Half Day Redfish, Snook, Bass Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning or afternoon fishing charter targeting multiple speciesSaltwater flats fishing for redfish and snook or freshwater bassAll equipment provided with accommodations for up to three guests
Captain Don Nicely knows these Vero Beach waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This four-hour charter gives you options – hit the saltwater flats for redfish and snook, or switch it up and chase largemouth bass in the freshwater headwaters. Whether you're rolling out of bed for the early 7 AM start or prefer the afternoon session from noon to 4 PM, you're getting a top-rated fishing experience that locals have been raving about. With space for up to three anglers, this trip keeps things intimate so everyone gets plenty of action and personalized instruction.
Don runs a tight ship but keeps the vibe relaxed – perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers looking to dial in their inshore game. You'll launch from Vero Beach and make the call between saltwater flats fishing or heading to the freshwater spots based on conditions, season, and what's biting. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle, so you don't need to worry about gear. If you're going the saltwater route, bait and licenses are covered in your booking. Freshwater anglers will need to grab their own live shiners and Florida freshwater license beforehand – Don can point you to the best bait shops nearby. The captain's been working these waters for years, so expect to learn a thing or two about reading water, bait presentation, and fighting fish the right way.
On the saltwater side, you'll be sight fishing the flats with live bait, working oyster bars, and targeting structure where redfish and snook like to ambush their meals. Don's got the shallow water game dialed in – expect to use spinning gear with lighter tackle that lets you feel every bump and run. He'll position the boat in prime spots and coach you through proper bait placement and hook sets. For freshwater bass action, you'll be working the headwaters with a mix of live shiners and artificials, focusing on cover and drop-offs where largemouth bass patrol. The technique switches between finesse presentations in clear water and more aggressive approaches when the fish are actively feeding. Don provides all the terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your lucky lures if you've got favorites that have produced for you before.
Spanish Mackerel have been lighting up the flats, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These silver bullets hit baits with serious attitude and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're perfect for getting kids or nervous first-timers fired up about fishing – fast action and cooperative fish that rarely disappoint. Most Spanish mackerel in these waters run 12 to 20 inches, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Snook fishing around Vero Beach is world-class, particularly during the warmer months when they're cruising the shallows looking for easy meals. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, and oyster bars where they can pin baitfish against hard cover. A good slot snook will give you multiple jumps and long runs, and their gill-rattling head shakes are legendary among inshore anglers. The slot limit keeps things interesting, so you'll need to measure your catch carefully.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back for more. These black and white striped convicts have human-like teeth and can steal your bait faster than you can set the hook. They hang around structure year-round but really turn on during their spawning season in late winter and early spring. Landing a keeper sheepshead requires patience, light tackle, and quick reflexes – it's like playing chess with a fish that cheats.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing, and Don knows exactly where they school up depending on tides and seasons. These copper-colored bulldogs will test your tackle and your patience with their powerful runs and stubborn fight in shallow water. Reds feed year-round in these waters, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively cruising the flats in big schools.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll absolutely smoke your drag and leave your arms aching. These yellow-tinged bruisers fight way above their weight class and never give up – even at the boat. Jack crevalle are perfect when you want to feel your equipment working and experience what real fish power feels like. They're most active during the warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
At $450 for two anglers and just $50 to add a third person, this half-day charter delivers serious value for a customer favorite experience. Don's local knowledge, quality equipment, and flexible approach to saltwater versus freshwater fishing gives you options that most charters can't match. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to fishing, improve your inshore techniques, or just get bent rods and tight lines, this trip checks all the boxes. Morning trips often provide calmer conditions and more active fish, while afternoon sessions can offer better weather for families with kids. Don't sleep on the evening shark options either – just ask when you book if you want to mix things up with some toothy critters after dark.
Our 2019 18-foot Carolina Skiff is built for serious fishing in Vero Beach's shallow waters. This flats boat draws just inches of water, letting us slip into backcountry spots where redfish and snook love to hide. The 70HP Yamaha gets us there quietly and efficiently, while the Garmin fishfinder helps us locate structure and baitfish below. With GPS navigation, we can hit productive flats and move between saltwater and freshwater spots throughout your half-day trip. The live bait well keeps your shiners and shrimp lively, and there's plenty of deck space for two anglers to work comfortably. Whether we're poling the shallows for tailing reds or running to river mouths for snook, this skiff handles Vero's diverse fishing conditions perfectly.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of our local waters, and they'll give you an arm-burning fight you won't forget. These brassy green powerhouses average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 40+ pounds. You'll find schools around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish congregate from shallow flats to deeper offshore waters. They're here year-round, but spring and summer bring the best surface action. Why target them? Pure adrenaline - they hit like freight trains and never give up. While not great table fare, they're catch-and-release fun at its finest. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Here's the deal: cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve them fast through the edges. Don't cast right into the school or you'll spook them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing, and they're built for the flats. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good here, but fall and spring bring the best action when they school up. What makes them special? They eat almost anything, fight hard, and you can sight-fish them in skinny water - watching one crush a topwater plug is pure magic. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Local trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on low tide flats, then cast your bait 10 feet ahead of where they're heading and let them find it - spook them and they're gone.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the craftiest fish on our local structures, earning their nickname "convict fish" from those black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though big ones can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around any barnacle-covered structure - docks, bridges, jetties, and reefs where they use those human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Winter through early spring is prime time, especially February through April when they spawn around passes and inlets. What makes them fun? They're notorious bait thieves that'll test your patience and skill. The payoff is sweet, white meat that's hard to beat on the table. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling - hesitate and they'll steal your bait every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the prize fish of our local flats, and once you hook one, you'll understand why. These golden beauties typically run 18-36 inches with that signature black lateral line and sloped forehead. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water - anywhere there's structure and current. Best fishing happens during warmer months from May through September, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What makes them so sought after? They're ambush predators that explode on topwater lures and fight like bulldogs once hooked. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the finest eating around. Pro tip: work your lure slowly along structure edges and be ready - when they hit, they usually head straight back to cover, so keep steady pressure and don't give them slack.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver speedsters that most folks love targeting around here. These streamlined fish typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds, though they can get bigger offshore. You'll spot them by their distinctive yellow spots scattered along their sides. They school up near the surface around structures, jetties, and reefs, making them perfect for both boat and shore fishing. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They're lightning fast swimmers that hit hard and fight clean. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish you'll find - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Here's a local tip: when you see birds diving, get there quick and cast silver spoons or live sardines right into the action.
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