Come enjoy a day on the water, exploring Melbourne’s incredible inshore fishing opportunities! Located along the Indian River, this fishery is home to some world-famous species – how does chasing Snook, Tarpon, and Redfish sound? Hop aboard Local Waters charters and come experience this for yourself with Captain Jeffrey Trafton.
Like the name of his charter shows, Capt. Jeffrey grew up in this area and been fishing these waters his whole life. No matter when you visit, he’ll know exactly what’s biting and where to take you for a productive day and get that fish on the end of your line! Thanks to his patience and enthusiasm Capt. Jeffrey is the perfect teacher for less-experienced anglers, too.
You’ll be casting your line from your captain’s 18’ Beavertail Skiffs boat, perfectly built to cruise the inshore flats, mangroves, and shallow grassy waters that Melbourne is home to. She can accommodate up to 2 guests, which means you’ll get plenty of attention and support from your captain. On board, you’ll find top-quality navigational and safety gear.
Local Waters specializes in light tackle fishing, and is also capable of accommodating fly fishing clients. Just be aware that only one angler can fly fish at a time. You’ll be aided in these fishing methods by your vessel’s poling platform, which is is great for sight fishing, as well as her i-Pilot trolling motor. This means you can follow your target fish without scaring them away!
Depending on the amount of time you spend on the water and when you decide to visit, your potential catches will be tasty Redfish, hard-fighting Snook, Spotted Seatrout, and that mighty "Silver King," the Tarpon. Experienced anglers will enjoy the thrill of hooking prestigious fish, whereas newbies will get the perfect introduction to inshore fishing.
All of the necessary tackle and licensing is included, along with a cooler, ice, and water. Hop aboard Local Waters, and get ready for a Floridian fishing adventure you won’t forget!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (2)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
90%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
85%
Caught fish
90%
May 25, 2025
Full Day Trip
We had a great time. Capt Jeff was very knowledgeable, had a clean boat, good equipment. My nephew learned a lot and caught the biggest fish of his lift so far. Highly recommend.
We had a great time. Capt Jeff was very knowledgeable, had a clean boat, good equipment. My nephew learned a lot and caught the...
Pawling, NY
Jan 10, 2022
Half Day Trip (AM)
My son and I had a great time with Captain Jeff. Jeff's boat was in great condition and it was perfect for the shallow water fishing that we were doing. The rods/reels and lures were in great shape and easy to use. Jeff was very personable and he was very knowledgeable about fishing in the Melbourne, FL area. The fishing was tough and the fish weren't biting early in the trip. Jeff kept trying new areas and he was able to put us on a good amount of speckled trout and snapper. I will definitely be looking to book another trip with him next time I'm in the Melbourne area.
My son and I had a great time with Captain Jeff. Jeff's boat was in great condition and it was perfect for the shallow water...
Canton, WI
Feb 15, 2021
Half Day Trip (AM)
Highly recommend this guide. Good boat and gear, clean and neat. Capt. Jeff personable and worked hard for the fish we caught. The lunar tables were showing a very slow day and the wind was high enough to severely limit areas to fish but Capt. Jeff got us onto some fish. Very enjoyable afternoon. Will absolutely book with him again, if in the area.
Highly recommend this guide. Good boat and gear, clean and neat. Capt. Jeff personable and worked hard for the fish we caught....
Melbourne, FL
Feb 9, 2023
Half Day Trip (AM)
Great day
Great day
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Jan 2, 2021
Half Day Trip (PM)
We had a wonderful trip with Captain Jeff! Caught lots of fish and appreciated the casting tips. We had such a great time we even tried to book a second trip with him while we were in town but couldn’t fit it in. Would definitely recommend for couples or parent/child outings.
We had a wonderful trip with Captain Jeff! Caught lots of fish and appreciated the casting tips. We had such a great time we...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (2)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
90%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
85%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on May 25, 2025
We had a great time. Capt Jeff was very knowledgeable, had a clean boat, good equipment. My nephew learned a lot and caught the biggest fish of his lift so far. Highly recommend.
We had a great time. Capt Jeff was very knowledgeable, had a clean boat, good equipment. My nephew learned a lot and caught the biggest fish of his lift so far. Highly recommend.
Pawling, NY
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on January 10, 2022
My son and I had a great time with Captain Jeff. Jeff's boat was in great condition and it was perfect for the shallow water fishing that we were doing. The rods/reels and lures were in great shape and easy to use. Jeff was very personable and he was very knowledgeable about fishing in the Melbourne, FL area. The fishing was tough and the fish weren't biting early in the trip. Jeff kept trying new areas and he was able to put us on a good amount of speckled trout and snapper. I will definitely be looking to book another trip with him next time I'm in the Melbourne area.
My son and I had a great time with Captain Jeff. Jeff's boat was in great condition and it was perfect for the shallow water fishing that we were doing. The rods/reels and lures were in great shape and easy to use. Jeff was very personable and he was very knowledgeable about fishing in the Melbourne, FL area. The fishing was tough and the fish weren't biting early in the trip. Jeff kept trying new areas and he was able to put us on a good amount of speckled trout and snapper. I will definitely...
Canton, WI
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on February 15, 2021
Highly recommend this guide. Good boat and gear, clean and neat. Capt. Jeff personable and worked hard for the fish we caught. The lunar tables were showing a very slow day and the wind was high enough to severely limit areas to fish but Capt. Jeff got us onto some fish. Very enjoyable afternoon. Will absolutely book with him again, if in the area.
Highly recommend this guide. Good boat and gear, clean and neat. Capt. Jeff personable and worked hard for the fish we caught. The lunar tables were showing a very slow day and the wind was high enough to severely limit areas to fish but Capt. Jeff got us onto some fish. Very enjoyable afternoon. Will absolutely book with him again, if in the area.
Melbourne, FL
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on February 9, 2023
Great day
Great day
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on January 2, 2021
We had a wonderful trip with Captain Jeff! Caught lots of fish and appreciated the casting tips. We had such a great time we even tried to book a second trip with him while we were in town but couldn’t fit it in. Would definitely recommend for couples or parent/child outings.
We had a wonderful trip with Captain Jeff! Caught lots of fish and appreciated the casting tips. We had such a great time we even tried to book a second trip with him while we were in town but couldn’t fit it in. Would definitely recommend for couples or parent/child outings.