Expert 6-Hour BackCountry Fishing in Jacksonville

Published Date: October 11, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$250 - $600 price range
Updated Date: October 14, 2025

Summary

Join Captain Dave, a seasoned Jacksonville fishing guide, for a 6-hour private charter on the St. Johns River, saltmarsh, or inlet. Leaving at 7am, you'll hop aboard the Jettywolf, a custom-built 20' inshore boat perfect for shallow waters. Dave targets redfish, seatrout, and black drum, with chances for other species depending on the season and tides. You might bottom fish, cast jigs, or drift with live bait - Dave's got all the gear and know-how covered. Just bring drinks, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothes. With 28 years of local experience, Dave knows these waters inside and out. He'll have you on fish and sharing stories in no time. This trip's ideal for two anglers who can move around the boat and handle spinning gear. Whether you're after your personal best or just want to wet a line, Captain Dave's got you covered for a solid day on Jacksonville's waters.

Expert 6-Hour BackCountry Fishing in Jacksonville

Reels in Action

Great day on the water at Mayport! Partly cloudy skies made for exciting fishing conditions.

3 people fishing in Jacksonville, Florida

birthday trip for two brothers

Redfish caught during a fishing tour in FL

21'' Redfish for Ricardo from Guatemala

Mayport boat ramp flooded

Inshore Fishing Adventure in Jacksonville

Ready for some real Florida fishing action? Hop aboard Capt. Dave's custom-built Jettywolf for a 6-hour inshore trip that'll have you hooked. With 28 years of experience navigating these waters, Capt. Dave knows every nook and cranny where the fish are biting. Whether you're casting lines in the St. Johns River, exploring the rich saltmarsh, or trying your luck at the inlet, this private charter for two is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll shove off at 7 AM sharp, giving us prime time on the water when the fish are most active. The 20-foot Jettywolf is perfect for getting into those skinny water spots where the big ones hide. You'll be targeting inshore favorites like redfish, seatrout, and black drum, with chances at other species depending on the season. The tides change every 6 hours, so we'll adjust our strategy throughout the day to keep the bite hot. Expect to try a mix of bottom fishing, working jig heads, and drifting slip floats. We'll use live bait, natural offerings, and artificial lures to give you the best shot at a cooler full of fish.

Techniques and Tackle

Leave your gear at home – we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. You'll be slinging spinning gear, so be ready to cast and work those lures. We might be freelining live shrimp along oyster bars for reds one minute, then switching to popping corks for trout the next. Capt. Dave will show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or help you fine-tune your technique if you're an old salt. The key is being mobile and ready to switch it up as the bite changes. And don't worry about licenses or ice – that's all included. Just bring a few drinks, some snacks, and dress for a day on the water.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Fishing with Capt. Dave isn't just about filling the cooler (though we'll do our best). It's about soaking in the Northeast Florida experience. You might spot dolphins playing in the wake or manatees cruising by. The saltmarsh is teeming with birds and wildlife, and the views of Jacksonville's skyline from the water are something else. Plus, with just two anglers on board, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques or just want to bend a rod, this trip delivers.

Customer Stories

"Took the kids 15y and 4yr, both got seasick but Captain Dave not only handled well but with the shorter on open water experience took us up river for sightseeing and a bit of history it was a great end" - Rhonda

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewels of inshore fishing in Jacksonville. These copper-colored brutes can grow over 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, so we'll target them with live bait or artificial lures. The "slam" of a big red taking your bait is something you won't forget.

Seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are another favorite. These spotted predators have a soft mouth, so finesse is key. We'll often find them in deeper holes or around grass flats. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures can be deadly too. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.

Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they more than make up for it with their fight. These cousins of the redfish can grow to monster sizes, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range. They love crustaceans, so we'll often use fiddler crabs or shrimp to entice them.

Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the thieves of the inshore world. They're experts at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a treat. We find them around structure like docks and pilings. Their teeth are perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles, so that's what we'll use to target them.

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. We'll target these flatfish in deeper holes or along drop-offs. They're ambush predators, so we'll often use live bait or soft plastics dragged slowly along the bottom. Landing a big "doormat" is always a highlight of any trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 6-hour inshore trip with Capt. Dave is more than just a fishing charter – it's a chance to experience the best of what Jacksonville's waters have to offer. With all gear provided, expert guidance, and a custom boat built for these waters, you're set up for a day of non-stop action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, this trip has something for everyone. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Capt. Dave a call between 8 AM and 8 PM to get your questions answered and your trip on the books. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?

Customer Review

Nausea to Nice Trip

Took the kids 15y and 4yr, both got seasick but Captain Dave not only handled well but with the shorter on open water experience took us up river for sightseeing and a bit of history it was a great end

Rhonda Herrmann

November 11, 2020

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular targets here in Jacksonville. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches inshore, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near mangroves, often in water so skinny their backs are exposed. They're year-round residents, but fall is prime time as they school up. Reds are known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail spot. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Live bait like mullet or cut pinfish works great, but artificials like gold spoons or soft plastics can be just as effective. Here's a local tip: on low tides, look for "tailing" reds with their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud. Approach quietly and make an accurate cast - it's sight fishing at its finest. Just be ready for that drag-screaming run when they realize they're hooked!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers here in Jacksonville. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically run 14-24 inches, though some lunkers can hit 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can be deadly too. Here's a local tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. Fan cast the area thoroughly before moving on. And remember, these fish spook easily, so a stealthy approach is crucial for success.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These tough fighters usually run 1-8 pounds, but can hit 20 pounds in rare cases. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like pilings, jetties, and reefs. They're year-round residents, but winter and early spring see them bunch up for spawning. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers - they've got teeth like a sheep and can pick a hook clean in seconds. Their firm, white meat is also top-notch table fare. When targeting sheepshead, get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them. Use light tackle and let your bait sink right next to the pilings. Feel for that subtle nibble, then set the hook hard. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait, but small pieces of shrimp work well too. Just remember, patience and a quick hook-set are key with these crafty fish.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time, as they move to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure or dropoffs. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give them a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift firmly. Live bait like mullet or finger mullet on a Carolina rig works great, but soft plastics can be deadly too. Patience is key with these flatfish - they're not speedsters, but the reward is worth the wait.

About the Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

Get ready for an awesome day on the water with Captain Dave, a seasoned Jacksonville fishing pro with nearly three decades of experience. You'll set out at 7am for a 6-hour private trip aboard the Jettywolf, a custom-built 20-foot inshore boat perfect for navigating the St. Johns River, saltmarsh, and inlet areas. This trip is ideal for two anglers looking to target redfish, seatrout, black drum, and other inshore species, depending on the season and tides. Captain Dave provides all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, coolers, ice, and even takes care of your fishing license. Just bring some drinks and snacks, dress for the weather, and be ready to try different fishing techniques like bottom fishing, jigging, or float fishing. For the best experience, you should be comfortable moving around the boat and casting with spinning tackle. Have questions? Give Captain Dave a call between 8am and 8pm at 904-642-9546. No texts, please. Get set for a fantastic day of fishing in beautiful Jacksonville!

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