Shared Inshore Fishing Carrabelle FL Captain Harvey

Full Day Shared Fishing Trip in Carrabelle, FL

Captain Shawn and his crew at Captain Harvey Fishing Charters have been putting anglers on fish in Carrabelle's waters for years, and this 8-hour shared trip is hands-down one of the best ways to experience what the Gulf has to offer. You'll meet at 407 Marine Street bright and early, ready to spend a full day targeting some of the area's most sought-after bottom fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough hands on deck to keep things lively while still giving everyone plenty of room to fish. Captain Shawn provides everything you need – bait, tackle, and your fishing license – so all you have to worry about is showing up ready to fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts aboard Captain Shawn's 26' Carver Cabin Cruiser, a solid boat that handles the Gulf waters like a champ. The cabin gives you a break from the sun when you need it, but most folks find themselves glued to the rail once the fishing gets going. Carrabelle sits right where the Carrabelle River meets the Gulf, giving you access to some prime fishing grounds without burning half your day getting there. You'll be working structure and ledges where red snapper, grouper, and black sea bass like to hang out. The shared trip format means you might be fishing alongside other anglers who know these waters well, and there's always good conversation and tips being passed around. Captain Shawn knows exactly where to put you on fish, and he's not shy about moving spots if the bite slows down. Eight hours gives you plenty of time to really dial in on what's working and put together a solid box of fish.

Bottom Fishing Techniques

This is classic Gulf bottom fishing at its finest. You'll be dropping heavy tackle down to structure anywhere from 40 to 100 feet, depending on where Captain Shawn finds the fish that day. The boat carries quality circle hooks and sinkers sized right for the conditions, plus fresh bait that gets the attention of hungry bottom fish. Most of your fishing will be straight vertical drops, letting your bait settle right into the strike zone where grouper and snapper are waiting. Captain Shawn and his crew will get you rigged up properly and show you the ins and outs if you're new to this style of fishing. The key is feeling the bottom, keeping your bait just off the structure, and being ready for that solid thump when a big grouper decides your bait looks tasty. Electric reels aren't needed here, but you'll definitely feel the workout when you're cranking up fish from depth. The boat's fish finder and GPS keep you positioned perfectly over productive spots, and Captain Shawn has years of local knowledge about which areas produce best under different conditions.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Carrabelle bottom fishing, and for good reason. These fish hang around rocky bottom and ledges in 50-80 feet of water, and they'll absolutely crush a well-presented bait. Red grouper typically run 5-15 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish always a possibility. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, and their firm white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table. What makes them exciting to catch is that initial hit – it's like hooking into a freight train, and they'll try to get back to their rocky hideouts as fast as possible.

Red Snapper season brings some of the most exciting fishing Carrabelle has to offer. These bright red fighters are found over similar structure to grouper but tend to be more aggressive and will often hit baits on the way down. Red snapper in these waters average 3-8 pounds, with some real slabs mixed in during peak season. They're incredibly popular because they fight harder than their size suggests and taste absolutely phenomenal. June through July typically offers the best red snapper action, and when they're biting, you'll often have multiple fish on at once.

Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. These colorful fish rarely exceed 2 pounds but will attack baits aggressively and provide non-stop action when you find a good school. They're perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged, and their pink and yellow stripes make them some of the prettiest fish you'll catch. Lane snapper are available year-round in Carrabelle waters, and they're excellent eating despite their smaller size.

Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the grouper family around Carrabelle. These fish prefer slightly deeper water and more complex structure, but when you hook one, you know it immediately. Gag grouper can reach 20+ pounds in these waters, and their initial run toward cover will test your tackle and technique. They're most active during fall and winter months, and their darker coloration helps them blend perfectly with the rocky bottom they call home. Landing a big gag is always a highlight of any bottom fishing trip.

Black Sea Bass round out your target species list and provide consistent action throughout the year. These fish might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. Black sea bass in the 2-5 pound range are common around Carrabelle's structure, and they're often the first fish to find your bait when you hit a new spot. They're perfect for filling out your cooler and ensuring everyone goes home with fish to clean.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Harvey Fishing Charters has built a solid reputation around Carrabelle by consistently putting their customers on fish and making sure everyone has a great time on the water. This full-day shared trip gives you maximum time to fish without the full expense of a private charter, making it perfect for solo anglers, couples, or small groups looking to experience world-class Gulf fishing. With Captain Shawn handling all the details –