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Richard Ladrew
Captain

Richard Ladrew

Vero Beach, United States
Angler's choice
25+ reviews
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

Charters

Rating

5.0
36 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

97%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (36)

Showing 1 – 5 of 36 reviews
  • Jason Brooks
    Jason Brooks
    us
    Virginia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Lots of fun and great Captain!

    Kids Fishing Adventure – 3 Hour - 12:00 PM • 2 adults

    We started out the day watching Captain Richard catch some bait fish with his casting net, which was really cool and very educational. After about 10 minutes of that he took us to a good spot where he knew that the tide would be forcing some good fish through the area. We got some good bites and some missed hits, but about an hour into the trip my son hooked into a pretty decent snook and after that it was game on! We had a really great time. The Captain is very knowledgeable and extremely professional. The boat is in excellent shape and the tackle is very well kept. highly recommended and we can’t wait to get out in the water with Captain Richard and the Zoo Keepers once again! 

    Response from Captain

    thanks jason was a privilege getting your son bis first snook

  • Thomas Mchale
    Thomas Mchale
    us
    Maryland, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Top-tier charter

    Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore • 2 adults • 1 child

    If you're looking for a legendary fishing charter, Captain Rich is your guy! 🎣 We had an absolute blast. Rich is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and knows exactly where the fish are hiding. The boat was immaculate and the gear was top-quality. We crushed it on the reef, pulling in sheepshead, pinfish, pigfish, a black margate, and even hooked a monster grouper. To top it all off, we hit the inlet where I landed a 40+ pound jack! 10/10 experience. Do yourself a favor and book with Captain Rich ASAP!

    Reported catch:
    Goliath Grouper
    Mangrove Snapper
    Sheepshead
    Response from Captain

    thomas thanks for catching the big boys with us! was a pleasure having you

  • Robert Macdonald
    Robert Macdonald
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great mid summer fishing trip.

    Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore - 10:00 AM • 5 adults

    Captain Ladrew was great. Very knowledgeable of fishing. He put us on some great Sea Trout, Croaker and others, early in the trip. Everyone in our group of 5 caught multiple fish. A very enjoyable half day trip. I highly recommend booking with Captain Ladrew, and I look forward to booking with him again. Great experience!

    Response from Captain

    super good trout bite guys! see you next time!

  • Scott Schmitz
    Scott Schmitz
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great time on the water

    Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore • 4 adults

    we all caught fish myself and my 3 boys out on the ocean it was a great time! Capt Rich was a great guy extremely helpful giving us tips and truely care that we were catching fish! capt hooked on to a Goliath Grouper and had us try to reel it in my 16 year absolutely wont stop talking about how awesome it was. Thanks Rich for a great time with my boys!

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Black Drum
    Lane Snapper
    Sheepshead
    +1
    Response from Captain

    thanks for booking with the zookeeper scott! see yall next vacation

  • Charleen Cavoto
    Charleen Cavoto
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Excellent family fishing experience

    Half Day Trip – Inshore/Nearshore • 4 adults • 2 children

    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!

    Reported catch:
    Bluefish (Tailor)
    Jack Crevalle
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Response from Captain

    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

Real catches shared by our community

  • Zookeeper Charters LLC
    Zookeeper Charters LLCIndian Harbour Beach, FL
    Lots of fun and great Captain!
    Jason B.
    Jason B.
  • Zookeeper Charters LLC
    Zookeeper Charters LLCIndian Harbour Beach, FL
    Great mid summer fishing trip.
    Robert M.
    Robert M.
  • Zookeeper Charters
    Zookeeper ChartersVero Beach, FL
    Great Day on the Boat!
    Jorge N.
    Jorge N.
  • Zookeeper Charters
    Zookeeper ChartersVero Beach, FL
    July fishing trip
    Lindy C.
    Lindy C.
  • Zookeeper Charters
    Zookeeper ChartersVero Beach, FL
    Not many bites.
    David M.
    David M.
  • Zookeeper Charters LLC
    Zookeeper Charters LLCIndian Harbour Beach, FL
    Great Fishing Experience
    Mike S.
    Mike S.
  • Zookeeper Charters LLC
    Zookeeper Charters LLCIndian Harbour Beach, FL
    Fishing with Richard
    Chris F.
    Chris F.
  • Zookeeper Charters
    Zookeeper ChartersVero Beach, FL
    great experience for the entire family. thanks very much Captain Richard.
    Scott H.
    Scott H.
  • Zookeeper Charters LLC
    Zookeeper Charters LLCIndian Harbour Beach, FL
    Top-tier charter
    Thomas M.
    Thomas M.
  • Zookeeper Charters LLC
    Zookeeper Charters LLCIndian Harbour Beach, FL
    Amazing Fishing Trip!!!
    Robert S.
    Robert S.

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Zookeeper Charters in Vero Beach

The Labor Day bite is on fire as Redfish go up in numbers, followed by Trout and Black Drum. Tarpon are still hanging around, and if you charter a boat offshore, you can get Amberjack or Kingfish.

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

Snook on spawn

Jul 29, 2026 • Vero Beach
Snook action is red hot in the inlets
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Young angler proudly holding a large Snook while seated on a boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

Snook

Jul 3, 2026 • Vero Beach
Snook spawning in the inlet
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A family proudly displays a large Snook caught during a fishing trip, with a scenic backdrop of water and clouds.

Snook

Jun 27, 2026 • Vero Beach
Snook spawning in the inlets
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Angler proudly displaying a large Jack Crevalle aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Big schools of giant jack

Jun 27, 2026 • Vero Beach
Schools of big jack cruising beaches
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