Half Day PM Fishing - Daytona Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half day afternoon inshore fishing trip in Daytona BeachCaptain provides all equipment and expert guidance for catchesSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboard
Captain Srbo Trikich knows these Daytona Beach waters like the back of his hand, and his afternoon fishing trips are some of the most productive you'll find along this stretch of Florida's coast. This isn't your typical tourist charter – it's a real fishing experience where you'll work the flats, channels, and backwaters that hold some serious fish. With just three spots available, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows. The captain brings all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need to make the most of your time on the water.
Your afternoon starts with a quick rundown of the game plan as Captain Srbo checks conditions and decides where the fish are most likely to be holding. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you might be working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're casting along a mangrove shoreline hoping to coax out a snook. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels matched to the target species, and the captain keeps a variety of live bait and proven artificials on hand. Expect to cover some water as conditions and fish activity dictate where you'll spend your time. The afternoon bite can be fantastic, especially as the sun starts to drop and predator fish become more active in the shallows.
Captain Srbo runs a versatile inshore setup that lets you fish multiple techniques depending on what's working best. You'll likely throw both live bait and artificials – maybe live shrimp under a popping cork for trout, or freelining a pilchard near structure for snook. The tackle is matched to the fish you're targeting, from lighter spinning gear for trout and flounder to stouter rods when tarpon are in the area. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing – the captain will get you dialed in on the right retrieve, show you how to read the water, and help you feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact. Experienced anglers will appreciate the quality gear and the captain's willingness to let you work your own preferred techniques when the fish are cooperative.
Southern Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms near drop-offs, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall and winter months are prime time for flounder in these waters, and they're a blast to catch because they fight harder than most people expect. A quality flounder dinner is hard to beat, and Captain Srbo knows the specific spots where they like to hold.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Daytona's backwaters hold some beautiful fish. They're structure-oriented and love to ambush prey from under docks, around mangroves, or near bridge pilings. Summer and fall offer the best action, and a slot snook on light tackle will test your drag and your patience. These fish are catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Tarpon show up in good numbers during their seasonal migrations, usually late spring through summer. Even a juvenile tarpon will give you a workout with their aerial displays and powerful runs. The "silver king" is Florida's most famous gamefish for good reason – they're spectacular fighters that will have you questioning your tackle choices. Most tarpon caught inshore are released to fight another day.
Sea Trout are probably the most consistent bite you'll find in these waters year-round. They school up over grass flats and around structure, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. Speckled trout hit both live bait and artificials eagerly, and a cooler full of keeper-sized trout makes for excellent table fare. They're also great for building confidence if you're new to saltwater fishing.
Redfish are the backbone of Florida inshore fishing, and the Daytona area holds plenty of them. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll experience – watching a red's back cut through shallow water as it hunts is pure excitement. They're year-round residents, incredibly strong fighters, and within the slot limit make outstanding eating.
With only three anglers per trip, Captain Srbo's afternoon charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. This small group size means you get the kind of personalized instruction and fish-finding expertise that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to put dinner in the cooler or just want to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing, this half-day trip delivers the goods. The afternoon bite in these waters can be absolutely lights-out, and there's nothing quite like ending your day with bent rods and fish in the boat.
Jump aboard Sterling, Captain Srbo's rebuilt 2006 fishing machine that's ready to tackle Daytona's inshore waters. This 18-foot powerhouse runs on a reliable 60HP Mercury engine, cruising at 30 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, Sterling comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need - GPS to navigate the coastal waters, radar for those hazy afternoon conditions, and a fish finder to locate where they're biting. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold while you're working the lines. Captain Srbo knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all the gear you need to land that trophy fish. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or chasing snook around the structure, this boat gets you there comfortably and puts you on the fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of the flats, easily spotted by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail. These drum family members prefer super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Average fish run 18-27 inches, but the big bulls can hit 40+ inches and really bend a rod. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're more active in cooler water. What makes reds special is their power and that signature black spot that fools predators. They're also excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. Look for them tailing in skinny water around oyster bars and grass edges. Here's my favorite technique: use a gold spoon or topwater plug in the early morning. When you see them pushing water or tailing, cast past them and work your lure back - the strike will wake up the whole neighborhood.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud on the bottom to ambush prey. You'll recognize them by both eyes being on the left side of their head - pretty unique sight. They typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 30+ inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries with sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall and winter are prime time when they're more active. What makes them fun to target is their surprise strike when you're drifting live bait - they hit hard for a flatfish. They're excellent table fare too, with sweet white meat. My tip: use a slip sinker rig with live bull minnows or shrimp, and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that tap, give them a second before setting the hook.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore gamefish with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. These ambush predators love structure - think mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They typically run 20-28 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. Best fishing is dawn and dusk during warmer months, especially around the new and full moons from May through September. What guests love about snook is their explosive strikes and powerful runs - they'll jump and thrash like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm white meat. Here's a local trick: during spawning season, work live pilchards or pinfish around bridge pilings and inlet mouths on moving water. Cast upcurrent and let your bait drift naturally with the flow.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our waters - massive silver giants that can reach 6-8 feet and 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish love shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas, often rolling on the surface to gulp air. Peak season runs May through July when they migrate through our waters, with the best action on calm, warm afternoons. What makes tarpon special is their raw power and aerial acrobatics - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and swim 35 mph. Most anglers fish them catch-and-release since they're bony and not great table fare. The thrill is in the fight, not the fillet. For success, use live crabs or large pilchards on circle hooks. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip at them - this gives slack and prevents them from throwing the hook on their aerial show.
Salmo TruttaAlso called speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of our grass flats fishing. They're silver with distinctive black spots scattered across their backs and typically run 14-18 inches, though keepers over 20 inches make great table fare. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water over seagrass beds, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. They bite year-round, but fall and winter produce the biggest numbers. What anglers love is their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits, plus their delicate, flaky white meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. My go-to setup is a 1/4 oz jig head with a soft plastic shrimp worked slowly over the grass. Fish it just fast enough to keep it off the bottom - trout are lazy and won't chase a fast-moving bait.
Titusville