Top-Rated Steinhatchee Fishing Charter | Rocky Creek

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Steinhatchee
$450 - $550 price range
Updated Date: November 7, 2025

Summary

Ready for a solid morning of fishing in Steinhatchee? Captain Frank's half-day charter gets you on the water when the bite is hot. We'll be targeting redfish, trout, flounder, and cobia in the productive inshore and nearshore areas. Don't worry about gear - all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided, plus your fishing license is covered. This trip works great whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so expect to be on fish consistently throughout the morning. Feel free to bring along some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. With only space for two anglers, it's smart to book early to lock in your preferred date. It's a focused trip designed to maximize your time actually fishing, not just cruising around. By the time we're done, you'll have a good feel for Steinhatchee's fishery and hopefully some nice catches to show for it.

Top-Rated Steinhatchee Fishing Charter | Rocky Creek

Steinhatchee Catch of the Day

Two people fishing for a cobia in Florida

Cobia run delivering solid action offshore

Two people enjoying a fishing trip in Steinhatchee

Bay scallops loaded up in Steinhatchee grass beds

Catching the 'Best, great' big fish in Steinhatchee, Florida

Cooler filling fast with fresh Steinhatchee scallops

Anglers fishing in Steinhatchee, catching a 27-inch fish

Reds tailing along oyster bars at low tide

Catch Steinhatchee's Best: Half Day Morning Trip

Ready to reel in some of Florida's finest inshore action? Join Captain Frank of Rocky Creek Charters for a focused morning of fishing that'll have you hooked from the start. We're talking prime-time angling in Steinhatchee's rich waters, where redfish, trout, flounder, and cobia are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this half-day trip is tailored to give you the best shot at tight lines and bent rods.

What's On The Menu

This ain't your average fishing trip. We're hitting the water when the bite is hot, targeting the sweet spots where fish are most active. Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a real treat. We'll be working the inshore flats, grass beds, and nearshore reefs where the big ones love to hang out. With all the gear provided and your fishing license covered, all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a snack to keep you going.

Rods, Reels, and Killer Spots

We're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. Captain Frank's got the latest gear and knows exactly how to use it. We'll be doing a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. Expect to throw some soft plastics for trout, maybe bounce a jig for flounder, or sight-cast to tailing redfish if conditions are right. And if the cobia are running, hold onto your hat – these bruisers will give you a workout you won't forget.

Angler Approved

"We had an awesome time with Captain Frank and we are looking forward to our next trip." - William

Fish You'll Be Chasing

Sea Trout: These speckled beauties are a staple in Steinhatchee. Known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake hooks, sea trout will keep you on your toes. They love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars, often in schools. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Expect fish in the 15-20 inch range, with gators over 24 inches not uncommon.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish are a favorite for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. In Steinhatchee, we target them around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass flats. Fall is the peak season when big schools of bull reds show up, but you can find them all year. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while oversized bulls will give you the fight of your life.

Cobia: Also known as ling or lemonfish, cobia are the prize of nearshore waters. These curious fish often follow rays, turtles, or even your boat, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. They grow big – 30-50 pounders are common – and fight like freight trains. Spring and early summer are best, but don't be surprised if we run into one any time of year.

Spanish Mackerel: Fast, aggressive, and a blast to catch, Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of our waters. They show up in big numbers during spring and fall migrations, often creating surface frenzies as they chase bait. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the ticket here. These toothy critters are also excellent eating when prepared fresh.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ambush predators of our sandy and muddy bottoms. While they might not look like much, hooking into a big doormat can be surprisingly challenging. We target them around drop-offs, creek mouths, and structure. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters, but you can find them year-round. The fight might not be spectacular, but the eating sure is!

Time to Get Your Line Wet

Look, if you're after a morning of non-stop fishing action in some of Florida's most productive waters, this is your ticket. Captain Frank's got the know-how, the spots, and the gear to make it happen. With only room for two anglers, you're guaranteed personalized attention and the flexibility to chase whatever's biting best. Don't let another season slip by – book your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in Steinhatchee. Trust me, once you've fished these waters, you'll be counting the days till you can get back out there.

