Full Day Fishing Trip In Jacksonville Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting redfish and trout speciesEighthour guided adventure accommodating up to three adult guestsFamilyfriendly trip welcoming all experience levels aboard
Ready to spend a full day chasing some of the best inshore species Florida has to offer? This 8-hour Jacksonville fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of some seriously productive waters where redfish, trout, and flounder call home. Whether you've been working these waters for years or you're just getting your feet wet, Captain and crew at Backwater Fishing Adventures know how to put you on fish. We're talking about a genuine day on the water - no shortcuts, no rushed timeline - just pure fishing from dawn until the coolers are full.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're racing against the clock. Eight hours gives us the flexibility to work multiple spots, adjust to changing conditions, and really dial in what the fish are doing that day. We'll start early when the water's still cool and the fish are active, then adapt our game plan based on tides, weather, and what's biting. The boat handles up to 3 adults plus 1 child, making it perfect for families or a small group of serious anglers who want personalized attention. You'll want to pack your own snacks and drinks since we're not providing meals - think cooler full of sandwiches, plenty of water, and whatever keeps you comfortable during a long day in the Florida sun. Don't forget quality sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and clothes that can get wet and salty.
We'll be working a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. Live shrimp is always a go-to for trout and redfish, but don't be surprised if we break out some cut bait for those bigger drum or switch to soft plastics when the fish get finicky. The beauty of Jacksonville's inshore waters is the variety - we might start the morning working oyster bars with topwater plugs, then move to grass flats with jigs, and finish the day sight-fishing reds in skinny water. All tackle and bait are included, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one that's been good to you. We fish everything from shallow flats to deeper channels, so expect to see different techniques throughout the day as we chase whatever's biting best.
Let's talk about what's swimming around out there waiting for your hook. Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms until an unsuspecting shrimp or finger mullet drifts by. These flatfish are most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, and they put up a surprising fight for their pancake-like appearance. What makes flounder so rewarding to catch is the challenge - you've got to work the bottom methodically, feeling for that subtle tap that might just be a 5-pound doormat. Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters, and Jacksonville's got some real tanks swimming around. These fish are year-round residents, but spring and fall see the biggest specimens moving through. When a big drum takes your bait, there's no mistaking it - they'll pull drag and test your patience with their stubborn, head-shaking runs. They're excellent table fare when kept at legal size, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Sea Trout are probably the most reliable fish you'll encounter on this trip, and for good reason - they're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and artificial baits. Spring through fall offers the best trout action, with fish ranging from keeper-sized specks to gator trout that'll make your reel sing. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to hit topwater baits early in the morning, creating those heart-stopping surface strikes that never get old. Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Jacksonville's waters hold some real giants. These copper-colored fighters are most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Reds are sight-fishing at its finest when we find them cruising shallow flats with their backs out of water - there's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch red inhale your bait in 2 feet of crystal-clear water.
This full-day Jacksonville fishing experience gives you the real deal - quality time on productive waters with a crew that knows where the fish live. Eight hours means we're not cutting corners or rushing through spots, and with space for just 3 anglers plus a child, you're getting the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The variety of species means everyone on board has a shot at their target fish, whether that's a limit of keeper trout, a personal-best redfish, or that doormat flounder you've been chasing. Don't wait around - the best days on the water book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most cooperative.
Hit the waters around Jacksonville Beach aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfect for chasing redfish and trout in the coastal shallows. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day - an ice box to keep your catch fresh, a wireless trolling motor that lets us sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them, and a quality fish finder to locate where they're holding. The boat handles three anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're working the grass flats for reds or drifting the deeper channels for trout, this setup gets you to the productive water and keeps you fishing all day long.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders to absolute giants pushing 40+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and mollusks with their powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're built like tanks and fight accordingly, making long, powerful runs that test your drag. The smaller fish eat great, but release the big breeders. You'll find them in everything from 2 feet of water to deeper channels. Here's the key: use fresh crab on a fish-finder rig and be patient. They take their time inspecting baits, so let them eat before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish for Jacksonville shallow water fishing. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in our waters, with big bulls exceeding 35 inches roaming the flats. Look for that signature black spot near the tail - it's how you know you've got a red. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Fall and spring offer consistent action, but summer dawn patrols can be magic. What makes reds special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs. Plus, they're great eating within the slot. The key is sight-fishing: polarized glasses help you spot their wakes and tails. Cast ahead of moving fish and work your bait slowly - they're curious but spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are bread-and-butter fish that keep action steady year-round. Most run 14-20 inches with occasional gator trout hitting 24+ inches. They patrol grass flats and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water, feeding heavily on shrimp and baitfish. Early morning and evening produce the best bites, especially during warmer months. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - topwater plugs create explosive surface strikes that get everyone excited. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Winter months see them schooled up in deeper holes. Pro tip: work your lures slowly through the grass. Trout often follow baits before striking, so patience pays off with these finicky feeders.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our local flats. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we regularly see doormat-sized fish pushing 25+ inches. They bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, using their color-changing ability to ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding before and after their offshore spawning runs. What makes flounder fishing so rewarding is the challenge - they're incredibly light biters, so you need to stay sharp. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My go-to tip: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to fully take the bait.
Jacksonville, FL