Saltwater Fishing on Indian River Lagoon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, tarpon, snook and sea trout inshoreAll gear, licenses, custom videos and water includedSmall group charter accommodates up to two guests
The Indian River Lagoon and Banana River system offer some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing waters, and that's exactly where you'll spend your day chasing trophy gamefish with Native Bass Fishing. This isn't your typical tourist charter – we're talking about serious saltwater fishing in waters that hold some of the biggest redfish, snook, tarpon, and sea trout you'll find anywhere along the Space Coast. With just two anglers max per trip, you get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your saltwater fishing adventure starts early when most of the crowds are still in bed. The lagoon system comes alive at dawn, and that's when the big fish are feeding. You'll launch into skinny water flats where redfish cruise in schools, or work the deeper channels where tarpon roll and snook ambush baitfish. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're fighting a 100-pound tarpon that just cleared the surface. Native Bass Fishing knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading tides, wind, and fish movement to put you on the best bite of the day. The intimate group size means you're not competing for rod time or prime casting positions – it's just you, your fishing partner, and miles of pristine Florida flats.
All your tackle comes included, and we're talking quality stuff here – not the bargain bin gear some operators use. You'll fish with medium-heavy spinning rods rigged for everything from topwater plugs to live bait presentations. The lagoon fishing calls for versatility, so expect to throw everything from walk-the-dog lures at daybreak to suspending twitch baits over grass flats. Live bait fishing is deadly here too, especially with pilchards and shrimp when targeting snook around structure or drifting the deeper holes for sea trout. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day – if the topwater bite dies off, we switch to soft plastics or live bait. The shallow draft boat lets you access backcountry spots that bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that rarely see pressure from other anglers.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and the Indian River system grows them big and bronze. These copper-colored bruisers average 24-30 inches but don't be surprised when you hook into a bull red pushing 40 inches and 30 pounds. Peak season runs from September through November when they school up in massive numbers, but you'll find quality reds year-round. They're aggressive feeders and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. What makes catching redfish here special is the variety – you might sight-cast to tailers in the morning, then target schooling fish in deeper water as the day progresses.
Snook fishing in the lagoon is world-class, especially around the bridges, docks, and mangrove shorelines. These ambush predators average 20-28 inches with occasional giants over 30 inches. Summer months from May through August are prime time when snook are most active and feeding aggressively. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and line-burning runs toward structure. The lagoon's snook are particularly fond of live shrimp and pilchards, but they'll crush a well-placed topwater plug at dawn or dusk. Landing a slot snook here feels like pure victory – they're smart, strong, and absolutely gorgeous fish.
Tarpon roll through these waters seasonally, bringing big-game excitement to the inshore scene. While most average 60-100 pounds, the lagoon occasionally holds giants over 150 pounds that'll give you the fight of a lifetime. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July when they migrate through the area. These silver kings are famous for their aerial displays – multiple jumps are common, and they'll use every trick to throw your hook. Even smaller tarpon pack serious punch, making screaming runs that'll have your drag smoking. The adrenaline rush of watching a tarpon clear the water never gets old.
Sea trout might be the most underrated gamefish in the system. The lagoon grows some hefty gator trout, with fish over 20 inches and 3 pounds being fairly common. They school up over grass flats and around deeper holes, making them perfect targets when other species are finicky. Sea trout hit hard and fight well for their size, plus they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few. Winter months are particularly good for big trout when they gather in deeper channels seeking warmer water.
This top-rated saltwater fishing experience delivers everything serious anglers want – productive waters, quality gear, expert guidance, and fish that fight hard and grow big. The Indian River Lagoon system is one of Florida's most biodiverse fisheries, and Native Bass Fishing gives you insider access to the best spots and techniques. With custom photos and video included, you'll have proof of your catches to share long after the trip ends. The two-angler limit ensures you get maximum fishing time and personalized instruction from your captain. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or hunting for a trophy tarpon, these waters consistently produce the kind of fishing memories that keep anglers coming back season after season.
Our fully equipped motorboat is designed for serious inshore fishing on Florida's premier saltwater systems. This vessel features a wireless trolling motor that lets us slip silently through the shallows where big redfish and snook hang out, plus a fish finder to pinpoint exactly where the action is happening. The onboard GPS keeps us on the productive spots while the ice box ensures your catch stays fresh all day. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and battle those hard-fighting tarpon and sea trout that call these waters home. The multimedia system captures all the action, so you can relive those epic moments when you're back on dry land. Whether we're working the grass flats for reds or hitting the deeper channels for snook, this boat handles the diverse fishing conditions of the Indian River Lagoon system with ease. All your gear, licenses, and even water are included - just bring yourself and get ready to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing, running 18-30 inches with that classic copper coloring and black tail spot. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, around oyster bars and grass flats. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter bring the bigger schools when they're fattening up. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but pull hard and steady. Plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm meat. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water or see nervous water where they're feeding. Local secret: cast ahead of cruising fish and let your bait sink to the bottom, then twitch it just enough to get their attention.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Most run 12-18 inches with beautiful spotted patterns along their sides. They hang over grass flats and sandy bottoms in 3-8 feet of water, especially near drop-offs and channels. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when water temps are comfortable. Trout are willing biters and put up a decent scrap for their size. They're also excellent eating - mild, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. During cooler months, they school up in deeper holes. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics. The noise attracts them from a distance, and you can cover more water while keeping your bait in the strike zone.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after fish in our lagoon system. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-6 feet of water. They love ambush spots with current flow. Spring through fall are prime time, 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 powerful runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, white and flaky. Here's a local tip: work your lure slowly along the edges where deeper water meets structure. Snook are ambush feeders, so let them see it coming.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are the ultimate saltwater challenge, averaging 80-150 pounds in our waters. Tarpon love the deeper channels and basin areas of the lagoon system, especially around bridge structures and spoil islands. Late spring through summer is peak season when they're rolling and feeding actively. What draws anglers is their raw power and aerial displays - a hooked tarpon can jump 8 feet out of the water multiple times. It's pure adrenaline. Most folks practice catch and release since they're not great table fare. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. When they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - it prevents them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
Orlando, FL