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Premium Inshore Fishing at Black Creek Lodge
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- $430 - $700 price range
Summary
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Reels and Rods in Action
Great catches and even greater river views.
Fresh air, fun vibes, and fishing lines.
Calm water, productive day.
Redfish hiding in Choctawhatchee Bay.
Casting lines on Ottawa’s peaceful river today.
Scenic waters, big catches, happy anglers.
Smiles and fish—perfect day on the river.
Catching trout never felt this rewarding before.
Ottawa’s fishing spots never disappoint anglers
Expert-guided trips for anglers of every level.
Great catches and even greater river views.
Fresh air, fun vibes, and fishing lines.
Calm water, productive day.
Redfish hiding in Choctawhatchee Bay.
Casting lines on Ottawa’s peaceful river today.
Scenic waters, big catches, happy anglers.
Smiles and fish—perfect day on the river.
Catching trout never felt this rewarding before.
Ottawa’s fishing spots never disappoint anglers
Expert-guided trips for anglers of every level.
Great catches and even greater river views.
Fresh air, fun vibes, and fishing lines.
Calm water, productive day.
Redfish hiding in Choctawhatchee Bay.
Reel in the Big Ones: Fisherman's Special
Get ready to wet a line and haul in some monsters on this local favorite fishing trip out of Black Creek Lodge. We'll be hitting my secret honey holes just minutes from the dock, targeting reds, black drum, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. Bring your A-game and let's see what's biting!
Trip Overview
We kick things off bright and early at Black Creek Lodge. Show up 15 minutes before launch time and I'll run you through the game plan. Once we push off, it's a quick 5-minute ride to my backyard fishing grounds. We're talking prime inshore action here, folks. Depending on conditions and your skill level, we'll be slinging cut bait, live bait (when available), or working artificial lures. For you artificial enthusiasts, I keep groups to 4 or fewer to make sure everyone's got room to cast. If anyone's new to fishing or needs a refresher, no worries – we'll set you up with a foolproof cork or Carolina rig. It's all about having fun and hooking into some fish!
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't your average guided trip. We're talking hands-on fishing action from the get-go. I'll show you the ropes on everything from proper casting technique to reading the water. We'll be targeting reds and black drum primarily, but don't be surprised if we hook into some feisty sea trout, hard-fighting bass, or acrobatic ladyfish. And with our later start time, keep your eyes peeled for some wild encounters – we're talking gators, deer, and even wild hogs along the shoreline. It's a full-on nature experience with a side of world-class fishing.
Top Catches This Season
Let's talk technique. For you bait fishermen, we'll be setting up with some primo cut bait or live offerings (when the bait shop's stocked up). We'll rig you up with a classic Carolina setup or a popping cork – both deadly effective for reds and drum. Now, if you're itching to throw some artificials, I've got a arsenal of subsurface lures and topwater hard baits that'll get those fish fired up. We're talking soft plastics, jerkbaits, and maybe even breaking out the ol' spoon if the conditions are right. Just remember, accuracy is key with artificials, so we'll make sure everyone's comfortable before we start slinging lures around.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of our inshore show. Known for their powerful runs and that distinctive black spot on their tail, reds will test your drag and your nerves. They love to hang around structure and oyster bars, so we'll be targeting those areas hard. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch 'em year-round in these parts.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are one of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, and they'll make your reel sing when they decide to run. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp, so we'll be sure to have some on hand. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we can find them most of the year.
Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these slender predators are a blast on light tackle. They've got soft mouths, so a gentle touch is key when fighting them. Trout are ambush feeders, so we'll be working grass flats and drop-offs where they like to hide. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, and they go nuts for live shrimp under a popping cork.
Largemouth Bass: Yep, you read that right – we've got largemouth in these waters too! The brackish zones where fresh and salt water mix are prime bass territory. These bucket-mouths love to smash topwater lures, so if conditions are right, we might break out the frog or buzzbait for some explosive action. Spring is spawn time, but we catch bass year-round here.
Ladyfish: Don't let their size fool you – these "poor man's tarpon" punch way above their weight class. Known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs, ladyfish are a blast on light tackle. They'll hit just about anything that moves, making them a great target for newbies or when other fish are being stubborn. They're around all year, but really show up in numbers during the warmer months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though believe me, we catch plenty. It's about the whole package. You're getting a true local's perspective on these waters. I've been fishing these creeks and flats my whole life, and I know every nook and cranny where the big ones like to hide. Plus, with our later start time, you're in for a real treat when it comes to wildlife. There's nothing quite like hooking into a monster red while an alligator suns itself on the bank or a herd of deer comes down for a drink. It's the kind of trip that'll have you booking your next outing before we even hit the dock.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, folks – if you're looking for a cookie-cutter fishing trip, this ain't it. But if you want to experience some of the best inshore action these parts have to offer, with a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand, then you've come to the right place. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and let's make it happen. Just remember – no meals included on this trip, so pack some snacks and stay hydrated out there. The fish are waiting, and the clock's ticking. Book your Fisherman's Special with Rising Son Expeditions today, and let's get you on some fish!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the bruisers of the flats, with big ones topping 50 pounds. You'll find them rooting around oyster bars and mudflats in 2-6 feet of water. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers target them for their powerful fights - when a big one takes off, hang on tight! They're not the prettiest fish, but smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating. My go-to setup is a simple fish-finder rig with a circle hook. Let them take the bait and start moving before you set the hook. Listen close and you might hear their distinctive grunting sounds underwater.
Ladyfish
Ladyfish are the acrobats of our waters. These slim, silver speedsters usually run 1-3 pounds and you'll find them busting bait schools near passes and beaches. They're not much for eating, but pound-for-pound they're some of the jumpingest, fightingest fish around. Anglers target them for pure sport - they'll readily hit small jigs, spoons, or flies. They're around all year but really go nuts during summer bait runs. To catch more, look for diving birds and surface commotion. Cast small, flashy lures into the fray and hang on! Use light tackle to maximize the fun. Just watch those teeth when unhooking them.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are the heavy hitters of our local waters, typically running 2-10 pounds. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed edges, and dock pilings in 5-15 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so work those areas thoroughly. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass move shallow to feed. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Nothing beats the explosion of a big bass smashing a topwater lure! To up your odds, I always tell folks to fish slowly and methodically. Let that plastic worm or jig sit motionless for a few seconds - that often triggers the bite. Largemouth aren't the best eating, but they're a blast to catch and release.
Redfish
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. They usually run 5-15 pounds but can top 40. You'll spot their copper backs and signature tail spots in super shallow water, often tailing in less than a foot. They'll eat just about anything, but love crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Fall is prime time as they school up before heading offshore to spawn. Anglers target them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch more, learn to spot subtle signs like nervous water or pushed wakes. When sight-casting, lead the fish by a few feet and let your bait sit - reds often double back to investigate.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or specks, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They typically run 1-5 pounds and hang around grass flats and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and delicate white meat. Spring and fall are best as the fish school up. To catch more, work a soft plastic under a popping cork - the noise attracts trout from a distance. Vary your retrieve speed until you find what they want. When you hook one, keep your rod tip up to prevent them from throwing the hook. Nothing beats a limit of specks for the dinner table!
