Full Day Inshore / Nearshore

About This Trip

A full day covering both the inshore water of the Indian River Lagoon and the nearshore water just outside Sebastian Inlet. The extra hours are what make this trip different from the half day: there is time to fish the lagoon on one stage of the tide, run out to the nearshore reefs and wrecks when it suits, and come back in as the tide turns.

It is a private charter for up to six guests on a 26′ Avenger bay boat, with all tackle, bait and rigging supplied. Captain Richard fishes to the conditions rather than to a plan made the night before, which is the main advantage of having a full day to work with — if the first two spots are not producing, there is time to go and find the ones that are.

This is the most flexible trip on the list, and the one most groups end up booking when they want a proper day rather than a quick outing.

What’s Included

• Full day private charter — just your group, up to 6 guests
• All rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait and rigging
• Fish cleaning and bagging
• USCG-licensed Master captain, life jackets and required safety gear
• Both inshore lagoon and nearshore water in the same day

What You’ll Target

Inshore, the main targets are snook, redfish and spotted seatrout, with jack crevalle, ladyfish and black drum common and tarpon a real possibility in the warmer months. Nearshore adds Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, sharks and the bottom species that hold on the reefs and wrecks outside the inlet.

Open seasons, size limits and bag limits change from year to year. Captain Richard fishes to current regulations and will tell you on the day what is keepable and what goes back. He is part of the FWC charter boat program and research team.

Best Time of Year

Snook fishing is strongest from spring through autumn, with closed seasons at points in the year when they may be caught but not kept. Redfish and seatrout are available all year and are often at their best in the cooler months when the water clears. Tarpon show from late spring into summer. Pompano and bluefish are winter and early spring fish. Spanish mackerel run heavily in spring and autumn. There is no dead month at Sebastian Inlet — what changes is what you are fishing for.

Who This Trip Suits

Anglers who want a full day and are happy to let the captain move between inshore and nearshore water as conditions dictate. It suits both experienced anglers and first-timers, since all the gear is supplied and the captain rigs and coaches as needed. Minimum age is 2.

Own a boat? Learn to fish it with a private lesson aboard your own boat.