Customer Review

Awesome with Frank

We had an awesome time with Captain Frank and we are looking forward to our next trip.

William White

June 4, 2023

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are hard-fighting bruisers that show up in Steinhatchee waters from spring through fall. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia are curious and often investigate boats, so keep a rod ready. They put up an epic battle, making long runs and even jumping occasionally. Their firm, white meat is excellent on the grill too. Spring migration is prime time, with sight-fishing opportunities as cobia cruise just under the surface. Toss a live eel or large jig their way for best results. One local tip: when you spot a cobia, cast quickly but accurately - they spook easily if you plop a lure on their head. Whether you're after a trophy fish or just want to test your tackle, cobia offer an exciting challenge for Steinhatchee anglers.

Redfish

Redfish are a Steinhatchee staple, with most inshore catches running 20-30 inches. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two around oyster bars and grass flats. Fall and winter are prime, when schools push into the backcountry. Reds put up a stubborn fight, making long runs and dogged head-shakes. They're also delicious on the plate. To find them, scan shallow flats for nervous water or tailing fish, especially on low tides. A gold spoon or scented soft plastic worked slowly along the bottom is deadly. One local trick: when you spot a school, cast well ahead and drag your lure into their path. Redfish often travel in groups, so hooking one can lead to multiple catches. Whether sight-fishing the flats or blind-casting potholes, redfish offer an exciting challenge for any angler.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a popular target in Steinhatchee, typically ranging from 14 to 24 inches. You'll find them in shallow waters around grass flats, especially at night. These fish love cooler temps, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Sea trout put up a fun fight on light tackle and make for great eating with their mild, flaky meat. To land one, try drifting live shrimp or casting soft plastics over grass beds. When the bite's on, they'll hit topwater plugs too - nothing beats that surface strike! Keep an eye out for diving birds, which often signal feeding trout below. One local trick: work your lure with subtle twitches on slack line to trigger strikes from wary trout. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just want to bend a rod, sea trout fishing offers steady action for anglers of all skill levels.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are ambush predators that lurk on Steinhatchee's sandy and muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 20. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and even up into rivers. Fall is prime time as flounder move to deeper water to spawn. They're masters of camouflage and put up a decent fight when hooked. Flounder are prized for their sweet, flaky meat too. To catch them, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait or soft plastics along drop-offs and channel edges. One local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Give the flounder time to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift firmly. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just enjoy the challenge, flounder fishing offers a change of pace from other inshore species.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are speedy predators that blitz through Steinhatchee waters from spring to fall. These streamlined fish typically run 2-4 pounds, but larger ones push 8 pounds. Look for them in open water, often betrayed by diving birds or surface commotion as they chase bait. Macks are lightning-fast and put up a thrilling fight on light tackle. They're also tasty smoked or grilled fresh. Spring and fall are peak seasons when schools migrate along the coast. To catch them, troll small spoons or cast flashy lures into feeding frenzies. One local trick: when you find a school, cut your engine and drift. Then cast small jigs or live bait into the melee. Spanish macks strike hard and fast, so be ready for instant action when your lure hits the water. Whether you're after non-stop action or want to fill the cooler, Spanish mackerel rarely disappoint.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for an action-packed morning of fishing in beautiful Steinhatchee! Captain Frank's half-day charter takes you to the best inshore and nearshore spots where redfish, trout, flounder, and cobia are biting. With all gear and licenses provided, you can focus on reeling in the catches. This trip is perfect whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler looking to learn some local secrets. The morning hours offer prime fishing conditions, and the captain's know-how helps ensure you're in the right places at the right times. There's room for two guests, so bring a buddy and pack some snacks and drinks for a great day on the water. Book your spot early to lock in your preferred date and kick off an awesome fishing adventure in Steinhatchee.

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