Melbourne bass fishing charters
Largemouth bass on Headwaters Lake, the Stick Marsh and Blue Cypress Lake.
Guided freshwater trips on Headwaters Lake, the Stick Marsh and Blue Cypress Lake, inland to the south of Melbourne. Fish for largemouth bass with artificial lures or live shiners, with crappie and panfish in season.
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Book your Melbourne bass, crappie and pontoon trips today.
Tell us what sounds fun and we’ll show the trips that fit, or pick a trip and the fish you want.
1. What sounds fun? Optional
2. Pick your trip Start here · select one
Looking for a specific fish?
2. Your options
Which lake? How longPick a trip to see your options and the live calendar.
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Where can you go bass fishing near Melbourne?
Bass fishing near Melbourne is inland to the south, on Headwaters Lake, the Stick Marsh and Blue Cypress Lake. iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided bass trips on all three lakes online, with live dates, from $400 for 4 hours. Crappie trips start at $400 and pontoon trips at $500 on Headwaters Lake. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Reviews from Melbourne bass trips
5.05 reviews
Amazing Fishing Guide!
Capt Bill is by far the best fishing guide we've ever had. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area and was patient and supportive of both the experienced anglers and newbies in our group. Will definitely book again and recommend to friends.
Bob Holland · April 2021
Fishing's the Best
Exceptional fishing, a must-visit place for trophy bass fishing.
Mark K · February 2021
Knowledge was Outstanding!
The experience surpassed my expectations! Took me to a spot - threw about 15 in the boat- once that died out we went to several spots- gave them a go. Great time and super knowledgeable! Thank ya, sir!
Shannon W. · December 2020
Fun Place
Enjoy Lake Washington every time I visit. Now sure about the fishing? The lake and wildlife are beautiful to look at.
Sheryl M · July 2019
Enjoyed this adventure
It an adventure to get there, but always enjoy the fishing and experience.
DJ Sam · April 2019
Fish you can catch near Melbourne
Largemouth bass are the main target, with crappie and panfish in season. Swipe to see what you could catch.
Largemouth bass
Florida bassYear-round in the grass and marsh. Big fish move shallow to spawn from about December to March.
Black crappie
Speckled perchThe cool-season favorite. Specks school in open water and along grass from about November to March.
Bluegill
BreamSpring and summer on shallow beds. Steady action for kids.
Redear sunfish
ShellcrackerSpring around the full moons, when they bed in the shallows.
Bowfin
MudfishHard-fighting fish of the marsh and grass. Usually released.
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Bass lakes south of Melbourne
Melbourne bass fishing is inland, in the marshes and lakes of the upper St. Johns River: Headwaters Lake and the Stick Marsh near Fellsmere, and Blue Cypress Lake. Looking for a different lake? Call (407) 392-4593 and we'll tell you which nearby trip fits.
Want saltwater instead? Melbourne fishing charters also run inshore and offshore: see Melbourne inshore fishing and Melbourne offshore fishing.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
- Crappie at their best
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass, bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper grass edges as it heats up
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Crappie start to school late in the season
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Where you'll fish
Melbourne bass fishing guide
Melbourne is known for the Indian River Lagoon and saltwater fishing, but the marsh country inland to the south holds some of the region's best bass water. Headwaters Lake and the Stick Marsh near Fellsmere have timber and grass that hold largemouth bass all year.
Where you'll fish
Headwaters Lake is the newer reservoir. The Stick Marsh / Farm 13 is next door, and Blue Cypress Lake is another option a little farther south. Your guide confirms the boat ramp before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat with a trolling motor. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which is often the best way to catch a big bass. Shiners are optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early for topwater action before the heat and afternoon storms. Fall brings cooler water and active fish.
Tips for planning your trip
- Get your license first. Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip and bring it with you.
- Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
- Pair it with the coast. Fish inland in the morning and be back in Melbourne in the afternoon.
Melbourne bass fishing questions
How much does a bass fishing trip near Melbourne cost?
Bass trips start at $400 for 4 hours, $500 for 6 hours and $600 for 8 hours on Headwaters Lake, the Stick Marsh or Blue Cypress Lake. Crappie trips start at $400, and pontoon trips at $500 on Headwaters Lake. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and group.
Where do Melbourne bass trips fish?
Inland to the south of Melbourne, on Headwaters Lake and the Stick Marsh near Fellsmere, and on Blue Cypress Lake.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don't carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Most trips launch near Fellsmere, inland to the south of Melbourne.
How many people can go on a bass trip?
Bass boats take up to 4 people. For a bigger group, a pontoon trip on Headwaters Lake gives you more space and seats.
What’s included?
The guide, boat and fuel, life jackets, rods, reels, tackle and artificial lures. Not included: your freshwater fishing license, live shiners (optional), the guide's tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.
Can I keep my fish?
Most guides release bass after photos. You may keep fish within FWC limits; ask your guide before the trip.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. A 4-hour trip, often with live shiners for steady action, is a good fit for families. A pontoon trip gives a group more room.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.