<p><strong><u>Since 1996 Capt. Dave's Sport Fishing</u></strong> has been a full-time fishing guide. From offshore 30 miles to the St. Johns river. For over 27 years he's had boats from 17 to 26'. Dealer Sponsored boats for a few years, to even running a 23', a 21' and a 17' center console all at the same time, in the late 1990's. But his real love was fishing the Mayport Jetties, where the St. Johns river meets the Atlantic Ocean. He had his 26 footer built just for that area. Because it's very big water. And the inlet can be rougher than it is 20 miles offshore, so he wanted a boat that could handle it 365, and it did for 20 years. But in November of 2024, he sold that boat and had a custom inshore, shallow draft 20 foot side console built in Louisiana. Because he wanted to concentrate on fishing calmer more tranquil creeks and bayous. With the ability to traverse the shallow marsh up in the river, for all the same species, just in a different environment.</p><p><br></p><p>Instead of the boat filled with 4 persons plus him, which seemed more like ''people management'' many days, he set the passenger level of the new boat at 2 persons. For versatility, and going shallow, and more of a <strong><em>''one on one''</em></strong> experience for his customers. Just because we're fishing in saltwater, doesn't mean its a group affair. Most bass boats have two fisherman. Most Florida ''keys' flats boats heading off for Permit and Bonefish, have just two Anglers.</p><p><br></p><p>May 2025 is when the new boat was completed. And he loves it. We can still fish the same areas such as the St. Johns River channel edges for trophy sized Redfish in the fall or the Black Drum at the inlet in January. But we have the opportunity to now tuck into the calm shallow marsh when the wind blows and be virtually un-effected by it in March, and catch Speckled Trout and keeper sized Redfish</p>

FISHED THE CREEKS DURING A SUPER NEGATIVE TIDE. THE WATER WAS SO LOW, THAT EVEN MY BOAT HAD TO LEAVE OUT WHILE USING THE TROLLING MOTOR.  IT WAS WAY SHALLOW IN SOME PLACES, LITERALLY INCHES, OF WHAT USUALLY WOULD HAVE BEEN A FOOT OR MORE.  LOADS OF SMALL REDFISH, OF NON-KEEPER STATUS. BUT WE DID END UP WITH OUR 2 KEEPERS AT 19 & 21 INCHES. I CAUGHT A 4 INCH SPECKLED TROUT ON A 3.5 INCH LURE!  SMALLEST TROUT I'VE PERSONALLY EVER CAUGHT.  WE ONLY HAD A FEW TROUT AND ALL WERE SMALL, NON-KEEPERS.  THE TROUT IN THE CREEKS ARE STILL SMALL, DESPITE THE AMOUNT OF BAIT THATS BACK IN THE CREEKS.

MULLET FROM 3 INCHES TO 20 INCHES EVERYWHERE!   IF ONLY THE BAIT WAS SPECKLED SEA TROUT INSTEAD, BOY WOULD I BE HAPPY......"but that would make this area's name be Louisiana, instead of Florida""

BEFORE LEAVING OUT OF THE CREEK, I DROPPED A FLOAT-RIG OVER THE SIDE WITH A HUGE LIVE SHRIMP ON THE HOOK AN DRIFTED THE RIG UNDER THE DOCK IN THE PHOTO, AND CAUGHT THIS NICE  BLACK DRUM.  I LOVE ME SOME CREEK BLACK DRUM ALMOST AS MUCH AS BIG SPECKLED TROUT.

OF COURSE AS THE TIDE FELL, THE REDFISH WERE INSANE. BUSTING BAIT IN THE SHALLOWS WITH THEIR BACKS OUT OF THE WATER.  NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YA SEE THEM, I STILL GET EXCITED AND WANT TO KEEP CATCHING.  BUT WE HAD TO GO. DIDN'T WANT TO GET STUCK UP IN THERE.

YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK:
https://youtu.be/IGgj4rRjMLM?si=krwZ-Z13Pnp8wSAH

CASTING AND SOFT PLASTICS AND LIVE SHRIMP ON A FLOAT-RIG

Fishing tour in FL with fishing and tours activities

Black Drum fish caught while fishing in FL

Angler fishing in Florida with fishing tours

JACKSONVILLE FISHING

EPSG:4269

Two sea bass and a black drum caught while fishing in Jacksonville

Photograph of a black drum fish caught in Jacksonville, Florida during a fishing tour.

