South Florida Catch & Cook Inshore | Scale House

South Florida Catch & Cook Adventure

There's nothing quite like eating fish you just caught yourself, and that's exactly what this trip is all about. We're talking about a full-day experience that combines some of the best inshore fishing South Florida has to offer with a beachside cookout featuring your fresh catch. You'll spend the morning targeting prime table fish in our productive nearshore waters, then kick back on a beautiful island while we turn your fish into whatever sounds good — grilled fillets, fish tacos, fresh ceviche, or even sashimi if you're feeling adventurous. It's the kind of day that reminds you why South Florida fishing is so special.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start early aboard our top-rated 2024 Sportsman 252, heading out to spots where the fish are biting and the cooler fills up fast. The beauty of this trip is we're not just fishing for sport — we're fishing for dinner. That means targeting species like snapper, grouper, and trout that taste as good as they fight. Our captain knows exactly where to find the good eating fish, whether that's working structure in 20-40 feet of water or hitting the grass flats where the trout are schooled up. The boat's rigged with everything you need, from circle hooks perfect for snapper to the right tackle for pulling grouper out of their holes. Groups of up to four anglers get plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up, and there's enough space to keep your catch in prime condition for the cookout later.

Tackle & Fishing Techniques

We fish smart on these trips, using techniques that put quality table fish in the boat. For the snappers, we're talking about bottom fishing with fresh bait — pinfish, sardines, or whatever's working that day. The key is getting your bait down to structure where these fish hang out, then being ready for that telltale snapper bite. Grouper fishing means working heavier tackle around rocks and ledges, dropping baits right into their territory and pulling hard when they grab on. For trout, we might switch it up with lighter gear, working the grass flats with jigs or live shrimp under popping corks. The captain will handle the technical stuff like reading the fish finder and positioning the boat, while you focus on the fun part — catching dinner. We carry backup tackle and plenty of bait, so even if someone breaks off on a big fish, the action keeps going.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Grouper are the prize catch on most of these trips, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love structure in 25-60 feet of water and put up a serious fight when hooked. Red grouper are most active during the cooler months from October through April, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so popular isn't just the fight — it's that firm, white meat that grills up perfectly. Most of the reds we catch run 16-20 inches, which is perfect eating size and well within the regulations.

Yellow Jack might surprise you with their speed and power once you hook up. These fish are built for the open water but often cruise the edges of reefs and structures where we target other species. They're most active in the warmer months and can show up any time of year in South Florida waters. Yellow jacks have a distinctive golden color and can grow quite large, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh, especially as sashimi or ceviche, which is why they're a customer favorite on these catch and cook trips.

Cubera Snapper are the giants of the snapper family, and hooking one is something you won't forget. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for making long, powerful runs that test both angler and tackle. Peak season for cuberas runs from late spring through early fall when they move into shallower waters to spawn. The smaller ones make excellent table fare, while the big breeders are always released to keep the fishery healthy. When a cubera hits, you'll know it — they don't mess around.

Red Snapper are probably the most sought-after fish on these trips, and it's easy to see why. These beautiful fish with their bright red color and excellent eating quality are what many anglers dream about. Red snapper season varies by regulations, but when they're open, they're incredibly rewarding to target. They typically hold around structure in 30-100 feet of water and require precise bottom fishing techniques. The meat is legendary — firm, flaky, and perfect for grilling or making into tacos.

Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they're just as tasty and often more numerous. These colorful fish with their distinctive yellow stripes are active year-round in South Florida waters and make up for their size with aggressive feeding behavior. Lane snappers are perfect for ceviche due to their sweet, mild flavor, and they're often the first fish in the cooler on productive days. They typically run 8-12 inches and are found around the same structure as larger snappers.

Time to Book Your Spot

This isn't your typical fishing charter where you catch fish and head home. It's a complete experience that combines world-class fishing with a beachside feast featuring your own catch. The combination of productive fishing grounds, expert guidance, and that fresh-cooked meal makes for the kind of day people talk about for years. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, introducing someone new to fishing, or just want to experience South Florida fishing at its finest, this trip delivers. The 2024 Sportsman provides comfort and fishability, while our captain's local knowledge puts you on the fish. Space is limited to just four anglers per trip, ensuring everyone gets plenty of action and personalized attention. Book now with Scale House Charters and get