Premier Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$300 - $700 price range
Updated Date: August 28, 2025

Summary

Ready for a fun morning on the water in Jacksonville? Join Capt. Chad for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip that's perfect for beginners and families. You'll explore the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway, hunting for Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout. No need to worry about gear or bait - it's all included and prepped for you. If you're curious, Capt. Chad can even show you how to catch your own bait. Whether you're a first-timer or bringing the kids along, this charter is set up for a good time. The boat is safe and comfy, and Capt. Chad will clean and fillet your catch afterward. It's a great way to spend a productive morning, learn some new skills, and hopefully land some nice fish. With an 8 AM start, you'll be back in time for lunch with some fresh fish stories to share.

Premier Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charter

Inshore Action Shots

Angler posing with a large redfish caught in Florida

Casting Lines in the River

7 southern flounder, european flounder, and summer flounder caught in FL

Flounder Biting in the Bay

Fisherman with big 28-inch catch in Jacksonville

Big Bite on Light Gear in Jax

Great Day Fishing in Jacksonville

Jacksonville's Best Beginner Inshore Fishing Trip

Ready to get your feet wet with some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer? Capt. Chad's got you covered with this 4-hour morning charter that's perfect for newbies and seasoned anglers alike. You'll be cruising the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway, hunting for some of Florida's most prized inshore species. Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or just want a laid-back morning on the water, this trip's got something for everyone.

What to Expect on the Water

Kick off your day bright and early at 8 AM, when the fish are usually biting their best. Capt. Chad's got all the gear and live bait ready to roll, so you can focus on the fun part - catching fish. If you're keen, he'll even show you how to catch your own bait, giving you a real taste of the full fishing experience. The waters around Jacksonville are teeming with Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout, so there's always a good chance of tight lines. Don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before - Capt. Chad's got the patience of a saint and loves teaching newcomers the ropes. And when you land that first fish? Trust me, you'll be hooked for life.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of inshore fishing techniques. We might start off with some live bait fishing, using shrimp or mullet to entice those redfish hiding around oyster beds. If the trout are schooling, we could switch to some light tackle casting with soft plastics. Capt. Chad knows all the local honey holes - from grass flats where the sea trout hang out, to deeper channels where big reds like to cruise. He'll read the water and tides to put you on the fish, adjusting tactics as needed. And here's a pro tip: when targeting sheepshead around dock pilings, watch your rod tip closely. These striped bandits are notorious bait stealers!

Top Catches This Season

The local fishing scene's been on fire lately. Anglers have been pulling in some chunky redfish, with a few topping the 30-inch mark. The trout bite's been steady too, especially on incoming tides around the creek mouths. We've even had a few surprise tarpon hook-ups that really got hearts racing. Remember, it's all about being in the right place at the right time, and that's where Capt. Chad's local knowledge comes in clutch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the rockstars of inshore fishing. They put up a hell of a fight and can grow to over 40 inches. In Jacksonville, you'll find them year-round, but the fall run is something special. Look for their signature tail in shallow water - it's a sight that'll get any angler's heart pumping. Redfish love to hang around structure, so we'll target oyster bars, dock pilings, and grass flats. They'll hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures, making them fun for anglers of all skill levels.

Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're abundant, tasty, and put up a good scrap on light tackle. Trout are ambush predators, so we'll focus on areas with current and structure where they can hide and surprise their prey. Early mornings are prime time for trout, especially with topwater lures. There's nothing quite like seeing a big trout explode on a surface plug at dawn.

Southern Flounder: Flat as a pancake and just as tasty, flounder are a favorite among local anglers. These masters of camouflage bury themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. We'll target them around drop-offs and creek mouths, especially during their fall migration. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse - when you feel that distinctive 'thump', give them a moment before setting the hook. It's all about patience with these flatties.

Tarpon: The silver king! While not as common as our other targets, hooking into a tarpon is an experience you'll never forget. These prehistoric powerhouses can top 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays. We typically see them in the warmer months, rolling and gulping air at the surface. Landing a tarpon is a true feat, but even just seeing one jump is worth the price of admission.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong to a sheep, these fish are unmistakable. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling the bite and setting the hook at the right moment is crucial. We'll target them around structures like bridge pilings and oyster bars. Sheepshead fishing is a great way to hone your skills and reflexes, and they make for some mighty fine eating too.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. This trip offers a perfect mix of action, scenery, and good old-fashioned fun. You'll get to explore the beautiful waterways around Jacksonville, spotting dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of birds along the way. Capt. Chad's boat is comfortable and safe, so you can focus on enjoying the experience without any worries. Plus, at the end of the trip, he'll clean and fillet your catch, so you can take home the freshest fish dinner you've ever had. It's a morning well spent, whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida's inshore fishing.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Jacksonville's finest inshore species, this trip is calling your name. Whether you're a complete newbie or just looking for a relaxed morning of fishing, Capt. Chad's got you covered. With all gear provided, expert guidance, and a good chance at some quality fish, it's hard to go wrong. Plus, with only room for two guests, you're guaranteed personalized attention. So why wait? The fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Book now and get ready for a morning of rod-bending action on Jacksonville's inshore waters. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock!

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. They typically range from 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in less than a foot of water during high tides. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawn. Anglers prize redfish for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch them, try sight fishing with live bait or soft plastics. Local tip: when you spot a tailing red, cast well beyond it and slowly drag your bait into its path. A lure plopped right on its head will often spook these wary fish.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite among our inshore anglers. They usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with some monsters pushing 10 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during winter. They're most active in cooler months, especially around dawn and dusk. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch sea trout, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances. That's often trout feeding on bait, and a topwater lure can trigger explosive strikes.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the striped convicts of our waters, easily recognized by their human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches long. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. Winter and early spring are best for targeting sheepshead as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait stealers, and their sweet, white meat makes great table fare. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local secret: when you feel the tiniest tap, set the hook immediately. Sheepshead are experts at nibbling bait off hooks, so you've got to be quick.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild-flavored meat. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing near structure using live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow. This pause gives them time to get the bait fully in their mouth, improving your hook-up ratio.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the acrobats of the inshore fishing world. These silver giants can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds, though 4-5 footers are more common here. You'll find them in our shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and even up into the St. Johns River. They're most active from late spring through summer when they're spawning. Anglers chase tarpon for their spectacular aerial displays and powerful fights. They're not great eating, so it's all about the thrill of the catch. To hook one, try live bait like mullet or crabs around bridges or deep channels. Pro tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give it slack. This "bowing to the king" helps keep the hook set and prevents a broken line.

About the Catching Fire

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 10

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Get ready for a laid-back morning of fishing in Jacksonville's scenic waters. Capt. Chad will take you out for 4 hours of beginner-friendly inshore angling on the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway. You'll be targeting popular catches like Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout. Don't worry about gear or bait - it's all provided and prepped for you. If you're curious, you can even learn how to catch bait yourself. This trip is perfect for newbies, kids, or anyone looking to improve their skills in a relaxed setting. The boat is comfy and safe, giving you peace of mind as you cast your line. After reeling in your catch, Capt. Chad will clean and fillet the fish for you. It's a hands-on, productive way to spend a morning on the water, whether you're a first-timer or looking to brush up on your technique.

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