Sebastian Inlet - Indian River, FL Fishing Report on 19th Jun, 2026

The summer weather is fully established across Indian River County, bringing warm waters and highly active fish. Whether you are looking to cast artificial lures for freshwater giants or drop live bait into the coastal saltwater flats, the current conditions are highly productive. Here is a breakdown of what Captain Don Nicely Fishing Charters is seeing on the water this month.

Saltwater Inshore: Vero Beach & Sebastian Inlet The early morning bite on the inshore flats has been incredibly reliable. Getting out on the 18-foot Carolina Skiff right at 7:00 AM has been the key to beating the midday heat and finding fish while they are feeding heavily.

Snook and Redfish: We are seeing great numbers of snook holding near the mangroves and river structures. Live bait is producing steady results, but anglers using artificial lures with a precise cast are seeing excellent hookups as well. Redfish are cruising the shallow flats, making for ideal sight-casting conditions.

Ladyfish & Jack Crevalle: For our 2-hour family-friendly trips, the ladyfish are practically a guaranteed good time. They are biting aggressively, making them the perfect target for kids looking for their very first catch. The light Shimano Baitrunner tackle makes reeling in these fast-moving fish a highly rewarding experience.

Mangrove Snapper: Dropping bait near deeper pockets and structural ledges is yielding plenty of mangrove snapper, which is a great bonus for guests looking to take home some fresh fillets.

Freshwater: Stick Marsh & Headwaters Bass Fishing Florida is legendary for its largemouth bass, and the local lakes are showing us exactly why. Our guided freshwater trips to the headwaters and the famous Stick Marsh are producing heavy fish right now.

Topwater Morning Bites: For those who prefer artificial baits, the first hour of daylight is offering fantastic surface strikes. Casting near submerged cover and weed lines early in the day is yielding high-quality largemouth bass.

Live Shiners for Midday: Once the sun climbs higher, the surface activity slows down. Switching over to live shiners and fishing slightly deeper is the best strategy to keep the bass biting steadily through the late morning and afternoon.

Wildlife & Eco-Tour Sightings Even if you are not fishing, the local waterways are full of life right now. During our recent wildlife and sunset tours, we have had consistent sightings of dolphins playing in the boat wakes, as well as manatees grazing in the shallow river channels. The coastal birds are highly active, making the 2-hour scenic trips a very relaxing and beautiful way to spend an evening.

Captain Don’s Seasonal Advice With the summer temperatures in full swing, my top recommendation is to reserve our 4-hour morning trips (7:00 AM to 11:00 AM). Starting early allows us to take advantage of the best feeding windows, keeps families and kids perfectly comfortable, and ensures a relaxed, successful day on the water. Be sure to bring your polarized sunglasses, a good hat, and plenty of water.

If you are ready to get out there and catch some fish, give me a call to discuss the best tides and meeting spots for your preferred date.