Ready to spend a day chasing fins and grins on the waters of Jensen Beach? Captain Ed Zyak's 8-hour charter is your ticket to some of the best inshore and nearshore fishing Florida has to offer. Whether you're itching to tangle with a hard-fighting snook or dreaming of landing your first tarpon, this trip's got you covered. We'll hit both the shallow backwaters and venture out to where the big boys play, giving you a shot at a mixed bag that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Kick things off bright and early as we load up the boat with everything you need for a full day of fishing action. Captain Ed's got all the gear and licenses sorted, so you just need to bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat. We'll start by hitting some prime inshore spots, working the mangroves and grass flats for snook and redfish. As the day heats up, we might run offshore a bit to chase bonito and jacks. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – we go where the bite is hot, adapting to conditions to put you on the fish.
On this trip, you'll get to try your hand at a variety of fishing techniques. We might start off sight fishing in the shallows, using light tackle to entice a wary redfish. Later, we could switch to live bait fishing for snook around dock pilings or bridges. If we venture nearshore, you might find yourself jigging for bonito or throwing topwater lures for aggressive jacks. Captain Ed's always happy to share his local knowledge, so don't be shy about asking for tips on your technique. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you'll pick up some new tricks that'll serve you well long after the trip's over.
While every day on the water is different, we've been seeing some real beauties lately. Snook fishing has been on fire, with several slot-sized fish coming to the boat each trip. The redfish have been tailing on the flats during the early mornings, providing some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. And for those looking for a real workout, the tarpon have been rolling through, offering chances at hooking into the silver king. Remember, it's not just about size – the variety of species we target makes every cast an adventure.
Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the crown jewels of inshore fishing in Jensen Beach. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook will test your skills and your gear. We target them year-round, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Look for them lurking around structure, ready to ambush any bait that comes their way.
Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate gamefish for many anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 100 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, powerful runs. Spring and early summer are prime time for tarpon in our waters, but we can find them year-round if conditions are right. Hooking one is thrilling; landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these speedsters punch well above their weight class. Bonito are like miniature tuna, providing fast-paced action when we venture into nearshore waters. They're great fun on light tackle and make excellent bait for larger predators. We often find them in schools, so when we hook up, get ready for multiple rods to start singing.
Redfish: With their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish are a favorite target for many inshore anglers. They can be found tailing in shallow water, often giving us the chance for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Reds are known for their strong, steady fights and are excellent table fare if you're looking to take a fish home for dinner.
Crevalle Jack: If you're after a fish that pulls like a freight train, the crevalle jack is your ticket. These bruisers often hunt in schools, crashing bait on the surface and providing non-stop action when we find them. Jacks aren't known for their table quality, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.
It's not just about the fish – though they're a big part of it. Folks come back to fish with Captain Ed because of the whole package. You're not just a customer; you're part of the crew for the day. The knowledge you'll gain, the stories you'll hear, and the memories you'll make are what turn first-timers into regulars. Plus, with the ever-changing conditions and migrating patterns of our fish, no two trips are ever the same. There's always something new to experience, whether it's a personal best catch or a stunning sunset over the water.
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Jensen Beach has to offer, don't wait to book your trip. With only three spots available per charter, these full-day adventures tend to fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a solo angler looking to hone your skills or a small group wanting to share the thrill of the catch, this 8-hour trip is the perfect way to dive into the local fishing scene. Remember, all gear and licenses are provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture your trophy catches. Ready to make some waves and create fishing stories you'll be telling for years? Give Captain Ed a call and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Tight lines and see you out there!
Atlantic Bonito are like mini tunas, typically 5-10 pounds but can reach up to 30 inches. You'll spot them chasing bait schools near the surface, often giving themselves away with bird activity overhead. These speedsters can hit 40 mph, making for some exciting fishing when they're around. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Bonito put up a great fight on light tackle and make excellent bait for larger gamefish. To catch them, look for feeding frenzies and cast small, shiny lures into the action. A fast retrieve often triggers strikes. They're not considered great table fare locally, but they're a blast to catch. Here's a local secret: if you see them finning on the surface, try skipping a small spoon across the water - they can't resist it.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of these waters, usually 5-15 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them busting bait schools in both inshore and nearshore areas. These aggressive fighters are known for their powerful runs and never-say-die attitude. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Jacks aren't known for their eating quality, but they're a blast to catch. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Fast-moving lures like topwater plugs or metal jigs work great. When you hook one, hold on tight - they pull like freight trains. A local trick: if you see a school feeding on the surface, cast past them and retrieve quickly through the school. The competition often triggers explosive strikes.
Redfish are a staple in our waters, usually weighing 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in mangrove creeks. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round. Redfish are known for their copper color and distinctive tail spot. They're popular for both their fight and their excellent taste on the table. Live shrimp or cut bait works well, but artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics are also effective. When sight fishing, make long, accurate casts to avoid spooking them. Here's a tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. It's an exciting way to target them.
Snook are a prized catch around Jensen Beach, usually hanging out near structures like mangroves, docks, and bridges. They typically range from 5-15 pounds but can get up to 30+ pounds. These ambush predators are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Look for them year-round, but the best action is spring through fall. Snook love live bait like pilchards or pinfish, but they'll also hit artificial lures. When targeting them, cast close to structure and be ready for a hard hit. Snook can be finicky, so matching your presentation to the natural bait in the area is key. Remember, they've got razor-sharp gill plates, so handle with care. A local trick: fish the outgoing tide for your best shot at hooking into a big one.
Tarpon are the silver kings of these waters, growing up to 80-100 pounds on average but capable of topping 200. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and along the beaches, especially during their spring and summer migrations. These prehistoric fish are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the fight - they're not typically kept for eating. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but artificial lures and flies can be effective too. Patience is key when targeting tarpon. Wait for them to show themselves, then make a precise cast. Once hooked up, be prepared for a long battle. Pro tip: use a bow-and-arrow technique when they jump to give them slack and prevent them from throwing the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200