Pompano Beach Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
38 hour inshore fishing charter targeting tarpon, snook, and jacksAll fishing gear, license, bait, and refreshments included onboardAccommodates up to 6 guests on protected Intracoastal waters
Looking for some solid fishing action without dealing with rough seas? Captain Jonny's got you covered with his inshore charters that'll keep you hooked from start to finish. We're talking about 3 to 8 hours on the protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, where the fish are hungry and the ride stays comfortable. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family out for their first real fishing trip, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season. You'll be targeting some of South Florida's most sought-after species while staying close enough to shore that even your seasick-prone buddy can handle the trip.
Captain Jonny runs a tight ship that's all about putting fish in the boat. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – we're talking about a captain who knows every oyster bar, mangrove pocket, and grass flat from Hillsboro Inlet down to Boca. The Intracoastal gives us year-round fishing opportunities, and when the Atlantic gets nasty, we're still out here making memories. Your day starts with everything you need already loaded: quality rods and reels that can handle whatever we hook into, a cooler packed with ice to keep your catch fresh, and plenty of cold water to keep you hydrated. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, so you're not elbow-to-elbow fighting for space. Captain Jonny provides your fishing license and all the tackle, though if you want to upgrade to live bait – and trust me, you do – that's available for a small upcharge. The fish around here go absolutely nuts for live shrimp and pilchards.
We fish the Intracoastal smart, not hard. Depending on the tide and time of year, we might be working the deep channels with live bait for tarpon, casting into the mangroves for snook, or drifting the grass flats where the jacks and barracuda patrol. Captain Jonny switches up techniques based on what's biting – one minute you're free-lining a live shrimp near a dock, the next you're pitching a jig under a bridge. The gear is matched to the target: medium-heavy spinning setups for the bigger stuff, lighter tackle when we want to feel every head shake. Circle hooks keep the fish healthy for release, and if you hook into something special, ask about getting it mounted. The captain's got connections with the best taxidermists in South Florida. Most days we'll hit multiple spots, following the tide and the bite. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – you never know if the next cast will bring a 100-pound tarpon or a keeper-sized snapper for dinner.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and the Pompano Beach area holds some real football-shaped beauties. These ambush predators love structure – docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines – anywhere they can pin baitfish against cover. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we catch them year-round. What makes snook special isn't just their size (they can push 30-plus pounds), it's their attitude. They hit hard, jump like crazy, and have this nasty habit of running straight back to whatever structure you pulled them away from. The slot limit keeps things sporting, and a properly released snook will fight just as hard the next time someone hooks it.
Tarpon turn every angler into a kid on Christmas morning. These silver kings can reach 200 pounds and 8 feet long, and when one goes airborne next to the boat, you'll understand why they call it the fish of a thousand casts. Summer months bring the big migratory fish through our waters, but resident tarpon live here year-round. They're catch-and-release only, which is fine because the fight is the real prize anyway. A hooked tarpon will jump, tail-walk, and generally try to destroy everything in sight. Even a small tarpon – if there is such a thing – will test your drag and your patience. They're prehistoric, beautiful, and absolutely addictive to target.
Great barracuda bring pure speed and teeth to the mix. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise the grass flats and channel edges, always looking for an easy meal. They're not picky about lures or bait, but they are lightning-fast when they strike. A cuda hit feels like someone just hooked your line to a motorcycle. They'll make blistering runs and throw themselves clear of the water trying to shake the hook. Year-round residents that can reach 4 feet and 20-plus pounds, barracuda provide consistent action when other species get finicky. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you know how to handle them properly.
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These deep-bodied fighters punch way above their weight class, turning every hookup into an arm-burning battle. They school up in big numbers, especially during cooler months, and when you find them, it's often non-stop action. Jacks will eat just about anything you throw at them – live bait, jigs, topwater plugs – and they fight dirty. No fancy jumps or long runs, just pure, stubborn power that'll have you questioning your drag setting. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they bite aggressively and stay hooked, but don't let their willingness fool you – a 15-pound jack can humble any angler.
Captain Jonny's built his reputation one trip at a time, delivering the kind of consistent fishing that turns first-timers into regulars. The flexible trip length means you can fit serious fishing into your schedule, whether you've got a morning free or want to make a full day of it. With all gear included an
Captain Jonny's 25-foot Dusky center console is built for serious fishing on Pompano Beach's Intracoastal Waterway. Twin 115HP Evinrude engines push this fishing machine to 38 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast whether you're chasing Tarpon in the shallows or working structure for Snook and Snapper. The spacious center console layout gives all six anglers room to fish comfortably without tangled lines. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox while the GPS navigation system helps locate productive waters. When the bite slows down, relax with the multimedia system or grab some shade. The boat's equipped with a head and even a bed for longer trips. This Dusky handles choppy inshore waters with ease, making it perfect for targeting Jacks along the channels or sight-fishing the flats. Built tough for Florida's year-round fishing conditions.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These golden torpedoes typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big bulls can push 4 feet and 60 pounds. Look for them in schools around grass flats, structure, and inlet mouths in 5-50 feet. They're here year-round but really fire up in warmer months. Watch for diving birds - that's your jackpot. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, making screaming runs that'll burn your drag. They're curious around the boat and will chase anything that moves fast. Not the best eating, but the fight is what brings people back. Cast silver spoons or jigs past the school and retrieve aggressively - they love the chase. Quick tip: when you smell watermelon, you've found feeding jacks.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the speed demons of our waters - sleek, silver missiles that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see 5-footers with those intimidating razor teeth. They patrol our reefs, grass flats, and structure in 10-60 feet, hunting by sight for anything that moves. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are hottest when baitfish are thick. Guests love their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights, though they tire quickly. Don't expect table fare - most release due to ciguatera concerns. These curious predators will follow lures right to the boat. My go-to technique: cast silver spoons or tube lures past them and retrieve fast with erratic action. Use wire leader - those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of my favorite species to target here on the Intracoastal. These sleek, golden fish with that bold black lateral line usually run 18-30 inches, though we occasionally hook into 4-footers that'll test your drag. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in 3-15 feet of water. May through September is prime time when they're spawning and their fins turn bright yellow. Snook fight hard with sudden bursts of speed and have great table fare - firm, white meat that's fantastic grilled. They're temperature sensitive, so cooler winter months can slow the action. Pro tip: use live shrimp or pilchards and cast tight to structure. They're ambush predators, so get your bait right in their face.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and push 300. They cruise our flats and channels in 10-40 feet, especially around bridges and deeper holes. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through. What makes tarpon special is their aerial show - they'll rocket 10 feet out of the water and tailwalk across the surface. Most folks release them since the meat is bony and not great eating. Their stamina is legendary, often fighting for hours. The key is keeping steady pressure and not horsing them. When they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip so they don't throw the hook on their gill-rattling leaps.
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