I am a lifelong fisherman - most of my experience is with freshwater and I had only been pier fishing on salt before this trip, so this would be my first inshore charter. I spent a lot of time researching charters all over the central FL area and I picked Seize The Bay for the good reviews, close location, and easy to work with fishing options.
I couldn’t be happier with the trip. Captain Tim is a consummate professional. It is immediately obvious that he has the skills of a great guide - I am just a guy who likes to catch fish, and Tim Stout gives results with no BS. He untangled lines that I crossed, got fish out of snags, changed tactics, changed baits, hopped all over to put us on the best bite. I would 100% do this trip again and plan to do so as soon as I can. I would completely recommend this service to anyone.
I brought my buddy for an 8-hour day, and after launching on schedule we started the morning by hunting grouper. We rolled up on the first spot and things got serious almost instantly. We baited up and talked tips for fighting these beasts and I cast where he told me - the flats here are beautiful, the water was incredibly clear with good bottom visibility even in almost 20 feet of water, lots of sightings of big sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins.
I had expected to be patient but literally within 5 minutes of casting out, my line started to go tight. I braced myself and reeled down. I had spent so much time getting ready to fight a grouper - I’ve caught big muskie and catfish, I’d heard all the hype about how powerful groupers are, but I was still shocked when this thing started pulling. It’s like trying to arm wrestle a monster truck. It doesn’t have arms, and it’s as strong as a truck. I tried to brace my rod to lift and crank, and this fish was having none of it.
I gritted down and did my best to fight while Captain Tim helpfully coached on how to deal with it - just when I thought I was starting to turn it, the hook simply popped loose and we never saw the fish. I was completely loaded with adrenaline and the day had only just started.
We cast out again and I was ready for the next bite. A quick minute later and I had another fish on. We ended up catching several gags right on that first spot, the biggest was 22”. None of them were nearly as big as that first fish I lost, and honestly it’s even more addictive to know that big one is still out there.
We spent the first half of the day hitting several spots for grouper, and in between we used lighter tackle and shrimp to catch mangrove snappers. Again, my first time catching these, an awesome little fighter and we caught some good eaters. The grouper bite slowed down, but we had both caught several and we agreed to go back inshore to try for reds and snook.
Back in the shallows we started fishing along the mangroves and got instant action again. My friend and I both landed a slot size red within 5 minutes of hitting the first spot. We chased the reds for a while, I caught a baby bull shark, with plenty of multi-species action from big grunts, the occasional catfish, etc.
Our last hour we tried for snook on topwaters, I managed to get a swirl but we couldn’t get them to bite. Captain Tim did everything he could! His advice, gear, piloting and knowledge of the good spots is exactly what I would expect from a well qualified guide.
The 8 hours flew by like nothing, and he was always willing to put miles on his engine to get us to the bite. He worked to the very last minute and beyond to send us home on a good note. After getting back to the dock, he efficiently filleted the pile of fish we had kept and we left with 3 good bags of seafood. I’d also like to give a big thanks to First Mate Leslie, she was super friendly and always had fresh bait ready for us without asking!
This day will last a lifetime of awesome memories and I have only good things to say. Thanks again Capt. Tim Stout & Seize The Bay Charters, we’ll be back for more!
I am a lifelong fisherman - most of my experience is with freshwater and I had only been pier fishing on salt before this trip,...
