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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville
- $300 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: August 28, 2025
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Calm Day, Steady Bite in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Waters Deliver Again
Hooked a Keeper Nearshore
Light Tackle Fun in Jacksonville
Casting Lines in the River
Flounder Biting in the Bay
Big Bite on Light Gear in Jax
Great Day Fishing in Jacksonville
First Fish Caught in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Charter Success
Calm Day, Steady Bite in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Waters Deliver Again
Hooked a Keeper Nearshore
Light Tackle Fun in Jacksonville
Casting Lines in the River
Flounder Biting in the Bay
Big Bite on Light Gear in Jax
Great Day Fishing in Jacksonville
First Fish Caught in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Charter Success
Calm Day, Steady Bite in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Waters Deliver Again
Hooked a Keeper Nearshore
Light Tackle Fun in Jacksonville
Reel in the Big One: Jacksonville Inshore Fishing
Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer with Catching Fire Fishing Charters. This full-day adventure takes you deep into the heart of Northeast Florida's fishing hotspots, where you'll tangle with hard-fighting redfish, sly seatrout, and maybe even a high-flying tarpon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Chad's got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and local insight you need for a day of non-stop action on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Kick back and enjoy 8 full hours of prime fishing time as we cruise the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway. We'll hit all the sweet spots – from shallow flats where redfish tail in inches of water to deep creek mouths where monster trout lurk in the shadows. Captain Chad's been fishing these waters for years, so he knows exactly where the fish are biting and what they're hungry for. You'll get hands-on experience with different techniques, from sight-casting to soft plastics to live bait fishing. And don't worry if you're new to this – the captain's got plenty of patience and loves teaching folks the ropes.
Gearing Up for Success
Leave your tackle box at home because we've got everything you need right here on the boat. We use top-of-the-line rods and reels matched perfectly to the species we're after. Whether we're flicking light jigs for trout or battling bull reds, you'll have the right tool for the job. Captain Chad's always got a few tricks up his sleeve too – special lures and rigs that the local fish just can't resist. As for the boat, it's a comfortable, stable platform designed for inshore fishing. There's plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and relax between bites. We've even got drinks on board to keep you hydrated, but feel free to bring along your favorite snacks to keep your energy up.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"My wife and I had an incredible day on the water and are already looking forward to our next trip. The captain was not only welcoming and easy to talk to, but also incredibly knowledgeable. He went out of his way to make sure every detail was taken care of so we could truly enjoy the experience from start to finish." - Blake
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing in Jacksonville. They'll test your drag and your patience as they bulldoze through grass flats and oyster bars. Redfish here can range from fun-sized "rat reds" to trophy bull reds over 40 inches. Fall is prime time for big schools, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Spotted Seatrout: Don't let their sleek profile fool you – these spotted predators pack a punch. Known locally as "gator trout" when they get big, seatrout are ambush feeders that love to hang around drop-offs and grass edges. They're suckers for a well-presented artificial lure, making them a blast on light tackle. Winter months often see the biggest trout of the year.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world. They lie in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms, ready to ambush anything that swims by. While they might not put up the longest fight, hooking one of these flatfish is a test of skill and patience. Look for them around inlet mouths and deeper holes, especially in the fall as they move offshore to spawn.
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," hooking into one of these acrobatic giants is the highlight of many anglers' seasons. Tarpon in Jacksonville can reach well over 100 pounds, and their spectacular leaps and powerful runs will leave you breathless. They're seasonal visitors, typically showing up in good numbers from late spring through summer. Landing one is a true test of an angler's skill and endurance.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called "convict fish." Don't let their goofy buck-toothed grin fool you – these fish are notorious bait stealers and put up a surprisingly good fight. They love structure, so we'll target them around docks, bridges, and jetties. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, when other species slow down.
Mahi Mahi: While we primarily focus inshore, sometimes we get lucky and run into schools of mahi (dolphinfish) when conditions are right. These colorful speedsters are more common offshore, but they occasionally venture into coastal waters chasing bait schools. If we spot floating debris or weedlines, we might have a shot at these acrobatic fighters. They're not just fun to catch – they're delicious too!