Two people fishing in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville fishing done right — 28 year veteran Guide

<p>Discover the best fishing spots in Jacksonville with Capt. Dave’s Sportfishing! Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the water or an exciting adventure, book your trip today and make unforgettable memories!</p>

<p>With over 25 years of experience, Capt. Dave’s Sportfishing offers expertise in inshore, backcountry, and marsh fishing out of Jacksonville's Mayport area along the St. Johns river, not far from the inlet where the river meets the Atlantis Ocean. Departing from the <strong><u>Mayport public boat ramp, at 4870 Ocean St. Jacksonville Florida. </u></strong></p><p><br></p><p>Specializing in calm water fishing, he knows the local waters intimately, ensuring a instructional fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're targeting redfish, trout, he has the knowledge and equipment to help you pursue a trophy or just action on the line. His charter fishing trips are designed for both beginners and seasoned anglers, <strong><u>offering charters up to 6 hours, fishing the tide</u></strong>. The tides dictate your day. With a high and low tide every six hours. <em>Only have 4 or 5 hrs. available?</em> Just say the word, Capt. Dave will pack in as much with the time you have.</p><p><br></p><p>His commitment to providing an enjoyable and successful experience on the water is backed by years of navigating Jacksonville’s waterways, from the St. Johns River to the scenic marshes. He knows all the local areas, inside &amp; out.. And has also been a Towboat/US and SeaTow Captain during his career as a USCG Licensed Captain.</p><p><br></p><p>So whether you’re looking for an exciting day of sport fishing, a relaxing outing, or an affordable private charter, we tailor each trip to your needs, ensuring you have the best time possible on the water.</p>

Find answers to the most common questions about Jacksonville fishing charters with Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing, including trip options, pricing, what’s included, and what to expect for a smooth and stress-free experience.

<p>Capt. Dave is a resident of Jacksonville, FL. With more than two decades of experience on the St. Johns River and the surrounding coastal waters</p><p><br></p><p>He has spent much of his life exploring the saltmarshes, inlets, and backwaters that define the region’s rich ecosystem. His knowledge isn’t limited to catching fish—it extends to teaching anglers how to read the water, adapt to changing conditions, and develop confidence on the water. From first-time visitors to seasoned locals, he brings patience and encouragement to every trip, ensuring that each guest leaves with new skills and great memories.</p><p><br></p><p>Over the years, Capt. Dave has guided anglers to countless catches, from Redfish and Speckled Trout to Black Drum and Sheepshead. <strong>He is a member of the 10 pound Speckle Trout Club</strong>, catching his first ''holy grail' sized Trout April 29th of 2009.  This isn't really a club, but rather people that have gained respect in N. E. Florida, who have caught one. <strong><u>It's the benchmark serious Trout anglers strive for. </u></strong> And by the way, before hooking his 10 pounder, the two Trout just minutes prior were a 3 &amp; 5 pounder.  His reputation is a serious self proclaimed Trout Snob, and loves taking his customers and having them catch a true <em>''Gator Trout'' </em>as they are known as in N.E. Florida. Capt. Dave's professionalism and local knowledge has led to many guests, to catching their own 'personal largest fish'' of their life. </p><p><br></p><h2><strong>The Jettywolf ll</strong></h2><p>The Jettywolf was the name of his old boat he ran from Oct. 2005 to November of 2024, before selling it. And having a new Jettywolf boat built. Why change the name, he thought.  The new boat that carries guests on Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing trips is a customized 20-foot <strong>HANKO boat works</strong> built in Berwick Louisiana. Designed to be simple, easy to maintain and economical.  With both performance and super fishability in mind. Powered by a reliable Suzuki 90-horsepower engine, it cruises smoothly at speeds up to 40 mph, making travel into the shallows easy, with lightness, stability and super toughness., Being all welded aluminum 5/16ths inch plate. The Jettywolf ll , is equipped with all the essentials anglers expect, including a bait tank, soft cooler, a USCG safety equipment, GPS, fish finder, VHF radio, jack plate to raise the motor, 36v trolling motor and bow and stern casting platforms. With space for up to two guests, it provides a platform tougher than a flats boat, and goes in inches of water a bay boat can't.  All while still giving capabilities to explore the St. Johns River, the marshes, or venturing to the inlet. The Jettywolf is safe, stable and reliable.</p>

Departing from: Mayport Boat Ramp (Michael Scanlan Park) 4870 Ocean St. Jacksonville, Fl. 32233

Where we meet

Experienced Jacksonville Fishing Guide with Local Knowledge and a Passion for Light tackle Fishing 

