5.0(1 Reviews)Fort Pierce Nearshore Fishing Adventures
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday nearshore fishing targeting Spanish Mackerel and SnapperSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboardClosetoshore adventure without lengthy offshore travel time
Looking for a solid day on the water without burning half your fuel getting to the fishing grounds? Captain Tim's nearshore charters out of Fort Pierce hit that sweet spot where you get the offshore experience without the marathon boat ride. We're talking prime fishing waters just a few miles from the inlet, where Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, and multiple Snapper species are waiting to bend your rod. This half-day trip keeps things simple but productive – perfect for anglers who want to maximize their fishing time instead of spending hours running to distant spots.
Your day starts at the Fort Pierce Inlet, one of Florida's most reliable fishing access points on the Treasure Coast. With just two anglers max, you're getting a personalized fishing experience where Captain Tim can focus on putting you on fish instead of managing a crowded boat. The nearshore waters off Fort Pierce are loaded with structure – artificial reefs, ledges, and wrecks that hold baitfish and attract the predators we're after. You'll be fishing in 20-60 feet of water, close enough to still see the coastline but far enough out to escape the weekend boat traffic. The morning bite is usually hot, and with a half-day trip, we're hitting the water when fish are most active.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where we're marking fish. Trolling lets us cover water fast and pick up Spanish Mackerel and Pompano that are cruising the flats and reef edges. We'll pull small spoons, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait behind the boat at varying speeds until we find what triggers strikes. When we hit structure or mark fish on the bottom, we'll anchor up and drop baits down for Sheepshead, Snapper, and whatever else is hanging around the rocks. Captain Tim provides all the tackle, from light spinning gear for the smaller species to heavier bottom rigs that can handle bigger Mutton Snapper. Live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures all have their place depending on conditions and target species.
"Captain Tim and first mate Kyle were amazing! Very friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the area. This is my first time fishing with them, but I will definitely be a repeat customer." - Ken Meinke
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore waters, showing up in good numbers from spring through fall when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. These fish hit hard and fast, often jumping clear of the water when hooked. They school up around bait pods and structure, making them perfect targets for trolling. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the fight they put up makes them feel twice as big. They're also excellent table fare when iced down properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of this trip – they've got human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. These black-and-white striped fish require patience and a sensitive touch since they're notorious bait thieves. They hang tight to rocks, pilings, and reefs, especially during their winter and spring spawning runs. A good Sheepshead will go 3-8 pounds, and they're considered one of the best eating fish in these waters. The trick is feeling that subtle tick when they mouth the bait, then setting the hook before they steal your shrimp.
Florida Pompano are pure gold when you find them, both for the fight and the dinner table. These silvery, deep-bodied fish cruise sandy bottoms and grass flats looking for small crabs and sand fleas. They're most active during warmer months and can be finicky feeders, but when conditions align, you might boat several in quick succession. Pompano have a reputation as one of Florida's finest eating fish, with delicate, flaky meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. They typically run 1-4 pounds but pull hard with that deep, flat body creating serious drag in the water.
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are off the bite. They're smart fish that require light leaders and natural presentations, but they're willing to eat everything from live shrimp to cut bait. These copper-colored fish typically run 1-5 pounds in nearshore waters and are excellent table fare. They hold around any kind of structure and are often the first fish to find your bait when you anchor up on a good spot.
Mutton Snapper are the heavyweight champions of this lineup, with the potential to reach double digits in these nearshore waters. They're more common during warmer months and are notorious for their powerful runs toward structure when hooked. Muttons have that classic Snapper look with their pinkish coloration and yellow fins, but they fight much harder than their cousins. They're excellent eating and represent a legitimate trophy catch when you connect with a big one. These fish are smart and often leader-shy, making them a rewarding challenge for experienced anglers.
Fort Pierce's nearshore fishing scene delivers consistent action year-round, but the best days book up fast with local anglers who know the quality of fishing Captain Tim provides. This half-day format gives you a taste of what these waters offer without the commitment and cost of a full-day trip. Whether you're visiting the Treasure Coast or you're a local looking for a reliable charter, this nearshore experience puts you on fish without the long run to blue water. With personalized attention for just two anglers, quality tackle provided, and Captain Tim's local knowledge of where fish are biting, you're setting up for a memorable day on the water. Contact Get Lost Charters today to secure your Fort Pierce fishing adventure.
Trachinotus CarolinusPompano are the gold standard of eating fish down here - buttery, sweet meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. These flat, silvery fish with yellow fins usually run 1-3 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They cruise sandy bottoms and grass flats in shallow water, typically 5-20 feet deep. Summer and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. Despite their smaller size, they fight like crazy and will test your drag. The key to catching them is using small hooks with fresh bait - they've got tiny mouths and are easily spooked by oversized tackle. Pro tip: when fishing for pompano, downsize everything. Use a 1/0 circle hook with live sand fleas or small pieces of shrimp, and keep your presentation natural.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience and skills. They average 12-16 inches inshore but can reach 20+ pounds in deeper water. These opportunistic hunters love structure - docks, bridges, reefs, anywhere they can ambush prey in 10-60 feet of water. Night fishing and dawn/dusk produce the best results since they're more active in low light. Anglers love them because they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat, plus they're challenging to catch. They're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without getting caught. The secret is using a 4/0 circle hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink to bottom, then lift it just enough to stay off structure. Patience wins with these fish.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the best eating fish you'll find nearshore, averaging 15-20 inches and putting up a solid fight once hooked. They hang around sandy areas near reefs and structure in 15-40 feet of water, often switching from their usual pinkish color to grey when over sand. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are up. What makes them special is that beautiful pink flash you see coming up through clear water - that's when you know you've got one. They're picky eaters, so fresh bait on light tackle works best. Here's the key: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook hard right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit before setting - they like to mouth the bait first.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're absolute bait-stealing masters with human-like teeth. Most run 2-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure in 10-30 feet of water. Winter through early spring is peak season when they school up for spawning. Guests get a kick out of their weird teeth and the challenge they present - plus they're outstanding eating with sweet, white meat. These fish will nibble your bait clean without getting hooked, so stay alert. The trick is using small pieces of fresh shrimp or fiddler crab on a small hook, and when you feel that first tap, set the hook immediately. Don't wait around - they'll rob you blind if you hesitate.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a wild ride on light tackle. They typically run 1-2 feet long and travel in schools near the surface, making them perfect for our nearshore trips. You'll find them around structure and bait pods in 10-50 feet of water. Best action happens late spring through early fall when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is their speed - they'll absolutely scream line off your reel when they hit. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with mild, flaky white meat that grills up perfect. The trick with these guys is to keep your bait moving. Whether trolling small spoons or casting jigs, don't let it sit still. They want something that looks like it's trying to escape.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Tim and first mate Kyle were amazing! Very friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the area. This is my first time fishing...
Ken Meinke, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Vero Beach