Expert 6-Hour BackCountry Fishing in Jacksonville

Published Date: October 11, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$250 - $550 price range
Updated Date: November 28, 2025

Summary

Join Captain Dave, a seasoned Jacksonville fishing guide, for a 6-hour private charter on the St. Johns River and saltmarsh. You'll set out at 7 AM aboard the Jettywolf, a custom-built 20' inshore boat perfect for navigating shallow waters. This trip is ideal for two anglers looking to target redfish, seatrout, and black drum, with chances for other species depending on the season. Dave adjusts tactics based on the tides, using a mix of bottom fishing, jig casting, and drift fishing with live bait and artificials. All gear and licenses are provided – just bring drinks, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothes (sneakers are a must). After a full day on the water, you can opt for fish cleaning services for a tip. Keep in mind, you'll need to be comfortable moving around the boat and casting spinning gear to get the most out of your fishing day.

Expert 6-Hour BackCountry Fishing in Jacksonville

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Another successful catch on the Jacksonville waters!

Fresh catch from Jacksonville waters!

Angler fishing on the pier in Jacksonville

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Cast Away on Jacksonville's Inshore Playground

Ready to wet a line in Jacksonville's rich waters? Capt. Dave's 6-hour inshore trip is your ticket to some of the best fishing Northeast Florida has to offer. With 28 years of local knowledge under his belt, Capt. Dave knows exactly where to find the hottest bites on the St. Johns River and surrounding saltmarsh. Whether you're chasing redfish tails in the grass or jigging for trout over oyster bars, this private charter for two is tailored for both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at the crack of dawn, launching at 7 AM sharp. You'll be aboard the Jettywolf, a custom 20-foot shallow draft bay boat built for these waters. This isn't some crowded party boat – it's just you, your fishing buddy, and Capt. Dave, focused on putting you on fish. The 6-hour trip flies by as you explore prime fishing spots, learning the ins and outs of inshore angling from a true Jacksonville pro. Capt. Dave provides all the gear, bait, and local intel – you just need to bring drinks, snacks, and a willingness to learn.

Rods, Reels, and Techniques

Leave your tackle box at home – Capt. Dave's got you covered with top-notch equipment suited for inshore action. You'll be using light to medium spinning gear, perfect for casting jigs, working soft plastics, or presenting live bait under a float. Depending on the tide (which shifts every 6 hours), you might find yourself drifting grass flats, anchoring up on a deep hole, or sight-casting to cruising reds. Capt. Dave will show you the ropes, from reading the water to setting the hook. Just remember to leave those work boots at home – sneakers are the way to go for a day on the boat.

Angler Tales

"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: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, these copper-colored bruisers are known for their powerful runs and delicious meat. Look for them tailing in shallow grass flats or prowling near oyster bars. Fall is prime time as big schools flood the backwaters, but you can find them year-round in Jacksonville.

Spotted Seatrout: Often called "specks" by locals, these wily predators are a blast on light tackle. They love to ambush bait around grass edges and drop-offs. The spring and fall see the biggest trout pushing into the shallows, but summertime night fishing can be red hot too.

Black Drum: The bulldogs of the inshore scene, black drum fight hard and grow big. They're suckers for fresh shrimp or crab fished near bridge pilings and deep holes. Winter is prime time as large schools move into the river, but you can tangle with them year-round.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – these striped bandits are crafty and put up a great fight. They love structure, so fishing around docks and jetties is the ticket. Late winter and early spring see big spawning runs, but locals target them all year.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait to ambush passing bait fish. Dragging a jig or live bait along sandy bottoms near creek mouths is a great way to connect. Fall is the peak season as they move towards inlets to spawn, but summertime can produce good catches too.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in on Jacksonville's inshore bite, or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, Capt. Dave's 6-hour trip is the perfect way to experience what makes this fishery so special. With all gear provided and Capt. Dave's decades of local knowledge, you're set up for a day of rod-bending action and memories that'll last a lifetime. Just remember – these trips book up fast, especially during prime seasons. Don't miss your chance to get in on Jacksonville's inshore action. Give Capt. Dave a call between 8 AM and 8 PM to lock in your date and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget!

Customer Review

Seasick to Scenic

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

These copper-colored bruisers, also called red drum, are a staple of our inshore fishery. Most run 5-15 pounds, but bulls over 40 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in shallow flats or cruising near oyster bars and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish are famous for their powerful runs and tasty, firm flesh. To catch 'em, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or scented soft plastics. When the water's murky, live or cut bait works well. Here's a local tip: on hot summer days, focus on deeper holes and channels where cooler water collects. The reds stack up there to beat the heat. Nothing beats the thrill of a big red crushing a topwater lure in skinny water!

Sea Trout

Also called spotted or speckled trout, these inshore predators are a favorite among local anglers. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters hit 40 pounds. Look for them around grass flats and deeper channels, especially at night. Sea trout love to chase bait, making them fun on light tackle. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Anglers prize them for their fight and tasty, flaky white meat. To target sea trout, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs worked slowly. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, watch for subtle "nervous water" - it's often sea trout busting bait. Cast beyond the commotion and work your lure through it for explosive strikes.

Sheepshead

These striped "convict fish" are structure lovers, hanging around docks, bridges, and oyster beds. Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can reach 20 pounds. Sheepshead have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs - their favorite snacks. Spring is spawning time, when they gather offshore. Anglers love 'em for their sweet, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. These bait stealers are notorious for light bites. To catch sheepshead, get your bait right up against pilings or structure. Use small, strong hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale nibble, count to three before setting the hook hard. It takes practice, but landing a big sheepshead is worth it.

Southern Flounder

These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms to ambush prey. Typically 15-18 inches long, they can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white meat and put up a good fight when hooked. To catch 'em, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey and reposition it before swallowing. Patience pays off with these tasty flatfish.

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

Join Captain Dave, a seasoned Jacksonville fishing guide with 28 years of experience, for a private 6-hour charter on the St. Johns River and saltmarsh. You'll set out at 7am aboard the 20' Jettywolf, a custom-built 2025 inshore shallow draft bay boat perfect for navigating these waters. Target inshore species like redfish, seatrout, and black drum, with chances for other catches depending on the season. Fishing methods may include bottom fishing, casting jig heads, or drifting slip floats using live, natural, and artificial baits. All gear, coolers, ice, safety equipment, and licensing are provided - just bring drinks and snacks. Wear sneakers and dress for the weather. Fish cleaning is available after the trip for a gratuity. This charter is ideal for mobile guests who can stand and move on the boat, with the ability to cast spinning tackle for the best results. For any questions, call Captain Dave between 8am-8pm.

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