Melbourne Inshore Fishing: Target Trophy Fish
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish, snapper, and tarponExpert captain provides fishing tips and techniques throughout the tripSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximum
Melbourne's Indian River system is hands down one of Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations, and this 5-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of the action. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or a complete beginner ready to learn the ropes, Captain Fin-N-Juice knows exactly where to find the fish. We're talking about productive flats, structure-rich channels, and those secret spots that only local guides know about. With just three anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your technique. The Indian River lagoon system here is absolutely loaded with gamefish year-round, making this one of the most consistent fishing experiences you'll find on Florida's east coast.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the crowds haven't hit the water yet. We'll be running a well-equipped center console that's perfect for navigating the shallow flats and deeper channels where our target species hang out. The beauty of fishing Melbourne's inshore waters is the variety – one cast you might be working a shallow grass flat for redfish, the next you're dropping down to structure for snapper. The Indian River here averages 3-4 feet deep with deeper holes and channels scattered throughout, giving us tons of fishing options depending on conditions. Expect to cover some serious water as we move between productive spots, but don't worry about getting seasick – these are protected waters with minimal chop most days. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with mangrove shorelines, spoil islands, and plenty of wildlife to keep things interesting between bites.
We fish smart here, adapting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Live bait is king in these waters – we're talking about frisky shrimp, finger mullet, and pinfish that drive gamefish absolutely crazy. For redfish, we'll work the shallow flats with popping corks or fish tight to mangrove edges with free-lined baits. When we're after snapper, it's all about finding the right structure and dropping baits to the bottom with enough weight to stay put in the current. Tarpon fishing is a whole different game – we'll use heavier tackle and larger baits, positioning ourselves along migration routes or near bridges where these silver kings love to stage. All gear is provided, but if you've got your own setup, bring medium to heavy action rods with reels that can handle 15-20 pound test. Circle hooks are mandatory for most species here, and we always carry plenty of leader material since these fish know how to use structure to their advantage.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter fish of Melbourne's inshore scene, and for good reason. These scrappy fighters average 12-16 inches but don't let their size fool you – they'll test your drag and know every piece of structure in the river. Best action typically happens during moving water, especially around dock pilings, bridge supports, and shell bars. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their aggressive bite – when you find a school, you can literally catch them one after another until they wise up. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for families wanting to bring dinner home.
Redfish are the true stars of the Indian River system, and Melbourne sits right in the sweet spot for both slot-size fish and oversized bulls. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars, where they cruise looking for crabs and baitfish. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class – there's nothing quite like watching a 25-inch red slowly cruise toward your bait in crystal clear water. Peak season runs from September through November, but honestly, we catch quality reds year-round. What gets anglers hooked is their fighting style – long runs, head shaking, and an attitude that never quits. Plus, they're perfectly sized for the dinner table when you keep one within the slot.
Tarpon fishing in Melbourne is absolutely electric, especially during the spring and summer migration. These silver kings can range from 20-pound juveniles that'll give you a 10-minute fight to 100+ pound adults that'll take you into your backing before you know what hit you. The Indian River serves as a nursery area for juvenile tarpon, while the larger fish move through during their annual migration. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatic ability. These fish will jump repeatedly, often throwing the hook with their head-shaking antics. Landing even a smaller tarpon is a legitimate accomplishment, and the larger ones create stories you'll tell for years.
Melbourne's inshore fishing scene is heating up, and prime dates fill up fast with local anglers and visiting fishermen who know what this area offers. This 5-hour trip gives you serious fishing time without eating up your entire day, perfect for families or anglers who want to experience multiple activities during their Florida visit. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention from a captain who lives and breathes these waters. The Indian River system is fishing well right now, with all three target species showing up consistently for anglers who know where to look. Don't sleep on this opportunity – grab your spot and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish, add a tarpon to your life list, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, this top-rated Melbourne fishing experience delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for.
This restored 1994 Kencraft skiff is your ticket to productive fishing in Melbourne's legendary Indian River waters. At 21 feet, she's perfectly sized for up to three anglers who want to get serious about chasing redfish, snapper, and tarpon without the crowds of larger boats. The 115 HP Yamaha pushes her to a solid 45 knots, getting you to the hotspots quickly and quietly. Built for fishing, this skiff features GPS navigation to mark your productive spots and a fish finder to locate schools and structure where the big ones hide. The shallow draft design lets you slip into skinny water where trophy redfish cruise the flats, while the stable platform gives you confidence when a tarpon decides to put on an acrobatic show. Whether you're sight-fishing the grass beds or working structure for snapper, this boat delivers the performance and fishability that serious anglers demand on Florida's Space Coast.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these guys are smart and sneaky. They average 1-2 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, and any structure in 2-15 feet. They're opportunistic feeders that hunt mostly at night, so early morning and evening bites are best. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're cautious and will drop your bait if something feels off. The payoff is excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. My tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Stay patient and don't jerk when you feel that first tap - let them take it before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the perfect inshore game fish, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-32 inches and 3-10 pounds in our shallow waters. They love 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines where they cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in big numbers. What guests love is their strong, bulldogging fight and excellent eating quality - mild, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. My go-to trick: look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water with their backs showing, then cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly past their nose.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can reach 200+ pounds and 6 feet long. In Melbourne's Indian River, we target them in deeper channels and around bridges, especially during their spring and summer migration. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - most anglers release them - it's watching a 100-pound fish rocket 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. They're incredibly strong and can run for hundreds of yards. Best fishing happens on moving tides with live bait like pinfish or mullet. Here's a key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This prevents the line from snapping tight during their aerial show.
Melbourne, FL