Top-Rated Inshore Fishing with Capt. Dave

Catch Reds & Speckled Sea Trout on Jacksonville's St. Johns River

Ready to wet a line in Jacksonville's legendary inshore waters? Capt. Dave's beginner-friendly charter is your ticket to hooking into some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. We'll cruise the winding St. Johns River, explore hidden saltmarsh honey holes, and hit prime spots where the redfish Trout, Black Drum love to hang out. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills, this half-day trip is tailored to get you on fish and having a blast.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard Capt. Dave's custom 20-footer, a shallow-draft dream machine perfect for sneaking up on tailing reds in skinny water. We'll spend about 4 -6 hours chasing the bite, with all the gear and know-how provided. No need to stress about tackle – just bring some snacks, drinks, and sun protection. Fair warning: you'll want to be mobile enough to stand and cast, as that's where the real action happens. Capt. Dave will show you the ropes on everything from rigging up to reading the water, so you'll be fishing like a local in no time.

Techniques That Hook 'Em

We mix it up depending on what the fish are doing, but you can count on learning some go-to inshore tactics. We might start by bottom fishing with cut bait, perfect for tempting those big black drum. When the reds are cruising the flats, we'll switch to casting jig heads or soft plastics – nothing beats the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing redfish. And for those speckled trout? Drifting a live shrimp under a popping cork is money. Capt. Dave's got a few secret weapons up his sleeve too, so get ready to add some new tricks to your fishing playbook.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Thank you for an great experience, excellent Captain, and exceptionally clean vessel. We'll be back." - Cindy "It was a great fishing trip. Capt Dave is a great captain which our girls truly enjoyed the trip. He knows his areas to fish and did awesome of encouraging our girls to try fishing. We loved our trip because our girls learned about of fishing, saw dolphins, boats and caught several fish and sting ray. If you are ever in the Jacksonville area and like to do a fishing tour, Capt Dave is your guy." - Marty "Went out with Dave again today, we split a day with a solo trip and then followed it up with a kids trip, went home with about 12 pounds of fish after they were filleted. Also my son had a blast trolling for Mackerel. Thank you Dave for another great day. Will be back soon" - Aaron

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and signature tail-on-the-surface feeding, redfish in the 18-27 inch range are common, with bigger bulls showing up in the cooler months. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often revealing themselves with a golden flash or a pushed wake. The "spot on the tail" makes for a great photo op, and their sweet white meat is a dinner table favorite.

Black Drum: Don't let their grumpy looks fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and can grow to monster sizes. We typically target ones in the 5-15 pound range, but 30+ pounders aren't unheard of. These bottom-feeders use their chin barbels to root out crabs and shrimp, so a well-placed bait on the bottom is key. They put up a stubborn fight and make a croaking sound you can feel through the rod. Peak season is late fall through early spring.

Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted predators are known for their soft mouths. We find them year-round, but the bigger gator trout show up more in winter. They love to ambush bait in deeper holes and around grass edges. There's nothing quite like the subtle 'thump' of a trout strike on a soft plastic. They're also one of the tastiest fish you'll catch – perfect for a fresh fish fry.

Sheepshead: With their distinct black and white stripes and impressive teeth, sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world. They're masters at stealing bait, but when you hook one, get ready for a fight. We find them around docks, pilings, and rocky areas, especially in cooler months. Catching these bait-stealers takes finesse, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea. Pro tip: set the hook on the slightest tap – they're quick!

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to bend a rod for the first time or just want to experience the rich fishing grounds of Jacksonville, Capt. Dave's got you covered. This trip is perfect for couples, parent-child duos, or fishing buddies wanting to learn the ropes. With all gear provided and Capt. Dave's local knowledge, you're set up for a day of catches and grins. The St. Johns River and surrounding waters are teeming with fish year-round, so there's never a bad time to go. Don't let another season slip by – grab your spot on the boat and get ready to make some fishing memories!