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just soak in a day on Northeast Florida's beautiful waterways, this Jacksonville inshore fishing charter delivers. With Capt. Chad's local knowledge and passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a top-notch angling experience. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab a buddy (or make it a solo trip) and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the rich inshore waters of Jacksonville. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?
Customer Review
Sail Away Bliss
Blake N.
July 25, 2021
Learn more about the species
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, are a colorful and exciting catch off the Jacksonville coast. These fish typically range from 15-29 pounds but can grow up to 80 pounds. You'll find them in offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their vibrant colors - a mix of gold, blue, and green that fades quickly after they're caught. They're fast growers and great fighters, making them a favorite among anglers. The best time to target mahi is during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. When fishing for mahi, look for birds circling or diving - that's often a sign of feeding fish below. Use medium to heavy tackle and try trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures that mimic flying fish. Once you hook one, keep the boat moving; mahi often travel in schools, so you might catch several from the same spot. These fish are not just fun to catch; they're also delicious to eat. Their mild, sweet flavor makes them a popular choice for fish tacos or grilled fillets.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are a prized catch, typically weighing 5-10 pounds but can grow up to 35 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in depths of 30-620 feet. They're most active in water temps of 50-70 degrees. These fish put up a good fight and are known for their tasty, white meat. To catch 'em, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works well, but for the big ones, try live pinfish. Watch out though - they'll try to run back to cover when hooked. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated, so check the dates before heading out. When you do land one, you're in for a treat. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor makes them a favorite on dinner tables. Remember, they've got sharp teeth, so handle with care. For the best results, keep your bait near the bottom and be ready for a strong pull when they bite.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, often called "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes, are a fun catch around Jacksonville. These fish typically weigh 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20 pounds. You'll find them near structures like docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Sheepshead have human-like teeth, perfect for crushing their hard-shelled prey. They're most active in cooler months, from late fall through early spring. When fishing for sheepshead, use small hooks and light tackle. Fiddler crabs, oysters, or shrimp make great bait. These fish are notorious bait stealers, so you need to be quick on the hookset. Patience is key - sheepshead bites are often subtle. They're not just fun to catch; they're also excellent table fare with a sweet, mild flavor. Local tip: Look for barnacle-covered pilings or rocks during incoming tides for your best shot at landing a big sheepshead.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms where they ambush their prey. These flatfish typically range from 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, but can grow up to 20 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often near structures like docks or jetties. They're most active in fall when they move to deeper waters to spawn. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. Use a light tackle setup with live bait like bull minnows or mullet, or try artificial lures like jigs tipped with soft plastics. The key is to work your bait slowly along the bottom. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately - give the flounder time to fully take the bait. These fish are not only fun to catch but also delicious to eat. Their white, flaky meat is a favorite among seafood lovers. Pro tip: Look for slight depressions in the sand - that's often where flounder are hiding, waiting to ambush their next meal.
Tarpon
Tarpon, known as the "silver king," are one of the most exciting fish to catch in Jacksonville. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow up to 8 feet and weigh over 200 pounds, though most are in the 80-100 pound range. You'll find them in coastal waters, estuaries, and even up rivers. They're famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, making them a bucket-list catch for many anglers. Tarpon season typically peaks from late spring through summer, with migration patterns following warmer waters. When targeting tarpon, use heavy tackle - a 50-pound class rod and reel combo is a good start. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but artificial lures can be effective too. Be prepared for a long fight; these fish have incredible stamina. Remember, tarpon are catch-and-release only in Florida, so handle them with care. A local tip: look for rolling tarpon early in the morning in shallow waters near passes or inlets. That's often your best shot at hooking into one of these magnificent fish.
About the Catching Fire
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 10
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
My wife and I had an incredible day on the water and are already looking forward to our next trip. The captain was not only welcoming and easy to talk to, but also incredibly knowledgeable. He went out of his way to make sure every detail was taken care of so we could truly enjoy the experience from start to finish.