Full Day Beginner-Friendly Jacksonville Beach Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour beginnerfriendly fishing trip targeting redfish and troutCaptain David provides all gear and teaches basic casting techniquesTwentytwo foot Bay Craft boat accommodates three adults plus one child
Captain David's full-day fishing adventure off Jacksonville Beach is exactly what you need if you're ready to get serious about learning how to fish. This isn't some rushed half-day deal where you barely get your line wet – we're talking a solid 8 hours on the water targeting some of Northeast Florida's best inshore species. Whether you've never held a rod or just want to sharpen your skills without the pressure, this trip delivers the perfect mix of instruction and action. You'll be fishing from Captain David's 22-foot Bay Craft flats boat, which handles these waters like a dream and gives you plenty of room to move around while you're learning the ropes.
From the moment you step aboard, Captain David's got your back. He knows these Jacksonville Beach waters inside and out, and he's built his reputation on making sure first-timers feel confident with a rod in their hands. The boat accommodates up to three adults plus one child, so it's perfect for families or small groups who want that personalized attention you just can't get on bigger charter boats. You'll spend the day working different spots where Redfish, Sea Trout, Black Drum, and Southern Flounder like to hang out, and Captain David will walk you through everything – from how to cast without tangling your line to reading the water and understanding why fish are biting in certain areas. The relaxed pace means you're never rushed, but don't think that means the action is slow. These waters are productive, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to get that rod bent and feel what it's like when a quality fish hits your bait.
All your tackle and gear comes included, which is huge for beginners who don't want to invest in equipment before they know if they're hooked on the sport. Captain David runs quality rods and reels that are forgiving for new anglers but still sensitive enough to feel those subtle bites that make the difference between going home empty-handed or with a cooler full of fish. You'll primarily be using live bait and artificial lures depending on conditions and what the fish are preferring that day. The techniques you'll learn include basic casting, how to work soft plastics for Redfish, live bait fishing for Trout, and bottom fishing tactics for Black Drum and Flounder. The Bay Craft's shallow draft design lets you get into those skinny water spots where the bigger Redfish like to cruise, but it's stable enough that you won't be fighting seasickness while you're trying to concentrate on your technique. Captain David will show you how to set the hook properly, fight fish without losing them, and handle them safely for photos and release.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Jacksonville Beach inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 27 inches in these waters, with bigger bulls showing up during their fall spawning runs. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live shrimp and cut bait hard, making them perfect for beginners who want to feel that solid thump when a fish takes their offering. Redfish fight with power rather than speed, bulldogging toward structure and making long runs that test your drag system. What makes them special here is their year-round availability and willingness to feed in shallow water where you can often see them before you cast.
Sea Trout are another staple that keep anglers coming back to these waters. These spotted beauties average 14 to 18 inches, with occasional "gator trout" pushing over 20 inches during cooler months. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass flats and drop-offs, making them predictable targets when you know where to look. Trout have a soft mouth, so they teach beginners the importance of a smooth hookset and steady pressure during the fight. Their willingness to hit artificial lures makes them fun to catch, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within slot limits.
Black Drum might not be the prettiest fish in the water, but they're absolute bulldogs that give beginners a real taste of what it feels like to be connected to something with serious power. These fish commonly run 5 to 15 pounds in the Jacksonville area, with bigger specimens possible during their spring spawning period. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, and when they take your bait, there's no mistaking it. Black Drum teach patience since they often mouth the bait before committing, but once hooked, they use every ounce of their weight to try and reach structure.
Southern Flounder are the ninjas of the flats – masters of camouflage that lie buried in sand waiting for prey to swim overhead. They typically run 12 to 18 inches in these waters, with fall months producing the largest specimens as they prepare for their offshore spawning migration. What makes Flounder exciting for new anglers is the challenge of detecting their subtle bite and the satisfaction of successfully targeting a fish that requires more finesse than the other species. They're also fantastic eating, which adds extra motivation to perfect your technique.
This top-rated beginner-friendly charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the weather's cooperative and the fish are biting consistently. Captain David's reputation for patience and instruction has made this trip a customer favorite among families and first-time anglers who want to learn proper techniques from the start. The 8-hour format gives you real value – enough time to try different techniques, visit multiple fishing spots, and build confidence with each cast. Just remember to pack your own snacks, drinks, and sun protection since meals aren't included, but everything else you need for a successful day on the water is provided. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby or just want to experience some of Northeast Florida's best inshore fishing action, this trip delivers the perfect combination of education and entertainment that keeps guests talking about their day long after they're back on dry
Captain David's 22' Bay Craft flats boat is built for fishing success in Jacksonville's inshore waters. This reliable motorboat comes equipped with everything you need to target redfish, trout, and other species around the flats and grass beds. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while the wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through shallow waters without spooking fish. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour trip. The boat comfortably handles up to 3 adults plus a child, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish. With all fishing gear provided, you'll have rods, reels, tackle, and bait ready to go. The shallow-draft design allows access to prime fishing spots that bigger boats can't reach, putting you right where the redfish and trout are feeding.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-15 pounds but capable of reaching 30+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow creeks where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season when they school up and become much easier to target. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare, while the big bulls are better released. They tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and can be found from very shallow water to deeper channels. Best bait is fresh cut crab or live shrimp on the bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that steady, heavy pull, let them run - they fight harder than anything their size.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches in our waters, though we see plenty of oversized bulls too. They love super shallow flats where their backs sometimes stick out of the water, plus oyster bars, creek mouths, and marsh edges. What makes reds so special is they're year-round targets - spring and fall are peak, but you can catch them any month. They fight like freight trains with powerful runs that'll test your equipment. Plus, slot fish make fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. Guests love watching them cruise the shallows and the explosive strikes they deliver. My local trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings, then cast a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful spotted fish that average 14-18 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially early morning and evening when they're most active. Winter finds them schooled up in deeper holes and channels. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're outstanding eating - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also perfect for beginners since they're aggressive feeders. My go-to technique is a popping cork with live shrimp over grass beds, but don't overlook topwater plugs at dawn and dusk for some exciting surface strikes.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that run 15-18 inches on average, though keepers can reach 20+ inches. These masters of disguise bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, changing color to match their surroundings. Both eyes sit on their left side, making them instantly recognizable. They're ambush predators that dart up from the bottom to grab shrimp, small fish, and crabs. Fall through early winter is prime time as they move toward inlets before heading offshore. Guests love the surprise factor - you never know when one will hit. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: fish moving water near oyster bars with live shrimp on a Carolina rig, and be ready for that sudden thump.
Jacksonville, FL