Private 4-Hour Afternoon Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting Snook, Tarpon, and Jack CrevalleAfternoon departure at 5:00 PM during golden hour lightingCaptain Jay Wyld guides groups up to four guests
There's something special about hitting the water as the afternoon sun starts its descent toward the horizon. Captain Jay Wyld knows the St. Lucie River like the back of his hand, and he's ready to share his favorite fishing spots with you and one other angler on this intimate 4-hour adventure. Starting at 5:00 PM, you'll have the North Fork practically to yourself as most day-trippers head home. This is when the magic happens – when Snook start prowling the mangrove edges, Tarpon roll in the deeper channels, and Jack Crevalle go absolutely wild in the shallows. With just two spots available, you get Captain Jay's full attention and the kind of personalized service that makes for legendary fishing stories.
The North Fork of the St. Lucie River offers some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing, and Captain Jay positions you right where the action is hottest. You'll start by working the deeper holes where Tarpon like to stage before moving to the mangrove shorelines that Snook call home. The late afternoon timing is no accident – this is prime feeding time when gamefish abandon their daytime hiding spots to hunt in earnest. The golden hour lighting makes spotting fish easier, and the cooler evening temperatures often trigger aggressive strikes. Captain Jay runs a well-maintained boat equipped with quality tackle, so you can focus entirely on reading the water and perfecting your presentation. Whether you're sight-fishing to cruising Tarpon or working topwater lures along the mangroves, every cast has potential.
This isn't your typical chuck-and-hope fishing trip. Captain Jay employs proven inshore techniques that match the river's unique conditions and the target species' feeding habits. You'll primarily use live bait like pilchards and shrimp, which are absolutely deadly on St. Lucie River fish, but artificial lures definitely have their place when fish are actively feeding. Topwater plugs create explosive strikes during the evening bite, while soft plastics work magic around structure when fish are holding tight. The tackle setup varies based on your target – lighter spinning gear for Snook around the mangroves, and beefier rods when Tarpon are rolling. Captain Jay handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so beginners don't get overwhelmed while experienced anglers can focus on presentation and technique. The boat positioning is crucial here, and Jay's decades of experience show as he uses the trolling motor to keep you in the strike zone without spooking fish.
Snook are the bread and butter of St. Lucie River fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love the mangrove edges and dock pilings where they can dart out to nail unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes Snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and try every trick in the book to throw your hook. The slot limit keeps things interesting, and releasing a healthy Snook back to fight another day never gets old. Captain Jay knows exactly which mangrove points and creek mouths hold the biggest fish.
Jack Crevalle might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm-burning workout that'll have you questioning your fitness level. These bruisers show up in schools and attack bait with reckless abandon, often creating feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. They're present year-round in the St. Lucie system, but summer months bring the largest fish and most aggressive feeding. Jacks are perfect for beginners because they're not line-shy and will eat almost anything you throw at them. Don't let their willingness to bite fool you though – a 15-pound Jack will test your drag and your endurance. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, though many anglers release them to maintain the fishery.
Tarpon represent the holy grail of inshore fishing, and the St. Lucie River hosts some genuine giants. These prehistoric silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and provide battles that last 30 minutes or more. Peak Tarpon season runs from May through August when fish migrate through the area, but resident fish stick around year-round. What makes Tarpon fishing so addictive is the visual element – you often see them rolling on the surface before you cast, and watching a 6-foot fish launch itself skyward never loses its appeal. They're notoriously difficult to hook due to their bony mouths, and even harder to land due to their stamina and jumping ability. Captain Jay's experience with Tarpon behavior and proper fighting techniques dramatically improves your odds of success.
The St. Lucie River's afternoon bite is legendary among local anglers, and Captain Jay's intimate 2-person trips fill up fast. This isn't about cramming as many rods as possible on the boat – it's about quality time on productive water with a captain who lives and breathes these fisheries. The late afternoon departure means you avoid the weekend boat traffic while positioning yourself perfectly for the evening feeding frenzy. With Snook, Tarpon, and Jack Crevalle all calling these waters home, every trip offers multiple species opportunities and the chance for that fish-of-a-lifetime moment. Captain Jay's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers and fishing families alike. Don't wait on this one – prime afternoon slots book weeks in advance, especially during peak season.
This beautifully restored 23-foot Mako center console is your ticket to some serious afternoon fishing on the St. Lucie River. With a hefty 225HP Yamaha pushing her to 35 knots, you'll cover plenty of water chasing Snook, Tarpon, and Jack Crevalle. The classic layout gives you room to move while fighting fish, and Captain Jay keeps this boat dialed in with GPS navigation and a quality fish finder to put you on the bite. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot Florida afternoons. Built for up to 4 anglers but running just 2 guests on this trip, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. This Mako handles the North Fork's waters like she was born for it.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the river - pure muscle and attitude. These brassy-green fighters average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ on a good day. Look for birds working the surface - that's your sign of jacks pushing baitfish up from below. They roam seagrass flats, hang around structure, and love current breaks. Active year-round in our warm waters, but summer months bring the best action. Guests love them because they fight dirty - strong runs, head shakes, and they never quit. Fair warning: they'll test your drag and your arms. My tip? Cast silver spoons past feeding schools and retrieve fast - jacks can't resist the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers their predator instincts.
Centropomus UndecimalisThese silver beauties with their signature black lateral line are what make the St. Lucie special. Most run 18-30 inches, but we see plenty pushing 3-4 feet. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where fresh meets salt. Evening trips are prime time - snook feed heavily as temperatures cool. What makes them fun is that explosive strike when they ambush your bait, plus they're fantastic table fare. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through September give you the best shot. Here's the trick: when working mangroves, cast your lure past the structure and work it back along the edge - snook sit in the shadows waiting to pounce.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king - there's nothing quite like a tarpon rolling on the surface at sunset. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds in our waters, though we hook 150+ pounders regularly. They cruise shallow flats, hang near bridges, and follow baitfish into the river systems. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through Florida waters. What makes tarpon special isn't just the size - it's the aerial show when they're hooked. Expect multiple jumps and runs that'll make your reel scream. We practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating anyway. Pro tip: keep your rod tip low when they jump - "bow to the king" helps prevent them from throwing the hook during those spectacular leaps.
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