Local Waters – Melbourne

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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $500
    If you can think of nothing better than starting your day off with some top-quality angling action, join your captain on this morning adventure! You'll head out to the productive waters around Melbourne for the chance to cast your line for a variety of world-famous fish, including the "Silver King," Tarpon, as well as Snook and Redfish. This trip is suitable for anglers of all skill levels, and your captain will make sure you're equipped with fishing gear and a license for all guests.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    US $500
    If you'd rather treat yourself to a lie-in before heading out on your angling adventure, join Capt. Jeffrey on this afternoon trip. You'll have the chance to target a whole host of incredible species, including Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and that mighty "Silver King," the Tarpon. Anglers of all skill levels will be able to join in on the fun, so bring along the whole family. Your captain will make sure you're decked out with top-quality fishing gear, as well as a license for all guests.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $800
    Want to experience that best that Melbourne's prolific inshore waters have to offer? Join Capt. Jeffrey on this full day adventure, where you'll get plenty of time to cast your line for some world-famous fish! Your target species include Redfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, and the mighty "Silver King," Tarpon. Make sure you visit from May to July to battle this beast! Your captain will make sure you're provided with top-quality fishing gear and a license. Bring along a packed lunch to keep your energy up!
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FAQs about Local Waters – Melbourne

Local Waters – Melbourne offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $800 per group - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Local Waters – Melbourne, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Local Waters – Melbourne include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Local Waters – Melbourne offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Flats Fishing

Local Waters – Melbourne offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Spinning
  • Fly Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Local Waters – Melbourne include:
  • Redfish
  • Snook
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Jeffrey Trafton
Melbourne, Florida, United States
25 Customer reviews
Response time 16 hours
Member since March 2019
Captain Jeffrey Trafton knows these waters like the back of his hand – he has been fishing locally his whole life and knows all the best nooks and crannies to take you to. He loves taking first-time anglers out and getting you hooked on fishing. You'll have a great relaxing time out on the water with him.

About this listing

Targeted species

Redfish Redfish
Snook Snook
Spotted Seatrout Spotted Seatrout
Tarpon Tarpon

Boat specs

Beavertail Skiffs (Flats boat) originally built in 2006. Powered by a 50HP Evinrude engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 32 knots.

Length
18 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Flats Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning
Fly Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
Catch and Release Allowed
Catch and Release Mandatory

Payment

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Checks

Melbourne Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 19 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (2)
Fishing with Jeffrey
Fishing with Jeffrey
Angler rating
14
2
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
84%
Appropriate for children
89%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
89%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 19 reviews
Bill M.
Pawling, NY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day

VERIFIED   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...
Bill M. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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Bill M. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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Lee F.
Canton, WI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Capt. Jeff

VERIFIED   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....
Lee F. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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  Jeffrey Trafton Captain replied

Michael W.
Melbourne, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing trip in February

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on February 9, 2023
Great day
Michael W. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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Michael W. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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Melody B.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great experience!

VERIFIED   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...
Melody B. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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Melody B. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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Gerald W.
Melbourne, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trp with Capatin Jeff

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on February 16, 2020
Was a very good trip, it was a bit windy but we still managed to find fish, caught a small Sea Trout on my second cast! then...
Gerald W. recommends Local Waters – Melbourne
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  Jeffrey Trafton Captain replied