Redfish Fishing Trip - Jacksonville Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bull redfish and tarpon with experienced guidesPeak fishing season runs September through mid-NovemberAccommodates up to 6 guests on inshore waters
Jacksonville's inshore waters hold some of Florida's most consistent redfish action, and our targeted trips put you right where these copper-backed fighters hang out. Big Blue Sportfishing Charters runs these specialized redfish adventures from September through mid-November, when the fish stack up in the shallows and feed aggressively. You'll fish with experienced local guides who know exactly where to find bull reds and the occasional tarpon that cruise these same flats. We keep groups small at six anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized instruction. Whether you're new to sight fishing or you've been chasing reds for years, these Jacksonville backwaters deliver the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back season after season.
Your day starts early when the morning light hits the water just right for spotting fish. We'll run out to the productive flats and creek mouths where redfish patrol for bait, and you'll see why Jacksonville's inshore fishery has such a solid reputation. The boat stays in skinny water most of the day - sometimes just two or three feet deep - where you can actually watch the fish before you cast to them. Your guide will pole the boat quietly through the grass beds and oyster bars, pointing out cruising reds and explaining how to read the water. The fishing style changes throughout the day based on tides and fish behavior, but expect a mix of sight casting and working structure. Between September and November, the water temperature drops just enough to fire up the bite, and you'll find fish in places that stayed empty all summer. Don's forget sunglasses and a hat - you'll be doing a lot of looking, and polarized lenses make all the difference when you're trying to spot a red's back in three feet of water.
We fish primarily with spinning gear spooled with 15 to 20-pound braid, perfect for the structure-heavy environment where these fish live. Your guide will have rods rigged with everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics, depending on what the fish want that day. Gold spoons work magic here when reds are schooled up and competitive, while soft baits like paddle tails and jerk shads shine when fish are spooky or feeding selectively. Live bait fishing with shrimp or finger mullet produces consistent results, especially around dock pilings and creek bends where big reds like to ambush prey. The key technique is learning to cast accurately and quietly - you'll often have one shot at a fish before it moves on. Your guide will teach you how to lead a moving redfish and how to work lures through oyster bars without hanging up constantly. We also carry heavier tackle for tarpon encounters, since these silver kings show up unexpectedly and can easily destroy light redfish gear. Most of the fishing happens in water shallow enough to see bottom, so stealth and precise presentations matter more than raw power.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and Jacksonville's population includes both slot-sized fish and monster bulls that can push 40 inches or more. These copper-colored bruisers love the grass flats and oyster bars around the St. Johns River system, where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. September through November represents peak season because cooler water temperatures get them moving and feeding heavily before winter. You'll find them tailing in skinny water, cruising creek edges, and sometimes schooled up in deeper potholes. What makes redfish so addictive is their willingness to eat topwater lures - watching a big red blow up on a spook or popper never gets old. They're also incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails to make powerful runs toward structure. The slot limit in Florida protects the breeding population while allowing anglers to keep smaller fish for the table, and these Jacksonville reds are known for their excellent eating quality.
Tarpon add an element of surprise to every redfish trip, especially during fall months when juvenile and adult fish move through the area. These silver kings can range from 20-pound juveniles to 100-pound adults, and they're all capable of putting on an aerial display that'll leave your arms shaking. Jacksonville's tarpon population peaks in late summer and early fall, making them a realistic target during prime redfish season. What makes tarpon special is their jumping ability - a hooked fish will often leap completely out of the water multiple times, trying to throw the hook. They're also incredibly strong, capable of long runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with tarpon due to their status as a premier sport fish, and the memories of fighting one of these giants lasts much longer than any photo. Your guide will have the right tackle ready if we encounter tarpon, but be prepared for a completely different kind of fight than what you'll get from redfish.
Fall redfish season in Jacksonville fills up fast because local anglers know how good the fishing gets when water temperatures start dropping. Big Blue Sportfishing Charters has been putting anglers on quality fish for years, and our guides know these waters like their own backyard. The September through November window gives you the best shot at both numbers and size, with plenty of opportunities for that bull red photo you've been wanting. Six-person capacity means you can bring the whole crew or book a more intimate trip with just a couple of friends. No meals are included, but most trips finish early enough to grab lunch at one of Jacksonville's waterfront restaurants where you can relive the day's action. Book now to secure your dates during prime season - the redfish will be there, and your guide will put you in position to make the most of every opportunity.
Get ready to chase redfish and tarpon aboard our 39' SeaVee center console! This 2012 beauty packs serious punch with quad 300HP Suzuki engines that'll have you cruising at 55 knots to reach those prime fishing spots around Jacksonville's inshore waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day - GPS and radar to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate schools, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on wary reds without spooking them. Whether you're targeting bull reds in the shallows or hunting tarpon during peak season from September through November, this rig has the speed to get there and the tech to put you on fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are Jacksonville favorites, and for good reason. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches in our waters, though bull reds over 40 inches show up regularly. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - often in just 1-3 feet of water where you can see their backs. Fall is prime time here, especially September through November when they're feeding aggressively. Reds fight hard with powerful runs and are excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. They'll eat live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook them and the whole school disappears.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are what fishing dreams are made of. Tarpon average 80-100 pounds around Jacksonville, but can hit 200+ pounds. They love shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around structure like bridges and jetties. Fall months, especially September through November, offer prime opportunities when they're feeding heavily before winter migration. What makes tarpon special? Their jumps. When hooked, they'll launch 6-8 feet out of the water in spectacular acrobatic displays. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're bony and not great eating. The fight is the prize here. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps tension off the line and prevents break-offs during those wild aerial shows.
Jacksonville, FL