Ponce Inlet Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore trip accommodates up to five guests comfortablyTarget mangrove snapper, flounder, sheepshead, and bluefish speciesCaptain provides quality gear and local fishing expertise
If you're looking for a solid day on the water without dealing with rough seas or long boat rides, this four-hour inshore trip with Fire Line Charters hits the sweet spot. We'll cruise the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway around Ponce Inlet, where the fishing stays consistent and the ride stays comfortable. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target some quality inshore species, this trip delivers. Our route covers everything from the productive jetties at Ponce Inlet to the dock pilings and bridge structures along the river - all prime real estate for the fish we're after.
This isn't your typical offshore grind where you're bouncing around in big swells all day. The Intracoastal keeps things mellow, which means everyone on board can actually enjoy themselves instead of fighting seasickness. We'll hit up to five different spots depending on what the tide and fish are doing that day. The jetties are always a good bet for sheepshead and snapper, while the docks and bridges hold flounder, redfish, and whatever else is cruising the structure. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. The whole setup is perfect for mixed groups where skill levels vary - beginners get plenty of help while experienced anglers can focus on technique.
Inshore fishing is all about reading the structure and working the tide changes. We'll be using medium-action spinning rods with live bait, cut bait, and some artificials depending on what the fish want that day. Around the jetties, we'll drop down with weighted rigs to get baits near the rocks where snapper and sheepshead hang out. At the docks, we switch to lighter tackle and work the pilings systematically - that's where the flounder like to ambush prey. Bridge fishing means getting baits in the current and letting them drift naturally past the supports. The captain will rig everything and show you the techniques, but if you've got your own favorite lures or rigs, bring them along. Circle hooks are the way to go for most of our target species, and we'll have a good selection of weights to match the current. The key is staying patient and letting the fish tell you what they want.
Lane snapper are absolutely crushing it right now around the inlet jetties. These guys are scrappy fighters that hit hard and taste even better on the dinner table. They're most active during moving water, so we time our jetty stops with the tide changes. You'll find them in 10-15 feet hanging around the rocks, and they're not shy about taking a well-presented shrimp or cut bait. What makes lane snapper so popular is their willingness to bite and their perfect eating size - most run between 10-14 inches and make excellent table fare.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, laying flat against the sandy bottom near docks and bridge pilings. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large, with keeper-sized fish running 15-20 inches and the occasional doormat pushing over 24 inches. Fall months are prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore spawn, making them more aggressive and easier to target. They're ambush predators that love live mud minnows or finger mullet worked slowly along the bottom. Landing a nice flounder always gets everyone excited because they put up a surprisingly good fight and make outstanding fish tacos.
Snook are the local celebrities that everyone wants to catch, and for good reason. These fish have attitude, with their distinctive black lateral line and that bucket mouth that can inhale a bait in a heartbeat. They love structure and current, making the bridges and inlet areas perfect hunting grounds. Snook are catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but that doesn't make them any less fun to target. They hit artificials hard and put up an aerial show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The slot fish run 28-32 inches and fight way above their weight class.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" with those black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're one of the smartest fish in the water. These bait stealers have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles off dock pilings. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. Fiddler crabs and sand fleas are candy to sheepshead, and once you dial in their subtle bite, you'll be hooked on targeting them. They're excellent eating and always seem to bite when you least expect it.
Redfish, or red drum, are the workhorses of the inshore scene around Ponce Inlet. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows looking for an easy meal, and they're not picky about what they eat. You'll spot them by that distinctive black spot near their tail, though some fish have multiple spots or none at all. Reds are built for power, using their broad tails to make strong runs when hooked. They're active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when they school up in larger numbers. Cut mullet, live shrimp, or gold spoons all produce fish, and their willingness to eat makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Four hours flies by when the fish are biting, and this trip gives you a real taste of what Ponce Inlet inshore fishing is all about. You're getting quality time on productive water with a captain who knows where to find the fish and how to put you on them. The calm conditions mean everyone can focus on fishing instead of just hanging on, and the
This well-equipped motorboat handles the protected waters around Ponce Inlet with ease, taking up to 5 anglers through the productive Intracoastal Waterway. You'll fish from the jetties to the docks and bridges, targeting mangrove snapper, flounder, sheepshead, and whatever's biting that day. The boat comes with a fish finder to locate structure and schools, GPS for navigation, an ice box to keep your catch fresh, and a head for comfort during the 4-hour trip. The captain knows these waters inside and out, providing quality tackle and reading the tides to put you on fish. Perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike in these calm, structure-rich waters where the river meets the ocean.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are those pretty pink and yellow striped fish that often show up as a nice bonus when you're targeting other species. They typically run 10-14 inches and have this distinctive candy cane pattern along their sides. You'll find them around the jetties and bridge pilings where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. They're not too picky about bait - live shrimp works great, but they'll hit cut bait and even small jigs. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters and put up a decent scrap for their size. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's the thing - they feed most actively at night, so if we're fishing around dawn or dusk near structure, your chances go way up. They're easier to catch than most snappers since they're not as line-shy.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore species - those copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail make them a favorite for good reason. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect eating size, though the big breeding bulls offshore can hit 40+ inches. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in grassy areas where they root around for crabs and shrimp. They're active year-round but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What guests love is their powerful fight and that heart-stopping topwater strike when conditions are right. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild flesh. My go-to setup is live shrimp under a popping cork near grass edges during moving tides. Here's the trick - look for nervous water or tailing fish in shallow areas. When you spot one, cast well ahead and let your bait drift naturally into their path.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our inshore waters - those black and white stripes make them easy to spot around any structure with barnacles. They typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but 8-10 pounders aren't uncommon around the jetties and bridge pilings. What makes them tricky is they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they're spawning. Guests love the challenge because they require finesse and quick reflexes. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The secret is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and getting tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait in a heartbeat if you hesitate. Use lighter tackle for better feel.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore game fish around Ponce Inlet - they've got that distinctive black lateral line and serious attitude. Most run 18-24 inches, but the big breeding females can push 30+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings where they ambush baitfish. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so we fish tight to cover. Summer months are best when they're most active, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love is their explosive strike and bulldog fight - they'll make several strong runs before giving up. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key - use live pilchards or shrimp on a light leader and get your bait right against the structure. Snook are smart and spook easily, so quiet presentations win. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their mouths are pretty soft.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms throughout the Intracoastal. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, but the big ones can hit 20+ pounds. What's cool is both eyes are on one side of their head, and they bury themselves in the bottom waiting to ambush prey. You'll find them around dock pilings, bridge structures, and grass flats, especially during moving tides. They're fantastic table fare - some of the best eating fish we catch. The trick is fishing right on the bottom with live or cut bait. Winter months are prime time when they move into our warmer inshore waters. Bull minnows and shrimp work best, but here's my tip - use a slip sinker rig and let it sit still. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it.
Port Orange, FL