Premier Inshore Fishing Adventures in Fort Pierce Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday nearshore charter targeting snapper, grouper, and mahi mahiExpert crew provides guidance for all fishing skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum six guests aboard
Fort Pierce delivers some of Florida's most consistent inshore and nearshore fishing action, and this half-day charter puts you right in the thick of it. You'll fish productive waters where snapper, grouper, and cobia cruise year-round, with the chance to hook into hard-fighting mahi mahi when conditions line up just right. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand - from the structure that holds big grouper to the drop-offs where cobia patrol. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, we'll put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
This isn't your typical pond fishing - we're heading to spots where the Atlantic's crystal-clear water meets Fort Pierce's legendary fishing grounds. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat with room for up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of space to spread out and work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. The crew handles all the heavy lifting - setting up rigs, baiting hooks, and getting you dialed in on the right technique for whatever's biting. Half-day trips give you a solid 4-5 hours on the water, which is perfect for hitting multiple spots and targeting different species as conditions change throughout the morning or afternoon. The nearshore waters we fish are typically calmer than offshore trips, making this a great choice if anyone in your group gets queasy in bigger seas.
We fish a mix of bottom fishing and live bait techniques depending on what's active and where we're setting up. For snapper and grouper, we'll drop you down to structure with fresh cut bait or live pinfish - these fish love to hug the bottom around rocks, wrecks, and artificial reefs. When cobia are cruising, we switch tactics and sight-fish with live bait or work jigs around the boat. Mahi mahi fishing gets really exciting when we find floating debris or weed lines - these fish are aggressive and will absolutely slam a well-presented bait. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and some snacks if you want them. The crew will teach you the right way to work each setup, from setting the hook on a hard-fighting cobia to keeping steady pressure on a big grouper trying to cut you off on the bottom.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter of Fort Pierce fishing - these smart, hard-fighting fish hang around structure in 20-60 feet of water and will test your skills every time. They're notorious for their sharp eyesight and picky eating habits, but when you hook one, they'll make strong runs and put up a serious fight. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, though you can catch them year-round. What makes snapper so popular is they're excellent table fare and just plain fun to catch on light tackle.
Red Snapper are the prize catch that every angler wants to bring home. These deep-water fighters are typically found in 60+ feet around hard bottom and artificial reefs. They're powerful fish that will try to dive straight back to structure when hooked, so you need to muscle them up quickly. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, there's nothing quite like the thrill of hauling up a beautiful red from the depths. They grow bigger than their grey cousins and are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Cobia are the fish that'll get your heart racing - these big, curious predators often cruise right up to the boat, giving you shots at sight-fishing that's absolutely addictive. Spring migration brings schools of cobia through Fort Pierce waters, with fish ranging from 20 to 50+ pounds. They're aggressive biters that will crush live bait or jigs, then make powerful runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Cobia are fantastic on the grill and their fighting ability makes them a favorite among serious anglers.
Grey Triggerfish might look funny, but don't let their appearance fool you - these fish are tough fighters with serious attitude. They're common around structure and artificial reefs, often stealing bait meant for snapper and grouper. What makes triggers interesting is their strong jaws and aggressive nature - they'll bite through wire leaders and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos.
Mahi Mahi are pure excitement when they show up in Fort Pierce waters. These colorful speedsters travel in schools and create some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll find anywhere. When we locate a school around floating debris or weed lines, it's not uncommon to hook multiple fish in quick succession. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and blazing runs, plus their beautiful gold and green colors make them stunning to see. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a perfect combination of sport and table fare.
Fort Pierce's nearshore waters offer some of the most reliable fishing on Florida's east coast, and this half-day charter gives you the perfect taste of what these waters can deliver. You'll fish proven spots with experienced guides, use quality gear, and target multiple species that'll keep your rod bent and your adrenaline pumping. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of action, variety, and the chance at some serious table fare makes this charter a smart choice for anyone serious about fishing Fort Pierce. Don't wait - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and the weather's perfect.
Our 31-foot Contender center console is your ticket to Fort Pierce's best inshore fishing grounds. This beauty was built in 2004 and got a complete makeover in 2020, so she's ready to get you on the fish. Twin Mercury 300HP engines push her to 40 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast and back to the dock with your catch. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for those stealthy approaches when the bite gets finicky. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Whether you're targeting snapper around structure, chasing cobia cruising the flats, or looking for that trophy grouper, this rig handles Fort Pierce's inshore waters like a champ. Clean, reliable, and built for serious fishing.
Rachycentron CanadumThese bronze-colored bruisers are often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. They average 20-50 pounds and can hit 100+, living up to 12 years. Spring migration brings them through here in 30-70 feet, often near buoys, wrecks, and structure. Summer finds them deeper around reefs. They're usually solitary, so it's sight fishing - spotting them cruising just under the surface. What guests love is the raw power and long runs they make. Plus, the meat is firm and excellent eating, often compared to shark. They're curious fish that'll check out the boat. Here's my trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where they're swimming and work it back naturally - don't overwork it.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these guys are smart and tasty. They run 1-2 pounds inshore, but can hit 20 pounds in open water. Look for them around docks, mangroves, and any structure in 10-40 feet. They're opportunistic feeders that love live shrimp - hook it through the tail, not the head. Best fishing is dawn, dusk, or night since they're more active in low light. What makes them special is the white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the table. They're also pretty crafty fighters that'll test your drag. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - they like to mouth the bait first before committing.
Balistes CapriscusThese are some tough customers with attitude to match. Running 1-3 pounds on average but can push 10+ pounds, they've got leather-like skin and sharp teeth that can cut through sea urchins. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 30-180 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What guests love is their aggressive fight - they'll pull hard and use that flat body to their advantage. The meat is firm and tasty too, similar to grouper. They're notorious bait stealers, so here's the trick: use chunk squid about an inch wide, drop it near other fish feeding, and when triggers see the competition, they'll charge in to steal the meal. Reel fast once you feel that bite.
Coryphaena HippurusThese are the rainbow warriors of the sea - bright gold, blue, and green colors that put on a light show when hooked. Males average 15-30 pounds with that distinctive square head, while females are rounder and smaller. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is prime time here. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a show. The meat is firm, white, and mild-flavored, making great table fare. These fish are fast swimmers and aggressive predators. Pro tip: when trolling, make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish - that's their favorite meal and they can't resist the action.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of bottom fish around here - bright red beauties that every angler wants to catch. They average 2-8 pounds inshore but can grow to 35+ pounds. You'll find them on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-200 feet of water. Summer is peak season when they're most active and feeding well. What makes them special is that classic snapper fight - they'll make strong runs toward structure trying to break you off. The white, flaky meat with that mild nutty flavor is restaurant quality. They're true warriors when hooked. My advice: use a heavy enough weight to get down quick, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure and work them up fast - don't let them get back to the rocks where they'll cut you off.
Stuart