Looking to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Ed Zyak's full-day charter out of Jensen Beach is your ticket to hooking into some serious action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 8-hour trip offers the perfect blend of instruction and hands-on fishing time. You'll be targeting the area's most sought-after species like snook, tarpon, and redfish, with opportunities to tangle with hard-fighting Atlantic bonito and crevalle jack in the mix. The best part? Captain Ed takes care of all the details - from licenses to gear - so you can focus on what matters: catching fish.
As soon as you step aboard Captain Ed's boat, you'll feel the excitement building. The day kicks off early, taking advantage of those prime morning hours when the fish are most active. You'll cruise through Jensen Beach's diverse waterways, from sheltered mangrove shorelines to nearshore reefs teeming with life. Cap'n Ed's years of local knowledge mean you'll be hitting the hotspots where the big ones lurk. Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced angler looking to refine your technique, Ed's got you covered with personalized instruction tailored to your skill level. Expect a mix of different fishing methods throughout the day - you might start off sight-casting to tailing redfish, then switch gears to work some topwater lures for explosive snook strikes.
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with a variety of inshore fishing techniques. Depending on the conditions and target species, you might find yourself live-baiting with pilchards for tarpon, working soft plastics along mangrove edges for snook, or using cut bait to entice those hard-pulling jacks. Captain Ed is a pro at reading the water and adjusting tactics on the fly to put you on fish. He'll show you the finer points of presenting baits, setting the hook, and playing fish effectively. Don't be surprised if you pick up some local tips and tricks that'll up your fishing game long after the trip is over. All the gear is top-notch and provided for you - from light tackle setups for finesse fishing to heavier rods ready to handle those bruiser jacks and bonito when they come crashing through.
It's not just the quality of fishing that keeps folks booking with Captain Ed year after year. His laid-back, approachable style makes everyone feel at ease on the boat. He's got a knack for explaining things clearly without talking down to anyone, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. Plus, his enthusiasm for the local fishery is contagious - you can't help but get pumped up when he spots a school of tarpon rolling or points out a snook's ambush spot. The flexible nature of the trip means you can really dial in on what interests you most, whether that's learning new techniques, targeting a specific species, or just soaking up the beautiful Jensen Beach scenery while you wait for the next bite.
Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the rock stars of Florida's inshore scene. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook offer an adrenaline-pumping fight that'll test your skills. They love to hang around structure, so expect to do some precision casting along mangroves and dock pilings. Spring and fall are prime times to target big breeders as they move in and out of the inlets.
Tarpon: The "silver king" is the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other when hooked. Targeting tarpon is often a game of patience and precision, but when it all comes together, it's an experience you'll never forget. Late spring through summer is usually the best time to find big schools of tarpon in the Jensen Beach area.
Redfish: With their copper-colored scales and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are both beautiful and challenging quarry. They're known for their powerful runs and dogged fights, especially around structure. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an exciting technique you might get to try. These fish can be caught year-round, but fall tends to be particularly good as they school up.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their smaller size fool you - these speedsters punch well above their weight class when it comes to fighting ability. Often found in nearshore waters, bonito make blistering runs and are a blast on light tackle. They're usually more abundant in the cooler months, offering great action when some other species slow down.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a true test of strength, hooking into a big jack crevalle will do the trick. These bruisers are pure muscle and can turn a calm day of fishing into an all-out battle in seconds. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Jacks can be caught year-round but tend to be most active in warmer months.
A day on the water with Captain Ed Zyak is more than just a fishing trip - it's a chance to learn from a local expert, experience the beauty of Jensen Beach's diverse ecosystem, and create some lasting memories. Whether you're aiming to catch your personal best, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the Florida sun, this full-day charter delivers. With all the gear provided and Captain Ed's wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't miss out on your chance to get in on the action. Give Captain Ed a call and lock in your date for an unforgettable day of inshore fishing in Jensen Beach. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner!
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of inshore waters, usually running 5-15 pounds around Jensen Beach. These aggressive fish hunt in wolf packs, so when you find one, get ready for non-stop action. Look for jacks busting bait on the surface - you can't miss the feeding frenzy. They'll hit just about anything that moves, from topwater plugs to jigs. Jacks put up a bruising fight, often making blistering runs that'll test your drag. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they follow bait schools. One local tip: watch for diving birds to locate feeding jacks. These fish aren't known for table fare, but they're a blast to catch and release. When a school of jacks shows up, it's like saltwater chaos - hang on tight and enjoy the ride.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing - spooky, selective, and a blast to catch. Around Jensen Beach, they typically run 15-30 pounds. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising near shore, often in small groups. Spring and fall are your best shots as water temps change. Permit have amazing eyesight and are notoriously picky eaters. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but fly anglers score with crab patterns too. These fish fight like freight trains, so sturdy gear is a must. The real challenge is getting them to eat - a perfectly placed cast is crucial. One trick: look for dark shapes following stingrays, as permit often trail them to snatch up disturbed crabs. Landing a permit is a true accomplishment, and the fight will have your heart racing. Just remember to revive them well before release.
Redfish are a staple target in Jensen Beach, usually ranging from 18-30 inches inshore. You'll spot their copper backs and signature tail spots in shallow flats, often tailing in just inches of water. These bulldogs pull hard and don't quit, making for great sport on light tackle. Fall is prime time as reds school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. They love crustaceans, so a well-placed crab or shrimp bait is deadly. For artificials, gold spoons or scented soft plastics do the trick. One local tip: on sunny days, look for pushes of water or mud boils to find feeding reds. They spook easy in clear shallows, so a stealthy approach is key. Once hooked, let 'em run to avoid break-offs. Redfish make excellent table fare too, so they're the total package for inshore anglers.
Snook are a prized inshore catch around Jensen Beach, typically running 24-36 inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlets where they ambush bait. These powerful fish put up an amazing fight, with explosive runs and acrobatic jumps. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temperatures change. Snook are structure-oriented, so cast tight to cover. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish work great, but artificial lures can be deadly too. Try walking a topwater plug at first light for heart-stopping strikes. Remember, snook can be leader-shy in clear water, so go with fluorocarbon. The meat is excellent eating, but pay attention to size and seasonal regulations. For best results, work moving tides around structure and keep your bait in the strike zone.
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish - massive silver missiles that'll test your tackle and your nerves. Around Jensen Beach, we see 'em from 20 to over 100 pounds. They love to roll on the surface, giving away their location. Look for tarpon in deeper channels and cuts, especially on incoming tides. Spring and early summer are prime, with fish moving through on their migration. Tarpon put on an aerial show when hooked, so hang on tight and keep that rod tip up. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but nothing beats the thrill of a tarpon crush on a topwater plug. These fish have rock-hard mouths, so a sharp hook and strong hookset are crucial. Patience is key - sometimes you'll see hundreds before getting an eat. But when that silver king goes airborne, you'll be hooked for life.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200