Advanced Inshore Fishing in Fort Pierce Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore trip targeting snook and tarponAdvanced techniques in mangroves, flats, and inlet channelsAll tackle, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included
Fort Pierce and the St. Lucie Inlet offer some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing, and Captain Rob's advanced half-day trip puts you right in the thick of it. This isn't your typical tourist fishing charter – we're talking about a serious 4-hour session targeting the species that make local anglers obsessed with these waters. You'll work the mangrove shorelines where snook ambush baitfish, drift the grassy flats where tarpon cruise, and fish the inlet channels where jack crevalle hunt in packs. With only four anglers max, Captain Rob can focus on advanced techniques and adapt to what's working that day.
This trip is built for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to step up their game. Captain Rob runs a private charter, which means no dealing with inexperienced fishermen taking up prime spots or slowing down the action. You'll start early to beat the crowds and hit the best bite times. The St. Lucie Inlet system gives us access to diverse structure – from oyster bars and dock pilings to grass beds and channel edges. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, we might throw topwater plugs at first light, work live bait along the mangroves, or drift jigs over the flats. Rob knows these waters like his backyard and adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
We're fishing with quality gear matched to the target species – medium to heavy spinning setups for the bigger fish, lighter tackle when the bite calls for finesse. Captain Rob provides all the terminal tackle, from circle hooks for live bait fishing to weighted jig heads for working soft plastics. Depending on what we're targeting, you might be casting DOA shrimp under docks for sheepshead, working topwater lures along mangrove edges for snook, or drifting live pilchards over grass flats for tarpon. The beauty of an advanced trip is we can switch techniques quickly when fish change their feeding patterns. Rob keeps a variety of live and artificial baits on board, plus he knows exactly where to find fresh bait when the fishing calls for it.
"Be sure to book a trip with him. He is such a sweetheart!" - Casey. "Rob is a fantastic guide and host .We had a great day fishing on the Skagit . A day to remember Mark ,UK .😁" - Mark William
Snook are the crown jewel of Fort Pierce inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around structure waiting to explode on baitfish, and when they hit your lure, you'll know it. They're most active during dawn and dusk, especially around mangrove shorelines and dock pilings. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and strong runs toward cover. The slot fish here typically run 24 to 32 inches, with plenty of breeding-size fish that'll test your drag system. What makes snook so addictive is their attitude – they hit hard, fight dirty, and make you work for every inch.
Tarpon fishing in the St. Lucie system is world-class, especially during their spring and summer migration. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20 to 40-pound class up to monsters pushing triple digits. You'll find them rolling on the flats, cruising inlet channels, and stacked up around bridges. When a tarpon takes your bait, get ready for aerial acrobatics that'll have you scrambling for the camera. They're known for their stamina – a good tarpon fight can last 20 minutes or more of rod-bending action. The key is keeping steady pressure while they jump and run.
Jack crevalle might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll encounter inshore. These bruisers travel in schools and feed aggressively, often creating surface commotion that's visible from a distance. When you hook into a decent jack, expect a bulldogging fight with powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months. Jacks are perfect for anglers who want consistent action and don't mind getting their workout for the day.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of the bunch – these black-and-white striped specialists require patience and skill around structure. They've got human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, which makes them notorious bait stealers. Fort Pierce's abundant dock and bridge pilings create perfect sheepshead habitat. The best fish show up during cooler months, with quality sheepshead running 3 to 8 pounds. What makes them special is the precision required – you need to feel the subtle bite and set the hook before they strip your bait.
Sea trout round out the slam possibilities, especially over grass flats where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. These spotted beauties are most active during spring and fall, with the best fishing often happening in 3 to 6 feet of water. Trout respond well to both live bait and soft plastic lures worked slowly over the bottom. While they're not the hardest fighters, a quality gator trout over 20 inches is a trophy that'll make your day. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take dinner home.
Captain Rob's advanced inshore trips book up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. This top-rated charter gives serious anglers access to Fort Pierce's best fishing grounds with the knowledge and flexibility that comes from years of local experience. All your licenses, tackle, and bait are covered, plus Rob handles the fish cleaning so you can focus on the fishing. Remember to call ahead to confirm availability
Hit the productive waters of Fort Pierce and St. Lucie Inlet aboard this well-equipped 2017 25-foot Dusky center console. Built for serious fishing, this boat combines a spacious layout with a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine that gets you to the best snook and tarpon spots quickly, cruising at speeds up to 45 knots. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper channels where the big tarpon roll. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons targeting jack crevalle along the mangroves. With GPS navigation, Captain Rob can efficiently work the grassy flats for sea trout or position you perfectly in the inlet for sheepshead around the structure. This boat handles the varied inshore waters around Fort Pierce with ease, from shallow backcountry areas to the deeper inlet channels where the action heats up.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle and attitude packed into 3-5 pound packages, though the big ones can hit 20+ pounds. They travel in schools around grass flats, inlet mouths, and anywhere baitfish gather. You'll often spot them by watching for diving birds since jacks push bait to the surface. Year-round action here, but they're most active in warmer months. Guests love their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them. They're not the best table fare, but the fight makes up for it. Look for that telltale bird activity, then cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast - jacks love the chase and aggressive movement will trigger strikes every time.
Elops SaurusDon't let anyone call these "trash fish" around me - ladyfish are a blast on light tackle. They're silver torpedoes that average 12-20 inches and put on quite a show when hooked, jumping and skipping across the surface like mini tarpon. You'll find them in our bays, around the inlet, and along beaches year-round. They're not much for eating, but they make excellent bait for bigger fish and are perfect for getting kids or beginners excited about fishing. The real fun is watching them go airborne after they take your lure. Pro tip: use a heavy mono or fluoro leader - those small teeth are sharp and they'll thrash around enough to cut through light line. Keep your drag smooth and let them run.
Centropomus UndecimalisThese guys are what inshore fishing is all about around here. Snook run 18-24 inches on average but the big ones can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love hanging around mangrove shorelines, dock lights, and inlet structures where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fight - plus they're excellent table fare with that sweet, flaky meat. One thing I always tell folks: when you hook one near structure, don't give them an inch. They'll wrap you up in mangroves faster than you can blink, so keep that rod tip up and pressure on.
Paralichthys DentatusFlounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms where they blend in perfectly. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and make for some of the best eating you'll find. They hang out in deeper channels, around structure, and on sandy flats where they wait to ambush prey. Fall months are peak season when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What guests really enjoy is the challenge of finding them and that sweet, delicate meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them mouth the bait for a few seconds, then lift steady. They bite sideways, so they need time to get it positioned right.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of. Most tarpon we see run 80-100 pounds, but don't let that fool you - these fish can jump 10 feet out of the water and will test every ounce of your skill. They roam our flats, channels, and around the inlet, especially during spring and summer months when the water warms up. Guests love them because there's nothing like watching a giant tarpon launch itself skyward on your line. They're not great eating due to their bony flesh, so we practice catch and release. My tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward them. It keeps slack in the line so they can't throw the hook during those wild aerial displays.
Be sure to book a trip with him. He is such a sweetheart!
Rob is a fantastic guide and host .We had a great day fishing on the Skagit . A day to remember Mark ,UK .😁
Fort Pierce