Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple of Melbourne’s inshore waters. Whether tailing on the flats or cruising the mangroves, they hit hard and pull harder.
When to Catch:
Available year-round, with fall offering some of the best big bull red action.
How We Fish:
We sight-cast with live or dead shrimp and soft plastics. These fish don’t quit and are a favorite for both beginners and veterans.
Table Quality:
Slot-size redfish are great on the grill, but are currently closed in the Indian and Banana River Lagoon Systems.
Snook
Known for their explosive runs and acrobatic jumps, Snook are one of the most exciting inshore game fish to catch near Melbourne in the Lagoons. They love structure—docks, mangroves, bridges—and strike with power.
When to Catch:
Best targeted in spring through early fall, especially around warm water and moving tides.
How We Fish:
Live bait, plus artificials for a thrilling strike. Snook demand skill, and they fight hard to the end.
Catch and Release:
Most snook fall into strict slot regulations or closed seasons—making catch-and-release a common (and rewarding) practice.
Tarpon
If you’re looking for the ultimate trophy catch in Florida’s inshore waters, nothing compares to the Tarpon. Known as the "Silver King," these giants are famous for their breathtaking jumps, explosive strikes, and sheer strength. Hooking into a tarpon is a heart-pounding experience—and landing one is a memory that lasts a lifetime.
Where We Find Them:
Around Sebastian Inlet, the beaches, and deep channels of the Indian River Lagoon, tarpon show up in strong numbers from late spring through early fall. Early mornings and calm conditions are prime time for spotting rolling fish and setting up the perfect cast.
How We Fish for Tarpon:
We use live bait, often sight-fishing when conditions allow. These fish can reach over 100 lbs and will test every part of your gear—and your patience. Expect powerful runs, long battles, and epic jumps that leave you speechless.
Catch and Release:
Tarpon are a strictly catch-and-release species in Florida, and for good reason. They’re a valuable sport fish and protected by law. We practice responsible handling to ensure these incredible fish swim off strong after the fight.
Spotted Sea Trout
The Spotted Sea Trout, also known as speckled trout, is one of the most popular inshore game fish in the Melbourne area. Found throughout the Indian River Lagoon and nearby flats, they’re known for aggressive strikes, beautiful markings, and delicious fillets.
Why Anglers Love Them:
Spotted sea trout are fun to catch on light tackle and are often found in shallow grass flats, sand holes, and near mangroves—making them ideal targets for sight casting and topwater action.
Best Time to Catch:
These fish are available year-round, with some of the best action in spring and fall, especially in the early morning or late evening hours.
How We Target Them:
We use live bait like shrimp or croakers, as well as soft plastics and topwater lures. Trout are known for quick hits and exciting surface strikes.
Great Table Fare:
They’re one of the tastiest inshore fish around, with mild, flaky white meat that’s perfect for the pan or grill.
Ready to catch a Space Coast speckled beauty?
Book your Melbourne fishing charter today and let’s find the trout bite!
Sheepshead
Don’t let their teeth fool you—Sheepshead are one of the most challenging (and tastiest) inshore fish you can catch around Melbourne and the Space Coast. Known for their black-and-white vertical stripes and sneaky bite, these crafty fish hang out around pilings, bridges, seawalls, and rocky structure.
Why They’re Popular:
Sheepshead are notorious bait thieves, making them a fun challenge even for experienced anglers. But hook one, and you’ll enjoy a strong, scrappy fight—and some of the best-eating fish in Florida waters.
When to Catch Them:
The bite peaks in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when big fish move inshore to spawn. Perfect for wintertime fishing around docks and structure.
How We Fish:
We use fiddler crabs, shrimp, or sand fleas on light tackle to entice these smart feeders. Patience and precision are key—they’re quick to strike and quicker to spit the hook if you’re not ready.
Excellent Table Fare:
Sheepshead have firm, white fillets with a mild, sweet flavor—perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Easily one of the best fish to take home for dinner.
Black Drum
The Black Drum is one of the strongest inshore fish you can catch in the Melbourne area. Found in the Banana and Indian River Lagoons around local bridges and docks, these bottom-dwellers put up a serious fight and offer an exciting challenge for all anglers.
What To Expect:
Ranging from smaller, great-eating “puppy drum” to massive 40–50 lb bruisers, Black Drum are best targeted from late fall through early spring, when they gather in schools around deep structure.
How We Catch Them:
We use live shrimp, blue crab, or cut bait on the bottom to draw in these slow, heavy-hitting fish. When a big one bites, you’ll feel it.
Eat or Release:
Smaller drum are excellent on the grill, while larger fish are typically released to help sustain the population.
Book your Melbourne fishing charter today and go head-to-head with one of Florida’s toughest inshore fighters!
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