Sebastian Nearshore Fishing

Nearshore Fishing Out of Sebastian Inlet: A Treasure on Florida's East Coast

Sebastian Inlet, nestled between Melbourne and Vero Beach on Florida’s east coast, is a prime launch point for nearshore fishing adventures. Just a short ride from the inlet puts anglers into productive waters teeming with action.

The nearshore zone—stretching from the surfline out to about 3 miles—is especially rich in life thanks to the mix of inshore and offshore species. Depending on the season, you can target Spanish mackerel, kingfish, tarpon, jack crevalle, and even the occasional cobia or tripletail cruising around weed lines or floating debris.

Summer and early fall are particularly active, with bait pods hugging the beaches and predators not far behind. Live bait like pilchards, threadfin herring, or finger mullet work wonders, but artificial lures like spoons and jigs also get crushed during the morning bite.

One of the best parts? You don’t need a large boat to get in on the action. Many anglers launch center consoles, skiffs, or even kayaks straight from the inlet or nearby ramps and head just a mile or two out.

Whether you're looking for hard-pulling fish, a fresh catch for the grill, or just a day soaking up the sun on the water, nearshore fishing out of Sebastian Inlet offers it all—with a healthy dose of East Coast Florida charm.