Expert 6-Hour BackCountry Fishing in Jacksonville

Reel in the Action: Jacksonville Inshore Fishing

Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive waters? Hop aboard with Capt. Dave, a seasoned pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand. This 6-hour trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer. Whether you're chasing redfish in the shallows or battling black drum near structure, you're in for a day of non-stop action on the St. Johns River, saltmarsh, or inlet.

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: You and a buddy, cutting through the morning mist on a custom-built 20' Jettywolf. This isn't your average fishing boat - it's a 2025 model specially designed for these shallow, fish-rich waters. Capt. Dave's got 28 years of local knowledge under his belt, so you're in good hands. The trip kicks off at 7 AM sharp, giving you prime time on the water when the fish are most active. You'll be targeting the inshore grand slam: redfish, seatrout, and black drum, with chances at other species depending on the season and tides.

Fishing Tactics 101

On this trip, you'll get to try a mix of fishing methods. Might be bouncing jigs off the bottom for black drum, working a topwater for explosive trout strikes, or sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. Capt. Dave's got all the gear you need - quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven lures. He'll also have live bait on hand when that's the ticket to success. The beauty of inshore fishing is how quickly the action can change with the tides, so be ready to switch it up throughout the day. Don't worry if you're new to this - Capt. Dave's a pro at getting folks on fish, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod.

From the Angler's Mouth

"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

Fish on the Menu

Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage are a favorite target for good reason. They might not look like much, but hook into one and you're in for a fight. Flounder like to hang around structure and ambush their prey, so we'll be working jigs and live bait near docks, pilings, and drop-offs. Fall is prime time for big ones as they migrate to spawn.

Black Drum: If you're after a fish that'll really test your tackle, black drum are the ticket. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though we usually target the smaller "puppy drum" that are better eating. They love crustaceans, so we'll often use fresh shrimp or crab to entice them. Listen for their distinctive drumming sound when they're nearby!

Sheepshead: Don't let those funky teeth fool you - sheepshead are wily opponents that'll steal your bait if you're not quick on the hook set. They hang around structure and put up a great fight for their size. Winter and early spring are peak seasons when they school up for spawning. Fresh fiddler crabs or oysters are like candy to these striped battlers.

Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait with equal gusto. Dawn and dusk are magic hours for trout fishing, especially around grass flats and oyster bars. The "gator" trout (over 5 pounds) are trophies that'll have you grinning ear to ear.

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring many anglers to Jacksonville's waters. They can be finicky, but when they're on, the action is non-stop. We'll sight fish for them in shallow water, watching for their copper-colored backs or waving tails as they root for crabs. Fall is fantastic for big bulls, but you can catch reds year-round here.

Lock in Your Lines

Look, Jacksonville's got some killer fishing, and this trip with Capt. Dave is your golden ticket to getting in on the action. Whether you're a local looking for a new honey hole or a visitor wanting to experience Florida fishing at its finest, you won't be disappointed. All the gear's provided, the boat's top-notch, and Capt. Dave's got the know-how to put you on fish. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and a good attitude - the fish will handle the rest. Don't let this chance slip away - the bite's hot and spots fill up fast. Give Capt. Dave a ring at 904-642-9546 and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Tight lines!