5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Fishing In Jacksonville Beach
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, flounder, trout, and black drum inshoreLearn diverse shallow water fishing techniques from guidesFamily-friendly trip accommodates up to three adults plus child
Jacksonville's backwater fishing scene is something special, and this afternoon trip with Backwater Fishing Adventures puts you right in the thick of it. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species while learning the ropes from Captain Dave, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. With room for up to three adults and one child, this is perfect for families or small groups looking to get their lines wet in one of the country's top shallow water fishing destinations. The afternoon timing works great too – you'll avoid the morning crowds while still hitting prime feeding windows when fish are actively hunting.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. You're getting personalized instruction on proven techniques that actually work in Jacksonville's unique coastal environment. Captain Dave focuses on teaching you how to read the water, spot structure, and present your bait in ways that trigger strikes from wary inshore species. The shallow flats and backwater areas around Jacksonville Beach offer incredible diversity – one minute you might be sight-fishing for tailing redfish, the next you could be working oyster bars for black drum or drifting grass beds for sea trout. The boat stays in protected waters, making this trip comfortable even for newer anglers or kids who might get seasick in rougher conditions. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, and Captain Dave adjusts tactics based on tide, weather, and what the fish are doing that particular day.
Jacksonville's inshore fishing requires a different approach than open water fishing, and you'll pick up techniques that work specifically in these shallow, structure-rich environments. Sight fishing is huge here – learning to spot fish moving in skinny water and make accurate casts without spooking them. You'll also work on bottom fishing around oyster beds and docks, where black drum and flounder like to hang out. Captain Dave covers live bait presentations, artificial lure selection, and how to fish different tide stages effectively. The gear setup is straightforward but specific to inshore conditions – medium spinning tackle that can handle the fight these fish put up while still being sensitive enough to detect subtle bites. You'll learn to read water color, current breaks, and bird activity to locate feeding fish. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, from rods and reels to a full selection of baits and lures that are proven producers in these waters.
"Great captain , would go with Capt Dave again without hesitation A++" - LEO
Redfish are the crown jewel of Jacksonville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in local waters and fight like fish twice their size. They're most active during moving tides, especially around oyster bars and grass flats where they hunt for crabs and small baitfish. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive feeding behavior – you'll often see them tailing in shallow water or creating wakes as they cruise the flats. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, though Jacksonville's year-round fishery means you've got shots at them even in summer months. The slot-size fish here are perfect for photos and make excellent table fare if you decide to keep one.
Sea trout might not have the reputation of redfish, but they're arguably more fun to catch on light tackle. These spotted beauties are abundant in Jacksonville's grass beds and love to hit both live bait and artificials. They typically run 14-18 inches, with larger "gator trout" pushing into the low twenties. What's cool about trout fishing here is the sheer numbers – on good days you might catch a dozen or more. They're most active during cooler months but bite year-round if you know where to look. Trout have soft mouths, so you'll learn proper hookset techniques and how to fight them without pulling the hook. Their willingness to hit topwater lures makes for some exciting surface strikes that'll get your heart pumping.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms around structure. These flatfish typically range from 14-20 inches and provide a completely different fishing experience from the other species. Finding flounder requires patience and technique – you're often fishing slow, keeping baits near the bottom around docks, bridges, and channel edges. The bite is subtle compared to the aggressive strikes of reds and trout, so you'll develop better sensitivity and hook-setting skills. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore spawn, but Jacksonville's population supports fishing for them most of the year. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Jacksonville's inshore scene, with fish ranging from small "puppy drum" to bruisers pushing 20+ pounds. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars, bridge pilings, and other hard structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. What makes drum fishing special is the variety in size – you never know if that next bite will be a keeper-sized fish or a monster that'll test your tackle and technique. They're most active during cooler months but present year-round opportunities. Black drum have excellent hearing, so you'll learn about quiet approaches and proper boat positioning. Their powerful runs and dogged fighting style in shallow water creates some of the most memorable battles you'll experience inshore.
Jacksonville Beach's inshore fishing scene delivers consistent action for anglers of all skill levels, and this afternoon trip with Backwater Fishing Adventures gives you the perfect introduction to what makes this area special. You're not just going fishing – you're learning techniques and gaining knowledge that'll make you a better angler for years to come. Captain Dave's reputation speaks for itself, and the intimate group size means you'll get personalized attention that's impossible on larger charter boats. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a relax
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly sized for up to 3 anglers to work the productive inshore waters around Jacksonville Beach. This nimble craft comes loaded with everything you need for a successful afternoon chasing redfish and trout - a reliable ice box to keep your catch fresh, plus a wireless trolling motor that lets us slip quietly through shallow flats without spooking the fish. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of trout and helps us pinpoint those prime redfish haunts along the grass lines. Built for navigating Jacksonville's diverse inshore waters, from sandy flats to marshy creeks, this boat gives us access to the best fishing spots while keeping you comfortable throughout your half-day adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of our backwater system, and they'll test your tackle once hooked. These chunky fighters typically weigh 8-20 pounds, but we see some real giants over 30 pounds near the jetties. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and around structure where they can crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring spawning season from March through May is when they school up and get aggressive. What guests love is their raw power - they'll pull drag and make long runs that surprise first-timers. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh cut crab or shrimp on a Carolina rig, and fish it right on the bottom. When they pick it up, give them time to run before setting the hook hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and once you hook one, you'll understand why. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in our backwaters, with those distinctive black spots near their tails. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What guests love most is watching them "wake" as they push water in skinny areas, then the explosive strike and strong runs that follow. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. My secret weapon: gold spoon worked fast over grass beds during moving water. When you see them tailing or cruising, cast well ahead and let the bait come to them naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are probably our most consistent inshore species, and they're perfect for anglers wanting steady action. Most run 12-16 inches, though we regularly catch "gator trout" over 20 inches in cooler months. They school up around grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs in 3-6 feet of water. Best fishing is dawn, dusk, and moving water on both incoming and outgoing tides. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificials and their delicate, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also great for kids since they bite readily. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps are in the 60-70 degree range. My go-to technique: work a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork near grass edges. The key is a slow retrieve with gentle twitches.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are one of my favorite species to target because they're smart hunters that keep you on your toes. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches in deeper channels. They're masters of camouflage, burying in sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass edges. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they don't fight like a redfish, but they're tricky to hook and fantastic eating. My tip: when you feel that subtle "tick" on your line, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first.
5.0 out of 5.0Great captain , would go with Capt Dave again without hesitation A++
Jacksonville, FL