Hello, I’m Captain Colin! Ever since I first held a fishing rod, I’ve been passionate about fishing. My journey began in the coastal marshlands of Louisiana, and later, my family relocated to the shores of Escambia Bay in Pensacola, Florida. There, I refined the techniques I picked up in Louisiana, honing my skills and becoming truly in tune with the fish.
My specialty lies in fishing the shallow marshes and adjacent flats of coastal estuaries, which remains my favorite style to this day. My expertise includes targeting species such as redfish (red drum), speckled trout, flounder, among others, using a combination of artificial lures and live baits that float. Whether you prefer live bait or lures, just let me know, and we’ll tailor the trip to your liking!
When conditions allow, we can even enjoy sight fishing using spinning or fly fishing gear. The salt marsh offers incredible and thrilling fishing experiences, including the chance to catch fish weighing up to 60 pounds in just a few feet of water. I would be thrilled to guide you to these prime fishing spots!
Looking forward to seeing you out on the water! – Captain Colin
Your guide can accommodate various starting locations to suit your convenience.
We had an amazing time fishing with Colin! He was an excellent captain and introduced us to fascinating local wildlife and natural surroundings. We caught a wide range of fish and learned a lot about fishing thanks to his guidance!
You can cancel your booking without any charge if done at least 14 days prior to your scheduled trip, and the amount will be refunded as account credit. If you cancel less than 14 days before the trip, your deposit will be retained by the guide. For cancellations on the day of the trip or missed arrivals, the full trip cost will be billed to your payment method.
All necessary gear will be provided. However, we suggest bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, clothing suited to the weather, and any other personal items you may need during the trip.
For morning trips, we typically start early and wrap up by late morning or early afternoon. Afternoon excursions usually begin in the early afternoon and conclude around sunset. On longer trips, depending on the season, we might begin late morning. I generally recommend planning your trip according to the tides, as moving tides play a crucial role in successful marsh fishing. While these times are often the best, some days may offer prime fishing during midday. After you book, I will provide detailed information and guidance on this.
All fishing takes place within 10 miles of the ramp, with most spots just 2 to 4 miles away. Thanks to the boat’s cruising speed of 40 mph, we’ll be casting lines just minutes after leaving the dock!
Our vessel is a 19’ Fishmaster, manufactured by Kenner, powered by a Mercury 2-stroke engine. This boat is specially designed for shallow water navigation and offers ample space for long casts. However, it does not include a bathroom or shaded areas, so please come prepared with hats, sunglasses, and sun protection. If you’re uneasy about using the restroom off the back of the boat, restrooms are available at the marina, as well as nearby on the water within a short ride from our fishing locations. We can pause the trip if a restroom break is needed—no problem at all.
This is a full-service fishing trip where all bait, gear, licenses, and fish cleaning/bagging are provided. While some guests prefer bringing their own equipment, I do not recommend it. Over the years, many who have brought their own gear found it inadequate, which cost them catches and caused frustration. Leave your rods at home—I provide top-quality gear that I personally use and trust. The boat is stocked with water for your convenience, but feel free to bring along any other snacks or beverages, including beer, in a small cooler. You will also need to bring a cooler to take your catch home.
My expertise lies in fishing with live bait and artificial lures. Unlike many local guides who use hook, line, and sinker methods, my style is more interactive and hands-on. For example, when fishing live baits under a popping cork, it’s essential to cast near the grass line or structure and keep the cork steady in that spot. There’s also a unique hook-setting technique when a fish strikes. When using artificial lures, casting accuracy and the way you work the lure, combined with a solid hook set on a strike, are critical. Don’t worry—I’ll be right there, coaching and helping you master these techniques. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch guests get the hang of it and start landing fish one after another!
Redfish (red drum) will be the highlight of your trip with me—they’re beautiful, strong fighters that eagerly take live bait, lures, and flies. Plus, they’re delicious to eat. Alongside redfish, you can also expect to catch speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead, largemouth bass, and hybrid striped bass, all using the same techniques.
