Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the rich waters of Fort Pierce or St. Lucie Inlet? Grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to dive into a morning of non-stop inshore action. This 4-hour trip with Rob's Guide Service is your ticket to hauling in some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we've got the spots and the know-how to put you on the fish.
Picture this: You're gliding through crystal-clear shallows, mangrove-lined shores on one side, open water on the other. Your guide's at the helm, pointing out rolling tarpon or the telltale signs of snook hiding in the shadows. We're talking prime fishing territory here, folks. From grassy flats to deep channels, we'll hit all the sweet spots where the big ones love to hang out. Snook, tarpon, jack crevalle, sheepshead, trout – they're all on the menu. And with a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of elbow room to work those lines.
Now, let's talk shop. Depending on what's biting, we might be tossing live bait, working soft plastics, or even fly fishing if that's your game. We'll match our approach to the conditions and the fish's mood. Sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats? You bet. Jigging the deeper cuts for monster snook? Oh yeah. And don't worry if you're new to this – your guide's got all the gear and know-how to get you hooked up. We'll show you the ropes, from setting the hook to playing that fish like a pro. Just be ready for some arm-stretching action when a big jack decides to take you for a ride!
Let's break down the headliners you might tangle with on this trip. Each of these species brings its own brand of excitement to the game.
Snook: These bad boys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, snook love to hang around structure. We'll target them around mangrove edges, dock pilings, and oyster bars. Spring and fall are prime time for big snook, but they're a year-round favorite. Slot-sized fish make for great eating, but the real thrill is hooking into a 40-incher that'll test every ounce of your skill.
Tarpon: The silver king! These prehistoric powerhouses can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps. We often find them rolling in deeper channels or laid up in backcountry lagoons. Spring and early summer are peak tarpon seasons, but don't be surprised if we bump into some juveniles year-round. Landing a tarpon is a true badge of honor for any angler.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. We'll drift over sandy bottoms, using light tackle and soft plastics to entice them. They might not be the biggest fighters, but they're fun to catch and absolutely delicious if you're looking to take some fish home for dinner.
Ladyfish: Don't let their size fool you – these speedsters punch way above their weight class. Often called the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are known for their energetic runs and aerial displays. They're a blast on light tackle and make for great practice before tackling bigger game.
Crevalle Jack: When a school of jacks moves in, hold onto your rod! These bulldogs of the flats hit hard and fight even harder. We often find them busting bait on the surface, creating exciting topwater opportunities. They're not known for their table fare, but pound-for-pound, few fish in these waters can match their raw power.
Alright, folks, there you have it – a morning of world-class inshore fishing right in your backyard. Whether you're looking to cross a bucket-list fish off your list, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, this trip's got you covered. The fish are out there, and they're hungry. All that's missing is you! So what do you say? Let's get your line wet and make some memories. Book your spot now, and I'll see you at the dock. Tight lines!
Jack crevalle are the bulldogs of the flats. These broad-shouldered bruisers average 3-5 pounds but can top 60 pounds. Look for them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up into brackish rivers. Jacks hunt in schools, often pushing bait to the surface in epic blitzes. Spring through fall is prime time as water warms. Anglers love jacks for their relentless fighting spirit - they just don't quit. They're not known for eating quality, but the pure power makes up for it. Topwater lures, spoons, or live bait all work well. Here's a local secret: watch for diving birds. That often means jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Motor upwind of the action, cut the engine, and drift into casting range. When you hook up, hang on tight - these guys can empty a spool in seconds if you're not careful.
Snook are a prized inshore gamefish that'll keep you on your toes. These silver-sided bruisers average 24-28 inches but can reach over 40 inches. Look for them lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlets - they love structure. Snook feed most actively at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Their hard-fighting nature and acrobatic leaps make them a blast to catch. Anglers love targeting snook for the challenge and their excellent table fare. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works great, but artificial lures can be deadly too. One local tip: when you see snook busting bait on the surface, cast a topwater plug right into the fray for explosive strikes. Just be ready to tighten that drag - these fish pull hard and will wrap you around pilings in a heartbeat if you let 'em.
Ladyfish may be small, but they punch above their weight class. These skinny, silver speedsters average 12-20 inches long. You'll find them schooling in coastal waters, inlets, and estuaries year-round. Ladyfish are lightning-fast and acrobatic, often skipping across the surface when hooked. Anglers love targeting them on light tackle for non-stop action. They're not great eating, but make excellent cut bait for other species. Small jigs, spoons, or live shrimp all work well. Pro tip: when you find a school of ladyfish, cast past them and retrieve quickly through the school. Their competitive nature often triggers a feeding frenzy. It's a great way to introduce kids or new anglers to the sport - these little fighters will keep the rods bent all day long.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Florida's coastal waters. These prehistoric beasts average 4-5 feet long but can top 8 feet and 280 pounds. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in deeper channels, along beaches, and in coastal rivers. Spring and early summer are prime tarpon time as they migrate through. Anglers prize tarpon for their spectacular aerial displays - these fish will launch completely out of the water when hooked. It's all catch-and-release, so the thrill is in the fight. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but fly fishing for tarpon is the ultimate challenge. One key tip: when a tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to the water. This "bows to the king" move helps keep the hook set. Be ready for a long battle - landing a big tarpon can take over an hour of back-breaking work.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300