Stuart Inshore Fishing: Redfish, Snook & More
Ready to hit the water with one of Stuart's most trusted fishing guides? Captain Bob Bushholz runs top-rated inshore charters that put you right where the fish are biting. Whether you want a quick half-day trip or a full day on the water, this Stuart fishing experience delivers consistent action targeting redfish, snook, and tripletail around the Indian River and St. Lucie systems. Launching from Jensen Beach, you'll fish aboard a spacious pontoon boat that handles up to six anglers comfortably. Captain Bob's been working these waters for years, and his local knowledge shows in the fish counts – guests regularly lose track of how many they've caught.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at the boat ramp on NE Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach, where Captain Bob has your gear ready and the boat prepped for action. The pontoon setup gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up – perfect for families or groups with mixed skill levels. You'll cover prime inshore spots where snook ambush baitfish near mangrove shorelines, redfish cruise shallow flats, and tripletail hang around channel markers and debris. Captain Bob reads the conditions and adjusts throughout the day, moving from spot to spot until you find actively feeding fish. The relaxed pace lets beginners learn proper technique while experienced anglers can dial in their presentations for these finicky species.
Tackle & Fishing Techniques
Captain Bob provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning setups perfect for sight-casting to reds on the flats to heavier gear for pulling snook out of structure. You'll use a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions – live shrimp and pilchards work great when fish are feeding aggressively, while soft plastics and topwater plugs can trigger strikes when the bite gets tough. The shallow inshore waters around Stuart require finesse fishing, so expect to learn proper drag settings and how to work baits through different types of cover. Captain Bob takes time to show proper hook-setting technique and teaches guests how to read water conditions to spot likely holding areas for different species.
Customer Stories
"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
"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. Totally recommend Capt Bob for a good successful day." - Peter
"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 Captain, who always makes it a great time! He knows all the good spots to fish and it's always an enjoyable trip!" - Kristin
Target Species Breakdown
Snook are the crown jewel of Stuart inshore fishing, and these ambush predators put up fights that'll test your drag system. They average 18-28 inches around here, with slot fish between 28-33 inches being the keepers. Snook love structure – you'll find them under docks, around mangrove points, and near bridge pilings where they wait to slam baitfish. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes snook so exciting is their explosive strike and their tendency to jump and gill-rattle when hooked. They're also catch-and-release only during certain seasons, making every legal keeper extra special.
Redfish cruise Stuart's shallow waters year-round, and spotting their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots in clear water gets your heart pumping. These drum family members typically run 16-24 inches in the slot, with oversized "bull" reds exceeding 27 inches fairly common. They feed by rooting around oyster bars and grass flats, often with their backs and tails visible above the surface. Reds are notorious for their powerful initial runs and stubborn fight – they'll use their broad sides to pull drag even after you think you've got them beat. The consistent population around Stuart makes them a reliable target when other species aren't cooperating.
Tripletail might be the quirkiest fish you'll encounter on this trip. These oddly-shaped fish hang around floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats, where they drift on their sides looking like floating leaves. They typically range from 12-20 inches, with larger specimens approaching 24-26 inches. Tripletail require a stealthy approach – you'll often spot them floating near structure before making a precise cast with live or dead shrimp. Their initial strike feels like you've snagged bottom, but then they come alive with powerful runs and head shakes. They're excellent table fare and provide a unique challenge since you need to sight-cast to visible fish rather than blind-casting to likely spots.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Bob's Stuart fishing charters deliver consistent action in some of Florida's best inshore waters. With flexible half-day and full-day options, you can fit a world-class fishing experience into any vacation schedule. The spacious pontoon boat handles families and groups perfectly, while Captain Bob's patient instruction ensures everyone catches fish regardless of experience level. Stuart's year-round fishery means great action in any season, and the diverse species mix keeps every trip interesting. Don't just take our word for it – guests keep coming back trip after trip because Captain Bob puts you on fish while making sure you have a blast doing it.
5.0(8 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Stuart
Target redfish, snook, and tripletail in Stuart's inshore waters
