Full Day Fishing Adventure in Jacksonville
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting Tarpon, Kingfish, Mackerel, and RedfishEighthour charter accommodates up to four guests with experienced guidesIncludes sandbar breaks for lunch and relaxation during extended trip
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, there's nothing quite like dedicating a full eight hours to working the waters around Jacksonville. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back to the dock. With Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters, you'll have the luxury of time to really dial in on the bite, run multiple spots, and fill that cooler with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're chasing the silver rockets we call King Mackerel or hunting for bull reds in the shallows, this extended trip gives you the best shot at experiencing what Jacksonville's inshore and nearshore waters have to offer.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute. We'll launch from one of Jacksonville's premier boat ramps and head out to where the fish are biting. The beauty of an eight-hour charter is flexibility – if the Tarpon are rolling near the jetties, we can spend quality time working them with live bait. If the Kings are screaming drags along the beach, we'll run the trolling spread until your arms are sore from fighting fish. The Intracoastal Waterway and its maze of creeks, oyster bars, and grass flats provide endless opportunities for Redfish and Cobia. When you need a breather from all the action, we'll pull up to one of those picture-perfect sandbars where you can stretch your legs, grab some lunch, and watch the dolphins cruise by. It's the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. For the Kings, we'll pull a trolling spread with live bait and artificials, covering ground until we mark fish or find the temperature breaks where they like to hang. When we're sight fishing for Tarpon, it's all about precise bait presentation with circle hooks and just enough weight to get down to them. The Redfish bite calls for different tactics entirely – we'll work the shallow flats with soft plastics, spoons, and live shrimp, keeping the boat positioned just right so you can make those perfect casts to tailing fish. All tackle is provided, from the heavy conventional reels for the big Kings down to the spinning gear perfect for working those back-country spots. The boat's rigged with everything you need, including a quality fish finder, GPS, and plenty of cooler space for your catch.
Tarpon are the kings of Jacksonville's inshore scene, and for good reason. These silver giants can push well over 100 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. Spring through early fall is prime time, with the best action typically from May through July when they're staging near the jetties and running the beaches. What makes Tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatics. When one of these fish comes tight, you're in for a show of jumps, runs, and head-shaking that'll have your heart pounding. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, and there's nothing quite like watching a big Silver King swim away after a hard-fought battle.
King Mackerel bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These speed demons are pure adrenaline, capable of blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Fall and winter months are typically best for Kings around Jacksonville, when they move inshore following the bait schools. A good King will run anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50 or better. They're excellent eating too, making them a customer favorite for those looking to stock the freezer with quality fillets. The key to consistent King fishing is staying mobile and following the bait – where you find the sardines and blue runners, you'll usually find the Kings.
Redfish are the backbone of Jacksonville's inshore fishing scene, and they're available year-round in our waters. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that dot our coastline. A slot-sized Red runs 18 to 27 inches and makes for fantastic table fare, while the oversized bulls we catch and release can stretch over 40 inches and fight like freight trains. What makes Redfish special is their predictability – once you understand their patterns and preferred structure, you can count on finding them. They're also perfect for anglers of all skill levels, aggressive enough to eat a variety of baits but challenging enough to keep things interesting.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll sure give you a workout. These yellow-tailed bulldogs are some of the strongest fish pound-for-pound in our waters, and they travel in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. Jacks are year-round residents, but summer months typically offer the best action when they're feeding heavily in the shallows. They'll eat just about anything you throw at them – live bait, artificials, even bare hooks on occasion. While they're not great table fare, they're perfect for keeping kids entertained and adults laughing as they try to crank these stubborn fish to the boat.
Cobia are the wildcards of Jacksonville fishing – you never know when one might show up to make your day. These brown sharks with attitude are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting to individual fish. Spring migration brings some of the best Cobia action, typically March through May, when they're moving north along the coast. A good Cobia runs 30 to 50 pounds and makes excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. They're also notorious for their unpredictable behavior – one minute they're following your bait, the next they're heading for the horizon at full speed.
Your fishing platform for this Jacksonville adventure is a beautifully restored 24' Sea Chaser bay boat that's built for serious angling. This 2001 classic got a complete makeover in 2020, blending proven design with fresh reliability. The 150HP Mercury outboard will get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 45 knots when you need to chase those moving schools or beat other boats to the hot spots. What makes this rig perfect for inshore fishing is the wireless trolling motor that lets you quietly position over structure without spooking the redfish and mackerel you're targeting. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating bottom structure and baitfish, while GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots trip after trip. An onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long summer days on the water. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the laid-back giants that cruise our waters like brown torpedoes. These dark-colored fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 50+ pounds and 6 feet long. They're loners, usually found around structure like buoys, wrecks, or even following rays and sharks in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration (April-June) is peak season when they move through on their way north. What makes them special is they're both great fighters and excellent eating - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that'll often swim up to the boat for a look. The key to cobia fishing is sight casting - you'll spot them just under the surface or following other marine life. Keep a bucktail jig ready and drop it right in front of them. They're not spooky like most fish, so take your time and make a good presentation.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of our waters - pure muscle that'll give you a workout on any tackle. These brassy-colored scrappers average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds when the big schools move through. You'll spot them busting bait on the surface, usually with birds diving overhead. They're found everywhere from shallow flats to offshore waters, but the real action happens when they corner baitfish against structure. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during mullet runs. What guests love is the non-stop action - when you find a school, every cast can be a hookup. They fight way above their weight class with bulldog runs. Here's the trick: cast past the school and retrieve fast - jacks love the chase. And here's a fun fact: you'll often smell something like watermelon when you get close to a feeding school.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are speed demons that'll make your drag scream. These sleek predators typically run 15-30 pounds around Jacksonville, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds offshore. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water along the beach, around wrecks, and near temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Summer and fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What anglers love most is the initial run - kings hit hard and fast, often jumping and making long runs that'll empty your spool if you're not ready. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky white meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Troll fast with live bait or spoons to trigger their predatory instincts.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Jacksonville's bread and butter - reliable fighters that love our shallow water flats and oyster bars. These copper-colored beauties average 18-28 inches and are easily spotted by their distinctive black spots near the tail. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster reefs, and creek mouths. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes them special is their versatility - they'll hit topwater lures, live shrimp, or cut bait with equal enthusiasm. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The real thrill is sight fishing - watching a big red crush a topwater plug in skinny water. My go-to tip: if you see nervous water or mullet jumping, there's probably a red underneath. Cast past the disturbance and work your bait back through it.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" of Jacksonville waters, tarpon are massive gamefish that'll test your skills and patience. These prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and along the beach - they love oxygen-rich areas since they can gulp air at the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special? That first jump when hooked - watching a 6-foot fish launch skyward never gets old. They're pure adrenaline on light tackle. Here's a local tip: when you see one roll, cast ahead of where it's heading, not where you saw it. They're usually moving in a pattern, and leading them gives you the best shot at a hookup.
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