4-Hour Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville

Jacksonville's Premier Inshore Fishing Adventure

Ready to hit the local waters with a seasoned pro? Capt. Dave's 4-hour inshore trip is your ticket to some of the best fishing Jacksonville has to offer. With 28 years of experience under his belt, Capt. Dave knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're casting lines in the St. Johns River, exploring the saltmarsh, or trying your luck at the inlet, you're in for a real treat.

Trip Overview

This private charter is perfect for two anglers looking to escape the crowds and focus on catching fish. You'll be aboard the Jettywolf, a sleek 20-foot custom-built bay boat that's designed to navigate shallow inshore waters with ease. The trip kicks off at 7 AM sharp, giving you prime morning fishing time when the fish are most active. Over the next four hours, you'll target popular inshore species like redfish, seatrout, and black drum, with the possibility of hooking into other seasonal catches depending on what's running.

Techniques on the Water

Capt. Dave's approach is all about versatility. You might find yourself bottom fishing one minute and casting jig heads the next. He'll read the tides (which change every 6 hours) and adjust tactics accordingly. Expect to use a mix of live bait, natural offerings, and artificial lures. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – Capt. Dave's got you covered with top-notch gear and plenty of know-how to share. The beauty of inshore fishing is how quickly conditions can change, keeping you on your toes and the fish biting.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average sit-and-wait fishing trip. To make the most of your time, you'll want to be ready to move around the boat, cast spinning tackle, and stay engaged with the action. Capt. Dave provides all the essential gear – rods, reels, tackle, coolers, ice, and even takes care of your fishing license for the day. All you need to bring is a small bag with drinks and snacks, and dress for the weather. Remember, layers are your friend on the water, where conditions can shift quickly.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Jacksonville staple. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a great fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They love hanging around structure and often hunt in schools, so where there's one, there's likely more. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can target them year-round in varying sizes.

Seatrout: Also called spotted seatrout or speckled trout, these fish are prized for both their sporting quality and taste. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when reeling them in. Seatrout are ambush predators, often found around grass flats and oyster beds. Early morning and late evening are typically the best times to target them, especially with topwater lures for an exciting visual bite.

Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum can grow to impressive sizes. They're bottom feeders with a sweet tooth for crustaceans, making them fun to target with crab or shrimp baits. While the smaller ones are excellent eating, the big ones (over 20 pounds) are usually released as trophies. Spring is typically the best time to target large black drum as they gather to spawn.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fishing with Capt. Dave isn't just about filling the cooler (though that's always a nice bonus). It's about soaking in the beauty of Jacksonville's waterways, learning new techniques, and experiencing the thrill of the catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, there's always something new to discover on these waters. The personalized attention you get on this two-person trip means you can really dial in your skills and make the most of every cast.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with Capt. Dave. With limited spots available and prime fishing seasons filling up fast, you'll want to secure your date sooner rather than later. Remember, this is more than just a fishing trip – it's a chance to create lasting memories, learn from a local expert, and potentially land the catch of a lifetime. So grab a buddy, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for a top-notch day on the water. Call 904-642-9546 to book your spot or ask any questions you might have. Just remember, Capt. Dave prefers calls over texts – he's old school like that, and it's part of what makes him such a great guide. Don't miss out on this chance to experience Jacksonville fishing at its finest!