Target Atlantic Bonito & Redfish with Captain Ed Zyak
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Professional inshore charter targets Atlantic bonito and redfishAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses includedExpert instruction provided for all skill levels
Captain Ed Zyak knows these Jensen Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This top-rated inshore charter targets Atlantic bonito, redfish, snook, tarpon, and whatever else is biting in the productive waters around the Treasure Coast. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting started with saltwater fishing, Ed's got you covered with all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need. With room for up to three anglers, this is the perfect setup for a small group looking to get away from the crowds and into some real fishing action.
You'll be fishing the renowned inshore waters around Jensen Beach, where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic. Captain Ed runs a clean, well-maintained boat that's rigged specifically for inshore work – shallow draft, quiet trolling motor, and all the electronics you need to find fish. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you might be working structure for redfish, the next you're sight-casting to cruising tarpon. Ed provides hands-on instruction throughout the trip, showing you the right techniques for each species and how to handle these fish properly. He's not just putting you on fish – he's teaching you how to be a better angler. All your licenses, tackle, and bait are included, so just bring your snacks, drinks, and enthusiasm for a day of serious fishing.
Captain Ed matches his techniques to what the fish are doing and where they're holding. In the shallows, you'll be sight-fishing with live bait and artificials, watching for tailing redfish and cruising snook. When the bonito are running, it's all about covering water with spoons and small jigs until you find the school. For tarpon, Ed switches to heavier tackle and live bait, positioning the boat where these silver kings like to ambush prey. The tackle is matched to each species – lighter spinning gear for the technical stuff, medium-heavy setups when you need to turn fish away from structure. Ed's been refining these techniques for years, and he'll adjust the approach based on tide, weather, and what the fish are telling him. You're not just following a script here – you're learning to read the water and adapt your fishing to what's happening right now.
Bluefish around Jensen Beach are aggressive feeders that show up in good numbers during their seasonal runs, typically from late fall through early spring. These hard-fighting fish average 3-8 pounds and are known for their sharp teeth and ferocious strikes. When you find a school of blues, the action can be non-stop – they'll hit just about anything you throw at them. Captain Ed loves targeting these fish because they're perfect for beginners to build confidence, but they fight hard enough to keep experienced anglers entertained.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and the waters around Jensen Beach hold some beautiful fish. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove shorelines, and bridge pilings where they can hide and strike at passing baitfish. They're most active during the warmer months, with peak action from May through September. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can reach impressive sizes, with slot fish running 18-33 inches. What makes them special is their fighting ability – they'll jump, run, and use every trick to shake the hook.
Tarpon fishing here is world-class, especially during the summer migration when these silver kings move through in big numbers. These prehistoric fish can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. The key to tarpon fishing is patience and proper technique – Ed will show you how to set the hook (or not set it), manage the fight, and handle these incredible fish for photos before release. Peak season runs from May through August, with some of the best action happening right at dawn or dusk.
Redfish are year-round residents that never get old to catch. These copper-colored drum are perfect sight-fishing targets in the shallows, where you can watch them cruise and tail in just inches of water. They average 18-27 inches in the slot, with plenty of oversized bulls that will test your tackle. Reds are smart, spooky fish that require good presentation and patience. When you hook one in shallow water, they'll make powerful runs and use their broad sides to fight every inch of the way to the boat.
Tripletail are one of the more unique species you might encounter, often found floating near structure or debris lines. These oddball fish get their name from their large dorsal and anal fins that make them look like they have three tails. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Tripletail fishing requires a stealthy approach and precise casting – they're easily spooked but worth the effort when you connect with one of these tasty fish.
Captain Ed Zyak's inshore charters consistently deliver the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With his local expertise, quality equipment, and commitment to putting you on fish, this Jensen Beach adventure offers real value for serious anglers. The combination of diverse target species, hands-on instruction, and productive waters makes this a customer favorite among both locals and visiting fishermen. Don't wait – the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the finest inshore fishing the Treasure Coast has to offer.
The Jensen Special puts you right where the fish are biting. This 2020 custom bay boat cuts through Jensen Beach waters with a reliable 200HP Yamaha, hitting speeds up to 45 knots to get you to productive fishing spots fast. At 22 feet, she's built for serious angling with three anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The GPS keeps you on course to Captain Ed's proven honey holes, while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot feeding fish and navigate shallow inshore waters where the redfish and snook like to hide. Whether you're casting to structure or working the flats, this boat handles Jensen Beach's varied inshore terrain with the stability and speed you need for a productive day on the water.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters during warmer months, typically running 3-15 pounds with some reaching 20+. These blue-green fighters have razor-sharp teeth and hunt in schools, often creating feeding frenzies near the surface. You'll find them around baitfish schools in 10-40 feet of water, especially near structure and drop-offs. They hit hard and fight dirty with strong runs. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps climb above 68°F. Guests love their powerful strikes and the way they bend rods. The meat is tasty when fresh, though larger fish can be oily. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, and keep your fingers clear when unhooking.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter inshore species, typically running 18-32 inches with that signature black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes with their backs exposed. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them great is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, steady fights. Plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. You'll see them tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs and shrimp. The trick is to cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle naturally - redfish are bottom feeders, so keep it low and slow.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our premier inshore targets, averaging 18-28 inches with trophy fish reaching 40+ inches. These silver-sided beauties with the distinctive black lateral line love mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-8 feet of water. They're ambush predators that wait in cover then explode on bait with serious power. Best fishing runs May through September when water temps are warm, especially around new and full moons. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights in tight quarters. They're also excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. During spawning season their fins turn bright yellow, making them even more stunning. Here's the key: cast past them and work your bait back - they spook easily if you drop it right on their head.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish, with adults commonly running 80-150 pounds and stretching 4-6 feet. These silver kings live in shallow coastal waters, channels, and around bridges where they roll and gulp air at the surface. Peak season runs April through October when they migrate through our area. What sets them apart is their legendary jumping ability - they can launch 10 feet out of the water and swim 35 mph. The fights are epic, lasting 30 minutes or more with multiple jumps. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since the meat is bony and tough. You'll spot them rolling on the surface or in schools cruising the flats. The secret is keeping your rod tip down when they jump - "bow to the king" - or they'll throw the hook with their head shakes.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our coolest sight-fishing targets, averaging 2-8 pounds with some reaching 20+. These oddly-shaped fish have extended dorsal and anal fins that make them look like they have three tails. They're masters of disguise, floating on their sides near debris, buoys, and weed lines to mimic floating trash. You'll find them from the surface down to about 30 feet, year-round in our warm waters with peak action in summer. What's fun is the sight-casting challenge and their surprising acrobatics when hooked - they jump and thrash despite their chunky build. The meat rivals snapper or grouper, firm and delicious. Watch for dark shadows near floating objects. The key is staying quiet and casting well past them, then slowly working your bait back - they spook easily but ambush aggressively once committed.
Jensen Beach