Private 6-Hour Indian River Lagoon Fishing Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour guided fishing adventure in Florida's Indian River LagoonTarget redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout with expert Captain FrankAll gear, licenses included with 45+ years local guiding experience
Captain Frank Catino's six-hour private fishing adventure on Florida's Indian River Lagoon puts you right in the heart of one of the state's most productive fisheries. This isn't your typical charter—it's a chance to fish with a captain who's been working these waters for over four decades, knows every grass flat and oyster bar, and can read the lagoon like his own backyard. You'll spend the day targeting everything from slot redfish cruising the shallows to monster tarpon rolling in the deeper cuts, all while soaking in the peaceful beauty of this world-class estuary.
The Indian River Lagoon stretches for 156 miles along Florida's east coast, creating a massive playground filled with grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels that hold fish year-round. Captain Frank tailors each trip based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns—he might have you sight-casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water one hour, then working the edges of mangrove islands for snook the next. The lagoon's diverse structure means you're constantly moving and adapting your approach, which keeps things exciting whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. All fishing licenses and top-quality gear come included, so you can focus on what matters most—getting that next fish to the boat.
Captain Frank runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. Sight fishing the flats with live bait or artificials is a huge part of the experience here—watching a redfish track your offering through crystal-clear water never gets old. You'll also work structure like docks and mangrove lines where snook love to ambush prey, plus fish the deeper channels and holes that hold tarpon and bigger trout. Frank provides everything from spinning tackle for lighter species to heavier gear when the silver kings are around. He's big on teaching proper presentation and reading water, so you'll leave with skills that translate to fishing anywhere. The shallow-water game here is all about stealth and accuracy, while the deeper spots require understanding current and structure.
Snook are the crown jewel of the lagoon system, and these ambush predators know how to use every piece of cover to their advantage. They hang tight to mangrove roots, dock pilings, and oyster bars, waiting to crush anything that swims by. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active, but Captain Frank knows the year-round spots where you can connect even during the cooler months. These fish fight dirty—expect powerful runs toward structure and gill-rattling jumps. Landing a slot snook in the 28-32 inch range is what keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Tarpon turn the lagoon into a circus when they show up in numbers, typically from late spring through early fall. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 10-40 pound class to absolute monsters pushing triple digits. What makes tarpon fishing here special is the variety—you might sight-cast to rolling fish in open water or work them around bridges and deeper holes. When a tarpon takes your bait, everything changes fast. The explosive jumps and screaming runs will test your tackle and your nerves, but there's nothing quite like watching a 100-pound fish go airborne just yards from the boat.
Sea trout, particularly the speckled variety, are the bread and butter of the lagoon system. These fish relate to grass beds and drop-offs, making them perfect targets for both live bait and artificial presentations. The lagoon produces some true gator trout—fish in the 20-25 inch range that pull surprisingly hard and make excellent table fare. Winter months often produce the biggest specimens as they move to deeper water, while warmer months find them scattered across the flats in good numbers.
Redfish are what many consider the perfect lagoon species, and the Indian River system holds some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water, often feeding in less than two feet while their backs and tails break the surface. Captain Frank excels at putting clients on sight-fishing opportunities where you can watch these fish work the flats before making your cast. Reds in the 18-27 inch slot are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into an oversized bull that'll take you well into your backing.
Ladyfish might not be the most glamorous species, but they're pure fun on light tackle. These mini-tarpon jump and fight way above their weight class, making them perfect for warming up or keeping the action going between shots at bigger fish. They're also excellent bait for larger predators when the opportunity presents itself, and Captain Frank knows exactly when and where to deploy them for maximum effect.
A full day on the Indian River Lagoon with Captain Frank Catino delivers everything you want from a top-rated Florida fishing experience—diverse species, beautiful scenery, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from 45 years on the water. Whether you're chasing your first snook, looking to tangle with tarpon, or just want to spend six hours fishing one of the state's most renowned fisheries, this trip delivers. The lagoon fishes well year-round with seasonal highlights, so there's never a bad time to get out there. Don't wait—Captain Frank's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is world-class.
This fully restored 18ft Momentum Custom Built Carbon Fiber Skiff cuts through Florida's Indian River Lagoon like it was made for these waters—because it was. The 2024 restoration brought this shallow-water fishing machine back to peak condition, while the reliable 50 HP Honda engine provides plenty of power to chase redfish across the flats or position you perfectly along mangrove shorelines where snook love to hide. Built specifically for lagoon fishing, this lightweight carbon fiber hull draws minimal water, letting you access those skinny spots where the big fish feed. The deck layout gives two anglers plenty of room to work flies or cast light tackle without getting tangled up. Captain Frank's 45+ years on these waters means he knows exactly where this boat shines—whether you're sight-fishing the grass flats for speckled trout or working deeper channels for tarpon. The smooth ride and quiet operation won't spook fish in the clear, shallow water that makes Indian River Lagoon fishing so productive.
Elops SaurusLadyfish might be called "poor man's tarpon," but don't let that fool you - these silver rockets put on quite a show. They typically run 12-24 inches and are absolute acrobats when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. You'll find schools of them in open water areas, channels, and around bait pods throughout the lagoon. They bite year-round and aren't picky about tides or time of day, making them great for kids and beginners. While most folks don't keep them for dinner, they're fun fighters and excellent bait for bigger fish like snook. Pack a wire leader - their small but sharp teeth will slice through mono. When you see birds working, cast anything shiny into the commotion and hang on.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down our most exciting sight-fishing target. These copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive black eyespot near their tail cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs exposed. We find them tailing in 1-3 feet over grass flats and around oyster bars. They're here year-round, but fall brings the best shallow water action when they're fattening up. What makes reds special is watching them eat - that bronze flash and powerful run when they take your bait. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with firm, sweet meat. Here's my trick: when you see a red's tail sticking up while feeding, cast well ahead and let your bait sink to the bottom, then barely twitch it as the fish approaches.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great eating. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and have soft mouths, so you'll feel every head shake. Look for them over grass flats in 3-6 feet of water, especially around deeper potholes and drop-offs. They bite best on cooler days and during low-light periods - early morning and evening are prime time. Fall and winter months are fantastic as they school up in deeper water. Folks love specks because they're cooperative biters and make some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The cork draws them in, and that shrimp seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in the lagoon. These sleek, golden fish usually run 18-30 inches, with that distinctive black lateral line and sloped forehead making them easy to spot. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. They love structure and ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. Guests love snook because they fight hard, make great table fare, and are just beautiful fish. Pro tip: use a heavy fluorocarbon leader - their razor-sharp gill plates will cut through regular line in a heartbeat. Cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly along the edges.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - these prehistoric giants can reach 4-8 feet and jump like nothing you've seen before. We typically see 80-150 pounders rolling in deeper channels and around bridges, though smaller fish cruise the flats. Late spring through summer brings the best tarpon fishing when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them special isn't just their size - it's watching 100 pounds of pure muscle explode from the water in a series of acrobatic leaps. Most folks release them since they're bony and not great eating. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps tension off and prevents them from throwing the hook during those wild aerial displays.
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