Spring Break Special: 6-Hour Inshore Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour spring break fishing adventure in Fort Pierce watersTarget snapper, grouper, mackerel on inshore and nearshore reefsSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
Fort Pierce sits right in the sweet spot where world-class inshore fishing meets some of the best nearshore action on Florida's Treasure Coast. This 6-hour Spring Break Special gives you serious time on the water to chase everything from shallow-water snook to hard-fighting king mackerel just offshore. Whether you're bringing the family or hitting the water with your fishing buddies, Colossal Catch's experienced crew knows exactly where to put you on fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated charter lets you switch between targeting inshore species like redfish and trout or heading to the reefs for snapper and grouper action.
Your day starts early at the Fort Pierce marina, where you'll meet your captain and get rigged up for a full day of fishing. The beauty of this 6-hour trip is the flexibility – you've got enough time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what's biting best. Spring is prime time here, with warming waters bringing fish up from their winter haunts and new arrivals showing up from their spawning runs. Your captain will read the conditions and take you where the action is hottest, whether that's working the mangrove shorelines, drifting the flats, or running out to the nearshore reefs. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – rigging baits, netting fish, and keeping you on productive water while you focus on putting fish in the boat.
This charter covers a lot of fishing ground, so you'll likely use several different techniques throughout the day. For inshore work, expect to throw live shrimp under popping corks for trout, pitch jigs and live bait around structure for snook and redfish, and maybe do some sight fishing on the flats. When you head offshore to the reefs, it's all about bottom fishing with cut bait and live offerings for snapper and grouper. The crew provides all the gear you need – from light spinning tackle for inshore finesse work to heavier conventional setups for wrestling grouper off the bottom. They'll have you covered with a mix of live bait like shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish, plus the right selection of jigs, plugs, and cut baits. All you need to bring is your Florida fishing license, sun protection, and plenty of water.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of Fort Pierce's nearshore scene, and spring is when these beautiful fish really turn on. These fighters average 3-8 pounds but can push well into double digits. They're notorious for their keen eyesight and finicky nature – one minute they're crushing everything you drop down, the next they're inspecting your bait like a jeweler with a loupe. What makes them so rewarding is that combination of challenge and flavor. They fight hard on the way up and taste even better on the plate.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore reefs, and Fort Pierce's rocky bottom is perfect habitat for these ambush predators. They'll sit tight in holes and ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. Once hooked, they make a signature run straight for the bottom, testing your drag and your patience. Spring brings excellent gag fishing as they move back inshore after spawning. These fish commonly run 5-15 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20-plus. The crew knows exactly which spots hold the biggest fish and how to get them away from the structure.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish – they hit hard, jump high, and test every piece of tackle you've got. Fort Pierce's inlet and surrounding waters offer textbook snook habitat with plenty of structure, current, and baitfish. Spring fishing targets them around bridges, docks, and mangrove edges where they ambush glass minnows and shrimp. These fish are pure attitude – they'll blow up a topwater plug at dawn or crush a live shrimp drifted past a piling. The slot limit keeps things interesting, and a keeper snook in the 28-32 inch range is a prize worth celebrating.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as most locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that make up in numbers what they lack in size. These reef residents are always ready to eat and put up a surprising fight for their size. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and experienced anglers entertained between bigger fish. Spring brings excellent mangrove snapper action on the nearshore reefs, where they school up in good numbers. They're also fantastic eating – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a simple grilled preparation.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, and when they're around Fort Pierce in spring, the action can be absolutely electric. These fish patrol the edges of the reefs and the blue water beyond, looking for schools of baitfish to terrorize. When you hook a king, get ready for a blistering run and some serious aerial acrobatics. They commonly run 10-30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional smoker king pushing 40-plus. The crew will have you rigged with wire leaders and the right baits to tempt these toothy predators.
Spring break timing puts you right in the sweet spot for Fort Pierce fishing – warming water temperatures, active fish, and generally great weather conditions. This 6-hour charter gives you the perfect amount of time to sample the best of what these waters offer without wearing yourself out. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, Colossal Catch's experienced crew will put you on fish and show you why Fort Pierce is considered one of Florida's premier fishing destinations. Don't wait too long to book – spring dates fill up fast as word gets out about the hot fishing.
Our 6-person motorboat is built for serious inshore fishing around Fort Pierce waters. The synthetic composite hull cuts through chop smoothly, keeping you dry when chasing snook in the shallows or heading out to nearshore reefs for grouper and snapper action. The fish finder helps locate structure where the big ones hide, while GPS keeps us on productive spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. The multimedia system lets you stay connected or play tunes between fishing spots. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to work different techniques whether you're sight-casting to redfish in skinny water or dropping baits on bottom structure for that trophy grouper. Perfect setup for targeting trout around grass flats or working the mangroves for snook during this spring break fishing adventure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our nearshore reef fishing here in Fort Pierce. These gray, marbled-looking fish average around 20 inches but can grow much larger - we've seen them hit 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. They love hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're most active. What guests love about gags is the fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole in the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, white and firm with a mild flavor that's perfect for any recipe. They'll hit live bait like pinfish and mullet, plus cut bait works great. My advice: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep your rod tip low. Don't let them freewheel or they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are one of the smartest fish you'll encounter in these waters. These copper-red colored fish with the dark eye stripe usually run 12-16 inches inshore, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. You'll find them around docks, bridges, mangroves, and nearshore reefs where they use cover to ambush prey. They bite year-round but are most active in warmer months. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are notorious for their wariness and the satisfaction when you finally outsmart one. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're opportunistic feeders that hit live shrimp, small crabs, and cut bait. Here's the key: patience wins with these guys. Use light tackle, let your bait sit naturally, and resist the urge to move it too much. They'll study your offering before committing, so stay ready for that subtle bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you one of the fastest, most exciting fights in these waters. These sleek, olive-backed torpedoes typically weigh 15-40 pounds but can exceed 60+ pounds when conditions are right. You'll find them cruising nearshore reefs and drop-offs in 40-150 feet of water, especially during their spring and fall migrations when they're most abundant. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for smoking or grilling. They're aggressive predators that hit trolled spoons, live bait like blue runners, and fast-moving lures. Here's a crucial tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks when using live bait. Kings typically attack the tail section first, so that trailing hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs and missed fish.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are some of the prettiest fighters you'll find on our nearshore reefs. These olive-colored beauties with their distinctive blue streaks behind the eyes typically run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can push 30+ inches and really test your gear. You'll find them around rocky structure and reefs in 80-200 feet of water, especially during spring when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and excellent table fare - that white, flaky meat is hard to beat. They're opportunistic feeders that hit live shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Here's a local tip: use the freshest bait you can get and keep your sinker light. When you hook one, expect it to make a hard run for the bottom structure, so keep steady pressure and don't give it slack to dive into the rocks.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish and one of the most fun targets we chase around Fort Pierce's mangroves and inlets. These silver-sided beauties with that bold black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, but trophy fish over 40 inches show up regularly. You'll find them in shallow estuaries, around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test both your skills and your drag. The fight is memorable, but they're catch-and-release only during certain seasons. Live shrimp, pilchards, and soft plastics all work well. Pro tip: snook are very structure-oriented, so cast tight to cover but be ready - once hooked, they'll immediately try to wrap you around the nearest piling or mangrove root.
Stuart