Full Day Space Coast Inshore Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour inshore fishing adventure for up to 3 guestsExplore Space Coast flats and mangroves with specialized techniquesFullday flexibility includes sight fishing and fly casting opportunities
There's something special about having six full hours to work the flats and backwaters of Florida's Space Coast. This isn't your typical half-day rush where you barely get settled before it's time to head back. At $575 for you and up to two buddies, you're getting serious value for a private charter that'll let you really dial in on what's biting. We'll push off at 8 AM when the morning bite is just getting started, giving us the whole day to chase whatever the tides and conditions are serving up.
The Space Coast gives us some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Florida, and a full day means we can hit multiple spots without feeling rushed. We'll start by reading the conditions - tide, wind, water clarity - then make our game plan. Maybe we'll pole the skinny flats looking for tailing reds, or work the mangrove edges where snook love to ambush bait. The beauty of having six hours is flexibility. If the tarpon are rolling in the backcountry, we can spend time getting dialed in on the right presentation. If the drum are thick on a certain flat, we can work them properly instead of having to move on. This is fishing the way it should be done - patient, methodical, and responsive to what the fish are telling us.
We keep it simple but effective out here. Light tackle spinning gear is our bread and butter - 2500 to 3000 series reels spooled with 10-15 pound braid, paired with 7-foot medium action rods that have the backbone to handle big fish but still let you feel every tap. For fly anglers, we're talking 8-9 weight outfits that can push flies in typical Space Coast wind. The flats fishing here is all about stealth and precision - we'll pole or use the trolling motor to get into position, then make accurate casts to cruising fish or likely holding spots. In the backcountry, it's more about working structure and current breaks where predators stage to feed. Live shrimp, pinfish, and mullet are our go-to baits, but don't sleep on artificials like DOA shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs when conditions are right.
Black drum are absolute bruisers that'll test your drag system and your patience. These fish cruise the flats and grass beds in schools, especially during the cooler months from December through March. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but when a 30-pound drum decides to make a run, you'll understand why locals get excited about them. They're bottom feeders with a serious sweet tooth for fresh shrimp and crab, and they fight like freight trains - long, powerful runs that'll make your reel sing. The best part about drum fishing here is the sight fishing opportunities when conditions are right.
Tarpon are the kings of the Space Coast, and for good reason. These silver missiles can show up any time of year, but the real action happens from April through September when the big schools move through. We're talking fish from 50 to over 150 pounds that'll launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. The Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River system are famous tarpon grounds, and there's nothing quite like watching a hundred-pound fish clear the water six feet behind your boat. They're finicky eaters though - perfect presentation and dead-drift baits are usually the key to getting bit.
Sheepshead might look goofy with those human-like teeth, but they're some of the smartest fish in the shallows. Peak season runs from December through April when they stack up around structure for spawning. These guys are notorious bait thieves - they'll clean your hook faster than you can blink if you're not paying attention. But when you get the timing down and feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap, setting the hook on a nice sheepshead is incredibly satisfying. They average 2-4 pounds here, but the big ones push 6-8 pounds and fight way above their weight class.
Redfish are what put the Space Coast on the inshore fishing map. These copper-colored bulldogs are year-round residents that never stop eating and always fight hard. The skinny water sight fishing here is world-class - watching a red's back fin and tail stick out of 18 inches of water as it roots around for crabs never gets old. Spring and fall are prime time when big schools of slot-sized reds (18-27 inches) cruise the flats, but the oversized bulls show up in summer and provide arm-burning fights in deeper water. They'll eat everything from live bait to topwater plugs, making them perfect targets for any angler's style.
Crevalle jacks are the ultimate fun fish - they're aggressive, plentiful, and fight like they're twice their size. These guys travel in schools and when you find them, it's usually game on until your arms give out. They peak in warmer months but you can find them year-round around bait schools and structure. Jacks will smash topwater baits, crush live bait, and inhale just about any artificial you throw at them. A 15-pound jack on light tackle will humble any angler, and they're perfect for keeping kids busy when the premium species aren't cooperating.
Six hours on the water gives us real opportunities that shorter trips just can't match. We can chase multiple species, adjust to changing conditions, and really fine-tune your techniques instead of rushing from spot to spot. Whether you're looking to sight fish the flats, work the backcountry creeks, or just spend a day learning from a local guide, this full-day format delivers. The Space Coast's inshore fishing is as good as it gets in Florida, and having the time to do it right makes
Get ready to work the flats aboard our freshly restored 17-foot Hewes Tailfisher. This classic shallow-water skiff draws just inches, letting you pole into backcountry spots where redfish and snook cruise the grass beds. The 70HP Yamaha pushes you between honey holes quickly, while the trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're sight-casting to tailing fish. Built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Florida sun sessions. GPS and fish finder help locate structure and bait schools along the Space Coast's endless maze of mangrove creeks and oyster bars. Whether you're throwing topwater plugs at first light or working DOA shrimp through the afternoon bite, this boat handles like a dream in skinny water. Perfect setup for targeting redfish, snook, trout, and tarpon in the Indian River system.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweights of the drum family, usually running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These grey-black fish love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and around dock pilings where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning. What makes them special is their size and the challenge - plus you can hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season. They're great table fare under 15 pounds, but the bigger ones get tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab or clam on the bottom near structure, and don't be surprised when that "snag" starts moving - these fish hit subtly but pull hard once hooked.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats, typically 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but capable of reaching 60 pounds. These brassy-green fighters roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often in aggressive schools chasing baitfish. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active in our area. What guests love is their raw power - pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fish around, plus they create explosive topwater action. They're not great eating but the fight makes up for it. Watch for diving birds - that's your sign. Pro tip: cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast; these bullies can't resist a fleeing baitfish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, recognizable by their copper-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. They typically run 20-30 inches around here, loving super shallow water from 1-4 feet deep on grass flats and around oyster bars. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up, but they bite year-round in our waters. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and strong fights in shallow water. Plus they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Local secret: look for "tailing" reds with their backs out of water while feeding - cast past them and work your bait back slowly to avoid spooking them.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes, typically running 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. These crafty fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and oysters. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're most active in our area. Anglers love them for the challenge and excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. They're notorious bait thieves with light bites, so stay alert. My go-to trick: get your bait right against the pilings where they hide, use fiddler crabs or shrimp, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait otherwise.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, averaging 80-100 pounds but capable of reaching 280 pounds and 8 feet long. These prehistoric fish love shallow flats, deep channels around keys, and anywhere baitfish gather. Late spring through summer offers prime fishing when they migrate through our waters. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out trying to throw your hook. While they're catch-and-release only due to poor eating quality, landing one is a bucket-list experience. The fight can last hours on lighter tackle. Local tip: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to prevent the line from snapping tight on re-entry.
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