Expert Guided Inshore Fishing in Daytona Beach Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4.5hour private inshore charter targeting redfish and sea troutAccommodates up to 4 guests with all gear and guidance providedDeparts 7:00 AM from Ponce Inlet using light tackle techniques
There's nothing quite like starting your day with the sun rising over Ponce Inlet and your line in the water by 7 AM. Captain Mike's half-day inshore charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where the Halifax River meets the Atlantic and creates perfect conditions for targeting redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, and summer flounder. This 4.5-hour private trip is designed with one thing in mind – putting fish in the cooler while keeping things relaxed and fun for up to 4 anglers. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore game, Captain Mike's local knowledge and hands-on approach make this a top-rated choice for Daytona Beach fishing.
Your morning kicks off at 4931 S Peninsula Dr in Ponce Inlet, where Captain Mike will have the boat prepped and ready to roll. The early start isn't just about beating the crowds – it's when these inshore fish are most active and feeding. You'll be fishing the calm, protected waters of the Halifax River system and nearby flats, perfect for families and anyone who prefers staying in sheltered water rather than heading offshore. The atmosphere is laid-back but focused, with Captain Mike sharing generations of local fishing wisdom while keeping everyone engaged and learning. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and some snacks – all tackle, bait, and guidance are included. The boat is set up specifically for light tackle inshore fishing, with plenty of space to move around and comfortable seating when you need a break between fish.
This trip is all about finesse fishing with light tackle, which makes every catch more exciting and gives you a real feel for the fight. Captain Mike uses a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting – from working live shrimp under popping corks around structure to casting soft plastics along grass lines and oyster bars. You might find yourself sight fishing for redfish in shallow water one moment, then dropping baits near docks and pilings for sheepshead the next. The gear is perfectly matched to the task – medium-light spinning rods that let you feel every nibble while still having enough backbone to handle a good fish. Captain Mike takes the time to teach proper technique, whether you're learning to work a jig head or perfecting your cast placement around structure. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – you're constantly adapting to conditions and using different presentations throughout the trip.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Daytona Beach, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice their size. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, but you can find them year-round in the grass flats and around oyster bars. What makes redfish special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush a well-presented bait and then make powerful runs that test your drag. Captain Mike knows exactly where they like to hang out, from the shallow flats during high tide to the deeper edges when the water drops.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are another customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are abundant in the Halifax River system, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. They typically run 14-20 inches and are known for their delicate mouths and acrobatic fights. The best action usually happens during the warmer months from April through November, particularly early morning when they're actively feeding. Sea trout are perfect for light tackle fishing – they require a gentle touch but reward you with steady action throughout the trip.
Sheepshead might look a bit odd with their human-like teeth, but they're one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch in these waters. These black-and-white striped fish are masters of structure, hanging around docks, pilings, and oyster bars where they feed on crabs and barnacles. They're notorious bait thieves with an incredibly light bite, which makes landing one a real accomplishment. Peak season runs from December through April when they're spawning, and they typically range from 12-16 inches with some real slabs pushing 3-4 pounds. Captain Mike's patience and expertise really shine when targeting sheepshead – he'll teach you to detect their subtle bites and set the hook at just the right moment.
Summer flounder, also known as fluke, are the wildcards of this trip. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They're most active during the warmer months from May through September, though you can catch them almost year-round in the right conditions. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the variety of techniques that work – from bouncing bucktails along the bottom to drifting live baits over structure. They typically run 14-18 inches in these waters, with the occasional doormat pushing 20+ inches. Their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table, and their aggressive strikes always surprise first-time flounder anglers.
Captain Mike's half-day inshore morning trip delivers exactly what serious anglers and families are looking for – consistent action, local expertise, and a relaxed atmosphere that lets everyone enjoy their time on the water. With all gear provided and space for up to 4 guests, this private charter gives you the personal attention and flexibility you won't find on crowded party boats. The combination of productive fishing grounds, light tackle techniques, and Captain Mike's generations of local knowledge creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to the sport or dial in your own inshore skills, this trip offers the hands-on experience and steady action that keeps customers coming back season after season. Book your spot
Captain Mike's 2010 Robalo 22' center console is built for serious inshore fishing around Daytona Beach and the Halifax River. This reliable workhorse runs on a smooth 150HP Honda outboard that'll get you to the fish at a steady 25 knots, then throttle down for precise boat positioning when you're working those redfish holes and trout grass flats. The spacious center console layout gives all four anglers plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, whether you're sight-fishing the shallows or drifting deeper channels for sheepshead and flounder. The boat's stable platform handles choppy inlet conditions with ease while staying quiet enough in skinny water not to spook fish. Perfect for families and beginners who want to learn proper light tackle techniques, plus experienced anglers looking to dial in their inshore game in Florida's productive coastal waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-35 inches and love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. You can often see their backs or tails breaking the surface as they feed. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round here. What gets guests excited is watching them crush topwater plugs in shallow water - it's pure adrenaline. They're strong fighters that'll make long runs, and the smaller "slot" fish are excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast your spoon or soft plastic well ahead and work it slowly past their nose. They spook easily, so stay quiet.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most reliable inshore targets. They average 14-24 inches and love shallow grass flats where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and edges of the grass beds. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months and at night. Guests enjoy their willingness to hit artificial lures and their decent fight on light tackle. They're also great eating with tender, flaky white meat - just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. Best tip I can share: work a shrimp-tipped jig slowly along the grass edges at first light. They'll often hit right as the lure drops, so stay ready to set the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the inshore waters with their distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 20-pounder around the right structure. These guys live around anything with barnacles - docks, bridge pilings, jetties - where they use those human-like teeth to scrape off their favorite meal. Spring months are prime time when they're spawning around structures. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them great eating. My tip: get your bait tight against the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small circle hook.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are masters of disguise that'll fool you every time. These flatfish run 15-20 inches typically, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. They're ambush predators that'll nail live mullet, minnows, or sea worms dropped right to the bottom. Best fishing happens September through November when they're most active. What makes them special is watching that "empty" sand bottom suddenly explode when one strikes your bait. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key - use a circle hook and let them run with the bait for a few seconds before setting. They bite sideways and need time to get it positioned right, so patience pays off with these sneaky bottom dwellers.
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