Why Fish with Showintail in Mary Esther?
- Family-run, military-friendly charter business
- Local captains with decades of experience
- Veteran discounts and base-access flexibility
- Clean boats, kid-safe gear, and calm water trips
- Fast booking, full-service gear, and flexible trip types
Showintail is based nearby in Navarre, Florida, and offers flexible launches in the Mary Esther area. We know these waters, the fish, and how to keep your crew entertained — whether you’re chasing slot reds or introducing a 4-year-old to their first pinfish.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Mary Esther
The waters around Mary Esther — especially Santa Rosa Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway — are known for their calm conditions and reliable action. This makes them perfect for families, light tackle anglers, and anyone looking to catch fish without going far offshore.
- Trip Options: 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 hour trips
- Catch Possibilities: Redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, sheepshead
- Locations Fished: Soundside flats, oyster beds, channel edges, bridges
Our inshore charters are designed to balance action, comfort, and accessibility. We’ll provide all the gear, bait, licenses, and ice water. All you need is sunscreen and good vibes.
Nearshore Fishing Off Mary Esther
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, our nearshore trips will get you into the Gulf just a few miles out — where you’ll fish reefs and wrecks for hard-fighting bottom species.
- Trip Length: 4 to 8 hours
- Common Catches: Red snapper, vermilion snapper, triggerfish, grouper
- Skill Level: Beginner to advanced
These trips launch nearby and are ideal for those wanting a little more pull on the line without committing to a full offshore run.
Kids Fishing Trips in Mary Esther
Our 2-hour and 3-hour kids fishing trips are perfect for young anglers. Capt. Hara specializes in these trips — keeping things fun, safe, and full of laughs. These trips are run in calm waters and focus on action-packed light tackle fishing.
- Gear: Child-size rods, life jackets, and fish-friendly bait
- Catch: Croakers, pinfish, small redfish, black drum, and more
- Amenities: Shade canopy, seating, cooler with bottled water
These trips are designed for memory-making, not record-breaking. But don’t be surprised if your kid reels in a redfish bigger than yours.
Dolphin Cruises & Sunset Trips
Not every trip needs to include hooks and bait. Showintail offers scenic cruises perfect for families, couples, or small groups wanting to enjoy Santa Rosa Sound, look for dolphins, and soak in a Gulf Coast sunset.
- Trip Length: 2 to 4 hours
- Best Times: Late afternoon, early evening
- Includes: Cooler with waters, speaker system, optional swimming stops
These trips are relaxing, affordable, and a great option for military families stationed at Hurlburt or Eglin who want to unwind without the hassle of a big group tour.
Meet the Captains
- Capt. Bryant – Lead guide with decades of inshore experience
- Capt. Chris – Local legend for redfish and trout action
- Capt. Hara – Expert in kids trips and family-friendly cruising
- Capt. Jordan – Fly fishing and sightfishing specialist
Our captains know Mary Esther’s surrounding waters like the backs of their hands. Each one is Coast Guard licensed and personally dedicated to providing top-tier service.
What’s Biting Around Mary Esther by Season
Season Inshore Targets Nearshore Targets Spring Redfish, trout, flounder, black drum Snapper, triggerfish, grouper Summer Trout, redfish, mangrove snapper Mahi-mahi, kingfish, red snapper Fall Bull reds, sheepshead, trout Amberjack, grouper, mackerel Winter Sheepshead, redfish, black drum Grouper (weather dependent) We fish year-round and customize each trip based on your goals and the seasonal bite.
Weekly Mary Esther Fishing Report
Updated July 12, 2025 — Santa Rosa Sound has been producing solid action on speckled trout early in the morning with topwater lures and live shrimp. Deeper docks and bridge pilings are holding redfish and black drum. Nearshore, Capt. Chris reports good numbers of snapper and a surprise kingfish run just outside the pass.
👉 Best time to fish: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
👉 Water clarity: Clear
👉 Bait of choice: Shrimp under a popping cork
Mary Esther Fishing Charter Rates
All trips include gear, bait, licenses, bottled water, cooler space, and a local guide.
- 2-Hour Kids Trip: Start at $300
- 3-Hour Family Trip: Start at $450
- 4-Hour Inshore Trip: Start at $550
- 6-Hour Nearshore Trip: Start at $750
How to Get Here
Our primary departure point is Navarre Beach Causeway, just 10–15 minutes from Mary Esther. We may also launch from Fort Walton Beach or Okaloosa Island depending on weather and tides. We use many launch locations based off Weather, tides and where to find the best fishing.
📞 Call or Text: 850-582-3474
✉️ Email:
showintailcharters@gmail.com
Other Locations We Serve Near Mary Esther
- Navarre Beach Fishing Charters
- Fort Walton Beach Fishing Charters
- Okaloosa Island Fishing Charters
- Hurlburt Field Fishing Charters
- Destin Fishing Charters
Book Your Mary Esther Fishing Charter Today
We’re proud to serve military families, local anglers, and visitors looking for something personal and professional. Whether you’re staying in Mary Esther, stationed at Hurlburt, or visiting nearby, we’d love to take you fishing.
🎣 Click here to book your trip now
Let’s go catch something awesome.