Ponce Inlet Charter Boats - Premium Flats Fishing
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Flats fishing in Halifax River and Florida backcountry watersTarget snook, redfish, and trout with experienced local guidesSmall group charters accommodate up to four guests maximum
When you're looking for world-class flats fishing in Central Florida, Ponce Inlet delivers some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere along the coast. Our charters with Blue Water Fishing Charter Adventures put you right in the heart of the Halifax River system and the sprawling backcountry flats where trophy fish cruise shallow water year-round. This isn't your typical deep-sea grind - we're talking sight fishing in gin-clear shallows where every cast counts and the fight happens right in front of you. With room for up to 4 anglers, you get that personal touch that makes all the difference between a good day and one you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts early when the water's still got that mirror finish and the fish haven't been spooked by boat traffic. We'll run through Ponce Inlet and work our way into the backcountry maze of mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars that make this area a fish magnet. The Halifax River system connects to the Indian River Lagoon, giving us access to some of the most productive shallow water habitat on Florida's east coast. You'll be fishing water that ranges from knee-deep grass beds to mangrove shorelines where big reds patrol for an easy meal. The beauty of flats fishing here is the variety - one minute you're working a tailing redfish in 18 inches of water, the next you're blind casting to structure where sea trout stack up. Our guides know every creek, every point, and every seasonal pattern that keeps the bite hot.
We fish light and smart out here - spinning gear in the 2500 to 4000 size range spooled with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. Most of our fishing happens with live bait like shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows, but don't be surprised if we break out the artificials when conditions are right. Soft plastics like DOA shrimp and paddle tails are absolute killers on these flats, especially when the water's clear and the fish are spooky. We'll also throw topwater plugs during the early morning bite when reds and trout are busting bait in the shallows. The key to success here is reading the water - understanding how tides move bait around, where fish set up ambush points, and adjusting your presentation to match what the fish want that day. Our boats are rigged specifically for flats work with shallow drafts, quiet trolling motors, and elevated casting platforms that give you the best shot at spotting fish before they see you.
Black drum are the bulldozers of these flats, and Ponce Inlet produces some absolute monsters. These fish cruise the grass beds and oyster bars in schools, and when you hook into a 20-30 pound drum, you know you're in for a fight. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but they'll test your drag and give you that deep, powerful run that gets your heart pumping. Spring and fall are prime time for big drum, especially around the new and full moons when they move shallow to feed. What makes them so fun to target is their predictable behavior - find the right structure at the right tide, and you can load the boat.
Sea trout might be the most consistent bite we have year-round, and the Halifax River system holds some quality fish. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. A good trout here runs 2-4 pounds, but don't be surprised when a 6-7 pound gator trout crashes your bait. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp under a popping cork to soft plastics worked along the bottom. The best part about trout fishing here is the sheer numbers - on a good day, you might boat 20-30 fish and have shots at some real quality specimens.
Redfish are the stars of the show and the reason most anglers book flats trips in the first place. Ponce Inlet reds are known for their size and attitude, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized juveniles to bruiser bulls pushing 40+ inches. Summer brings the big schools of slot-sized fish that cruise the flats in packs of 20-50 fish. Fall and winter are when the big bulls move in, and hooking a 35-inch red in shallow water is about as good as it gets in the fishing world. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful - that copper-bronze color really pops when you get one boatside.
Crevalle jacks are the unexpected surprises that keep things interesting out here. These fish are pure muscle and will absolutely smoke your drag when they decide to run. They're not the prettiest fish and most people don't keep them for the table, but pound-for-pound, there's not a stronger fish in these waters. Jacks show up in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit anything you throw at them and fight like they're twice their size.
Tripletail are the wildcards that make every trip exciting. These odd-looking fish float around structure like crab traps, channel markers, and debris, looking just like floating leaves until they decide to eat your bait. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Finding tripletail is part of the challenge - they're masters of camouflage and require a sharp eye to spot. When you do connect with one, they've got this unique fighting style with lots of head shaking and short, powerful runs.
This is the kind of fishing that hooks people for life - technical enough to challenge experienced anglers but accessible enough for newcomers to have success. The Ponce
Hit the flats around Ponce Inlet aboard our reliable 24-foot Carolina Skiff, built for serious fishing in shallow waters. This 2011 flats boat runs on a solid 115HP Yamaha four-stroke that'll get you to the honey holes at 38 knots, then back off to barely a whisper when you're stalking redfish and snook in skinny water. The wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly without spooking fish, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots and the fish finder shows what's swimming below. With space for up to four anglers, there's plenty of room to work without tangling lines. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days chasing trout through the Halifax River backcountry. This setup handles everything from sight fishing the grass flats to working deeper channels where the big snook hang out. Perfect for getting into those tight spots where the fish hide but bigger boats can't reach.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running 5-30 pounds typically but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love our shallow oyster beds and muddy flats around Ponce Inlet, especially during spring spawning season when they school up. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws built for shellfish, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Bigger fish put up serious fights but the meat gets tough. My tip: use enough weight to keep your bait right on the bottom where they're rooting around for crabs and oysters.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of our local waters - powerful, aggressive fish that average 3-5 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. These brassy-green speedsters travel in schools and are absolute fighters, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. You'll find them both inshore around structure and offshore, often following baitfish to the surface. Look for diving birds - that's usually jacks pushing bait up from below. They hit hard and fight harder, making them popular with anglers who want serious action. While not the best eating, they're pure fun on light tackle. Silver spoons and fast-moving lures work great. Here's the key: once you hook into a school, work fast because they'll stick around if you keep the action going.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches here in our backcountry, though we catch plenty of slot-sized fish perfect for the cooler. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings throughout the Halifax River system. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're really active. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and are fantastic table fare. Topwater plugs early morning create explosive strikes, but live shrimp and cut bait work year-round. Pro tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising reds and let them find your bait.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful silvery fish covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. These fish love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action around here. They're excellent eating with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Trout can be finicky, so live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. Here's a local secret: when fishing the flats at night, look for nervous water and baitfish activity - that's where the trout are feeding.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique catches - oddball fish that look like floating leaves until they strike. They average 2-5 pounds and 18 inches, but can reach 40+ pounds. These masters of camouflage float on their sides near weed lines, crab trap buoys, and channel markers, perfectly mimicking debris. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps stay above 70 degrees. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that rivals snapper. The challenge is spotting them before they spot you - they're easily spooked. Sight casting is the name of the game here. My go-to technique: cast well past what looks like floating trash, then slowly work your bait back toward it. Half the time that "trash" turns out to be a tripletail waiting to ambush your offering.
Crystal River