Ponce Inlet Offshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore fishing trips from 4 to 12 hours availableMorning and afternoon departures at 6:00 AM or 1:00 PM dailyExperienced captain guides guests to prime trophy fishing locations
When you're looking for serious offshore action on Florida's east coast, Ponce Inlet delivers in spades. Beast Coast Fishing Charters runs private trips that put you right where the fish are biting, whether you've got four hours to burn or want to make a full day of it with a 12-hour marathon session. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with trips starting at 6 AM or 1 PM, you can pick the window that works best for your schedule. This isn't some cattle-boat operation either – we're talking just two anglers max, so you get personalized attention and more time with your rod in the water instead of waiting in line.
Your day kicks off from the famous Ponce Inlet, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions, target species, and game plan for the day. The boat heads out through the inlet – one of Florida's most reliable passages to blue water – and within minutes you're in prime fishing territory. Depending on what's running and where the bite is happening, you might find yourself working structure close to shore or pushing further offshore to deeper drop-offs and weed lines. The captain reads the water constantly, watching for bird activity, bait schools, and temperature breaks that signal where predators are lurking. You'll cover a lot of water throughout the trip, but that's the beauty of having a seasoned guide who knows when to stay put and when to make moves. The shorter trips focus on consistent action spots, while longer adventures give you the luxury of exploring multiple zones and really dialing in on specific species.
Beast Coast comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you need to handle whatever's swimming in these waters. Live bait is king out here – expect to see pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp in the wells, along with artificial lures for covering water when the fish are scattered. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at sunrise to slow-trolling live baits along the edges. The captain adjusts techniques based on what's working – maybe it's sight fishing to cruising tarpon one day, or dropping baits in deeper holes for snook and reds the next. Circle hooks are standard for most presentations, especially when targeting larger species that need to be released healthy. If you've got your own lucky lures or preferred tackle, bring them along – most captains appreciate anglers who are engaged and want to learn new techniques.
Snook are the bread and butter of Ponce Inlet fishing, and these fish have earned their reputation as one of Florida's premier gamefish. They're ambush predators that love structure – bridges, docks, mangrove shorelines, and offshore reefs all hold good numbers. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized to true trophy specimens pushing 40+ inches. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll run straight for cover and test your drag system every time. The slot limit keeps things interesting too, so you need to know your measurements before you celebrate.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll definitely test your tackle and technique. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes – we're talking fish that can push 30, 40, even 50+ pounds in these waters. They're most active during cooler months, typically from fall through early spring, when they move into shallower areas to feed and spawn. What's cool about drum fishing is the subtlety required – they're not aggressive strikers like snook, so you need to feel for that telltale "thump-thump" as they mouth the bait. Once hooked, they use their broad sides and powerful tails to wage a grinding battle that'll leave your arms burning.
Tarpon fishing around Ponce Inlet is pure adrenaline, especially during their peak season from late spring through early fall. These silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and 6 feet in length, making them one of the most sought-after species in Florida waters. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial displays – when a big silver jumps and starts tailwalking across the surface, everything else becomes background noise. They're primarily catch-and-release fish, which means the focus is purely on the experience rather than the cooler. Tarpon have bony mouths that require sharp hooks and perfect hooksets, plus the endurance to battle a fish that might take 30 minutes or more to bring to the boat.
Redfish bring their own brand of excitement to Ponce Inlet waters, especially the bull reds that patrol offshore during their spawning runs. These copper-colored bruisers are most active from late summer through fall, when they form large schools in nearshore waters. Slot-sized reds in the 18-27 inch range provide excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls are pure sport fish that can weigh 30+ pounds. Reds are known for their strong, sustained runs and their ability to use grass beds and structure to their advantage. They're also one of the more forgiving species for newer anglers, as they tend to hold onto baits longer than more finicky fish.
Crevalle jack might be the most underrated fighter in these waters – pound for pound, few fish can match their raw power and determination. These aggressive predators travel in schools and aren't shy about crushing topwater lures or live baits. Jack fishing is often fast and furious, with multiple hookups possible when you find an active school. They're built like submarines with oversized tails, and they use every bit of that design to peel line off your reel. While they're not typically kept for the table, jacks provide non-stop action and are perfect for keeping kids engaged or filling gaps between more targeted species.
Ponce Inlet's
Set sail aboard our fully restored 22-foot Angler, perfectly rigged for serious offshore fishing adventures from Ponce Inlet Beach. This classic fishing machine packs a reliable 150HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the productive waters quickly and comfortably. The boat's loaded with everything anglers need - a fish finder to locate schools and structure, GPS navigation to mark those honey holes, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the bite gets finicky. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox while you work the waters for more action. With room for up to 6 anglers and state-of-the-art electronics guiding your way, this vessel delivers the perfect platform for targeting Florida's offshore species. Whether you're chasing dolphin, king mackerel, or bottom dwellers, our Angler puts you right where the fish are biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 60-plus. These bottom-feeders love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What guests love is the strong, steady fight and their willingness to eat. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to success is fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the bottom. Pro tip: use enough weight to keep your bait down and don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are tough but the hook can pull out if you horse them.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the ocean's bullies - powerful, aggressive fish that average 3-15 pounds but can hit 30-plus. These brassy-green fighters hunt in schools around reefs, wrecks, and inshore structures from 10-100 feet deep. They're year-round residents but summer months bring the biggest schools. What guests love is their vicious strike and non-stop fight - they'll bend your rod in half and test your drag. While not the best eating fish, they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Here's the key: cast past the school and retrieve fast with silver spoons or swim baits. These fish love the chase, so the faster and more erratic your retrieve, the better your chances.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of Florida inshore fishing, easily spotted by those black eyespots near the tail and copper-bronze backs. Most run 18-30 inches and fight like crazy in shallow water. You'll find them on grass flats, around oyster bars, and in marshes - often in water so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their aggressive nature and excellent table quality - the meat is sweet and flaky. They'll eat almost anything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Local tip: when sight fishing shallow water, lead them by a few feet and make noise with your lure. A popping cork with live shrimp underneath is deadly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore species, running 1-4 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 1-10 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and current breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every bit of cover to try breaking you off. The meat is excellent, flaky and mild. Here's a local trick: when fishing live bait around structure, use a circle hook and let them run with it for a few seconds before setting. They often grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds around Ponce Inlet. You'll find them rolling in 5-30 feet near inlet mouths, bridges, and along the beaches. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show - they'll jump 6-8 feet out of the water repeatedly. While not great eating due to their bony flesh, the fight is pure magic. Most anglers practice catch and release. The secret is keeping steady pressure without over-fighting them. When they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - this prevents the line from snapping when they crash back down.
New Smyrna Beach, FL, United States