Premier Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$300 - $700 price range

Summary

Ready for some prime Jacksonville fishing? Join Captain Chad for a 4-hour inshore adventure on the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway. We'll be chasing after Redfish, Flounder, Tarpon, Sheepshead, and Spotted Seatrout in the local flats, creeks, and rivers. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – this trip is perfect for all skill levels, and kids are always welcome. We've got live bait ready to go, but if you're curious, Capt. Chad can show you how to catch your own. With decades of experience under his belt, he knows all the best spots to land a great catch. At the end of the trip, we'll clean and fillet your fish so you can take home the freshest dinner in town. It's a hands-on, laid-back way to experience some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!

Premier Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charter

Rods, Reels, and Catches

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

Reel in the Action: Jacksonville Inshore Fishing

Looking to get hooked on some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer? Captain Chad's got you covered with this half-day adventure that'll have you casting lines and hauling in fish before you can say "tight lines!" Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this 4-hour trip is the perfect way to experience the rich fishing grounds of the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway.

What to Expect on the Water

Rise and shine, anglers! We'll meet bright and early at 8:00 AM to kick off our fishing extravaganza. Captain Chad's been navigating these waters for decades, so you're in for a treat as he guides you to the hottest fishing spots in Jacksonville's inshore paradise. We're talking flats, creeks, and rivers that are teeming with fish just waiting to give your line a tug. And don't worry about bringing bait – we've got live bait all prepped and ready to go. Heck, if you're feeling adventurous, Capt. Chad might even show you how to catch your own bait like a true Florida fisherman!

Fishing Know-How for Every Angler

Whether you're a pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be using light tackle techniques perfect for inshore fishing, from sight casting on the flats to working structure in the deeper channels. Capt. Chad's always ready with tips and tricks to help you land that trophy catch. And for the kiddos or newbies? No worries! We love showing beginners the ropes, and there's nothing quite like seeing a youngster's face light up when they reel in their first fish. By the end of the trip, you'll be handling that rod like a champ!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Jacksonville's inshore waters are a smorgasbord of sought-after game fish. Let's break down some of the all-stars you might be reeling in:

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Known for their iconic spot near the tail, redfish put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. They love to cruise the flats and hang around oyster beds, so keep your eyes peeled for their telltale tails sticking up out of the water.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, these flatfish are a real treat to catch. They're ambush predators, so we'll be targeting sandy bottoms and drop-offs where they like to hide. The thrill of setting the hook when a flounder takes your bait is hard to beat, and they make for some mighty fine eating too!

Tarpon: Hold onto your hats, folks – hooking into a tarpon is like strapping yourself to a rocket! These silver kings are known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. While they're more seasonal, usually showing up in the warmer months, landing one of these giants will give you bragging rights for years to come.

Sheepshead: Don't let their funky teeth fool you – these striped bandits are no joke to catch. They love structure and have a knack for stealing bait, so finesse is key. But once you get the hang of it, pulling in a big sheepshead is incredibly satisfying.

Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a staple of inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Listen for their distinctive "drum roll" sound underwater – it's a dead giveaway that you're in for some action!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it! The real magic of this trip is in the experience. You're not just casting a line; you're immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Jacksonville's waterways. Capt. Chad's knowledge of the area means you're getting more than just a fishing trip – it's like a guided tour of some of Florida's most stunning aquatic ecosystems. And let's not forget the convenience factor. We provide all the gear, bait, and even clean your catch at the end. It's hands-down one of the easiest ways to enjoy world-class fishing without any of the hassle.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to make some fishing memories? This half-day inshore trip with Catching Fire Fishing Charters is your ticket to some of the best angling Jacksonville has to offer. With only room for two guests, you're guaranteed a personalized experience that caters to your skill level and interests. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, impress your fishing buddies with a new PB (that's "personal best" for you landlubbers), or just enjoy a relaxing morning on the water, Capt. Chad's got you covered. Don't let this opportunity slip away like a fish off the hook – book your trip now and get ready for a fishing adventure you won't soon forget!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They average 3-10 pounds, but trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges. They often show themselves by "tailing" - feeding with their tails out of the water. Fall is prime time as reds school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To target them, use live bait like mullet or crabs, or artificials like gold spoons and soft plastics. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is especially exciting. Here's a local tip: when you spot a school, don't charge right in. Position yourself upwind and let them come to you. Redfish spook easily, so stealth is key. Whether you're after a slot-sized dinner or a trophy bull red, these copper-colored beauties always deliver an awesome fight.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target here. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters over 30 inches exist. Look for them in grassy flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are ideal. Anglers love trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. They put up a good fight on light tackle too. To catch them, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Work your bait with subtle twitches to trigger strikes. Here's a local tip: on cloudy days, look for trout in shallower water than usual. They'll often move up to feed when there's less sunlight. Whether you're after a limit for dinner or just want some light tackle action, sea trout rarely disappoint.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the coast, with distinctive black and white stripes. Most are 1-8 pounds, but they can reach 20 pounds. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They love munching on barnacles and crabs with their weird human-like teeth. Spring is prime sheepshead season as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking them. These bait stealers are notorious for light bites. To catch sheepshead, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Fish as close to the structure as you can. Here's a local trick: when you feel the bite, count to three before setting the hook. It gives them time to get the bait in their mouth. Landing a big sheepshead takes patience and finesse, but it's worth it for the dinner table.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. They're usually 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait, then snap up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. They put up a decent fight too, especially the bigger ones. To catch flounder, try drifting or still fishing near structures like docks or jetties. Use light tackle with a carolina rig and live bait like mullet or shrimp. My local tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. These "doormats" can be tricky, but landing a big one is always satisfying.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish - powerful, acrobatic, and just plain cool to see. Adults average 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. They hang out in our coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries. Spring and summer are peak tarpon seasons as they migrate through. Anglers come from all over to battle these "silver kings." The fight is intense - tarpon are known for spectacular leaps and long runs. To hook one, look for rolling fish in channels or along beaches. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well. Be ready for the jump when they hit - it's a sight you won't forget. My tip: use a circle hook to improve hook-ups and make releasing these giants easier. Most are catch-and-release, but the memories last a lifetime. Just remember to stay patient - hooking a tarpon often takes time and persistence.

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 fantastic morning of fishing in Jacksonville's scenic waterways with Captain Chad as your guide. This 4-hour trip takes you to prime spots in the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway, where you'll cast for prized catches like Redfish, Flounder, and Tarpon. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, Capt. Chad's decades of local knowledge ensure a rewarding day on the water. He'll have live bait ready to go and can even show you how to catch your own if you're interested. Kids and beginners are always welcome on this laid-back adventure. At the end of your trip, Capt. Chad will clean and fillet your catch, so you can take home the delicious rewards of your day. It's a perfect way to experience some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer!

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