Pompano Beach Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3-8 hour inshore fishing trips targeting Tarpon, Snook, and JacksAll fishing gear, license, and refreshments included aboardExperienced captain guides groups up to 6 guests
Picture this: you're cruising the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway while the Atlantic Ocean churns rough just beyond the inlet. That's the beauty of booking with Captain Jonny's Epic Charters – when offshore conditions get nasty, we're still putting fish in the boat. Our Pompano Beach fishing charters run anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility whether you're squeezing in a quick morning trip or going all-out for a full day on the water. We've got everything covered – rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing license, cooler with ice, and cold bottled water to keep you hydrated while you're working those trophy fish.
The Intracoastal Waterway around Pompano Beach is like a highway for gamefish, and Captain Jonny knows every dock, bridge, and structure where they like to hang out. You'll be fishing protected waters that stay fishable even when it's blowing 20+ knots offshore. We can accommodate up to 6 anglers, making this perfect for families, buddy trips, or corporate outings. The boat comes stocked with quality gear, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite reels, bring 'em along. Live bait is available for an extra charge – and trust me, when you're sight-casting to a laid-up tarpon or working a snook under the mangroves, fresh pilchards and croakers make all the difference. Don't forget to ask about mounting options if you hook into something wall-worthy.
We fish the entire spectrum here – from sight-casting with spinning gear to trolling the deeper channels with conventional tackle. The Intracoastal gives us access to grass flats, mangrove shorelines, bridge pilings, and deep holes where different species set up shop. During the warmer months, we'll work the shallow flats early morning for snook and tarpon before they head to deeper water. Bridge fishing is huge here – the current flow and structure create perfect ambush points for jacks and snapper. We use everything from live shrimp under popping corks to large swimbaits for the bigger predators. Captain Jonny reads the water, tide, and conditions to put you on the most productive spots. When the bite gets tough, we're not afraid to move around and try different presentations until we find what's working.
Snook are the crown jewel of South Florida inshore fishing, and the Pompano Beach area holds some serious fish. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove points, and bridge pilings are prime real estate. They're most active during dawn and dusk, though you can catch them all day if you know where to look. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward whatever structure they can find. The slot limit keeps things interesting, and a keeper snook makes excellent table fare. Peak season runs from spring through fall, but we catch them year-round in the Intracoastal.
Tarpon fishing here is world-class, especially during the spring and summer months when schools of "silver kings" migrate through our waters. These fish range from juvenile tarpon in the 10-40 pound class up to monsters pushing 100+ pounds. Nothing prepares you for your first tarpon jump – they come out of the water like silver torpedoes, shaking their heads and gill plates in a display that'll get your heart racing. The Intracoastal's calm waters let you really enjoy the fight without getting beat up by waves. Even if you don't boat one, just having a tarpon on the end of your line is an experience you won't forget.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, and they'll test your reflexes and drag settings in a hurry. These toothy predators cruise the grass beds and channel edges, always looking for an easy meal. They're suckers for fast-moving lures and will absolutely demolish a well-presented bait. Barracuda fights are pure adrenaline – blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that happen faster than you can process. They're around year-round but really turn on during the warmer months. Just remember to bring a wire leader unless you want to donate tackle to the fish.
Crevalle Jacks might not win beauty contests, but they fight like fish twice their size. These broad-shouldered brawlers travel in schools and will absolutely bend your rod in half. When you hook into a good jack, expect a bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle and your back muscles. They're not picky eaters and will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. Jacks are fantastic for kids and novice anglers because they bite aggressively and put up a memorable fight. You'll find them around structure, in the channels, and cruising the flats throughout the year.
Captain Jonny's Epic Charters has built a reputation as one of Pompano Beach's top-rated fishing operations, and our calendar fills up fast during peak season. The Intracoastal Waterway offers consistent action when offshore trips get cancelled, making us the go-to choice for serious anglers who want to fish no matter what Mother Nature throws at us. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to introduce kids to the sport, we'll tailor the trip to your skill level and goals. Gratuity is appreciated for good service – it's standard practice in the charter fishing world and helps keep quality captains on the water. Book your 3 to 8-hour adventure today and discover why anglers keep coming back to fish these productive South Florida waters with Captain Jonny's crew.
Captain Jonny's 25-foot Dusky center console is your ticket to prime fishing on Pompano Beach's Intracoastal Waterway. Twin 115HP Evinrude engines push this fishing machine up to 38 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast where tarpon, snook, jacks, and snapper are biting. The spacious center console layout gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. When you're not fighting fish, kick back and enjoy the multimedia system or grab a cold drink from the icebox. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive waters, while the onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. Between the comfortable bed for afternoon breaks and all the fishing gear included, this boat has everything you need for a successful day on the water chasing Florida's best inshore species.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the Intracoastal - pure muscle and attitude. They typically run 3-5 pounds and 12-24 inches, but the big ones can hit 20+ pounds. Look for them around structures, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish are getting pushed to the surface. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue. They're here year-round but fishing heats up in warmer months. What makes jacks fun is their non-stop power and refusal to quit. They'll peel drag and fight dirty all the way to the boat. The meat's decent but most folks target them for sport. Here's a tip: when you see them busting bait on top, cast past the school and rip your lure back through fast - they love the chase.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese toothy speed demons are the ocean's missiles, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can reach 6 feet and really put up a scrap. You'll find them patrolling reefs, grass flats, and channel edges in 10-60 feet of water. They're around year-round but are most active in warmer months. Anglers love them for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, though they tire quickly. The meat can be good eating when prepared right, but watch for ciguatoxin in larger fish. They hunt by sight and are curious about shiny objects. My advice: use a wire leader and keep lures moving fast - they can't resist something that looks like it's trying to escape.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here on the Intracoastal. These golden beauties average 1-2 feet but can push 4 feet when you get lucky. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush prey with lightning-fast bursts. They love structure and shade during the day. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons from May to September when they're spawning. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: always use a leader because their gill plates are razor sharp and will cut straight through mono when they shake their heads.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+ pounds and 6 feet long. They roam shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas throughout our waters. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through South Florida. What hooks every angler is watching a 100-pound fish launch itself 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They'll make multiple jumps and long runs that can last 30 minutes or more. Most folks release them since the meat is bony and tough. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those aerial shows.
Miami