Sebastian Fishing Charters
Sebastian fishing charters work the Indian River Lagoon, Sebastian Inlet, and nearshore Atlantic waters for redfish, snook, seatrout, tarpon, and grouper.
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Top Rated Charters in Sebastian
Sebastian, FL Fishing Guide
Sebastian sits right on the Indian River Lagoon, with direct access to Sebastian Inlet, one of Florida’s best-known fishing passes. Most charters run half-day or full-day trips, with some captains offering inlet-specific snook trips or seasonal nearshore runs for kingfish and cobia. The fishery itself is diverse — shallow grass flats inside the lagoon, mangrove shorelines, spoil islands, and deep channels all produce, while the Inlet’s jetties and tide rips are prime ambush spots. Offshore, reefs and ledges within 10–20 miles hold snapper, grouper, and pelagics depending on the season.
Running distances are short compared to many parts of Florida. From the main launch at Sebastian Inlet State Park, captains can fish inshore structure within minutes or be outside the Inlet in less than a mile. Other launch points include Wabasso Causeway Park and Main Street Boat Ramp in Sebastian, which give access to the Lagoon.
Seasonal patterns are well defined. Winter and spring bring sheepshead and black drum inshore, while summer is prime for snook and tarpon around the Inlet. Redfish and spotted seatrout are year-round staples, best targeted with live shrimp, mullet, or artificial soft plastics. Offshore action picks up in warmer months with mahi and kingfish pushing close, and captains may troll or drift live baits along reef edges. Fly anglers find consistent shots at redfish and seatrout in the Lagoon’s grass flats, especially on calm mornings.
Nearby waters also play a role. The St. Sebastian River, feeding into the Lagoon, is a reliable spot for seasonal tarpon and freshwater species like largemouth bass. North or south, anglers can run toward Melbourne or Fort Pierce for extended offshore trips, but most charters based out of Sebastian keep things local thanks to the rich variety available right at the Inlet. Fishing here is about reading tides, bait movement, and seasonal weather shifts — the fishery rewards captains who know how to adjust daily.
Fishing Seasons in Sebastian
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Sebastian brings warming water and strong bait runs through Sebastian Inlet. Snook start becoming more active on moving tides, especially with live pilchards or pinfish fished along the jetty rocks. Redfish hold around docks and mangroves, while seatrout stage on grass flats in 2–4 feet. Offshore, dolphin (mahi) begin showing up as waters push into the 70s, with captains trolling ballyhoo or rigged mullet just a few miles offshore. This season is also a favorite for sheepshead and black drum inshore, still holding tight to structure before tapering off into summer.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is peak snook season in Sebastian. The Inlet’s tide shifts concentrate them at the jetties, and night trips targeting snook under bridge lights or outgoing tides are popular. Tarpon roll in the Lagoon and off the beaches, with live mullet or crabs doing the work. Offshore, kingfish stack up along the reef edges, often within 10 miles of the Inlet. Mahi numbers increase farther out, while bottom fishing for mangrove and mutton snapper gets strong. Calm summer mornings are prime for fly fishing the Lagoon’s redfish and trout, though midday heat pushes fish deeper.
Fall (September–November)
Fall sees another major mullet run, with schools pushing through Sebastian Inlet and drawing predators in thick. Snook and tarpon gorge on them, making for explosive fishing around tide rips. Redfish feed aggressively along drop-offs and spoil islands, while seatrout shift back to shallow grass edges with cooler water. Offshore, sailfish start appearing along with wahoo, and trolling live baits produces. Fall is also a strong time for flounder around the Inlet’s sandy drop-offs, especially for anglers drifting mud minnows or finger mullet. Many charters adjust to follow these bait migrations, as nearly every species is keyed in on them.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing in Sebastian slows offshore but remains consistent inshore. Sheepshead and black drum dominate structure fishing, with fiddler crabs and shrimp the preferred baits. Seatrout concentrate in deeper holes of the Lagoon and along channel edges, where jigging soft plastics works best. Redfish can still be found tailing on warmer afternoons in shallow flats. Offshore trips run less frequently due to wind and seas, but when conditions allow, snapper and grouper remain targets. Captains often shorten trips this time of year, focusing on protected Lagoon waters and the Inlet where tidal movement keeps fish active even in colder stretches.
Gamefish in Sebastian
- Snook – 20–40 inches. Caught at Sebastian Inlet jetties on live mullet or jigs, best in summer and fall.
- Redfish – 18–30 inches. Found year-round on Lagoon flats, spoil islands, and Inlet drop-offs, usually with live shrimp or cut bait.
- Spotted Seatrout – 15–28 inches. Grass flats and channels in the Lagoon, peak in spring and fall on soft plastics or topwaters.
- Tarpon – 40–120 pounds. Summer and fall along the beaches and St. Sebastian River, targeted with live mullet or crabs.
- Sheepshead – 12–18 inches. Winter mainstay, caught on shrimp or fiddler crabs around docks and jetty pilings.
- Black Drum – 5–20 pounds. Winter and spring in the Inlet and channels, biting shrimp and crab baits.
- King Mackerel – 10–25 pounds. Summer offshore runs, caught trolling or drifting live baits along reef edges.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–25 pounds. Spring and summer offshore, best on trolled rigged baits a few miles past the Inlet.
Sebastian Fishing FAQs
Where do most fishing charters in Sebastian depart from?
Most charters launch out of Sebastian Inlet State Park for quick access to the ocean, while others use ramps at Wabasso Causeway or Main Street to target the Lagoon.
What trip lengths are common in Sebastian?
Half-day trips focus on Lagoon or Inlet fishing, while full-day charters often combine inshore and nearshore runs. Offshore reef trips may run full-day to cover more ground.
Do charters provide fishing gear?
Yes, local captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly fishing gear is also available upon request, especially for Lagoon trips.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter in Sebastian?
No, customers fishing aboard licensed charters are covered under the captain’s permit. Anglers fishing independently will need a Florida fishing license.
What’s the best time of year to fish Sebastian?
Summer and fall are prime for snook and tarpon around Sebastian Inlet, while winter and spring offer steady action for sheepshead, black drum, and trout.
What techniques are most common here?
Live bait fishing dominates around the Inlet, while soft plastics, topwaters, and fly tackle shine in the Lagoon. Offshore trips use trolling, drifting, and bottom rigs.
What species can I expect on a half-day trip?
Most half-day charters in Sebastian target redfish, seatrout, and snook inshore, with sheepshead and black drum common in winter months.
Can charters accommodate larger groups?
Most boats in Sebastian are center consoles suited for 2–4 anglers, though some larger vessels can handle groups of 6. Private trips are the standard.
Are there specialty trips offered in Sebastian?
Yes, many captains offer night fishing trips for snook at Sebastian Inlet, as well as seasonal tarpon runs and fly fishing excursions in the Lagoon.