Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Stuart, FL

Inshore Fishing with Shrimp Slingers Charters

Captain Jacob Ertle knows these Stuart waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard with Shrimp Slingers Fishing Charters, you're getting more than just a fishing trip—you're getting decades of local knowledge packed into one action-packed day. Stuart's got some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's east coast, and Jacob's going to put you right where the fish are feeding. Whether you're chasing your first snook or you've been working these flats for years, this top-rated charter adapts to your skill level and goals. Fair warning though: deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to what's bound to be an awesome day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

You'll be fishing with a maximum of three anglers, which means plenty of personal attention and room to work without bumping elbows. Jacob runs his operation out of Stuart, putting you within striking distance of some world-class inshore fishing grounds. The Indian River Lagoon system here is absolutely loaded with structure—oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and deeper channels where predator fish love to ambush baitfish. Expect to move around quite a bit during your trip as Jacob reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water, the next you could be working live bait around a dock or bridge. The beauty of inshore fishing in Stuart is the variety—you never know what's going to grab your line next.

Techniques and Tackle

Jacob's approach is hands-on and educational, so don't be surprised if he's constantly tweaking your technique or suggesting different presentations. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be using everything from live shrimp under popping corks to artificial lures like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and jigs. The gear is provided, but if you've got favorite rods or reels you like to fish with, most captains are cool with you bringing your own setup. Expect to do a mix of casting and drift fishing, with Jacob positioning the boat to give you the best shot at whatever species are most active that day. He's big on teaching proper fish handling too, especially with species like snook and tarpon that need to be released carefully to ensure their survival.

Top Catches This Season

Spanish Mackerel are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find in Stuart's nearshore waters. These silver bullets typically run between 1-3 pounds and are absolute speed demons once they feel the hook. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're suckers for fast-moving spoons and small jigs. What makes them such a customer favorite is their willingness to bite—even when other species are being finicky, the Spanish macs will usually cooperate. Plus, they're fantastic table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Stuart's got some of the best snook habitat on the east coast. These ambush predators love structure—docks, mangroves, bridge pilings, you name it. They can range from schoolie-sized fish up to true giants pushing 30+ inches. Summer months bring the spawn, when big females move to the beaches and inlets, but you can catch snook year-round in the backcountry. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs, and their slot limit keeps things interesting—you've got to measure every fish carefully.

Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as most locals call them, are probably the smartest fish swimming in these waters. They're structure-oriented and incredibly line-shy, which makes landing a nice one feel like a real accomplishment. Most run between 1-4 pounds, but the big ones can push 6-8 pounds and really test your drag. They're year-round residents but tend to be most aggressive during warmer months. What anglers love about snapper is that they're both challenging to catch and excellent eating—a perfect combination for a day on the water.

Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish, and Stuart sits right in the heart of their migration route. From late spring through early fall, these silver kings cruise the coastline in massive schools. Even a small tarpon will give you a workout, with their aerial acrobatics and bulldogging runs. The fish Jacob targets range from juvenile "baby" tarpon in the 10-30 pound range up to mature fish that can exceed 100 pounds. Landing one is a badge of honor for any angler, and the sight of a six-foot tarpon clearing the water never gets old.

Sheepshead are the convict-striped specialists of the inshore world, and they're some of the trickiest fish to hook consistently. These bottom-dwellers have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure, which means they're masters at stealing bait. Most run between 2-6 pounds, with the occasional doormat pushing double digits. Winter months are prime time when they school up around bridges and deeper structure. Anglers love sheepshead because catching them requires real skill—you've got to feel the subtle bite and set the hook at exactly the right moment.

Time to Book Your Spot

Stuart's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and Captain Jacob's local expertise puts you in the best position to make the most of it. This isn't just about catching fish—though you'll definitely do that—it's about experiencing one of Florida's premier fishing destinations with someone who knows every oyster bar, grass flat, and honey hole from the St. Lucie Inlet to the Indian River. The combination of Jacob's knowledge, Stuart's productive waters, and the variety of species available makes this a best trip choice for anyone serious about inshore fishing. Ready to get on the water? Don't wait too long—