Salt Roots Adventures

Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore Flats and Backcountry Fishing

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Riley Smithson

Riley Smithson

Independent Guide
Quiet
Laid-back
Instructional
Expert Oriented
Adventurous
Quality
Vero Beach Native.
Whether its fishing her "secret spots" or driving up and down the coast searching for the best place to surf she's always passionate about the sustainability and preservation of the waters she grew up in and around.
Captian Riley grew up on this water, and has spent the past 37 years exploring every flat, mangrove line and back country skinny water area in search of new spots to fish in this ever-changing and ever-moving waterway. With a passion for conservation and a love for the wildlife in this beautiful area, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Riley Smithson

Riley Smithson

Independent Guide
Vero Beach Native.
Whether its fishing her "secret spots" or driving up and down the coast searching for the best place to surf she's always passionate about the sustainability and preservation of the waters she grew up in and around.
Captian Riley grew up on this water, and has spent the past 37 years exploring every flat, mangrove line and back country skinny water area in search of new spots to fish in this ever-changing and ever-moving waterway. With a passion for conservation and a love for the wildlife in this beautiful area, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
90lb Tarpon on fly
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Blackened Mangrove Snapper Tacos with mango strawberry salsa
What’s your favorite band?
Depends on day. From bluegrass to black metal.
What’s your favorite movie?
Clerks

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
90lb Tarpon on fly
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Blackened Mangrove Snapper Tacos with mango strawberry salsa
What’s your favorite band?
Depends on day. From bluegrass to black metal.
What’s your favorite movie?
Clerks
What’s your favorite sports team?
That one
What’s your drink of choice?
Smoked old fashioned with rosemary simple or whatever is warm and skunked in the bottom of yesterdays cooler.
What was your last halloween costume?
Bill Dance
What do you want for Christmas this year?
A new casting platform and push pole. Ohhhhhh.....and for the grass flats to come back.
How did you get started guiding?
Parents told me to get a job. I don't think they had river rat in mind for my career path.
What makes you different from other guides?
I've been fly fishing these waters for 37 years and I'm the only female guide in the area. I also don't mind getting out to push the boat if we get to skinny.
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Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip

NEW 1 - 4 People 4 - 8 Hours From $450
Snook Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Tarpon Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Snook Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Snook Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Tarpon Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Snook Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Snook Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Snook Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Jack Crevalle Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Jack Crevalle Fishing in Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore Flats and Backcountry Fishing
Inshore Flats and Backcountry Fishing
Inshore Flats and Backcountry Fishing

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, River, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

The Indian River (originally name the "Rio de Ais") is a 156 mile long brackish waterway with an average depth of 4ft and widths varying from 0.5 to 5 miles. Heavily lined with mangrove forests, sandy islands and hidden oyster beds makes it one of the most unique fishing experiences out there. Our favorite species to target are Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout and Snapper. Starting at sunrise we'll head across the flats and into the...

About Your Trip

The Indian River (originally name the "Rio de Ais") is a 156 mile long brackish waterway with an average depth of 4ft and widths varying from 0.5 to 5 miles. Heavily lined with mangrove forests, sandy islands and hidden oyster beds makes it one of the most unique fishing experiences out there.

Our favorite species to target are Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout and Snapper.

Starting at sunrise we'll head across the flats and into the
backcountry. Using light tackle and/or fly rods we'll check all the nooks looking for the larger predator species feeding in the early morning like Tarpon. As the sun rises we will work our way to the flats and sight fish reds, snook, and trout.

Every trip is different and we'll find what's running and what they're hitting. It's always an adventure.
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, River, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 2 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Bullred by Redfish Boats
Year Built
2005
Boat Length
17'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Skiff
Boat Manufacturer
Bullred by Redfish Boats
Year Built
2005
Boat Length
17'
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha 90 V-Max SHO
Total Horsepower
90
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
30 gal Livewell Remote Trolling Motor Poling platform Casting Platform Cooler Bluetooth Stereo Power Pole
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Black Drum
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Jack Crevalle
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Mangrove Snapper
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Redfish
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Snook
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Speckled Trout
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Tarpon
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Fly Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting
Topwater Fishing

Types of Fishing

Flats
Inshore
River

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Salt Roots Adventures Photo Gallery

Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
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Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
February 23rd, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
February 23rd, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
February 23rd, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
February 23rd, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
February 23rd, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
February 23rd, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
July 1st, 2024
Vero Beach, Florida
Inshore, Flats, & Backcountry Trip
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