Fishing with Williamson Outfitters: FAQs, What to Expect & How to Prepare
Planning a fishing trip along Florida’s Forgotten Coast? Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, knowing what to expect helps you make the most of your time on the water.
At Williamson Outfitters, our goal is simple: provide a safe, professional, and memorable fishing experience built around local knowledge and personalized service. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about fishing with us.
What Types of Fishing Trips Do You Offer?
We offer a variety of guided fishing experiences including:
- Inshore fishing (redfish, tripletail, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, etc.)
- Nearshore trips (mahi-mahi, kingfish, snapper, cobia, etc.)
- Family-friendly trips
- Advanced angler trips targeting specific species or techniques
- Multi-boat trips for larger groups
Our fleet is guided by experienced local captains who fish these waters year-round and understand seasonal patterns, tides, and structure.
Is This Trip Suitable for Beginners?
Absolutely!
We regularly guide:
- First-time anglers
- Families with children
- Couples on vacation
- Corporate groups
Our captains provide instruction on casting, baiting hooks, fighting fish, and landing your catch. If you are an experienced angler, we can tailor the trip to focus on more technical fishing methods and specific target species.
Where Do You Fish?
We primarily fish the waters surrounding:
- Forgotten Coast region
- Apalachicola Bay
- Apalachee Bay
- St. George Sound
- Nearshore Gulf waters
Florida’s Forgotten Coast offers healthy redfish populations, productive grass flats, oyster bars, marsh edges, and less fishing pressure than heavily developed coastal areas.
What Should I Bring?
We recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hat
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
- Non-marking shoes or sandals
- Snacks and drinks (cooler space is provided)
We provide fishing licenses, rods, reels, bait, tackle, safety equipment, and all necessary fishing gear.
Fishing License Information
Clients fishing with Williamson Outfitters are NOT required to purchase an individual Florida saltwater fishing license.
All of our guides operate under a valid Charter Captain License issued through the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This license covers all passengers onboard the vessel during the trip.
For more information regarding Florida charter licensing requirements, you can visit the official FWC page here:
https://myfwc.com/license/commercial/saltwater/charter/
If you have questions about licensing or regulations, we are happy to explain how coverage works when you book your trip.
Can We Keep the Fish We Catch?
Yes, when regulations allow.
We strictly follow all Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations regarding size limits, bag limits, slot limits, and seasonal closures. Your captain will explain what can be harvested and what must be released. We promote responsible conservation and selective harvest practices.
Do You Offer Fish Cleaning?
Yes.
If you would like your catch cleaned after your trip, we have two options:
Roberts Fish Cleaning – Apalachicola
Fish cleaning services are available in Apalachicola by Mr. Larry Joseph at Roberts Fish Cleaning (situated along Scipio Creek near the marina). Payment is cash only. Larry's cell number is 850-370-7001. Many of our guests choose this option for professional, same-day processing.
If Larry is unavailable, your guide may be available to clean your catch only at the Williamson Outfitters lodge in Eastpoint for $1.50 per pound.
Please let your captain know in advance if you would like cleaning services so we can help coordinate accordingly.
📍Roberts Fish Cleaning (Mr. Larry):
What Time Do Trips Start?
Departure times vary based on season, tides, weather, and targeted species.
Morning trips typically depart around sunrise. Afternoon trips usually leave mid-day. Exact departure times will be confirmed when your trip is booked.
What Happens If the Weather Is Bad?
Safety is always our top priority.
If weather conditions are unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule or provide alternative options. Light rain does not cancel a trip, but high winds, lightning, or unsafe seas will. Deposits are only refundable if the captain cancels your trip.
What Species Can We Target?
Depending on season and conditions, common target species include:
Inshore Species
(*most commonly caught)
- Redfish*
- Tripletail*
- Speckled sea-trout *
- White trout*
- Flounder*
- Black Drum*
- Sheepshead*
- Sharks*
- Cobia
- Jack Crevalle
- Ladyfish*
- Pompano
- Spanish Mackerel
- Tarpon
- Whiting*
- Ground mullet*
Nearshore Reef Species (state waters)
(*most commonly caught)
- Almaco Jack*
- Mahi-Mahi*
- Sharks*
- Black Sea Bass (rock bass)*
- Cobia
- Gag Grouper*
- Gray Triggerfish*
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)*
- Lane Snapper*
- Mangrove Snapper*
- Red Grouper*
- Red Snapper*
- Scamp Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Spadefish*
- Vermillion snapper (B-liner)
Spring and summer are most productive for targeting all species (inshore and nearshore) along the Forgotten Coast. Fall and winter are excellent for targeting inshore species like redfish, trout, and sheepshead.
How Many People Can Go?
Most boats comfortably accommodate two to four anglers. For larger groups, we coordinate multiple boats to ensure everyone enjoys a quality experience.
We regularly host family outings, corporate events, and group trips.
What Makes Williamson Outfitters Different?
- Local captains who fish these waters daily
- Multi-boat fleet for flexibility and group accommodations
- Personalized trips tailored to your experience level
- Strong roots in the Forgotten Coast community
- Year-round outdoor experiences beyond fishing
Our guests often return year after year because we focus on relationships, not just trips.
When Should I Book?
Spring and summer dates fill quickly. Peak season typically runs from March through September.
We recommend booking several weeks in advance, especially for weekends and group trips.
Ready to Book?
Feel free to call or text Capt Chris Williamson 850-251-8650 or email chrisw.fas@gmail.com
We look forward to getting you on the water and making your next fishing trip one to remember! 🎣