Get ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters! Our 5-hour fishing charter in Melbourne is the perfect way to experience the thrill of the catch without burning up your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, we've got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and prime fishing spots to make your trip a success. Cruise the Indian River Lagoon, cast around mangrove shorelines, and maybe even venture out to the nearshore reefs if conditions are right. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with our local captain to fine-tune your technique and learn the secrets of Melbourne's fishery.
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to where the fish are biting. Depending on the season and what's running, we might start by drifting grass flats for speckled trout, work some docks for sheepshead, or hit the deeper channels for bull redfish. The Indian River Lagoon is known for its variety, so be ready to switch up tactics as we chase the bite. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. And if you're already an experienced angler, they'll challenge you with some advanced techniques to target trophy fish.
We provide all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Our go-to setup for inshore fishing is usually a 7-foot medium action rod paired with a 3000-size spinning reel, spooled with 15-pound braid. We'll rig up with a variety of lures and live bait depending on what's working best that day. Soft plastics on a jighead are great for covering water and tempting trout and reds, while a live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat when the fish are being picky. For structure fishing around docks and mangroves, we might switch to heavier gear to muscle those fish out of the snags. Our captains always have a few tricks up their sleeve, so don't be surprised if we break out some unconventional tactics to get the fish fired up!
Melbourne's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but certain species really shine depending on the season. In the warmer months, big snook cruise the shorelines, ambushing bait and providing heart-stopping strikes. Redfish are a staple target, with schools of slot-sized fish roaming the flats and bull reds lurking in the deeper holes. Speckled trout are always a favorite, especially for anglers who love the finesse game of working soft plastics. As we move into fall and winter, the lagoon lights up with schools of black drum, sheepshead around structure, and the occasional pompano blasting through on their migration. And let's not forget about tarpon – while they're not an everyday catch, hooking into one of these silver kings will give you the fight of your life!
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of the Indian River Lagoon. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail spots, redfish can be found tailing on shallow flats or crushing bait in deeper channels. They're suckers for a well-placed artificial lure or a juicy piece of cut bait. The "slot" size (18-27 inches) makes for perfect table fare, while the bigger bulls will test your drag and your biceps.
Snook: The wily snook is a prized catch for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang around structure, using their keen senses to pick off passing bait fish. Catching a snook requires stealth and precision – one wrong move and they'll spook back into their hidey-hole. But when you do connect, be ready for acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. Melbourne's snook fishing heats up in the warmer months, with big females moving into the lagoon to spawn.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their delicate appearance fool you – speckled trout are voracious predators that put up a great fight on light tackle. These spotted beauties are often found in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Trout love to hang around seagrass beds, using their excellent eyesight to ambush prey. A well-worked soft plastic or a live shrimp under a popping cork is like ringing the dinner bell for these guys.
Tarpon: While not an everyday catch, hooking into a tarpon is the ultimate inshore fishing experience. These prehistoric giants can reach well over 100 pounds in the lagoon, and their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics will leave you shaking with adrenaline. Tarpon are seasonal visitors to Melbourne, typically showing up in the warmer months to feast on mullet and other baitfish. Landing one of these silver kings is a true feat of angling skill and endurance.
There's something special about fishing the waters around Melbourne that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what you'll catch next – one cast could bring in a tasty trout for dinner, the next could have you locked in battle with a monster redfish. Or perhaps it's the peaceful beauty of the Indian River Lagoon, with its mangrove-lined shores and abundant wildlife. Our guests often tell us how much they appreciate the laid-back vibe of our charters. We're not here to rush you or stress about filling a quota – we're here to have a good time on the water and put you on some fish. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy catch on your Florida fishing trip!
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, now's the time to lock in your charter. Our 5-hour trips are the perfect balance of fishing action and relaxation, giving you plenty of time to hook into some quality fish without taking up your whole day. Whether you're a solo angler looking to hone your skills or a small group wanting to share the excitement, our 3-person capacity ensures you'll get personalized attention from our expert guides. Don't let another fishing season pass you by – book your Melbourne fishing charter today and get ready to create some lasting memories on the water. The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115