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4-Hour Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville
- Published Date: October 2, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville
- $250 - $550 price range
- Updated Date: November 28, 2025
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Nice redfish from Mayport! Afternoon clearing made for exciting fishing conditions.
Jacksonville's Top Inshore Fishing Adventure
Ready for some real Florida fishing action? Capt. Dave's 4-hour inshore trip in Jacksonville is the ticket. With 28 years of local knowledge under his belt, Capt. Dave knows every nook and cranny where the fish are biting. You'll be cruising the St. Johns River and surrounding saltmarsh aboard the Jettywolf, a custom-built 20-footer that's perfect for getting into those skinny water hotspots. Whether you're after redfish, seatrout, or black drum, this private charter for two is your chance to land some of Jacksonville's prized inshore species.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off bright and early at 7 AM, giving you the prime fishing window when the fish are most active. Capt. Dave's trip runs up to 6 hours, including travel time, so you've got plenty of opportunity to work different spots as the tide changes. Speaking of tides, they're the name of the game here. Every 6 hours, the water moves, and so do the fish. Capt. Dave times your trip to make the most of these natural fish highways.
You'll be fishing with top-notch gear - all rods, reels, and tackle are provided. Depending on what's biting, you might be bottom fishing, tossing jig heads, or watching slip floats drift by. Capt. Dave's got a mix of live bait, natural offerings, and artificial lures to tempt even the pickiest fish. All you need to bring is a small cooler with drinks and snacks, and wear clothes that fit the weather. One pro tip: stick to sneakers. Those work boots might be comfy on land, but they'll scuff up the deck faster than you can say "fish on!"
Techniques for Inshore Success
Inshore fishing in Jacksonville is all about reading the water and knowing where the fish hang out. You might start the day drifting live shrimp along oyster bars for redfish, then switch to popping cork rigs for seatrout over grass flats as the tide changes. If the black drum are schooling up, Capt. Dave might have you drop weighted jigs tipped with crab chunks right on their noses. It's a constantly changing game, and that's what makes it so fun.
Casting skills are key on this trip. The better you can place your bait, the more fish you'll catch. Don't worry if you're a bit rusty - Capt. Dave's got plenty of tips to help you dial in your technique. Just be ready to move around the boat as needed. These inshore species can pop up anywhere, so staying mobile and alert is part of the excitement.
Target Species Breakdown
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rockstars of Jacksonville's inshore scene. They'll test your drag and your nerves, often making blistering runs right for the nearest structure. Redfish here can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds up to bull reds pushing 40 inches. They love hanging around oyster bars and creek mouths, especially on a falling tide. The satisfaction of seeing that telltale spot on the tail as you bring one boatside is hard to beat.
Seatrout: Don't let their slender profile fool you - seatrout are feisty fighters and excellent table fare. These spotted predators hunt in packs, so when you find one, you've often found a whole school. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but will also crush topwater lures at dawn and dusk. The "gator" trout (over 20 inches) are the real trophies, and Capt. Dave knows just where they like to lurk.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the inshore world, black drum are all muscle and no quit. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are great eating, while the big boys can top 50 pounds. They love crustaceans, so crab and shrimp baits are your best bet. When a school of big drum moves through, the water looks like it's boiling - it's a sight you won't forget.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Capt. Dave's trips are more than just a fishing charter - they're a crash course in Jacksonville's unique ecosystem. As you're casting for reds or working a flat for trout, you'll likely spot dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of shorebirds going about their day. It's not uncommon to see bald eagles swooping down for their own catch.
The ever-changing nature of inshore fishing means no two trips are alike. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in gin-clear water, the next you could be battling a surprise cobia that decided to crash the inshore party. Capt. Dave's extensive experience means he can adjust on the fly, always putting you on the best bite available.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that St. Johns River breeze in your face, Capt. Dave's 4-hour inshore trip is calling your name. With everything provided except your personal snacks and drinks, it's a hassle-free way to experience some of the best fishing Jacksonville has to offer. Remember, this is a private trip for two, so you've got the captain's full attention and can really dial in your technique.
Booking is straightforward - you pay in full upfront, so there's no fumbling for cash after a long day on the water. If you prefer to pay cash, just shoot an email to jettywolf@gmail.com before booking. And hey, if you want those fish cleaned and filleted at the end of the day, Capt. Dave's happy to do it for a gratuity.
Don't let another fishing season slip by. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, this trip has something for everyone. The tides wait for no one, so grab your fishing buddy and lock in your date with Capt. Dave. The fish are waiting, and Jacksonville's inshore waters are calling. Let's get you out there!
Learn more about the animals
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive spot near their tail, typically run 28-33 inches when mature. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs exposed, cruising flats, oyster bars, and mangroves. They're most active in fall when the water cools, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality. To target them, look for "tailing" fish in very shallow water during high tide. They'll be nose-down, tail up, rooting for crabs and shrimp. My go-to trick: use a weedless gold spoon and cast well ahead of the fish. Let it sink, then retrieve with a slow, steady pace. When that red slams it, hold on tight – you're in for a fun fight!
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite target in our inshore waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters over 40 pounds have been caught. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to chase shrimp and small baitfish, so lures that mimic these work great. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Anglers prize sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild flesh. To boost your odds, try working topwater plugs early in the morning or at dusk. My local secret: on calm days, look for subtle surface disturbances – that's often trout feeding just below. Cast beyond the ripples and work your lure through the zone for some exciting action.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage in our local waters. These flat fish typically run 15-20 inches, but can get up to 26 pounds. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're ambush predators, so they'll wait for bait to come to them. Best fishing is usually September through November when they're feeding heavily before winter. Anglers love targeting flounder for their fight and excellent table fare. To hook one, try drifting with live bait like minnows or mullet on a circle hook. My top tip: work your bait slowly along the bottom with short hops to mimic an injured fish. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. These guys are tricky, but the challenge makes landing one that much sweeter.
About the Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