Our Latest News & Updates

Capt. Dave Sipler

Contact Us: (904) 642-9546

<p><br></p><p><br></p><h3><strong><u>Common Questions</u></strong></h3><p><br></p><h3><strong style="color: rgb(230, 0, 0);"><u>Contact Capt. Dave&nbsp;at: </u>904-642-9546 (no texts please<u>)</u>&nbsp;for&nbsp;details.</strong></h3><p><br></p><h3><strong>What types of trips does Capt. Dave offer in Jacksonville?</strong></h3><h3>Capt. Dave provides&nbsp;up to a 6 hour fishing day, starting in the mornings. Calm waters, in the salt marsh, in the river and sometimes&nbsp;at the inlet.&nbsp;Capt. Dave's&nbsp;inshore Jacksonville charters targets&nbsp;Redfish,&nbsp;Sea Trout,&nbsp;Black Drum, and flounder, plus many other&nbsp;species. He also offers&nbsp;<u>non-fishing </u>Dolphin/Wildlife Tours&nbsp;for 2, and&nbsp;a 2- hour&nbsp;Kid's&nbsp;fishing&nbsp;trips.</h3><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>What is included in my&nbsp;fishing&nbsp;charter?</strong></h3><h3>All fishing trips include tackle, baits,&nbsp;ice, coolers, USCG safety equipment&nbsp;and licenses.&nbsp;You may bring&nbsp;drinks,&nbsp;and snacks, in a plastic bag to go in my cooler. <em><u>NO, carry on coolers, or large bags.</u></em>&nbsp;Space is limited on boats.</h3><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>What should I bring for my fishing trip?</strong></h3><h3>Guests should bring drinks (no glass), sunglasses, hats, and&nbsp;wear&nbsp;soft-soled&nbsp;''closed toe''&nbsp;shoes. <em>A plastic grocery bag with snacks and drinks into go in my cooler</em>. Larger bags &amp; coolers should be left behind.&nbsp;</h3><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Do I need fishing experience&nbsp;on&nbsp;a charter?</strong></h3><h3>Fishing experience is very helpful.&nbsp;The more fishing and <em>"tackle handling" </em>experience you have the better. No different than Golfing.&nbsp;</h3><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>What types of fish can I catch in Jacksonville?</strong></h3><h3>Depending on the season, anglers will target&nbsp;Redfish,&nbsp;Seatrout,&nbsp;Flounder,&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Drum,&nbsp;Sheepshead, and&nbsp;more. Capt. Dave knows the local spots and techniques to help guests catch fish year-round.</h3><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>When is the best time of year for fishing in Jacksonville?</strong></h3><h3>Inshore&nbsp;Fishing is&nbsp;most&nbsp;productive&nbsp;October through May.&nbsp;Changing of the seasons&nbsp;<em>(Yes, Florida has seasons)&nbsp;</em>such as Oct. Nov. and April &amp; May can be truly&nbsp;outstanding.</h3><h3><br></h3><h3><strong>Can kids join a fishing charter?</strong></h3><h3>Kids over 10 yrs old can do a 4-6 hour charter. Capt. Dave specializes in&nbsp;2 hour Kids&nbsp;fishing trips&nbsp;in&nbsp;Jacksonville FL.&nbsp;<strong style="color: rgb(230, 0, 0);"><u>Children&nbsp;under 10 years old, do a&nbsp;2 hour&nbsp;Kids Trip</u></strong><u>:</u>&nbsp;2 Kids under 10&nbsp;and one adult or 2 adults and one child&nbsp;under 10 years old.</h3><p><br></p><h3><strong>How many people can join a trip with Capt. Dave?</strong></h3><h3>The Jettywolf ll, accommodates up to 2 guests for fishing charters, ensuring plenty of room to fish.&nbsp;Flexibility&nbsp;is a major key to success when&nbsp;inshore light tackle fishing.&nbsp;<em>"Inshore fishing isn't a large group affair anyhow."&nbsp;</em></h3><p><br></p><h3><strong>Do I get to keep the fish I catch?</strong></h3><h3>Yes, guests may keep fish within Florida’s size and bag limits. Capt. Dave will explain the regulations and can clean your catch at the end of the trip on a gratuity basis.&nbsp;Ask Capt. Dave about the local <em>(around the corner) </em>restaurant that will cook up your catch for you after your big day.&nbsp;</h3>

Mayport Basin - Duval, FL Fishing Report on 6th Nov, 2025

AUTHOR

Dave Sipler

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JACKSONVILLE FISHING

Mayport Basin - Duval, FL

CASTING AND SOFT PLASTICS AND LIVE SHRIMP ON A FLOAT-RIG

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