Extended Half Day Fly Fishing Charter Melbourne
Private Trip
Sixhour inshore charter targeting Snook and Sea TroutCustom handtied flies and premium gear includedAccommodates beginners through experienced anglers, maximum three guests
Captain Owen's 6-hour fly fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of Melbourne's legendary inshore waters, where snook and sea trout cruise the flats and mangrove edges. This isn't your typical rushed charter – we're talking about a full half-day experience that gives you real time to dial in your casting, work different spots, and connect with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're picking up a fly rod for the first time or you've been chasing fish on the fly for years, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back to the Space Coast.
Melbourne's backwater fishery is absolutely world-class, and Captain Owen knows every oyster bar, grass flat, and mangrove creek where these fish like to hang out. You'll be fishing prime inshore habitat where the Indian River Lagoon system creates perfect conditions for sight fishing and blind casting to structure. The extended 6-hour format means we're not rushing from spot to spot – instead, you get quality time working each area, reading the water, and really understanding how these fish behave in their environment. Captain Owen provides all the gear you need, including top-rated fly rods matched perfectly to the conditions, plus his signature hand-tied flies that have been proven effective in these waters. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, so you're getting personalized attention whether you're learning to double-haul or perfecting your presentation to spooky fish.
This charter focuses on sight fishing and structure fishing with 8 and 9-weight fly rods that can handle both delicate presentations and fighting powerful fish in tight quarters. Captain Owen's custom flies are tied specifically for Melbourne's conditions – think clouser minnows, shrimp patterns, and topwater poppers that drive snook absolutely crazy when worked along mangrove edges. You'll learn to read the water like a local, spotting fish movement in shallow areas and understanding how tides affect fish behavior throughout the day. The technique work includes proper strip sets, fighting fish on fly gear without breaking them off, and adapting your retrieve to match what the fish want on any given day. All tackle, licenses, and flies are included, so you can focus entirely on the fishing. Captain Owen matches the gear to your skill level and the day's conditions, ensuring you have the best possible setup for success.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fly fishing around Melbourne, and these ambush predators know how to put on a show. These fish average 20-28 inches in this system, with plenty of slot-sized fish and the occasional bruiser pushing 30+ inches. Snook are most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they position themselves along mangrove edges and creek mouths to ambush baitfish. What makes them so exciting on fly gear is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – these fish will jump, gill-rattle, and make blistering runs toward structure. Peak snook action runs from late spring through early fall, though you can find fish year-round in Melbourne's protected waters.
Sea trout are another customer favorite that responds beautifully to fly fishing techniques. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches with occasional "gator" trout exceeding 24 inches. They love grass flats and sandy potholes where they can cruise and feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Sea trout are perfect for anglers learning fly fishing because they're aggressive feeders and relatively forgiving when it comes to presentation. Their soft mouths mean you need to adjust your fighting technique, but their willingness to eat makes them ideal confidence-builders. The cooler months often produce the largest sea trout as they move into deeper grass areas.
Black drum might not get the glamour treatment, but these powerful fighters are absolute bulldogs on fly gear. Melbourne's drum fishery includes fish from 20-40+ pounds that cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp. When you hook a big drum in shallow water, you're in for a long, grinding fight that tests your tackle and technique. These fish are most active during cooler months and are perfect targets when sight fishing the flats.
Tarpon opportunities depend on the season, but when they're around, there's nothing like a silver king on a fly rod. Melbourne's waters see juvenile tarpon throughout warmer months, with fish ranging from 20-80 pounds. Even the smaller tarpon provide world-class fly fishing action with their signature jumps and powerful runs.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch – these black-and-white striped fish require precise presentations around structure, and their light bite demands constant attention. They're most active during cooler months around docks, bridges, and oyster bars. Landing a quality sheepshead on fly gear takes skill and patience, making them a rewarding target for experienced anglers.
Redfish round out the species list as one of the most reliable and exciting targets for fly fishing. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Melbourne's reds typically range from 20-30 inches, with fish feeding actively in shallow water where sight fishing opportunities are excellent. Redfish are available year-round and are particularly exciting because they often cruise in small schools, giving you multiple shot opportunities.
This extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really get into the rhythm of fly fishing without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Owen's local knowledge, quality gear, and proven flies take the guesswork out of the equation, letting you focus on improving your skills and enjoying some of Florida's best inshore fishing. The 6-hour timeframe means you'll experience different tide stages and see how fish behavior changes throughout the day. With space for just three anglers, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of casting opportunities. Book your preferre
Navigate Melbourne's productive inshore waters aboard our well-equipped 21-foot Kencraft skiff, designed specifically for targeting snook and sea trout in shallow coastal areas. This reliable motorboat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably while the 115HP engine gets you to prime fishing spots quickly, cruising at speeds up to 45 mph. The GPS navigation system and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive structure and active fish, letting you focus more time on casting and less time searching. Built for Florida's inshore conditions, this skiff draws shallow enough to access backcountry flats where trophy snook and sea trout feed, while remaining stable enough for comfortable fly fishing presentations. Captain Owen's hand-tied flies and local knowledge combine with this boat's capabilities to put you on fish consistently throughout your 6-hour charter.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our local waters, and they'll give you a fight you won't forget. These gray-black fish typically run 8-20 pounds around Melbourne, though we occasionally hook into 40+ pounders that'll test your drag. They love oyster bars, shallow mud flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful fight - no flashy jumps, just pure strength. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare too. Here's my tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them mouth the bait for a second, then drive that hook home hard. Their mouths are tough, so you need a solid hookset to keep them pinned.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze beauties of our shallow water flats, and they're perfect for sight fishing. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches around Melbourne, though we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when they're actively feeding. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and that satisfying thump when they eat. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. The big bulls are pure fighters but we release those breeding fish. My secret: look for nervous water or subtle wakes on calm days. When you spot a red, lead them by a few feet and make your cast count - they spook easily in skinny water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our local structure, and they'll test your patience with their bait-stealing ways. These black-and-white striped fish typically run 2-8 pounds, with the occasional 15-pounder around deeper docks and bridges. They're always tight to structure - bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars in 5-20 feet of water. Winter through early spring is when they're most active, especially around spawning time. What makes sheepshead special is their challenge - they have human-like teeth and will steal your bait if you're not quick on the hookset. They're also outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat that's worth the effort. The key to success is feeling for that subtle weight or tap, then setting the hook immediately. Don't wait for a big pull - by then they've already cleaned your hook and moved on to the next meal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Melbourne. These sleek, golden-colored fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though we see plenty of slot-breakers over 33 inches. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and creek mouths in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and that first jump - they'll clear the water and shake their head trying to throw the hook. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. My local trick: cast your fly right into the mangrove roots where other anglers won't go. That's where the big ones hide, and a well-placed cast often gets rewarded with a beautiful fish.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, and hooking one is a memory that lasts forever. These prehistoric giants average 80-120 pounds around Melbourne, with some pushing 150+. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and along deeper grass flats in 8-25 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is prime season, especially on calm mornings when you can see them rolling. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is that first jump - watching 100 pounds of silver fury launch 6 feet out of the water is pure magic. They're not great eating due to their bony structure, so it's all about the fight and the photos. Most fish are released to fight another day. My advice: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give them slack. This prevents them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
Maine