Zookeeper Charters
Zookeeper Charters
If fishing in the Sebastian inlet area is on your bucket list, look no further than Zookeeper Charters.
Amberjack, Black Drum, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Snook, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout, and more can be found in these waters nearly year round. Sebastian Inlet is one of the most diverse fisheries in Florida!
Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Richard also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear. For the more adventurous among you, there's spearfishing.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to mention the amount of kids going for life vests to be on board their size. Customers are encouraged to bring snacks to maintain your energy throughout the trip!
You'll find yourself aboard a 26' Avenger bay boat that can carry up to 8 passengers. It has outriggers, Cobia tower, trolling motor, duel power poles, jack plate, casting platform and the latest and greatest electronics from Garmin! More than everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Rods, reels, and tackle are ready for you, as well as lures.
10 dozen large Live shrimp is a 75$ upgrade depending on the species you want to target and it is recommended. Most trips start with catching live bait is caught with a cast net or sabiki.
Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.
Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats. Bottled water and ice is provided. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but no hard liquor and only canned and plastic bottled drinks permitted.
Get in touch with Capt. Richard below and start planning your trip today
If fishing in the Sebastian inlet area is on your bucket list, look no further than Zookeeper Charters.
Amberjack, Black Drum, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Gag Grouper, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Snook, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout, and more can be found in these waters nearly year round. Sebastian Inlet is one of the most diverse fisheries in Florida!
Depending on the species you're after, you may find yourself spinning, trolling, drifting, jigging, bottom fishing, or maybe something more specialized in this area. Capt. Richard also offers fly fishing, but you may need to bring your own fly gear. For the more adventurous among you, there's spearfishing.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to mention the amount of kids going for life vests to be on board their size. Customers are encouraged to bring snacks to maintain your energy throughout the trip!
You'll find yourself aboard a 26' Avenger bay boat that can carry up to 8 passengers. It has outriggers, Cobia tower, trolling motor, duel power poles, jack plate, casting platform and the latest and greatest electronics from Garmin! More than everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Rods, reels, and tackle are ready for you, as well as lures.
10 dozen large Live shrimp is a 75$ upgrade depending on the species you want to target and it is recommended. Most trips start with catching live bait is caught with a cast net or sabiki.
Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Keep in mind that you may release some fish due to regulations. If you don't know what to expect, ask the captain.
Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats. Bottled water and ice is provided. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but no hard liquor and only canned and plastic bottled drinks permitted.
Get in touch with Capt. Richard below and start planning your trip today
Select date to see availability
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating
Anglers' gallery (27)
Reviews (18)
Charleen CavotoRepeat angler•
Pennsylvania, US•Member since 20253 trips5.0VerifiedExcellent family fishing experience
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on February 13, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 childrenWe did a four hour fishing trip with Captain Richard out of Sebastian Inlet and let me say it's been our best experience to date! Capt Richard is a native to the area with detail knowledge on the area, fishing, and great with our two little fisherman. We caught so many varieties of fish and it was just straight up fun. He also supplied an abundance of drinks and just made us feel at ease. The boys have been talking about it all weekend with their friends. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back. Thank you!
Isabella LadrewMember since 20265.0Full Day Off-Shore with Captain Richard!
Full Day Trip – Offshore on February 2, 2026My family and I have been on many charters, but none have stood out as much as our trip with zookeeper. Richard is one of the most knowledgeable and well versed captains we’ve experienced, he took us to untouched and uncrowded spots. We went with all ages and levels, Captain Richard was patient and ready to help at all times. If you have the opportunity to go on a trip with him do it, I know we can’t wait for our next time. Thank you so much!
Jorge NunezRepeat angler•Florida, US•Member since 20262 trips5.0VerifiedGreat Day on the Boat!
Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 2:00 PM on August 4, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 childrenWe had a great trip with our two boys - ages 8 and 11. Captain Richard shared his extensive knowledge about the fish in the area and we were able to hook onto lots of action with the family. Highly recommend to anyone looking to have some fun fishing with their kids and family.
Guenther HuberRepeat angler•Connecticut, US•Member since 20252 trips5.0VerifiedBest Family Trip!
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on June 19, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 childrenCaptain Richard was awesome, great day with the family, he taught the kids all about fish amd made it fun all around! Caught enough big fish to feed the entire family. would definitely do this with a famiky and kids again!
Scott Hurley•Florida, USMember since 20265.0Verifiedgreat experience for the entire family. thanks very much Captain Richard.
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 1:00 PM on June 27, 2026 • 6 adults • 2 childrengreat time for the kids. Captain Richard was awesome !
Israel VasquezRepeat angler•Colorado, US•Member since 20232 trips5.0VerifiedGreat trip
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on March 11, 2026 • 4 adultsChartered a morning half day with Rich and he was very accommodating and knowledgeable! He took many opportunities to teach me about the fishery and answer any questions I had.
Lauren JacksonMember since 20265.0Full day offshore with Captain Richard
Full Day Trip – Offshore on July 23, 2025Our kids had an absolute blast!! Not only was Captain Richard knowledgeable of the area, but safety was a top priority. I highly recommend booking a trip with Zookeeper Charters. Perfect for a family day trip, we look forward to another trip soon!
