3 Hour Inshore Only - Port Orange Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, snook, and black drum in Halifax River backcountry waters.Threehour inshore trip accommodates up to four passengers with gear included.Professional fish cleaning and Florida licenses provided with morning or afternoon departures.
Jump aboard Jettie Rocks Fishing Charters for a top-rated inshore adventure that puts you right in the heart of Florida's most productive backcountry waters. This 3-hour guided trip takes you through the Halifax River and Indian River systems around Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach, where the fishing stays consistent year-round. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet with light tackle, this charter delivers the goods without breaking the bank. We've got everything covered - from the 23' C-Hawk that gets you into those skinny water spots to all the tackle and bait you'll need to connect with some serious fish.
Your morning kicks off at 81 Dunlawton Ave, where you'll meet Captain and crew at either 7am or 1pm - both departures fish well, though morning trips often see calmer conditions. The 2023 23' C-Hawk is built for these shallow coastal flats, drawing minimal water so we can slide right up to structure where the big fish hang out. We're targeting prime real estate in the Halifax and Indian River systems - think grass flats, oyster bars, docks, and mangrove shorelines where Redfish, Black Drum, Snook, and Sheepshead make their living. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to work their lines without stepping on each other's toes. Pack your own snacks and drinks since we're focused on fishing, not catering, but we've got the ice to keep everything cold and will clean your catch at the end of the trip.
We fish these backwaters the right way - with light spinning gear that lets you feel every bump and headshake. The rods and reels we provide are perfectly matched for inshore work, typically medium-light action sticks paired with 2500-3000 series reels spooled with 15-20lb braid. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll run everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics on jig heads. When the Redfish are tailing in super shallow water, we might sight fish with spoons or topwater plugs that create just enough commotion to get their attention. Around structure like docks and mangroves, we'll drop live or cut bait right to the bottom where Black Drum and Sheepshead like to feed. The beauty of this fishery is the variety - one drift might produce a drag-screaming Redfish while the next brings up a chunky Sheepshead that fights like it's twice its size.
Redfish are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in the backcountry, though we regularly see fish pushing 30+ inches that'll test your drag and your patience. They're year-round residents here, but fall and winter months often produce the most consistent action as baitfish stack up in the rivers. What makes Redfish so exciting is their attitude - they hit hard, run strong, and aren't afraid to bury you in structure if you give them half a chance. Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. The smaller "puppy drum" in the 12-20 inch range are perfect table fare, while the bigger spawning-class fish that show up in late winter and spring can stretch the tape past 40 inches. They're bottom feeders with crushing power, so expect a slow, grinding fight that'll make your arms burn. Snook are the glamour species that every angler wants to tangle with, and the Indian River system holds some of the best populations on the east coast. These ambush predators love structure - docks, bridges, mangrove points - anywhere they can sit in the shade and wait for an easy meal. They're highly regulated for good reason, with specific seasons and slot limits, but hooking into a 28-inch Snook that goes airborne is worth the trip alone. Sheepshead round out our target list and they're trickier than they look. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, which means they're notorious bait stealers. But land a 3-4 pound Sheepshead and you've got some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, often stacking up around structure in numbers that'll keep your rod bent all day.
This customer favorite trip books up fast, especially during peak season when snowbirds and locals alike want to get out on the water. At just 3 hours, it's perfect for families with younger kids, couples looking for a half-day adventure, or serious anglers who want to maximize their fishing time without committing to a full day. The Halifax and Indian River systems around Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach are renowned for consistent fishing, and Captain knows every productive spot from years of working these waters. Your Florida fishing licenses are included, all tackle and bait are provided, and we'll clean your catch so you can head straight home with fillets ready for the frying pan. Both 7am and 1pm departures give you flexibility to work around your schedule, and the 23' C-Hawk ensures a comfortable ride whether we're running the main river or poling the shallowest flats. Don't sleep on this world-class inshore fishery - book your trip today and see why anglers keep coming back to fish with Jettie Rocks Fishing Charters season after season.
Fish the productive backcountry waters around Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach aboard our rock-solid 2023 23' C-Hawk. This stable platform handles the shallow flats and coastal waters like a dream, powered by a reliable 150hp Suzuki that gets you to the fish fast and quiet. We're talking serious redfish, black drum, snook, and sheepshead action in the Halifax and Indian River systems. The boat's built for up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with quality rods, reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle you need. GPS keeps us on the productive spots while you focus on putting fish in the cooler. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or a seasoned light-tackle pro, this setup delivers. We'll handle the licenses, provide ice, and clean your catch so you go home with dinner ready for the table.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our flats - powerful fish that average 8-15 pounds but can push 30+ pounds. They cruise oyster bars and muddy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water, using those pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, powerful fight - no flashy jumps, just pure strength that'll test your tackle. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's my go-to approach: use fresh crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig, keep it on bottom, and be patient. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, give them a second to really take it before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20-30 inches and cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing. You'll spot them tailing in 1-3 feet over grass beds and oyster bars, especially during moving tides. They bite year-round here, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. Plus, they're fantastic table fare. My favorite method: sight-cast gold spoons or live shrimp ahead of cruising fish. Keep your approach quiet and lead them by a few feet - spook one and you'll often spook the whole school.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - those black and white stripes make them unmistakable. They average 2-6 pounds and rarely stray far from structure like docks, bridges, and oyster bars where they pick off barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring are peak season when they gather around local structures. What makes sheepshead fishing addictive is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with those human-like teeth, requiring finesse and quick reflexes. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. My secret: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook at the first nibble. They'll steal your bait faster than you can blink.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - you'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths throughout our backcountry waters. They typically run 18-28 inches here, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. These fish are temperature sensitive, so spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay above 60°F. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. They're also great table fare with firm, white meat. My local trick: cast live shrimp or soft plastics tight to structure and work them slowly. Snook won't chase bait far from cover, so accuracy beats distance every time.
Port Orange, FL