East Coast Fishing Charters Fishing Report: Weather, Species Highlights, and Seasonal Trends

Sunday, November 30, 2025

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Fishing Report: Central East Coast of Florida

Recent Weather and Conditions

The weather has been absolutely beautiful over the past several weeks, with temperatures consistently in the low 70s. This is ideal for this time of year along the central east coast of Florida, creating perfect conditions to enjoy the outdoors and spend time on the water.

Recap of Summer Fishing

Looking back at the summer, the fishing was truly spectacular. Our offshore adventures centered primarily on mahi, cobia, and kingfish. One of the highlights was how accessible live bait was, which contributed to consistently successful fishing trips.
Nearshore Action: Snook and Tarpon
Nearshore fishing provided plenty of excitement, especially for big snook. These fish were often located extremely close to the shoreline, particularly around the Melbourne Beach area. We targeted schools of mullet right near the shoreline break, where snook and tarpon could frequently be seen chasing baitfish. It was not uncommon to witness snook and tarpon cartwheeling out of the water in pursuit of mullet, making for action-packed charter experiences.

Tarpon, Permit, and Cobia off the Break

Beyond the shore break, in waters ranging from 15 to 25 feet deep, we encountered large schools of tarpon. These schools included a mix of juveniles and sizable adults, with fish ranging from 20 pounds all the way up to 150 pounds. Alongside the tarpon, there were also schools of permit and the occasional cobia that would swim up to the boat, adding variety and excitement to each trip.

Inshore Observations: Indian River Lagoon

Throughout the summer, I noticed significant new sea grass growth within the areas of the Indian River Lagoon that I routinely fish. This resurgence of sea grass is essential for maintaining a healthy estuary ecosystem. The new growth signals a positive outlook for the population of trout and redfish. Over the past year, we have already observed the capture of larger and healthier trout, as well as a good number of redfish, including those within the traditional slot size and even larger specimens. Although redfish are no longer legal for harvest, experienced anglers in the area are familiar with what constitutes a slot size redfish.

The Annual Mullet Run

During the fall, we experienced our annual mullet run, which lasted just the right amount of time—not too long and not too short. The mullet run is always highly anticipated, as it offers excellent fishing and the thrill of watching fish chase mullet with spectacular leaps and splashes. However, if the mullet linger for too long, predators like snook and redfish can become too full and less likely to feed. This year, there was about a week when the fish seemed well fed, so we adapted by using smaller baits, which proved more effective than larger options.

Current Opportunities and Appreciation

Presently, snook season remains open, and many of my regular clients are eager to catch their limits. The season continues until December 15, so there is still time to book a charter and target snook before the closure. For those interested in scheduling a trip, feel free to call or text for availability. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has booked charters with me this year; your support is truly appreciated!