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Looking to dip your toes into the world of Florida fishing? You've come to the right place. This 4-hour inshore trip with Captain Rob is tailor-made for newbies and families who want to experience the thrill of catching fish without feeling overwhelmed. We'll cruise the rich waters around Fort Pierce and the St. Lucie Inlet, hitting up some of the best spots for snook, tarpon, and other local favorites. Don't sweat the gear - we've got you covered with all the equipment, bait, and licenses you'll need. It's just you, your group, and the fish, with Cap'n Rob showing you the ropes every step of the way.
This isn't your grandpa's boring fishing trip. We'll be zipping around to different fishing hotspots, from mangrove-lined shores to grassy flats and deep channels. Each spot offers a chance at different species, keeping things interesting. You'll learn the basics of casting, setting the hook, and reeling in your catch. And don't worry if you've never held a rod before - Captain Rob's got the patience of a saint and will have you fishing like a pro in no time. We keep the groups small, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. Oh, and when you land that first fish? The look on your face will be priceless.
We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. You might start off with a simple bobber rig, perfect for beginners to get a feel for the bite. As you get more comfortable, we might switch to soft plastics or even try some topwater lures - there's nothing quite like seeing a snook explode on a surface bait. We'll adjust our techniques based on the tides, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. It's all about being flexible and having fun. And don't worry about getting your hands dirty - Captain Rob will handle the bait and unhook your catches if you're not ready to dive in just yet.
"Absolutely fantastic time on the Skagit River fishing for Sockeye Salmon. Rob was a great host and excellent guide. Throughly enjoyed the trip and the burgers he made for us in the boat on the river! His "deckhand" Lottie was a fantastic boat mascot. Can't wait to come back next year!" - Mark
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," these acrobatic fish are a bucket-list catch for many anglers. They're famous for their spectacular leaps and powerful runs. In Fort Pierce, we typically see juvenile tarpon in the 10-30 pound range, which are perfect for beginners to handle. They love to hang around bridges and deep channels, especially during the warmer months. When a tarpon takes your bait, hold on tight - the fight is on!
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): While we're inshore fishing, we might luck into some smaller mahi that have ventured close to the inlet. These colorful fish are known for their beautiful blue-green and gold coloration. They're fast swimmers and great fighters on light tackle. Mahi are also excellent eating fish, so if you catch a legal-sized one, you might just have dinner sorted!
Ladyfish: Often called the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are like mini versions of their larger cousins. They're super fun to catch on light tackle and great for kids or beginners. Ladyfish are known for their acrobatic leaps and speedy runs. While they're not considered good eating, they're a blast to catch and release. You'll find them in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more!
Crevalle Jack: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the inshore waters. Jacks are known for their powerful runs and never-say-die attitude. They're often found in schools, crashing bait on the surface - a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Crevalle jacks aren't prized for their eating quality, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse, as they tend to lie in wait and ambush their prey. When you feel that distinctive 'thump' on your line, it's game on! Flounder are excellent eating fish, with firm, white meat that's a favorite among seafood lovers.
So, ready to wet a line and make some memories? This half-day trip is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course) in the world of Florida fishing. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to a new hobby, want a fun activity for your vacation, or just need a break from the daily grind, Captain Rob's got you covered. Remember, all the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture your big catch. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite pastime. Let's get you out on the water and start making some fishing stories of your own!
November 11, 2024
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach up to 60. Look for them around structure like jetties, bridges, and in open bays. They're most active in warmer months, often schooling up and pushing bait to the surface. Jacks are prized for their aggressive strikes and stamina - hooking one is like being tied to a freight train. They're not great table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. To find jacks, watch for birds diving or bait spraying on the surface. Throw topwater plugs or silver spoons into the fray and hang on tight. A local trick: when you see a school feeding, cast beyond them and retrieve fast through the edges. Jacks can't resist chasing down a fleeing bait.

Ladyfish, or poor man's tarpon, are the perfect warm-up act for beginners and light tackle enthusiasts. These slender, silvery fish usually run 1-3 pounds and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. You'll find them in our inshore waters year-round, especially in bays, along beaches, and in coastal streams. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun and easy to catch. Ladyfish aren't prized for eating, but they're great sport on light gear. Their leaping, skipping fights can rival fish twice their size. To catch them, try small jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the bait with quick, jerky retrieves to trigger strikes. One tip: use a long-shanked hook to avoid cutoffs from their sharp teeth. Ladyfish make excellent cut bait for other species, so keep a few if you're after bigger game.

Mahi mahi are the acrobats of the open ocean, known for their vibrant colors and high-flying antics. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though they can get much bigger. You'll find them offshore, often around floating debris or weed lines. Summer and fall are peak seasons when the water warms up. Mahi are a blast to catch - they fight hard, jump like crazy, and light up with electric blue and green colors when excited. Plus, they're excellent eating. To catch them, keep an eye out for frigate birds diving - that's often a sign of mahi feeding below. Troll with ballyhoo or throw out live bait near floating structure. Once you hook one, keep the fish coming - others in the school will often follow it to the boat, giving you a shot at multiple hookups.

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in our inshore waters. These flatfish typically range from 2-5 pounds, with some reaching up to 20. You'll find them year-round on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, estuaries, and near shore waters. They're most active in fall as they move towards deeper water to spawn. Flounder are popular for both their fight and their excellent table quality. Catching them requires a bit of finesse - they often lie in wait to ambush prey. Try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like mullet or shrimp along bottom contours. A local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook immediately. Give the flounder time to turn the bait in its mouth. Count to three, then reel down and lift. It's a unique style of fishing that can be addictive once you get the hang of it.

Tarpon are the giants of inshore fishing, reaching up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. These silver beasts are known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. You'll find them in our warm coastal waters, especially around mangroves and deep channels. Spring and summer are prime time, as they migrate through our area. Anglers love targeting tarpon for the sheer thrill - hooking one is like battling a submarine with fins. They're not great eating, so it's all about the fight and release. When you're hooked up, keep your rod tip high and be ready for some serious jumps. A local trick: watch for rolling fish early in the morning, then quietly present a live bait or fly. Patience is key - these fish can be finicky, but the payoff is worth it.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
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Absolutely fantastic time on the Skagit River fishing for Sockeye Salmon. Rob was a great host and excellent guide. Throughly enjoyed the trip and the burgers he made for us in the boat on the river! His "deckhand" Lottie was a fantastic boat mascot. Can't wait to come back next year!