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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville
- $300 - $700 price range
Summary
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Jacksonville's Inshore Hotspots
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 Action: Full Day Inshore Fishing
Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer. This full-day trip with Catching Fire Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of the action, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to elusive flounder. With Captain Chad at the helm, you'll explore the rich waters of the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway, learning the local hotspots and techniques that consistently produce great catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 8-hour adventure is tailored to give you the ultimate Jacksonville fishing experience.
What's Biting Today?
As the sun rises over Jacksonville's waterways, you'll be gearing up for a day filled with rod-bending action. Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on fish before you know it. You might start the morning drifting live bait along grass flats for spotted seatrout, then switch gears to sight-fishing for tailing redfish in the shallows. As the tide changes, you could find yourself battling a hard-pulling tarpon or finessing a flounder from its hiding spot. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – every cast has the potential to bring in something different.
Casting Your Way to Success
On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with a range of fishing techniques. Captain Chad provides all the gear you need, from light tackle spinning rods to heavier setups for those bigger fish. You might throw soft plastics on a jighead, work topwater lures for explosive strikes, or use live bait to entice the more cautious feeders. The captain will show you how to read the water, spot signs of fish activity, and present your bait or lure for the best chance of a hookup. Whether you're casting to structure along the shoreline or working a deep channel edge, you'll be honing your skills all day long.
Reels of Approval
"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
Inshore All-Stars
Red Snapper: These hard-fighting fish are a favorite among anglers for their tenacious battles and delicious flavor. In Jacksonville's waters, they typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with the potential for much larger catches. Red snapper love structure, so you'll often target them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. The best time to catch these beauties is during the summer months when regulations allow for harvesting.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are a prized catch for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present. These flat fish can grow up to several pounds and are often found near drop-offs, around docks, and in creek mouths. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing in Jacksonville, as they prepare for their annual migration. The thrill of seeing a flounder materialize from the sandy bottom as you reel it in is unmatched.
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are one of the most exciting fish to catch in inshore waters. These prehistoric-looking giants can reach well over 100 pounds and are famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. Late spring through summer is the best time to target tarpon in Jacksonville, as they follow bait schools through the area. Hooking into one of these monsters will test your skills and provide an unforgettable fishing experience.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are as fun to catch as they are peculiar to look at. Sheepshead typically weigh 2 to 8 pounds and are experts at stealing bait. You'll target them around structures like bridges, pilings, and oyster beds. Winter and early spring are prime times for sheepshead fishing, and their delicate, sweet meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Mahi Mahi: While typically an offshore species, mahi mahi (also known as dolphinfish) can sometimes be caught on inshore trips when conditions are right. These colorful fish are known for their speed and acrobatics, often putting on a spectacular show when hooked. Mahi can range from a few pounds to over 30 pounds, with summer being the best time to catch them. Their firm, flavorful meat makes them a prized catch for anglers lucky enough to hook one inshore.
Time to Wet a Line
There's nothing quite like a full day on the water, and this inshore trip with Catching Fire Fishing Charters delivers on all fronts. From the moment you step aboard until you're back at the dock with a cooler full of fish, Captain Chad ensures you're in for a top-notch fishing experience. With all the gear provided and drinks on board, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a few snacks to keep you going. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, catch your personal best, or just enjoy a day away from it all, this trip has you covered. Don't let another fishing season slip by – book your spot now and get ready to make some lasting memories on the waters of Jacksonville. The fish are waiting, and the bite is on!
Customer Review
Unforgettable Voyage
Blake N.
July 25, 2021
Learn more about the species
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Red Snapper are prized for both sport and food, with their vibrant red color and tasty white fillets. Most run 5-10 pounds, but they can grow much larger. You'll find them offshore around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas, usually in 60-300 feet of water. They're known for their strong initial run when hooked. Summer is peak Red Snapper season here. Use heavy tackle and drop your bait to the bottom - live pinfish or cut bait works great. These fish often school up, so when you find one, there's likely more. My pro tip: Once you've got your limit, try some light chumming. It'll bring the snapper up in the water column for an amazing sight-fishing experience. The fight and the feast afterward make Red Snapper a top target for many anglers.
Red Snapper
Mahi Mahi, or Dorado, are one of the most beautiful fish you'll see. They're known for their vibrant colors - golden sides with blue and green splotches that seem to dance in the sunlight. These fast growers usually run 15-30 pounds, though the record is a whopping 87 pounds. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. They're surface feeders, so keep an eye out for them leaping after flying fish. Mahi put up an acrobatic fight and taste great too, making them a favorite for both sport and food. Spring through fall is prime time to catch them here. When you spot a school, toss out live bait or lures that mimic flying fish. My pro tip: If you hook one, leave it in the water - the rest of the school will likely stick around. It's an exciting fish that'll test your skills and leave you with a memorable catch and a delicious dinner.
Sheepshead
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on one side of their flat bodies. They typically run 1-5 pounds but can reach 20+ in rare cases. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up into rivers. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or drop-offs. Fall is flounder time, as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Drift fishing with live bait or bouncing a jig along the bottom works well. These fish aren't known for big fights, but they're tricky to hook - wait until you feel weight before setting. My local secret: Try fishing the outgoing tide around creek mouths. Flounder are excellent table fare too, with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Just watch out for those bones when cleaning!
Southern Flounder
Sheepshead are odd-looking fish with a mouth full of human-like teeth and black stripes on a silvery body. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might luck into a 20-pounder. Look for them around docks, bridges, and any structure with barnacles - that's their favorite food. They're masters at stealing bait, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. These fish are a blast to catch year-round, but winter and early spring are best when they school up to spawn. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters for bait. My local trick: Scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Sheepshead put up a good fight for their size, and they're excellent eating too. The white, flaky meat is sweet and mild. Just be careful of those sharp fins when you're cleaning them!
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric-looking giants can top 6 feet and 150 pounds, with powerful bodies built for acrobatic leaps. You'll find them in our warm coastal waters, often rolling on the surface in channels or cruising the flats. They're not much for eating, but the thrill of the catch keeps anglers coming back. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time here. They'll take live bait, lures, or flies, but be ready for a fight - these fish can go airborne multiple times and strip line like crazy. Patience is key when setting the hook. My tip: Wait until you feel the weight of the fish before you swing. Even if you don't land one, seeing a massive tarpon launch itself skyward is something you won't forget. It's a bucket-list fish for good reason.
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.