Ponce Inlet Private Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore fishing charters targeting redfish and snookMorning and afternoon departures with experienced local captainFullyequipped boat accommodates up to two guests maximum
Looking for top-rated inshore fishing action without the crowds? Beast Coast Fishing Charters has you covered with private trips that put you right where the fish are biting. Operating out of Ponce Inlet, we're talking about some of Florida's most productive nearshore waters where redfish, snook, and big barracuda cruise the flats and structure year-round. Whether you're an early bird who wants to hit the water at 6 AM or prefer afternoon action starting at 1 PM, our experienced captains know exactly where to put you on fish. With trip options ranging from a quick 4-hour strike mission to an all-day 8-hour adventure, you'll have plenty of time to work the best spots and rack up some serious catches.
Your private charter kicks off right from Ponce Inlet, one of Florida's premier fishing destinations that gives you quick access to diverse inshore habitats. We're running a fully-equipped boat that's rigged for serious fishing - no cutting corners on gear or local knowledge here. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety you'll encounter. One cast you might be sight-fishing tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you're wrestling a bruiser snook around downed timber. Morning trips tend to be cooler and often more productive, especially during summer months when the bite can slow down once the sun gets high. Afternoon charters have their own magic though - the lighting is perfect for spotting fish, and evening feeding patterns can turn on like a switch. With just two anglers maximum, you'll get personalized attention and won't have to compete for rod space or prime casting positions.
We fish these Ponce Inlet waters using a mix of techniques that match what the fish are doing on any given day. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pilchards, or finger mullet is deadly effective, especially when working structure or grass flats where these species feed. Artificial lures play a huge role too - soft plastics rigged weedless for working shallow cover, topwater plugs during low-light periods, and jigs for probing deeper holes and channels. The tackle setup varies based on target species and conditions, but expect medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky snook to bulldogging black drum. Our captains read the water constantly, adjusting approach based on tide movement, wind direction, and fish behavior. Some days it's all about precision casting to visible fish, other days we're covering water with search baits until we locate schools. The key is staying adaptable and letting the fish tell you what they want.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Ponce Inlet fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars throughout the area, especially during incoming tides when baitfish get pushed up into the shallows. Fall and winter months are peak time for reds here, with fish ranging from slot-size eaters up to oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. What makes redfish so exciting is their willingness to eat and their never-give-up fighting style - they'll make multiple runs and use their broad sides to leverage against you.
Great Barracuda bring serious excitement with their explosive strikes and blistering runs. These toothy predators patrol the nearshore waters year-round but are most active during warmer months. Barracuda will absolutely demolish a well-presented lure, often launching themselves clear out of the water during the fight. They're visual hunters that respond well to shiny spoons and fast-moving artificials worked over grass beds and structure. Size-wise, you're looking at fish from 10 pounds up to 30-plus pound bruisers that'll give you a workout.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure muscle and attitude wrapped in a silver package. These hard-fighting fish school up around structure and bait concentrations, often feeding so aggressively they create surface disturbances you can see from a distance. Peak action happens during spring and fall migrations when large schools move through the area. Jacks will hit just about anything that moves, but they're particularly fond of jigs and live bait. Once hooked, they dive hard and use their broad profile to maximum advantage.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Ponce Inlet's diverse habitat provides perfect snook territory. These ambush predators love structure - docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines, and any kind of current break where they can position themselves to grab an easy meal. Snook fishing is highly seasonal, with peak action during warmer months when they're most active. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover. Live bait fishing around structure is extremely effective, but don't overlook topwater action during low-light periods.
Black Drum round out the target species list with their bulldogging power and surprising size potential. These bottom-dwellers cruise shallow flats and deeper channels, using their underslung mouths to root out crabs and other crustaceans. Spring months typically offer the best black drum action as they move into shallow water for spawning activities. While they might not be the flashiest fighters, a big black drum will put serious pressure on your tackle and provide plenty of arm-burning action. They respond well to fresh dead shrimp and crab baits fished on or near the bottom.
Private fishing charters book up fast here in Ponce Inlet, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect. With Beast Coast Fishing Charters, you're getting local expertise, quality equipment, and access to productive waters that consistently produce fish. Whether you want a half-day taste of what these waters offer or an extended 8-hour session to really put some numbers on the board, we've got the
This fully restored 22-foot Angler is your ticket to productive fishing in Ponce Inlet's rich nearshore waters. Powered by a reliable 150HP Suzuki, she cuts through the waves smoothly while you target redfish, snook, and other prized species. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate your targets below, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches in shallow water. Keep your catch fresh and drinks cold in the spacious icebox. With room for up to 6 anglers and state-of-the-art electronics, this Angler delivers the comfort and functionality that make the difference between a good day and a great day on the water around Ponce Inlet.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the powerhouse bottom-dwellers that can really surprise you with their size and fight. These gray-black fish typically run 5-15 pounds, but we catch 30+ pounders that'll make your arms ache. They love shallow oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What guests enjoy is the steady, bulldogging fight and the challenge of sight-fishing them in shallow water. Fresh blue crab is hard to beat for bait. Pro tip: smaller drum under 15 pounds are much better eating - the big ones get tough and stringy, so consider releasing the giants to keep the fishery strong.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bullies of our waters - aggressive, powerful, and always ready to fight. These brassy-gold bruisers typically run 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds and will test every knot you tie. Look for diving birds working baitfish schools; that's where you'll find jacks pushing prey to the surface. They love structure - reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs from 20-100 feet. Spring through fall produces consistent action when water temps climb. Guests love the nonstop battle these fish provide - they're pure muscle with stamina to match. Silver spoons, fast-retrieved jigs, and topwater plugs work best. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, cast past the school and burn your lure back through - jacks can't resist something fleeing the chaos.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, hitting 35 mph when they strike. These silver missiles average 2-4 feet but can stretch to 6 feet and pack serious attitude. You'll find them prowling coral reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs in 10-50 feet of water. They hunt by sight and love anything shiny - silver spoons and fast-moving lures drive them crazy. Warmer months bring the best fishing when baitfish schools are thick. What makes them fun is the vicious initial strike and their tendency to jump and thrash. They're more about the fight than the table - larger ones can carry ciguatoxin. Here's the trick: retrieve your lure fast and erratic. If a cuda follows but doesn't hit, stop your lure completely for a second, then rip it again.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our nearshore fishing around Ponce Inlet. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black eyespots love hanging in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They're not picky eaters - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp all work great. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay warm. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the shallows with their backs out of water. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sink to the bottom before they get there.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish with their distinctive black lateral line and golden flanks. These ambush predators typically run 18-30 inches around our waters, hiding in mangrove shorelines, docks, and inlet mouths where current brings food. They love structure in 3-20 feet of water, especially during moving tides. Summer months are prime time, particularly around full moons when they spawn near passes. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and gill-rattling jumps - plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. They're finicky though, so live bait like pilchards or soft plastics work best. Key tip: always approach structure from the current side and present your bait naturally with the flow - snook face into current waiting to ambush prey.
New Smyrna Beach, FL, United States