Nearshore Fishing Charters – Gulf Coast Nearshore Trips (2–9 Miles)
Bigger fish, short boat rides, and non-stop action. Target kingfish, snapper, cobia, sharks, and more just a few miles off the beach.
Fish 2–9 miles offshore for snapper, king mackerel, cobia, sharks, and more. Perfect for families, groups, and anglers wanting bigger action without going far offshore
Why Fish Nearshore?
Nearshore fishing gives you access to bigger fish just 2–9 miles off the Gulf Coast shoreline. These waters are loaded with wrecks, reefs, and natural bottom structure that hold hard-fighting species like king mackerel, cobia, red snapper (seasonal), Spanish mackerel, and sharks.
It’s the perfect trip for families, groups, and anglers of all experience levels who want exciting action without the long offshore ride or rougher seas.
🐟 What We Target/Catch on
Our Nearshore Trips
Cobia
A prized catch known for brute strength and incredible table quality.
Permit
A prized gamefish known for its hard fight and iconic runs and excellent table fare.
Sharks
Fun, exciting, and perfect for anglers looking for something big that pulls hard.
King Mackerel
Fast, powerful, and known for explosive strikes—kingfish make nearshore fishing unforgettable.
Spanish Mackerel
Fast, ferocious, and a great fight on light tackle!
Sheepshead
A fan favorite during the colder months that are great fighters and have white, flaky fillets
Snappers, Grunts and Grouper
Most will be pan sized fish, but there is always the chance at that bigger one mixed in!
(Check our offshore trips for keeper size grouper)
Redfish, Snook and Black Drum
What comes inshore also swims offshore...usually the nearshore variety has more size!
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Nearshore Charter Options
5-Hour Nearshore Trip
A perfect introduction to nearshore fishing.
Expect action on Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, snapper/sheepshead (seasonal), and small sharks.
Includes:
✔ All tackle & bait
✔ Fish cleaning
✔ Ice & cooler space
✔ Family-friendly trip
6-Hour Nearshore Trip
Our most popular option. Extra time means more species and more spots to fish.
What to expect:
✔ mackerel, snapper, cobia, sharks, sheepshead
✔ Multiple reefs and wrecks
✔ Best value for anglers wanting more action
Where We Fish Nearshore
We run our nearshore trips just 2–9 miles off the Gulf Coast, fishing reef systems, wrecks, bait schools, and natural bottom the big fish love. These trips offer a great mix of steady action, short rides, and excellent catch variety—ideal for families, kids, beginners, and experienced anglers alike.
What’s Included
✔ All rods, reels, bait & tackle
✔ Fishing licenses for all anglers
✔ Ice & cooler space for your catch
✔ Fish cleaning & bagging
✔ Experienced, local captain
✔ Comfortable boat with safety gear
Nearshore FAQ
How far offshore do nearshore trips go?
We typically fish 2–9 miles off the beach—close enough for a short ride but far enough to reach bigger fish.
Is nearshore fishing kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Nearshore waters are usually calmer and the action is steady, making it great for kids and beginners.
What species are in season?
Species vary by season (waters temperatures and bait runs), and we stay up-to-date with current regulations.
Do I need to bring my own license?
No. Your fishing license is included with your trip.
Will I get seasick nearshore?
Nearshore waters are typically calmer than offshore. Most guests do great.
“Professional, Fun, and Fish All Day!”
★★★★★
“From start to finish, the trip was outstanding. The captain put us right on the fish and kept the action steady all day. The boat was comfortable, the gear was solid, and the crew made everything easy and enjoyable. Can’t recommend this charter enough!”
— Verified Angler
“Amazing Charter — Tons of Fish and a Great Crew!”
★★★★★
“Great day out on the water with Blue Water Offshore! We caught a lot of fish, and the captain and crew were super friendly, helpful, and made the entire trip a fun experience. Thanks again for an awesome fishing day — we’ll definitely be back next time we’re in town!”
— Verified Angler
“One of the Best Fishing Trips We’ve Ever Taken!”
★★★★★
“I went on an awesome fishing trip with Blue Water Offshore Charters and it was a blast! We caught a ton of red grouper and snapper thanks to the captain’s excellent skills and ability to stay on the fish. The boat was clean, well-maintained, and super comfortable. Highly recommend them for anyone wanting a great fishing experience.”
— Verified Angler