Vero Beach bass fishing charters
Largemouth bass on the lakes and marshes inland from Vero Beach.
Guided freshwater trips on Headwaters Lake and the Stick Marsh, a short drive inland from Vero Beach. Fish for largemouth bass with artificial lures or live shiners, with crappie and panfish in season.
Build Your Trip
Book your Vero Beach bass and crappie 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 Vero Beach?
Bass fishing near Vero Beach is inland, 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. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license.
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 Vero Beach bass trips
5.010 reviews
Wonderful Day on the Water with Capt. Colton
From start to finish, our trip with Colton Hester of Vero Beach Fishing Charters was nothing short of amazing. Capt. Colton was friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about the local waters. He put us right on the fish almost immediately, and his tips throughout the day helped even…
Charlie W. · July 2025
Fantastic Day with Capt Colton
I had an amazing time fishing with Colton Hester of Vero Beach Fishing Charters! Colton is extremely knowledgeable and put us right on the fish. His passion for fishing is evident, and he made the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. The boat was in great condition, and the fishing was…
Jenny B · April 2025
Outstanding Day on the Water
Our experience with Vero Beach Fishing Charters was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, the trip was well-organized, fun, and packed with great fishing action. A huge shoutout to Colton Hester, who made the trip truly special. His expertise and passion for fishing were evident from…
Paulie T · March 2025
Exceptional Day Fishing
I recently had the pleasure of fishing with Colton Hester of Vero Beach Fishing Charters, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish! Colton’s professionalism and knowledge of the area were evident the moment we met. He took the time to ensure we were comfortable and ready for the…
Lauren Samson · March 2025
We had a great time with Capt Steve. Caught some good fish and my cousin even caught his PB.
JACOB GILBERT · January 2025
Fished with John
Fished with John for Bass. Great Captain, very knowledgeable of where the bite is. Caught several King Kong size bass. Recommended and it was a great time also.
James Spada · March 2021
Great Fishery
An interesting fishery found down the 7-mile dirt road, not the most pleasant thing to experience in the morning. Once at Fellsmere Lake, the boat ramp is nice and well organized. Once you get over those two obstacles the place fishes really well.
John George · December 2020
MONEY WELL SPENT
"We had an OUTSTANDING time and brought home lots of pictures and big smiles."
Tim · November 2020
Real Deal
5 stars because I have fished before and these captains know their stuff. Photo from Facebook post shows mega catches by Visitors
John Wiseman · December 2019
Fish you can catch near Vero Beach
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 west of Vero Beach
Vero Beach 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 Lake Kenansville? Call (407) 392-4593 and we'll tell you which nearby trip fits.
Want saltwater instead? Vero Beach fishing charters also run inshore and offshore: see Vero Beach inshore fishing and deep sea fishing in Vero Beach.
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
Vero Beach bass fishing guide
Vero Beach is known for its beaches and saltwater fishing, but the marsh country to the west 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 west of town. 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 beach. Fish inland in the morning and be back at the coast in the afternoon.
Questions about bass trips
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 inland from Vero Beach, near Fellsmere.
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.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.