Zookeeper Charters 

 
State licensed
 Sea Crest Drive 215, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951, United States–

Zookeeper Charters 

Melbourne Beach, FL, United States
–
32 ft
6

Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.

Book your next trip with Zookeeper Charters and find out what makes the fishing in Melbourne Beach so unique.

Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Snook, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Red Grouper, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Pompano, Tripletail, Mangrove Snapper, Gag Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Tilefish, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Lane Snapper, Cobia, Gray Triggerfish, and more inhabit these waters, depending on the time of year.

During the trip you might be 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 those of you who are more adventurous, spearfishing is also available.

Thinking of bringing the whole family? Kids are absolutely welcome! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. Snacks are also a good idea to keep up those energy levels!

You'll be fishing aboard a Center console that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has outriggers, downriggers, all the essentials no fishing machine can run without.

You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you. Live bait is on offer, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

Don't leave home without bottled water, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. Drinks are included, free of charge. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now, time to hit the water with Zookeeper Charters!

Book your next trip with Zookeeper Charters and find out what makes the fishing in Melbourne Beach so unique.

Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Snook, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Red Grouper, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Pompano, Tripletail, Mangrove Snapper, Gag Grouper, Scamp Grouper, Tilefish, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Lane Snapper, Cobia, Gray Triggerfish, and more inhabit these waters, depending on the time of year.

During the trip you might be 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 those of you who are more adventurous, spearfishing is also available.

Thinking of bringing the whole family? Kids are absolutely welcome! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. Snacks are also a good idea to keep up those energy levels!

You'll be fishing aboard a Center console that can carry up to 6 passengers. It has outriggers, downriggers, all the essentials no fishing machine can run without.

You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you. Live bait is on offer, but be sure to ask about it so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

Don't leave home without bottled water, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. Drinks are included, free of charge. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

Now, time to hit the water with Zookeeper Charters!

Richard Ladrew
Captain
Richard Ladrew
6 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Kids Fishing Adventure - 3 Hour
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Black Drum
Redfish
+8
US $495
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Coastal Wildlife – Half Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Island Hopping – Half Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Sandbar Charter – Half Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Sunset Tour
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $600
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Coastal Wildlife – Full Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $975
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Island Hopping – Full Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $975
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Sandbar Charter – Full Day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip multiple starting times (6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM)
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+14
US $975
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

FAQs about Zookeeper Charters

Zookeeper Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • 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 $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 - 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 - 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 - 6:00 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 - 6:00 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 - 6:00 AM (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Zookeeper Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Live bait well
  • Multimedia system
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Outriggers
  • Spearfishing equipment
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Zookeeper Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Live bait is caught in first portion of the trip )
  • Drinks (We provide water and have a cooler of ice but anything else you bring must be in plastic or aluminum no glass allowed )
  • Fishing license (Included in the charter )
Zookeeper Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Zookeeper Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Zookeeper Charters include:
  • Amberjack
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grouper (Scamp)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Pompano
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Lane)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snook
  • Tilefish
  • Triggerfish (Gray)
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Richard Ladrew
Richard Ladrew
Melbourne Beach, Florida, United States
4 Fishing Reports
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2026
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
Richard Ladrew
Richard Ladrew
4
reports
37
reviews
2026
member since
~1h
response
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

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Scamp Grouper
Scamp Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Pompano
Pompano
Redfish
Redfish
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Snook
Snook
Tilefish
Tilefish
Gray Triggerfish
Gray Triggerfish
Tripletail
Tripletail
Amberjack
Amberjack
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
32 ft
Year built
2019
Boat manufacturer
Whitewater 28
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Suzuki 300
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
61 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling equipment
Live bait well
Multimedia system
Wireless trolling motor
Outriggers
Spearfishing equipment
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Live bait is caught in first portion of the trip
Drinks
We provide water and have a cooler of ice but anything else you bring must be in plastic or aluminum no glass allowed
Fishing license
Included in the charter

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Kids are welcome aboard, ages 2 and up!
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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
 Bank transfer
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Melbourne Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Black DrumBlack Drum
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Zookeeper Charters
Zookeeper Charters
State licensed
New
32 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+16
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $600