Fort Pierce Nearshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour nearshore fishing trips available daily in Fort PierceTarget amberjack, cobia, snapper, snook, and wahoo speciesCaptain Ricky Spikes provides local expertise and guidance
Fort Pierce sits right in the sweet spot of South Florida's fishing paradise, where the Indian River Lagoon meets the Atlantic. Captain Ricky Spikes has been working these waters since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, and he's turned that lifetime of local knowledge into some seriously productive fishing trips. Whether you're looking to get the family out on the water or need a solid excuse to ditch the office for half a day, these four-hour nearshore trips deliver the goods. We're talking about waters that hold everything from hard-fighting cobia to lightning-fast wahoo, all within a reasonable run from the inlet.
These trips run seven days a week because the fish don't take weekends off, and neither does Captain Ricky. You'll be fishing with a maximum of four anglers, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention when the action heats up. The nearshore waters off Fort Pierce are where the real magic happens – close enough that you're not burning half your trip getting there, but far enough out to get into some serious fish. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and Captain Ricky knows exactly which spots are firing on any given day. He's been reading these waters for decades, watching how the currents, structure, and seasonal patterns all come together to put fish in the boat. The vibe is relaxed but focused – this isn't about showing off fancy gear, it's about putting you on fish and making sure you have a blast doing it.
Captain Ricky runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Live bait fishing is bread and butter out here – nothing beats a frisky pilchard or goggle-eye when the snapper are schooled up on structure. For the bigger pelagics like cobia and wahoo, you'll be working with both live and cut baits, sometimes switching to artificials when the fish get picky. The nearshore reefs and wrecks hold plenty of amberjack and snapper, so expect to be dropping baits in 40 to 100 feet of water most of the trip. Bottom fishing with circle hooks keeps things ethical and effective, while the occasional sight-fishing opportunity for cobia or snook keeps everyone on their toes. All tackle is provided, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The boat's electronics help locate structure and bait, but it's Captain Ricky's eye for reading the water that really makes the difference between a good day and a great one.
Greater amberjack are the muscle cars of the nearshore waters, and Fort Pierce serves up some serious specimens. These bruisers love the deeper structure and will test your arms and your drag system when they make their run for the bottom. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, with fish regularly hitting 40 to 60 pounds. What makes them special is that first screaming run – they'll take line like their life depends on it, because it does. The fight is all about leverage and patience, and landing a big AJ gives you bragging rights that last all season.
Wahoo might be the speed demons of the bunch, but they're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. They show up year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when baitfish are thick nearshore. These fish can hit 30 to 50 pounds and their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are non-negotiable. The bite is lightning fast – one second you're watching the rod tip, the next you're hanging on for dear life as line peels off the reel. Fresh wahoo on the grill is worth the price of admission alone.
Cobia are the opportunists that keep every trip interesting. They cruise the nearshore waters looking for an easy meal, often following rays or sharks. Spring migration brings the big females through, with fish topping 40 pounds not uncommon. They're curious fish that will often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight-fishing with live bait. The fight is different from other species – more like wrestling a strong, smart opponent than the raw power of an amberjack.
Red snapper are the prize of the bottom fishing game, and the nearshore structure off Fort Pierce holds some beautiful fish. During open season, these guys are pure gold – excellent table fare and a respectable fight on appropriate tackle. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll be dropping baits right on the reefs and wrecks where they live. The key is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish tear it up, and being ready for that distinctive snapper thump when they bite.
Snook round out the target list as the signature inshore species that sometimes venture into nearshore waters, especially around structure and during baitfish movements. These are finicky fish with attitude, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight and the photo opportunities make them worth targeting. Spring and fall offer the best nearshore snook action, when they're moving between their spawning and feeding areas.
Captain Ricky's local knowledge combined with Fort Pierce's world-class nearshore fishing creates the kind of trip that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Four hours gives you enough time to work multiple spots and techniques without wearing yourself out, and the intimate boat size means everyone gets in on the action. Whether you're chasing your first amberjack or looking to put some wahoo fillets in the cooler, these waters deliver the goods. The trips run year-round because there's always something biting in South Florida, and Captain Ricky's lifetime of experience means you're fishing with someone who truly knows these waters. Don't wait for the perfect conditions – book your spot and let Captain Ricky show you why Fort Pierce nearshore fishing has such a loyal following among serious anglers.
Captain Ricky's 26-foot Sea Hunt center console is your ticket to some serious fishing action in Fort Pierce waters. This 2007 beauty runs on twin 150HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fish fast and smooth. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - GPS to find the hotspots, fishfinder to locate the schools, live bait well to keep your bait kicking, plus outriggers and tuna tubes for trolling up those wahoo and cobia. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long battles with snapper and snook. Ricky's been working these South Florida waters since he was a kid, so he knows exactly where the amberjack hang out and when the red snapper are biting. This boat handles the nearshore runs like a champ, getting you out to productive waters where the real action happens.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the chameleons of our local waters - dark brown sharks that aren't sharks at all. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+. You'll spot them cruising reefs, wrecks, and around buoys in 30-70 feet, especially during spring migration from March through June. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight-fishing opportunity - watching them glide just under the surface before making your pitch. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, sweet meat. The fight is steady and strong rather than flashy. My go-to technique? A bucktail jig in any color works great, but here's the key - present it naturally and let it sink near structure where they hang out.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers can hit 6 feet and 40+ pounds, making them one of our most popular targets. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. That distinctive amber stripe down their side gets darker when they're fired up. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps warm up. What makes amberjack special is the fight - they'll test your arms with powerful runs straight down to the bottom. The meat's excellent too, firm and white. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head up quickly. If you let them get back to structure, they'll wrap you up every time. Heavy tackle with 50+ pound line is standard.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of deep water fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds around our local wrecks and hard bottom in 80-200 feet. These bright red fighters are most active May through October when spawning season kicks in. What keeps anglers coming back is the solid fight they put up and that sweet, mild flavor that made them famous in restaurants. They're true bottom dwellers, so you'll need heavy sinkers and circle hooks to get down to them. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work best. Local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they'll dive straight for cover and cut you off on the structure every time if you give them slack.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are our signature inshore species with that bold black lateral line and golden color. Most run 18-28 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches during summer months. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, especially on moving tides. Spring through fall is prime time, with spawning season May through September bringing the best action around inlet mouths. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight in shallow water. They're also great eating when regulations allow. These fish are structure-oriented, so cast tight to cover with soft plastics or topwater plugs. Key tip: snook are ambush predators, so work your lure slowly along the edges where they hide.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These silvery bullets with blue zebra stripes cruise open water and around floating debris. July through November is prime time here in Florida when they move through following baitfish. What gets anglers hooked is the blistering run when you hook one - nothing quite like it. Plus, the meat is top-shelf eating, mild and flaky like premium tuna. We troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Pro tip: when trolling for wahoo, vary your spread with different lure colors and depths. They're curious fish and that variety often triggers the strike.
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