flats
Shallow grass flats holding Redfish and Trout year-round. We wade-fish or pole the skiff quietly to get close to tailing fish.
Hogtown Bayou
A sheltered bayou just off the main bay with oyster bars and grass edges — a reliable Redfish and Trout spot in all seasons.
East Bay
The eastern arm of the bay near Niceville holds trophy Trout in winter and stacked Flounder in fall. Less pressure, bigger fish.
Rocky Bayou
A state park-adjacent bayou with clear water and structure. Excellent for sight-fishing Redfish on calm mornings.
Our fishing grounds on Choctawhatchee Bay near Santa Rosa Beach, FL
What's Included in Every Charter
All Tackle & Bait
Rods, reels, hooks, leaders, and live or artificial bait — everything you need is on the boat.
Fish Cleaning
We clean and bag your catch at the end of the trip. Just take it home and cook it.
USCG-Licensed Captain
Your captain is fully licensed, insured, and has 40+ years of combined local experience.
Cooler & Ice
We keep your catch fresh with a cooler and ice on board.
Life Jackets
USCG-approved life jackets provided for all passengers, including children.
Local Knowledge
Captain Trey fishes this bay 200+ days a year. You get real local intel, not a tourist trip.
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, snacks, drinks, and a camera. Wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet.
Full packing list: What to Bring on a Fishing Charter →5.0 Stars · 100+ Reviews
What our guests say about fishing with us near Santa Rosa Beach
"Best activity of our entire 30A vacation. Captain Trey put us on fish immediately. My 8-year-old caught her first Redfish and hasn't stopped talking about it."
Sarah M.
Nashville, TN · Beginners & Kids Trip
"We've done charters in Destin before but this was on another level. The bay fishing is incredible — we caught and released 12 Redfish in 3 hours. Will be back every year."
Mike R.
Birmingham, AL · Fisherman's Special
"Booked the half-day for our family of 4. Captain Trey was patient with the kids and incredibly knowledgeable. We caught Redfish, Trout, and a huge Flounder. Absolutely worth it."
The Johnson Family
Atlanta, GA · Half-Day Charter
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking a fishing charter near Santa Rosa Beach