What’s included in the charter?

All fishing gear, bait, fishing licenses, and catch cleaning are included—just bring personal items and sun protection.

How old do kids need to be?

There’s no strict minimum age, but parents should ensure children can sit and follow safety instructions for the trip length.

Can we keep what we catch?

Yes, you can keep legal-sized fish within state regulations; the crew will help follow current bag and size limits.

What if I get seasick?

Bring motion-sickness meds or wristbands; take medication before boarding if you’re prone to nausea and sit mid-boat in rough conditions.

How do I tip the crew?

Tipping is customary; 15–20% of the trip price is standard for good service and help with cleaning and packaging fish.

Merritt Island Offshore Private Fishing Charter: 5–7 Hour Private Trips for Mahi, Snapper & Grouper

Q: Where do we meet?

Meet at the main wooden docks by the boat ramp at Kelly Park East; allow time for parking and boarding.

Offshore Private Fishing Charter runs daily from Merritt Island, Florida, launching from the main wooden docks at Kelly Park East. In a single morning or a full day you can trade the shoreline for open water: a short cruise across the Indian River Lagoon and through the Banana River inlet deposits you on the Atlantic shelf where reefs, sandbars, and the edge of the Gulf Stream concentrate fish. Choose the rhythm of your day: a focused 5-hour offshore sprint, a 7-hour bottom-fishing session, or a hybrid 7-hour trip that trolls for mahi before stopping to fish reefs and structure. The captain reads the water and the season, shifting from trolling feathers for dorado to dropping rigs for snapper, grouper, amberjack, and cobia. All tackle, bait, fishing licenses, and catch cleaning are included so you spend less time prepping and more time catching. The boat accommodates up to six passengers and suits families, small groups of anglers, or first-timers who want hands-on instruction. Crew members set lines, bait hooks, and run a safety briefing before you leave the dock, then tailor the day to wind, tide, and what’s biting - local knowledge that makes the difference between a story and a cooler full of fish. This charter is also a unique way to experience the two faces of Merritt Island: its protected estuaries and wildlife refuge on one side, and immediate access to Atlantic bluewater on the other. Offshore reefs here sit not far from the shelf edge where water temperatures change quickly, producing short windows of explosive action. Dolphins, sea turtles, and migratory birds are frequent companions; if you time it right you might watch a pod of spinner dolphins cut through a school of bait under a booming blue sky. Practical details matter: meet at the main wooden docks by the boat ramp at Kelly Park East, allow time for parking, and arrive with your confirmation. Weather and sea state dictate the final game plan; captains will reprioritize species and techniques to keep you fishing and safe. Whether you’re chasing mahi in summer, hunting bottom structure for snapper and grouper, or introducing kids to offshore fishing, this private charter streamlines logistics and turns a Merritt Island morning into a full-throttle saltwater outing. The combination of seasoned crew, included gear, and quick access to productive Atlantic water makes this an efficient, high-return choice for anglers visiting the Space Coast. Bring sun protection, motion-sickness remedies, and closed-toe shoes; the crew provides rods and rigging, but personal sunglasses and a waterproof camera make the day more comfortable and memorable for anglers photographing plucked dorado or reef shots. Book early during peak season and confirm arrival times - charters fill quickly around holidays and space center launches.

Merritt Island Offshore Private Fishing Charter: 5–7 Hour Private Trips for Mahi, Snapper & Grouper

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