Get ready for a full day of fishing and family bonding in the beautiful waters of Fort Pierce, Florida. Captain Geoff Horowitz knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all set to take you and your crew on an 8-hour adventure you won't forget. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is perfect for everyone in the family.
As soon as you step aboard Cap'n Geoff's boat, you'll feel right at home. We'll cruise out into the Indian River Lagoon, one of Florida's hidden gems for inshore fishing. The water's usually calm here, so it's great for kids and anyone who might get a bit queasy on choppy seas. You'll have plenty of room to cast your line and reel in some beauties like Sheepshead, Snapper, Snook, and Spotted Seatrout. Don't worry if you're new to this – Cap'n Geoff's got all the gear you need and he'll show you the ropes. Just bring your sunscreen, some snacks, and get ready for a day of laughs and "fish on!" moments.
Inshore fishing in Fort Pierce is all about variety. We might start off using live bait to entice some Snapper around the docks, then switch to artificial lures to trick those clever Seatrout in the grass flats. Cap'n Geoff's got a few secret spots where the big ones like to hide, and he'll teach you how to read the water and spot the signs of fish activity. You'll learn how to cast like a pro, set the hook just right, and maybe even how to throw a cast net if you're up for it. It's hands-on fun that'll have you feeling like a local angler in no time.
Fort Pierce is a year-round fishing paradise, but each season brings its own stars. In the warmer months, Snook are the talk of the town, hanging out near the mangroves and putting up a fight that'll test your skills. As the water cools down, the Spotted Seatrout become the main attraction, with their speckled bodies flashing in the sunlight as you reel them in. And let's not forget about the Sheepshead – those striped bandits with human-like teeth that are a blast to catch and make for some great family photos. No matter when you visit, Cap'n Geoff knows where the fish are biting and how to put you on them.
Snook are the rockstars of Fort Pierce waters. These sleek, powerful fish are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They love to hang out near structure, so we'll be targeting them around docks, mangrove roots, and bridges. The best time to catch these beauties is during the warmer months, especially at dawn or dusk. Snook can grow up to 40 inches long, and landing one is a real badge of honor for any angler.
Grey Snapper, also known as Mangrove Snapper, are the clever tricksters of the lagoon. These tasty fish are masters of the quick bite-and-run, so you'll need to be on your toes. They're around all year, but the fishing really heats up in the summer. Grey Snapper might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. Kids love catching these because they're plentiful and just the right size for young anglers to handle.
Sheepshead are the oddballs of our local waters, with their distinctive black and white stripes and those weird human-like teeth. These fish are experts at stealing bait, so catching them is a real test of skill. Winter is prime time for Sheepshead, as they gather around pilings and oyster beds. They're not the biggest fish out there, usually weighing in at 2-4 pounds, but they're a ton of fun to catch and great eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Sea Trout, or Spotted Seatrout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Fort Pierce. These speckled beauties are active year-round, but they really turn on in the cooler months. We'll be drifting over grass flats, using light tackle and artificial lures to entice them. Sea Trout are known for their soft mouths, so setting the hook just right is crucial. It's a great fish for teaching kids the art of finesse fishing.
Tripletail are the odd ducks of our inshore waters. These prehistoric-looking fish have a habit of floating on their sides near the surface, mimicking floating debris. We'll be scanning the water for them as we move between spots. Tripletail fishing is like a treasure hunt – spotting them is half the fun. They're around most of the year but are most common in the warmer months. Despite their strange appearance, they put up a great fight and are considered one of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
Folks who fish with Cap'n Geoff tend to make it a family tradition. It's not just about the fish – it's about the whole experience. You might see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, manatees lazily cruising by, or ospreys diving for their lunch. The lagoon is teeming with life, and every trip is different. Cap'n Geoff's laid-back style and wealth of local knowledge make for a day that's as educational as it is fun. Whether you're teaching your kids to bait a hook or trying to beat your personal best, there's something for everyone on these waters.
So there you have it, folks – a full day of fishing, fun, and family time in one of Florida's best-kept secrets. Cap'n Geoff's got the boat prepped, the rods ready, and a cooler full of ice waiting for your catch. All you need to do is round up the crew, grab some snacks, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or just want to spend some quality time together away from the screens, this Fort Pierce fishing trip is the ticket. Don't let this one get away – book your spot with Cap'n Geoff and get ready to make some waves and memories!
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These tasty fish usually run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structures. You'll find them near mangroves, reefs, and docks - anywhere there's cover and food. They're most active at night, so dawn and dusk are prime times. Anglers love targeting greys for their mild, flaky meat and the fun challenge of outwitting these wary fish. Live shrimp is hard to beat as bait, but small jigs and soft plastics work too. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale nibble, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it a bit, then reel down and pull. Grey snapper are masters at stealing bait, so you've got to outsmart them!
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are a favorite target in our shallow waters. These silvery predators usually run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them over grass flats, along channel edges, and around oyster bars. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures work great too. Here's a local tip: when you find a school, work the area thoroughly. Sea trout often hang in groups, so where there's one, there's likely more. Just remember to handle them gently if you're releasing - they're delicate fish.
Sheepshead are one of the oddballs of inshore fishing, but boy are they fun to catch. These striped "convict fish" typically run 14-20 inches and 1-8 pounds. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, bridges, reefs - where they use those weird human-like teeth to crunch barnacles and crustaceans. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons as they gather to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their tricky bite and excellent table fare. Fiddler crabs and shrimp are top baits. My best tip? Use a small, sharp hook and keep tension on your line. When you feel the slightest tap, set the hook hard. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick!
Snook are a favorite around here, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. These ambush predators typically run 24-34 inches and 5-15 pounds, though monsters over 40 inches do show up. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and other structures where they can hide and attack prey. Snook fishing really heats up in spring and fall as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. To hook one, try live bait like pilchards or pinfish, or lures that mimic their prey. My best tip? Work your bait or lure slowly and erratically near structure – snook can't resist an easy meal. Just be ready when they strike, because these fish hit hard and run fast!
Tripletail are one of the weirdest-looking fish you'll catch, but man are they fun. These odd flatfish typically run 15-25 inches and 2-15 pounds. You'll often spot them floating on their sides near buoys, channel markers, or floating debris, mimicking leaves. Summer is prime tripletail time as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and excellent table fare. Sight-fishing for tripletail is a blast - once you spot one, ease up and present a live shrimp or small crab. My best tip? Cast past the fish and slowly reel your bait past it. Tripletail are ambush predators, so make your bait look like an easy meal drifting by. When they pounce, hold on tight!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Johnson
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
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Horsepower per Engine: 115