Charter Fishing in Florida Rivers
Private Trip
River Fishing
Halfday charter targets six prized species in scenic riversCaptain Ryan guides fishing along docks, mangroves, and seawallsSmall group experience accommodates up to three guests maximum
Looking for a solid half-day fishing charter that delivers both action and scenery? Captain Ryan's 4-hour trips through Florida's Indian and Banana Rivers are exactly what you need. These waters are packed with hungry fish year-round, and with a guest capacity of just 3 anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with fish. Whether you're working live bait around the docks or throwing lures at mangrove edges, this charter gives you prime access to some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's east coast.
Captain Ryan knows these rivers like the back of his hand, and it shows in how he positions the boat for maximum success. You'll spend your morning or afternoon working the prime structure - docks where big snook lurk in the shadows, mangrove shorelines that hold redfish and black drum, and seawalls where anything can happen. The approach is straightforward but effective: live bait when the fish are finicky, lures when they're aggressive, and always staying mobile to find the bite. The Indian River system is famous for its grass flats and deeper channels, while the Banana River offers crystal-clear water that lets you sight-fish when conditions are right. This isn't a rush-around-and-hope charter - it's methodical fishing in proven spots with a captain who adjusts tactics based on what the fish are telling him.
The beauty of river fishing is the variety of presentations that work. Captain Ryan sets you up with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from schooling jacks to bull redfish. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic around the docks, especially when the current is moving and pushing bait through the structure. Soft plastics on jig heads are the go-to when you need to cover water or work specific depth changes along the channels. When the fish are up and feeding aggressively, topwater plugs and spoons can produce explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. The key is reading the conditions - water clarity, current flow, and bait activity all factor into tackle selection. Captain Ryan handles the technical stuff while teaching you the why behind each choice, so you're not just catching fish but learning how to catch them consistently in similar situations.
Snook are the crown jewel of these rivers, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure and can grow well over 30 inches in these waters. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish staging around docks and mangroves during moving water. When a good snook hits your bait, you'll know it immediately - they're strong, smart, and will test every knot you tied. The fight combines powerful runs with head-shaking jumps that keep you guessing until they're in the net.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These bottom-huggers can push 20-30 pounds in the river system and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience on spinning gear. They're year-round residents that feed heavily on crabs and shrimp around oyster bars and deeper holes. The steady, grinding fight of a big black drum will have you questioning your drag settings and appreciating heavy-duty tackle.
Tarpon season brings a different level of excitement to these waters. From late spring through summer, juvenile and adult tarpon move through the rivers, offering shots at fish ranging from 20 pounds to over 100. These silver kings are pure dynamite - aerial displays, long runs, and the kind of fights that make your arms ache the next day. Even the smaller tarpon pack enough power to remind you why they're considered one of the world's premier game fish.
Redfish are the reliable performers that keep action steady throughout the year. These copper-colored fighters love shallow water and structure, making them perfect targets for sight-fishing when conditions allow. A good red will make strong runs toward the nearest cover, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to test your patience. Fall brings some of the best redfish action as they school up in preparation for their spawning runs.
Crevalle jack might be the most underrated fish in these waters. These silver bullets travel in schools and hit lures with reckless abandon. When you find a school of jacks, the action can be non-stop with fish in the 10-20 pound range that fight way above their weight class. They're perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged while providing enough power to satisfy experienced fishermen looking for consistent action.
This 4-hour charter hits the sweet spot between getting serious fishing time and fitting into your Florida vacation schedule. Captain Ryan's local knowledge of the Indian and Banana Rivers, combined with the intimate 3-angler capacity, creates the perfect setup for both learning and catching. The variety of target species means you're never limited to just one type of fishing - structure fishing, sight-casting, and everything in between keeps the day interesting and productive. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to experience Florida's world-class inshore fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Book your trip with HookNReel Charters and see why these rivers have earned their reputation as some of the most consistent fishing waters on the east coast.
Meet the Shearwater, your ticket to some serious Florida river fishing action. This 2009 Bay boat packs a 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you cruising at 30 knots through the Indian and Banana Rivers with ease. Built for anglers who mean business, she's loaded with everything you need to find and catch fish - GPS to navigate those winding waterways, fish finder to locate where the action is, and a wireless trolling motor that lets you sneak up on spooky redfish and snook without spooking them. The VHF radio keeps you connected, while the spacious design comfortably handles up to 3 guests. Whether you're casting live bait around mangrove roots or working lures along seawalls and docks, this boat gets you into prime fishing spots where jack crevalle, tarpon, black drum, and speckled trout are waiting. Captain Ryan knows these waters inside and out, and the Shearwater gives him the perfect platform to put you on fish all day long.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the tanks of our local waters - powerful, stubborn fighters that can really surprise you. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20-30 pounders, and they can hit 50+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. What guests love about drum fishing is the solid, bulldogging fight and the unique "drumming" sound they make underwater. Smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're not flashy fighters like tarpon, but they'll test your tackle with steady, determined pulls. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait right on the bottom. These fish have strong jaws built for crushing shells, so don't be shy about using heavier tackle and letting them eat the bait.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bullies of our waters - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll bend your rod and test your drag system. They typically run 3-8 pounds, but 15-20 pounders show up regularly to really put a hurt on you. Look for them around structure, bait schools, and wherever birds are diving - they push baitfish to the surface year-round. What guests love about jacks is their pure aggression and never-give-up attitude. They hit lures hard and fight dirty with powerful runs. While they're not prime table fare, they're perfect for kids and anyone wanting steady action. These fish travel in schools and compete with each other, so when you find one, there's usually more. My advice: cast silver spoons or fast-moving lures past the school, then burn them back quickly. Jacks can't resist a fast-moving bait, and that competitive nature means multiple hookups are common.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action with great table fare. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots average 18-27 inches in our area, with slot-sized fish being the best eating. They cruise super shallow water - often just 1-4 feet deep around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. The meat is fantastic - firm, mild, and perfect for blackening. You'll often see them tailing in skinny water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The secret is staying quiet and making accurate casts. Use topwater lures early morning or soft plastics bounced along the bottom. When you see that copper flash, get ready for a fun scrap in the shallows.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches in our waters, though bigger ones push 35+ inches. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and seawalls in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and current breaks. Best fishing happens during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky when cooked right. Pro tip: when casting live bait near structure, let it drift naturally with the current rather than forcing it. Snook are finicky and spook easily, but that natural presentation gets them every time.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - nothing prepares you for seeing a 100-pound silver king launch 6 feet out of the water. Most fish we hook range 40-120 pounds and 4-6 feet long, though giants can hit 200+ pounds. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-20 feet of water. May through August is peak season when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon fishing addictive is pure athleticism - these fish jump repeatedly, make screaming runs, and fight for 30+ minutes. They're not great eating due to bony meat, so it's all about the fight and release. The key is staying calm when one eats your bait. Don't set the hook hard - just come tight and let the fish hook itself. Keep steady pressure but don't overdo it. Most tarpon are lost to angler error, not tackle failure.
Fort Pierce