Extended Half Day Snook And Sea Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fly fishing targeting snook and sea troutCaptain Owen provides handtied flies and expert guidanceSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Captain Owen's 6-hour fly fishing adventure in Melbourne, Florida puts you right in the heart of some of the Space Coast's most productive inshore waters. This isn't your typical quick charter – you're getting a full extended half-day that gives you real time to dial in your technique and chase down some seriously aggressive snook and trout. With hand-tied flies crafted specifically for these waters and a captain who knows every grass flat and mangrove shoreline, you're looking at prime conditions for a memorable day on the water. Small groups of just 3 anglers mean personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without tangling lines.
Melbourne's inshore waters offer the perfect playground for targeting snook and sea trout on fly gear. Captain Owen runs his operation in the pristine flats and backcountry areas where these fish thrive year-round. You'll be working shallow water structure – think oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The 6-hour timeframe gives you flexibility to move spots based on tides, weather, and fish activity. Morning trips often start with topwater action as the sun hits the flats, while afternoon sessions can produce steady action as bait moves with the changing tides. Captain Owen's local knowledge shines here – he's spent years learning how fish move through this system and adjusts tactics accordingly. Whether you're sight fishing to tailing trout in skinny water or presenting flies to snook lurking under dock shadows, every cast has potential.
This trip revolves around fly fishing with Captain Owen's custom-tied patterns designed specifically for Melbourne's inshore species. You'll be working with 8-weight rods typically, perfect for handling the wind and turning over larger flies while still having the finesse needed for spooky fish in clear water. The captain's fly selection includes proven patterns like Clouser Minnows, EP baitfish, and topwater poppers that mimic the local forage base. Techniques vary throughout the day – you might start with subsurface presentations along structure, then switch to topwater when fish are actively feeding. Strip retrieves are key here, and Captain Owen will coach you on the right cadence to trigger strikes. The shallow water environment means accurate casting is crucial, but don't worry if you're still learning – the captain tailors instruction to your skill level. Leaders are typically 9-12 feet to help with presentation in clear water, and you'll learn how wind direction affects your approach to different spots.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Melbourne's inshore scene, and for good reason. These spotted beauties range from schoolie 14-inchers up to gator trout pushing 25+ inches and 6-7 pounds. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around the flats. Trout love grass flats with sandy potholes where they can ambush prey, and they're surprisingly aggressive on flies when you find them feeding. The best part about targeting trout here is their willingness to eat – they're not as line-shy as some species and will often give you multiple shots if you work an area properly. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, but Melbourne's year-round fishery means you can connect with quality trout any time of year.
Snook are the real prize in these waters – Florida's signature inshore gamefish that fight like they're twice their size. Melbourne's snook population includes fish from slot-size 28-inchers up to true monsters over 35 inches and 15+ pounds. These ambush predators love structure, whether it's mangrove overhangs, dock pilings, or oyster bar edges. What makes snook so exciting on fly gear is their explosive strike and bulldog fight – they'll try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. Snook are more temperature-sensitive than trout, so timing matters. Warmer months see them spread out across the flats, while cooler periods concentrate them in deeper holes and around warm-water discharges. Captain Owen knows the seasonal patterns and adjusts his game plan to put you on active fish. The visual aspect of snook fishing adds another layer of excitement – seeing a big snook roll on your fly in shallow water is pure adrenaline.
Six hours with Captain Owen gives you the extended time needed to really experience Melbourne's world-class inshore fly fishing. This isn't a rushed trip where you're watching the clock – it's a proper day on the water with time to learn, improve your casting, and chase down multiple species. The combination of expert local knowledge, hand-tied flies proven in these waters, and a captain passionate about sharing the sport makes this a top-rated choice for both beginners and experienced fly anglers. Melbourne's consistent fishery and year-round season mean you can book with confidence any time of year. With only 3 spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention that larger charters simply can't provide. Ready to experience why Melbourne is becoming a trending destination for inshore fly fishing? Captain Owen's calendar fills up, especially during peak seasons, so secure your dates early for the best shot at an outstanding day chasing snook and trout on fly.
This restored 1994 Kencraft skiff is your ticket to Melbourne's best snook and sea trout waters. At 21 feet, she's built specifically for inshore fishing and handles the Indian River Lagoon's shallow flats like a dream. The 115 HP Yamaha pushes her up to 45 knots when you need to chase moving fish or beat the weather back to dock. Perfect for up to three anglers, this boat gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder shows what's lurking below. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in knee-deep water or working structure for hungry snook, this skiff gets you there quietly and positions you for the perfect shot. Captain Owen knows every creek, oyster bar, and grass flat where these fish feed.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Melbourne waters. These silver-sided beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and fight harder than their size suggests. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, but winter concentrations in deeper holes can be productive too. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit flies and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when sight fishing, lead them by a few feet and let the fly sink slightly before starting your retrieve. They often hit on the drop.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the holy grail of Florida inshore fishing, and Melbourne's mangrove shorelines hold some beauties. These ambush predators average 18-28 inches but can push 40+ inches with that distinctive black lateral line and sloped head. They lurk around docks, mangrove edges, and creek mouths in water from 2-20 feet deep. May through September is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What hooks anglers is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, run for cover, and test your drag. The bigger ones are typically female, and they're incredibly structure-oriented. Here's the key: cast tight to cover and be ready for that initial run. They'll head straight back to the mangroves, so keep steady pressure and turn their head quick.
Melbourne, FL