Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$300 - $700 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full morning of fishing on the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway with Captain Chad. This 6-hour trip leaves at 8 AM from Mayport Boat Ramp, perfect for both newcomers and experienced anglers. You'll be targeting species like Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout in these rich inshore waters. All the gear you need is provided, and the bait's prepped in advance. If you're curious about catching your own bait, Capt. Chad's happy to show you the ropes. He'll guide you through the best spots and techniques, making sure everyone has a great time on the water. At the end of the trip, your catch will be cleaned and filleted, ready for you to take home. With room for two guests, it's an ideal outing for a pair looking to spend a productive morning fishing Jacksonville's local waters.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville

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Great Day Fishing in Jacksonville

Hook Your Dream Catch: 6-Hour Inshore Adventure

Ready to reel in some of Jacksonville's finest inshore fishing? Join Captain Chad for a killer 6-hour trip that'll have you battling big reds, sneaky flounder, and more. Launching from Mayport Boat Ramp at 8 AM sharp, we'll hit the sweet spots of the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this trip's got something for everyone. Let's get out there and see what's biting!

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard, Captain Chad's got you covered. All the gear you need is ready to rock, and he's prepped fresh bait to get lines in the water fast. Want to learn the local tricks for catching your own bait? Just ask – Chad's always down to share his know-how. We'll cruise to some prime fishing grounds, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to tasty flounder. And when you land that monster, don't sweat the cleanup. Chad will fillet your catch so it's ready for the grill as soon as you hit land.

Techniques That Land Fish

On this trip, we mix it up to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish. We might start by tossing soft plastics around dock pilings for redfish, then switch to live bait for some bottom fishing action. If the tide's right, we could even do some sight fishing in the shallows – nothing beats watching a big red crush your bait in crystal clear water. Captain Chad's always checking conditions and adjusting tactics, so you're fishing the most effective way possible. Whether it's working a popping cork for trout or slow-rolling a jig for flounder, you'll pick up skills to use long after the trip's over.

Customer Stories

"We hit a bunch of spots throughout the day, and even with the midsummer heat making things a bit challenging, Captain Chad kept us on the fish. He's a great guy—easy to talk to and full of local knowledge, having grown up in the area. Big thanks to you, Captain Chad! —Jim Flowers & Dave Dawson, retired from WPBFD" - James

"Just outstanding customer service , safety and incredible knowledge in the charter business. Chad thank you again !!" - Ben

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll have your drag screaming. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools invade the flats. Look for their signature tail prints in shallow water – it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. They lie in wait, ambushing prey with lightning-fast strikes. We'll target them around structure and drop-offs, using slow-moving baits to tempt these flat fish into biting. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but a skilled angler can find them year-round.

Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," hooking into one of these acrobatic monsters is an experience you won't forget. They're seasonal visitors, showing up in good numbers from late spring through summer. Watching a 100+ pound tarpon launch itself into the air, trying to throw your hook, is pure fishing adrenaline.

Sheepshead: Don't let their prison stripes fool you – these fish are no pushovers. With teeth that can crush barnacles, sheepshead are structure-loving bait stealers that require finesse to catch. Winter is prime time for these tasty fish, and they're a favorite target when other species slow down.

Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders, often striking topwater lures with explosive force. We catch them year-round, but the bigger gator trout are more common in cooler months. Their delicate white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching for a day on the water that combines action, scenery, and the chance to land some real beauties, this is your ticket. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's all about making sure you have a blast. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with your family, impress some clients, or just escape the grind for a few hours, this trip delivers. The fish are out there waiting – all that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat and let's make some fishing memories!

Customer Reviews

Fish On With Chad

We hit a bunch of spots throughout the day, and even with the midsummer heat making things a bit challenging, Captain Chad kept us on the fish. He’s a great guy—easy to talk to and full of local knowledge, having grown up in the area. Big thanks to you, Captain Chad! —Jim Flowers & Dave Dawson, retired from WPBFD

James F

July 8, 2024

Chads Top Notch Tour

Just outstanding customer service , safety and incredible knowledge in the charter business. Chad thank you again !!

Ben Greenleaf

January 5, 2019

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These copper-colored brutes can push 40 inches and 30 pounds, though most run 3-10 pounds. You'll spot them tailing on shallow flats or cruising along oyster bars and marsh edges. They love to root around for crabs and small fish, often with their backs out of the water. Fall is prime time as big schools gather to spawn near passes. Anglers prize redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is a heart-pounding experience. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but redfish will also crush artificial lures. One local trick: on calm days, look for pushing water or "nervous" bait. That often signals redfish on the hunt. When you hook up, be ready for some powerful runs - these fish don't give up easily.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These spotted beauties usually run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them prowling grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper holes, especially around moving tide. They're aggressive feeders, often striking topwater lures with explosive blows. Spring and fall are peak seasons as fish move in and out of the backcountry. Anglers love trout for their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic setup, but soft plastics and suspending lures work great too. One local tip: focus on depth changes and areas with good current flow. Trout often hold in these ambush spots waiting for bait to sweep by. When you find a school, work the area thoroughly - where there's one, there's usually more.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convict-striped oddballs of our inshore waters. Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - these fish put up a scrappy fight. Most run 2-4 pounds, but 8-10 pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them around any hard structure - docks, pilings, oyster beds, you name it. They love crunching on barnacles and crabs with those chompers. Winter and early spring are prime times as sheepshead gather to spawn near inlets and offshore reefs. Anglers target them for their sweet, white meat that's great on the grill. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hookset. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or oysters are top baits. Here's a local trick: use a small, sharp hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. When you feel that tell-tale tap-tap-tap, wait a second, then set the hook hard. It takes practice, but landing a big sheepshead is always satisfying.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find these flatfish in shallow coastal waters, often near structures like docks or oyster beds. Most weigh 1-5 pounds, but 10+ pounders aren't unheard of. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicious white meat and the challenge of hooking them. These fish have a reputation for being bait stealers, so a slow and steady retrieve is key. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Live bait like mullet or finger mullet works great, but soft plastics can be deadly too. One local trick: try drifting parallel to shorelines, letting your bait bump along the bottom. Flounder fishing takes patience, but landing a big one is always worth the wait.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric-looking gamefish can reach 6 feet long and over 150 pounds. You'll find them cruising our warm, shallow waters from spring through fall, often rolling at the surface. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular leaps and gill-rattling head shakes that make them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. They're not the best eating, so we practice catch and release to keep the fishery healthy. Early mornings and evenings are prime times to sight-cast to rolling fish. Look for them around bridges, inlets, and deep holes in the flats. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but nothing beats the thrill of a tarpon crushing a topwater lure. When you hook up, be ready for an epic battle - these fish have stamina to spare. One pro tip: use a looser drag setting than you think you need. It helps absorb those wild jumps and keeps the hook pinned.

About the Catching Fire

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 10

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for a fun day of fishing in Jacksonville? Join Captain Chad for a 6-hour inshore trip starting at 8:00 AM from Mayport Boat Ramp. You'll explore the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway, known for great catches like Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout. This trip is perfect for everyone - families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike. No need to bring gear or worry about bait - it's all included and prepped for you. Captain Chad's an expert guide who'll share his local knowledge and fishing tips. If you're curious about catching your own bait, he's happy to show you the ropes. At the end of your trip, he'll clean and fillet your catch so it's ready to take home. With a full morning on the water and plenty of fishing action, it's no wonder this is one of Jacksonville's top-rated charters. Book now for a great day out on the water!

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