4 Hour Inshore Fishing with Captain Brad
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure with experienced Captain BradFamilyfriendly boat accommodates up to four guests safelyGuided trips target prime local fishing spots
Captain Brad's been working these waters for years, and there's something special about Daytona Beach's inshore fishing scene that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. This 4-hour adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive shallow water fishing grounds, where the Indian River meets the Atlantic and creates perfect conditions for stalking redfish, grouper, and amberjack. With space for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between personal attention from an experienced guide and enough room for the whole family to get in on the action. Captain Brad knows exactly where these fish like to hang out, from the grass flats to the deeper channels, and he's got the local knowledge that turns good fishing days into great ones.
You'll meet Captain Brad at the dock bright and early, where his well-equipped boat is ready to handle whatever the day throws at you. The beauty of inshore fishing around Daytona Beach is the variety - one minute you're sight fishing for tailing redfish in knee-deep water, the next you're dropping baits near structure hoping to pull up a nice gag grouper. Captain Brad runs a family-friendly operation, so don't worry if you've got kids along for the ride. He's got extra safety gear and knows how to keep the little ones engaged while making sure everyone stays safe. The boat's set up with all the tackle you'll need, plus he's got backup rods ready to go because we all know how fish like to steal gear right when the bite gets hot. These four hours fly by fast when you're marking fish and working productive spots, but Captain Brad makes every minute count by moving efficiently between his proven honey holes.
Inshore fishing around Daytona Beach means adapting your approach based on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. Captain Brad's got the gear dialed in for multiple techniques - from live bait fishing with shrimp and pinfish to throwing artificials when the fish are actively feeding. You'll likely spend time working the grass flats with lighter tackle, perfect for redfish and black drum that cruise these shallows looking for an easy meal. When targeting grouper and amberjack, expect to fish heavier gear around structure where these bottom dwellers like to ambush prey. Captain Brad reads the water conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly - if the wind's blowing hard, he knows protected spots that still hold fish. If the water's gin clear, he'll switch to lighter leaders and more natural presentations. The key to his success is staying mobile and fishing where the fish are, not just where you hope they'll be.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Daytona Beach inshore fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers know how to put up a serious fight. They typically run anywhere from 2 to 15 pounds in these waters, with the bigger fish holding near rocky structure and hard bottom areas. Spring and fall are prime time for gags, when they're more active and feeding heavily before and after spawning season. What makes them so exciting to catch is that initial run - they'll try to get back to their hole and break you off, so you've got to put the pressure on right away. Captain Brad knows exactly where these fish stack up and has the heavy tackle needed to horse them out of the structure.
Black drum are another customer favorite, especially the slot-sized fish that cruise the grass flats and oyster bars. These fish can get massive - we're talking 30, 40, even 50-pound fish in these waters - but the smaller ones in the 5 to 15-pound range are perfect for the dinner table. They're year-round residents, but late winter and spring see the biggest concentrations when they move shallow to spawn. Black drum are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. They'll use that broad tail to dog you in the shallow water, making long, sustained runs that'll test your drag system. What's really cool about drum fishing is you can often see them tailing or pushing wakes in skinny water.
Redfish are hands down the most popular inshore species around Daytona Beach, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are year-round residents that patrol everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges. Slot-sized reds typically run 18 to 27 inches and fight way above their weight class, making long runs and using their broad shoulders to stay deep. Summer and fall are peak seasons when schools of reds work the flats during moving tides. The sight fishing opportunities for reds around here are world-class - there's nothing quite like watching a big red slowly cruise a flat, then watching your bait disappear as the fish commits to the bite.
Greater amberjack bring the muscle to this fishery, with even medium-sized fish capable of smoking drags and testing heavy tackle. These aggressive predators typically hold near structure in deeper water, anywhere from 20 to 60 feet, and they'll absolutely hammer both live baits and artificials. Spring is prime time for amberjack fishing when they move closer to shore for spawning. A 20 to 40-pound amberjack will give you everything you can handle, making powerful runs toward the bottom and using their broad profile to leverage against your drag. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters when prepared fresh.
Great barracuda add an element of excitement with their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These toothy predators are ambush specialists that can appear out of nowhere to crush a bait or lure. Daytona Beach barracuda typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with the occasional larger fish pushing 30-plus pounds. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish concentrations are high. What makes barracuda fishing so addictive is their aggressiveness - they'll often hit artificial lures with reckless abandon, then put on an aerial show that'll get everyone on the boat excited. Captain
Captain Brad's center console boat is your ticket to prime inshore fishing around Daytona Beach. This well-equipped vessel handles shallow waters with ease, getting you to those productive spots where the fish are biting. The wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly through the flats without spooking your targets, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. With GPS navigation and radar onboard, we can safely navigate these coastal waters in any conditions. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers with plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. The flybridge gives us excellent visibility to spot feeding fish and structure. Plus, there's a toilet onboard for convenience and a multimedia system for entertainment between bites. Captain Brad knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand and will put you on snook, redfish, trout, and tarpon. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience Florida's fantastic inshore fishing scene.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in our brackish waters. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. They're bulldogs - not fast but incredibly strong with crushing jaws built for crabs and shellfish. Kids love them because they fight hard but steady, no crazy runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the big bulls get tough and stringy. Pro tip: fresh crab or cut clam on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When you feel that steady pull, just lean back and enjoy the tug-of-war.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that love hiding around rocky structure and reefs. Most run 20 inches, but we see some monsters pushing 50+ inches out there. They're ambush predators with powerful jaws, so once hooked, they'll try dragging you straight back to the rocks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're more active and feeding. What makes them special is that stubborn fight - they don't give up easy. The smaller ones under 20 inches make great table fare with firm, white meat. My local trick? Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, keep your drag tight, and the moment you feel that thump, start reeling hard and don't let them get back to cover. They'll test your gear for sure.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the silver bullets of the flats, reaching 5-6 feet and hitting speeds up to 35 mph. These apex predators patrol shallow reefs, grass beds, and structure near shore, hunting with those razor-sharp teeth. Warmer months bring the best action when they're actively feeding and more aggressive. Guests love the visual aspect - seeing that torpedo shape cruise by and the explosive strike. They're incredible fighters with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, though they tire quickly. Most anglers release them since the meat can be risky. The thrill is in that initial fight and watching them clear the water. Pro tip: use wire leader always, bright spoons or tube lures work great, and when fighting one, keep your hands clear - those teeth aren't just for show.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bullies of the deeper structure, averaging 39 pounds but capable of reaching 6 feet. These bruisers hang around wrecks, reefs, and ledges, ambushing anything that swims by. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll test every piece of gear you've got with long, punishing runs. They're also excellent table fare when properly prepared, though the bigger ones can carry ciguatera. The fight is what brings people back - pure muscle and attitude. My advice: use heavy tackle with 50+ pound line, live bait when possible, and once hooked, keep steady pressure. They'll sound deep and try to wrap you around structure, so don't give them any slack to think about it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore - copper-colored beauties with those signature black spots near the tail. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds, sometimes in water so thin their backs show. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most aggressive. What guests love is watching them cruise the shallows and that explosive topwater strike when conditions are right. They fight smart, making long runs and using their broad sides against the current. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect eating with mild, flaky meat. Here's the trick: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your shrimp or soft plastic well ahead of where they're headed and work it slow. Spook them once and they're gone.
Daytona Beach, FL, United States