Camille OrcuttRepeat angler•Georgia, US•Member since 20243 trips5.0VerifiedNewFishing with Richard
Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 9:00 AM on September 6, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children
John Gunkel•Florida, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedNewFishing with Richard
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 10:00 AM on September 1, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child
Richard Estes•Baltimore, MD, USMember since 20265.0VerifiedFishing with Richard
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on July 2, 2026 • 2 adultsthis captain knows his technique and how to put the group on fish . highly recommend the zookeeper and i will be using this captain for all my fishing in florida
Rating
Anglers' gallery (27)
All reviews (18)
We did a four hour fishing trip with Captain Richard out of Sebastian Inlet and let me say it's been our best experience to date! Capt Richard is a native to the area with detail knowledge on the area, fishing, and great with our two little fisherman. We caught so many varieties of fish and it was just straight up fun. He also supplied an abundance of drinks and just made us feel at ease. The boys have been talking about it all weekend with their friends. Highly recommend and can't wait to come back. Thank you!
it was an absolute pleasure to have you and your beautiful family on board Charleen. Can’t wait to see you guys again next baseball season when your back in town
My family and I have been on many charters, but none have stood out as much as our trip with zookeeper. Richard is one of the most knowledgeable and well versed captains we’ve experienced, he took us to untouched and uncrowded spots. We went with all ages and levels, Captain Richard was patient and ready to help at all times. If you have the opportunity to go on a trip with him do it, I know we can’t wait for our next time. Thank you so much!
We had a great trip with our two boys - ages 8 and 11. Captain Richard shared his extensive knowledge about the fish in the area and we were able to hook onto lots of action with the family. Highly recommend to anyone looking to have some fun fishing with their kids and family.
thanks for bookong jorge was a pleasure
Captain Richard was awesome, great day with the family, he taught the kids all about fish amd made it fun all around! Caught enough big fish to feed the entire family. would definitely do this with a famiky and kids again!
you have a beautiful family was a pleasure
privilege to have your crew on board
FAQs about Zookeeper Charters
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 1:00 PM (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 10:00 AM (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 11:00 AM (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 12:00 PM (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 2:00 PM (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 3:00 PM (3 hours)
- US $495 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 9:00 AM (3 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Big game Shark fishing (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Big game Shark fishing - 12:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Big game Shark fishing - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Coastal Wildlife – Half Day (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Coastal Wildlife – Half Day - 12:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Coastal Wildlife – Half Day - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 12:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Island Hopping – Half Day (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Island Hopping – Half Day - 12:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Island Hopping – Half Day - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Fishing (4 hours)
- US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Fishing - 8:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Sandbar Charter – Half Day (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Sandbar Charter – Half Day - 12:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Sandbar Charter – Half Day - 4:00 PM (4 hours)
- US $600 per group - Sunset Tour (4 hours)
- US $975 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Big game Shark fishing full-day (8 hours)
- US $975 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Big game Shark fishing full-day - 10:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Big game Shark fishing full-day - 8:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Coastal Wildlife – Full Day (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Coastal Wildlife – Full Day - 10:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Coastal Wildlife – Full Day - 8:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore (8 hours)
- US $975 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 10:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 8:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Island Hopping – Full Day (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Island Hopping – Full Day - 10:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Island Hopping – Full Day - 8:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Sandbar Charter – Full Day (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Sandbar Charter – Full Day - 10:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $975 per group - Sandbar Charter – Full Day - 8:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $1,200 per group, additional US $200 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip – Offshore (8 hours)
- US $1,200 per group, additional US $200 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip – Offshore - 10:00 AM (8 hours)
- US $1,200 per group, additional US $200 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Trip – Offshore - 8:00 AM (8 hours)
- GPS 2 garmin gpsmapxsv
- Fishfinder Side scan, sonar, clear view
- Flybridge Cobia tower second station
- Snorkeling equipment
- Live bait well
- Outriggers
- Spearfishing equipment
- Radar Garmin dome
- Rods, reels & tackle (High end gear)
- Live bait (Catch live bait included )
- Lures (For experienced anglers inshore and nearshore)
- Catch cleaning & filleting (Included in price )
- Drinks (Water and ice)
- Fishing license (All guests do not need a license and covered under my charter.)
- River fishing (No fresh water trips at this time )
- Inshore fishing
- Nearshore fishing
- Offshore fishing (8-40 nautical miles depending on the bite and conditions )
- Reef fishing
- Wreck fishing
- Flats fishing
- Backcountry fishing
- Light tackle
- Heavy tackle
- Bottom fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Fly fishing
- Drift fishing
- Spearfishing
- Deep sea fishing
- Amberjack
- Black Drum
- Cobia
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Grouper (Gag)
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snapper (Red)
- Snook
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
Your captain
Vero Beach, Florida, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Capt. Richard is a licensed and insured U.S. coast guard nearcoastal master captain and runs trips out of Melbourne beach and Vero Beach aboard a fully loaded 26' Avenger Bay boat. Richard is commonly talked about being one of the most humble and kid friendly fishing guides in the area, teaching is a major pasion of his. He was raised just less then a few miles away from the world famous Sebastian inlet. surfing an fishing these waters since 2 years old He is a true local talent. Capt Richard was not always a fishing guide, he was just a well known local fisherman. now he is grateful that he gets to create smiling faces of friends and families. when you book with richard he will give you 110% every time
Real catches by this captain
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Which fishing techniques you can try
Which amenities are available onboard
How cancellations work
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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.
What the listing policies are
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.
How you can pay
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Vero Beach right now
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Snook
Speckled Trout
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