5.0(8 Reviews)Half Day Inshore Fishing in Stuart, Florida
5.0(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target Redfish, Snook, and Tripletail in Stuart watersComfortable pontoon boat accommodates up to six guestsHalfday or fullday trips with flexible departure times
Captain Bob Bushholz knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best redfish, snook, and tripletail action the Treasure Coast has to offer. Whether you're looking to spend a relaxing half-day or dive deep into a full-day adventure, this Stuart-based charter delivers consistent results aboard a spacious pontoon that comfortably handles up to six anglers. Launching from Jensen Beach, you'll fish the productive flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper pockets where these sought-after species love to hang out. Captain Bob's laid-back approach makes this perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers wanting to learn the local techniques that consistently produce fish.
Your fishing adventure starts at 2065 NE Indian River Dr in Jensen Beach, where Captain Bob will have the pontoon boat ready and tackle rigged for the day's conditions. The beauty of fishing these inshore waters is the variety – you might start the morning working the grass flats for redfish, then move to structure for tripletail, and finish up casting to mangrove edges for snook. The pontoon provides a stable, comfortable platform that's perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels. You'll have plenty of room to move around, and the shallow draft lets Captain Bob access those skinny water spots where the big fish like to hunt. Morning trips typically run from sunrise to early afternoon, while afternoon charters take advantage of the evening bite that often heats up as the sun starts to drop.
Captain Bob comes prepared with quality spinning tackle and all the terminal gear you'll need, from live bait rigs to artificial lures that match the local forage. Depending on conditions and target species, you might be sight fishing with topwater plugs, bouncing jigs along the bottom, or freelining live shrimp around structure. The captain's local knowledge really shines when it comes to reading the water – he knows which flats hold fish on different tides, where the tripletail stack up around markers, and which mangrove cuts consistently produce snook. You'll learn techniques like proper bait presentation in shallow water, how to work structure without getting hung up, and the subtle differences in fighting each species. All tackle is provided, but feel free to bring your own gear if you have favorites you like to fish with.
"Great day out with Captain Bob. He's very knowledgeable and personable. Captain Bob worked real hard to get us fish. We lost count of how many fish we caught! Our catches spanned a wide variety of species including two keeper pompano. Our party ranged from 65 to 6 years old and we all had a blast. I would book Captain Bob again and recommend him to all." - Jonathan
"caught 7 differrnt types of fish including a blowfish that was kinda cool too see. when you see something outside of your normal (im use to fishing the detroit river, lake erie, and lake michigan) thus was cool too see." - Kristin
"Fantastic time, a lot of knowledge, insight, and direction. Pleasant time on the water and made a lot of memories for the family. Everyone caught a fish and we all had a blast doing it." - Shane
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and these Stuart waters hold some absolute bruisers. These ambush predators love to hang around mangrove edges, dock pilings, and anywhere they can use structure to surprise their prey. What makes snook so exciting is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, gill rattle, and make powerful runs that test your drag system. Peak snook season runs from late spring through early fall, but you can catch them year-round in these waters. They're notorious for their moody feeding patterns, which is why having a local guide like Captain Bob makes such a difference in consistent success.
Redfish, or "reds" as locals call them, are pure fun on light tackle and one of the most reliable species you'll target. These copper-colored fighters love the grass flats and shallow waters around Stuart, often feeding in water so shallow their backs are showing. What's awesome about reds is their willingness to eat – they're not as finicky as snook and will usually cooperate when you find them. They make strong, bulldogging runs and rarely give up easily. Year-round residents, redfish can be caught in every season, though fall and winter often provide the most consistent action as they school up in larger numbers.
Tripletail might be the most unique fish you'll encounter on this trip. These strange-looking fish have a habit of floating on their sides near channel markers, crab trap buoys, and other floating structure, looking just like a piece of debris until they suddenly come to life. What makes tripletail fishing so addictive is the sight fishing aspect – you'll actually see the fish before you cast to it, creating an exciting visual element. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Summer months typically offer the best tripletail action, when they're most active around the inshore structures.
Captain Bob's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and his patient teaching style makes this charter perfect whether you're bringing kids, introducing someone new to saltwater fishing, or just want to learn the local techniques that work in these waters. The flexible scheduling with both half-day and full-day options means you can tailor the trip to fit your vacation plans. With the comfortable pontoon boat and Captain Bob's extensive local knowledge, you're set up for a successful day targeting three of Florida's most popular inshore species. Don't miss out on experiencing some of the best inshore fishing the Treasure Coast has to offer – book your trip with Catch 22 Fishing Charters
Captain Bob's 25-foot 2016 Trident Pontoon is your ticket to some of Stuart's best inshore fishing action. This spacious rig comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and cruises at 25 knots thanks to its reliable 200HP Suzuki outboard. The stable pontoon design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting in each other's way. You'll appreciate the wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those spooky redfish in shallow water, while the GPS and fish finder help locate productive spots along the Treasure Coast. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot Florida days. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising snook or working structure for tripletail, this well-equipped pontoon delivers the comfort and functionality needed for a successful day on the water. Perfect for families or groups who want to fish hard without sacrificing comfort.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Stuart flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots typically range from 18-32 inches, with slot-size fish providing the perfect combination of fight and table fare. They cruise the shallows from 1-6 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall and winter months are prime when they school up heavily. What guests love most is watching these fish tail in skinny water and the powerful, bulldogging fight they put up once hooked. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or birds working bait schools. When you spot tailing reds, cast ahead of their path and let them find your bait rather than dropping it right on their heads.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most sought-after inshore targets here in Stuart. These sleek fish with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, though we occasionally hook into those trophy 40+ inchers that'll really test your drag. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in depths from 2-15 feet. Summer and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding, especially around structure changes. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs toward cover. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with white, flaky meat. Pro tip: cast past the structure and work your lure back through it. Snook ambush from cover, so getting your bait in the strike zone without spooking them is key to success.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are the quirky chameleons of our local waters. These odd-shaped fish average 2-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds for a real arm-burner fight. They're famous for floating on their sides near debris, crab traps, or channel markers, mimicking dead leaves perfectly. We find them year-round in 10-40 feet of water, but spring through fall offers the best action when they're more active near the surface. Guests love tripletail because they're acrobatic fighters that jump and dive, plus they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that rivals grouper. The trick is staying quiet and casting well away from them, then slowly working your bait into their zone. They spook easily but once hooked, you're in for a wild ride with those broad fins and stubborn attitude.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day out with Captain Bob. He’s very knowledgeable and personable. Captain Bob worked real hard to get us fish. We lost count...
caught 7 differrnt types of fish including a blowfish that was kinda cool too see. when you see something outside of your normal ...
Catch-22 and Captain Bob knew the water is in locations kept moving till we were able to find the type of fish we were looking for...
Fantastic time, a lot of knowledge, insight, and direction. Pleasant time on the water and made a lot of memories for the family. ...
This is my second trip with Captain Bob. Every time I come to Florida I look forward to the charter fishing with Bob. A great Capt...
Capt Bobby is a super guy...he donated a 4 hour trip to Operation 300 Camp Valor kids and it was a real treat for the kids. Everyo...
Great trip, always catch fish and have fun with Capt. Bob. I highly recommend this trip for both experienced and inexperienced fis...
We had a great time! Everyone caught several fish. The captain gave great directions and knew the best spots. He also had some gre...
Stuart