Half Day Inshore Fishing

About This Trip

The half day inshore charter is the trip most people book first, and the one that best fits a morning or an afternoon without giving up a whole day. It fishes the Indian River Lagoon and the water in and around Sebastian Inlet, which is protected, shallow and holds fish year round.

It is a private charter for up to six guests on a 26′ Avenger bay boat. All rods, reels, tackle and bait are supplied, and there is no requirement that anyone in the group has fished before — Captain Richard rigs, coaches and nets as needed, and a good share of these trips are somebody's first time.

The inlet itself is the draw. It connects the lagoon to the Atlantic, so bait and predators funnel through it on every tide, and the fishing changes with the water rather than with the calendar. Captain Richard fishes the stage of the tide he has, which is why no two of these trips look quite the same.

What’s Included

• Private half day 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
• No fishing licence needed — you are covered under the captain’s

What You’ll Target

Snook, redfish and spotted seatrout are the three fish this water is known for. Beyond those, jack crevalle, ladyfish, black drum, sheepshead, mangrove snapper and flounder all show up regularly, and tarpon are a genuine possibility through the warmer months. Around the inlet you may also run into Spanish mackerel and bluefish when they are running.

Size limits, bag limits and open seasons change year to year. Captain Richard fishes to current regulations and will tell you on the day what you can keep. He is part of the FWC charter boat program and research team.

Best Time of Year

There is no closed month here. Snook are strongest spring through autumn, with periods when they can be caught but not kept. Redfish and seatrout hold up all year and are often best in the cooler months when the water clears. Sheepshead stack up in winter. Tarpon show from late spring into summer. Spanish mackerel and bluefish run in spring and autumn. If you have a specific fish in mind, say so when you book and the captain will tell you honestly whether your dates line up with it.

Who This Trip Suits

First-time anglers, families, visitors with half a day free, and experienced anglers who want local knowledge rather than a guided tour. Minimum age is 2, and children are welcome — mention how many are coming so the right life jackets are aboard. If you want longer on the water, the full day inshore and nearshore charter adds the reefs and wrecks outside the inlet.

Coming any month? Sebastian Inlet fishes well year round: what bites each season.

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