Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're looking for a day of fishing that'll have the whole family hooked, you've just stumbled onto a real gem. Captain Justin Harriman's full-day trip out of Midway, GA is the perfect way to introduce the kiddos to the joys of inshore fishing while giving seasoned anglers plenty to smile about too. With room for up to three guests, you'll have Big Red's Fishing Charters' comfy boat all to yourselves as you explore the rich coastal waters teeming with everything from redfish to sharks. Trust me, this ain't your average day at the fishin' hole – it's a full-on Georgia coast adventure!
Alright, let's break down what you're in for on this 8-hour family fishing extravaganza. First off, don't sweat the gear – Captain Justin's got you covered with all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. You'll be cruising the calm inshore waters, which means smooth sailing for those who might get a little green around the gills on choppy seas. The captain's got a knack for finding the sweet spots where the fish are biting, whether that's near oyster beds, around docks, or in the deeper channels. And here's the kicker – the techniques you'll be using are simple enough for the youngsters to get the hang of, but still a blast for the grown-ups. Expect to do some bottom fishing, maybe some light tackle casting, and who knows, you might even get to try your hand at sight fishing if the conditions are right.
Now, let's talk shop for a sec. Inshore fishing in Georgia is all about working those tidal creeks, estuaries, and grass flats. You might start off using live bait like shrimp or mud minnows to entice those redfish and black drum. As the day goes on, Captain Justin might switch things up and have you tossing soft plastics or jigs – it's all about what the fish are in the mood for. And here's a pro tip: pay attention to the tides. The captain knows that when the water's moving, the fish are usually feeding. He'll time your trip to hit those prime feeding windows, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of fish. Don't be surprised if you find yourself learning to "read" the water, spotting those telltale signs of fish activity that'll have you feeling like a local in no time.
Let's talk targets, folks. This trip's got a lineup that'll make any angler's heart race. First up, we've got the black drum. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, but the ones you'll likely tangle with inshore are more manageable and just as fun. They love hanging around structure and put up a great fight on light tackle. Best time to target 'em? Fall through spring, when the water's a bit cooler.
Next, there's the summer flounder, or "fluke" as some folks call 'em. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. They're most active in the warmer months, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling that distinctive "thump" when a flounder takes your bait. Plus, they're delicious if you're planning on a fish fry.
Sheepshead are another favorite around these parts. With their black and white stripes, they look like little convicts of the sea. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one is a real accomplishment. Spring and fall are prime time for sheepshead, and they love hanging around pilings and oyster beds.
Redfish, or red drum, are the rock stars of inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties can be found year-round, but they're especially fun to target in the fall when they school up. Sight-casting to a tailing red in the grass flats is about as exciting as it gets.
Last but not least, we've got the bonnethead shark. These smaller cousins of the hammerhead are a blast to catch and perfect for introducing kids to shark fishing. They're most common in the warmer months and put up a great fight for their size. Don't worry, they're not the "Jaws" type – more like the friendly neighborhood sharks of the coast.
Now, I could go on and on about the fishing, but let's chat about what really makes this trip special. It's not just about the catch – it's about the memories you're making. Picture this: you're out on the water, the sun's warming your face, and suddenly your kid's rod bends double. The look on their face when they reel in their first redfish? Priceless. Or maybe it's you who hooks into that monster black drum, fighting it as your family cheers you on. These are the moments that'll have you reliving the trip long after you're back on dry land.
And let's not forget the scenery. The Georgia coast is something special, with its marsh grass waving in the breeze, dolphins playing in the distance, and birds diving for their own catch. It's like a nature documentary come to life, and you've got front-row seats. Captain Justin's not just a fish-finder; he's a wealth of knowledge about the local ecosystem. Don't be shy about picking his brain – he loves sharing the ins and outs of coastal life almost as much as he loves putting folks on fish.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a day on the water that'll please everyone from your fishing-obsessed uncle to your "I've never held a rod" little one, this is it. Captain Justin's full-day family trip out of Midway is the real deal. You've got the perfect mix of action, education, and good old-fashioned fun. Plus, with all the gear provided, it's as easy as showing up ready for adventure.
Remember, this boat only takes up to three guests, which means you're getting a personalized experience that's hard to beat. Whether you're after that trophy catch or just want to spend quality time with the fam, this trip delivers. So why wait? The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and Captain Justin's itching to show you the best of what Georgia's coast has to offer. Book your spot now, and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it. Tight lines, folks!
Black drum are the big cousins of redfish, usually weighing 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and estuaries. They love crustaceans, so crab and shrimp are top baits. Spring's the best time as they school up to spawn. These fighters put up a good battle and make tasty table fare when smaller. Bigger ones over 15 pounds get tough, so we usually release those. They make a croaking sound, so listen for that drumming noise. Pro tip: use a circle hook with a piece of crab threaded on - black drum have strong, bony mouths and can be bait stealers. Be patient and wait for a solid take before setting the hook.
Bonnethead sharks are the smallest of the hammerhead family, usually 3-4 feet long. They're common in our shallow coastal waters, especially in summer. Look for them cruising flats and sandbars. They're not big, but they're scrappy fighters. Bonnetheads are fun to catch and safe to handle, making them great for kids and new anglers. Use fresh cut bait or live shrimp on a circle hook. They've got small mouths, so don't use huge baits. These sharks put up a good fight on light tackle. While most folks release them, they're actually good eating if you want to keep one. Local tip: chum with some crushed blue crab to bring them in close, then cast your bait right into the mix.
Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite inshore target. They love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Most run 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. They're known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. Redfish put up a strong fight and are great eating when slot-sized. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Use live shrimp, cut mullet, or artificial lures like gold spoons. They're often visible, so sight-fishing is a blast. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their backs breaking the surface as they feed in super shallow water.
Sheepshead are the convict fish of the coast, with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can hit 20. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. Spring's prime time as they gather to spawn. They're notorious bait stealers, so patience is key. Use fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp on a small, sharp hook. Their bite is subtle - wait for the line to go slack before setting the hook. Sheepshead put up a great fight and are delicious eating, though cleaning them can be tricky. Local tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are ambush predators with both eyes on the left side. They're masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-20 inches, but trophies can hit 26 pounds. Look for them near structure in bays, inlets, and along the coast. Fall's prime time as they fatten up before winter. Drift fishing with live minnows or strips of squid works well. Flounder give a distinctive "tap-tap" bite, so wait to set the hook. They're fun to catch and excellent eating - mild, white meat that's a local favorite. Here's a tip: when you feel that tap, drop your rod tip and give them a few seconds to take the bait before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200