As we venture into the first part of 2025, the waters around Ponce Inlet are beginning their annual transformation. The cold, quiet days of winter are giving way to warmer temperatures, and with this change comes the return of the spectacular gamefish that make our region a world-class fishing destination.

During winter and early spring, most of our charters focus on the protected waters just south of Ponce Inlet in the renowned Mosquito Lagoon area. This productive fishery provides excellent opportunities even during cooler months, but as late April and May approach, something magical happens.

The water temperature begins its steady climb, triggering one of nature's most exciting spectacles for anglers. Baitfish schools return in abundance, and with them come the predators that make our hearts race and rods bend.

Spring signals the arrival of our region's most sought-after gamefish:
Tarpon - The "Silver King" returns to our waters, providing heart-pounding action with spectacular aerial displays. There's nothing quite like watching a 100+ pound tarpon launch itself completely out of the water while connected to your line.
Snook - These ambush predators move into the inlet and backwaters, offering both challenging and rewarding fishing experiences. Their explosive strikes and powerful runs make them a favorite among sport fishermen.
Jack Crevalle - Pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. When jacks blast through a school of bait, the surface eruption is something you won't forget.
False Albacore Tuna - These speedsters provide some of the fastest runs you'll experience in inshore waters. When they're around, light tackle and fly fishermen are in for a real treat.
Redfish - While available year-round, spring sees larger schools forming and feeding more aggressively. From tailing fish in shallow flats to bruiser bulls in deeper water, redfish offer diverse fishing opportunities.

The maze of mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats that make up our backcountry waters provides the perfect habitat for these gamefish. As your guide, I'll take you through hidden creeks and secluded coves that many anglers never discover. These pristine environments not only offer exceptional fishing but also showcase the natural beauty and wildlife that make our ecosystem so special.

What separates a good fishing trip from an unforgettable one is knowledge, passion, and local experience. As a Florida native born and raised on these waters, I bring over 25 years of experience to every charter.

My journey began in Port Orange, where I grew up in a house on the water and received my first boat at age 10. While other kids were playing video games, I was exploring the waterways, learning the patterns of fish movement, and developing the skills that would later become my livelihood.

When I was old enough to drive, every free moment was spent on Mosquito Lagoon, Ponce Inlet, and the Indian River Lagoon. This wasn't just recreation—it was an education that can't be taught, only lived. I developed a particular passion for fly fishing, honing techniques that challenge even experienced anglers.

Today, I still live on the water and fish daily. This isn't just my job; it's my lifestyle. When you book with Ponce Inlet Fishing Charters, you're not just getting a guide—you're getting a lifetime of local knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing these special waters with others.

Peak spring fishing dates book quickly, especially for prime tarpon season. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to check a bucket-list fish off your list or a family wanting to experience the thrill of Florida's inshore fishing, now is the time to secure your spot.

Contact Ponce Inlet Fishing Charters today, and let's make this spring fishing season one you'll never forget.

Capt. Billy Rotne
Ponce Inlet Fishing Charters

When it comes to world-class inshore fishing destinations in Florida, Ponce Inlet stands head and shoulders above the rest. Located where the Halifax River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Ponce Inlet offers anglers an incredible variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. Our Ponce Inlet fishing charter specializes in navigating these productive waters and putting clients on fish consistently, no matter the season.

Ponce Inlet fishing charters provide access to a unique ecosystem where fresh and saltwater mix, creating the perfect environment for numerous gamefish species to thrive. The inlet itself serves as a highway for migratory fish, while the surrounding backwaters, flats, and channels each offer their own distinct fishing experiences.

What makes Ponce Inlet fishing charters so popular is the diversity of catches available within a short distance. On any given day, our Ponce Inlet fishing charter might target redfish prowling the shallow flats, snook lurking around structure, spotted seatrout over grass beds, or tarpon cruising the deeper channels. The fishing opportunities in Ponce Inlet change with tides, seasons, and weather conditions, making every trip a unique adventure.

Spring and summer are particularly exciting times for Ponce Inlet fishing charters. As water temperatures rise, the inlet comes alive with activity. Baitfish pour into the area, followed closely by predators like tarpon, jack crevalle, and snook. During these months, our Ponce Inlet fishing charter clients often experience non-stop action with multiple species in a single outing.

Fall brings its own rewards to Ponce Inlet fishing. The famous "fall mullet run" transforms the waters around Ponce Inlet into a feeding frenzy. During this time, booking a Ponce Inlet fishing charter gives you front-row seats to one of nature's most impressive spectacles as gamefish gorge themselves on the migrating baitfish.

Even winter offers excellent opportunities for Ponce Inlet fishing charters. While many northern fishing destinations shut down during colder months, our Ponce Inlet waters remain productive year-round. Redfish, black drum, and sheepshead become primary targets during winter, providing steady action when other fisheries slow down.

What sets our Ponce Inlet fishing charter apart is our intimate knowledge of these waters. Having spent thousands of hours exploring every creek, flat, and channel in and around Ponce Inlet, we know exactly where to find fish as conditions change. Our Ponce Inlet fishing charter captains monitor tides, weather patterns, and seasonal migrations to ensure clients experience the best fishing possible.

The equipment provided on our Ponce Inlet fishing charter is always top-notch and specifically chosen for the type of fishing we'll be doing. Whether we're sight fishing for redfish with light tackle or targeting larger species around Ponce Inlet's jetties, we provide the perfect tools for the job.

Conservation is also a priority for our Ponce Inlet fishing charter. We practice catch and release for many species, ensuring that Ponce Inlet's fishery remains healthy for future generations. Our captains are happy to photograph your catches before carefully releasing them back into Ponce Inlet's waters.

Families are always welcome on our Ponce Inlet fishing charters. There's nothing more rewarding than introducing young anglers to the thrill of fishing in Ponce Inlet. Capt. Billy creates a fun, educational environment that kids and parents alike will remember for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check species off your bucket list or a novice wanting to experience the thrill of inshore fishing, a Ponce Inlet fishing charter delivers unforgettable experiences. The waters of Ponce Inlet hold countless fishing stories waiting to be created — book your Ponce Inlet fishing charter today and start writing yours.

Don't miss out on experiencing some of Florida's finest inshore fishing. Contact us now to reserve your Ponce Inlet fishing charter and discover why locals and visitors alike consider Ponce Inlet a true angler's paradise.