About this tour
When Sarah from our team headed out with Captain Rob Hansill on Choctawhatchee Bay, we found ourselves on a genuinely different kind of fishing charter. Rob's a retired Marine with a Masters endorsement and a mission: he runs this 4-hour inshore trip with serious intent to help people find their feet again—families dealing with loss, cancer survivors, and combat veterans get priority, and Purple Heart recipients fish free. The bay itself is shallow, calm-ish water surrounded by Florida's quieter coastal sprawl. It's not flashy, but it's purposeful.
Highlights
- Captain provides all gear and bait; licensing sorted before you arrive
- Fish cleaned and packaged ready to take home same day
- Free trips for Purple Heart and Wounded Warrior veterans
- Shallow bay waters suit beginners and nervous anglers
- Wheelchair accessible vessel and facilities throughout
- Small groups keep the pace intimate, not a cattle run
- Captain's background brings real depth to the water time
What to expect
You'll arrive at the boat ramp and board a well-maintained vessel with Captain Rob. The first 15–20 minutes is usually safety rundown and gear setup; he's thorough about it. Once you're out on the bay, expect mostly calm, shallow water where you'll be casting for redfish, trout, and other inshore species. The bay doesn't have dramatic scenery—it's coastal Florida, so mangroves, marsh grass, and residential areas line the banks—but that quietness is part of the appeal.
Rob doesn't rush you between spots. If you're new to fishing, he'll coach you through casting and reading the water. The fishing itself is genuinely hit-or-miss; some days the bite's solid, others slower. What felt different to our team was the lack of pressure—this isn't about a body count or ticking boxes. When you've caught something, Rob handles the cleaning and packaging so you leave with fish ready to cook. The 4 hours moves fairly quickly, but there's breathing room in it.
Good to know
This is brilliant if you want a low-key fishing experience without the flash. Beginners feel welcome, and families with kids (lifejackets mandatory) aren't treated like a hassle. The fact that it's wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed is genuinely thoughtful. Captain Rob's ethos—especially free trips for veterans and those processing grief—sets a different tone from your typical charter. You'll leave with cleaned fish and no faffing about.
You need to bring your own water, snacks, and meals in small coolers (no catering included, no alcohol allowed). The shallow bay means this isn't ideal if you get motion sickness easily—take precautions beforehand. It's not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries or serious cardiovascular concerns; the boat does move and jolt. You'll need moderate fitness to get in and out of the vessel. Peak times can book out weeks ahead, especially if word spreads about the vet programme.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring a small soft cooler with water and snacks. Kids of all ages are welcome but must wear Coast Guard-approved lifejackets. Group size stays small. You need to be completely sober boarding (zero tolerance). Public transport nearby. Wheelchair accessible end-to-end.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.