Full Day Fishing Trip with Black Flag Charters
Jacksonville's inshore waters offer some of the most productive fishing on Florida's northeast coast, and Captain Nick Binnie knows exactly where to find the best action. This six-hour charter puts you right in the thick of it, targeting the species that make Jacksonville famous among serious anglers. You'll fish waters where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic, creating perfect conditions for redfish, sea trout, flounder, and king mackerel. With room for two anglers plus the option to bring friends for just $50 extra per person, this trip gives you the flexibility to fish with your crew without breaking the bank.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at the marina where Captain Nick has already prepped the boat and checked all the gear. Black Flag Charters runs top-notch equipment, so you won't be dealing with tangled reels or dull hooks. The boat heads out into Jacksonville's maze of creeks, flats, and nearshore waters depending on tides, weather, and what's biting best that day. Nick's been working these waters for years and knows every oyster bar, grass flat, and drop-off where fish like to hang out. You'll cover plenty of water during six hours, hitting multiple spots to keep the action going. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what you're seeing - if the trout are schooled up shallow, you'll work the grass beds with soft plastics. When kings are running offshore, you might head out to the reefs and structure. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where you sit in one spot all day hoping something happens.
Techniques & Tackle
Captain Nick runs a variety of techniques depending on target species and conditions. For redfish and sea trout, you'll primarily use light tackle with live bait like shrimp and finger mullet, plus artificial lures when fish are actively feeding. Flounder fishing requires more finesse - you'll work soft plastics and bucktail jigs along sandy bottoms and channel edges where these flatfish ambush prey. King mackerel fishing means trolling spoons and live bait around structure, or casting to surface schools when they're busting bait. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. The boat carries a fish finder and GPS to locate structure and bait schools, plus a cooler to keep your catch fresh. Nick provides guidance on technique for beginners while letting experienced anglers do their thing. He'll net fish, handle the messy stuff, and give tips on fighting larger fish without losing them at the boat.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Summer flounder are one of Jacksonville's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These flatfish grow big in local waters, with keeper-sized fish running 16 to 20 inches and trophy specimens pushing 25 inches or more. They're ambush predators that bury in sand waiting for baitfish, crabs, and shrimp to swim overhead. Best fishing happens during moving tides around channel edges, creek mouths, and sandy flats. What makes flounder so exciting is the surprise factor - you never know if that gentle tap is a 14-inch throwback or a 6-pound doormat. They fight differently than most fish, using their flat bodies to leverage against the current, and they're absolutely delicious table fare.
King mackerel bring the speed and power that gets hearts racing. These pelagic predators cruise Jacksonville's nearshore waters from late spring through fall, following bait schools and hunting around reefs and wrecks. Kings commonly run 15 to 30 pounds locally, with occasional fish topping 40 pounds. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and aggressive feeding habits. When you hook a king, expect searing runs and acrobatic jumps as they try to throw the hook. The bite can be explosive - one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next your reel is screaming as line disappears. Kings are also excellent eating when bled and iced properly, with firm white meat perfect for grilling or smoking.
Sea trout might not have the size of kings or the table quality of flounder, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Jacksonville's grass flats hold enormous populations of speckled trout, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. Most fish run 12 to 16 inches, but trophy trout over 20 inches prowl the same waters. They're visual feeders that respond well to artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy sight fishing and working lures through the water column. Trout fishing can be fast-paced when you locate a good school, with multiple hookups and constant action keeping everyone busy.
Redfish represent the crown jewel of Jacksonville inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers roam shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek systems year-round, offering consistent action regardless of season. Slot-sized reds between 18 and 27 inches are perfect for the table, while oversized bull reds provide heart-stopping fights in shallow water. Redfish are incredibly strong for their size, using broad tails and powerful bodies to make long runs and bulldogging fights. They're also opportunistic feeders that will eat live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. The sight fishing for reds in shallow water ranks among fishing's most visual and exciting experiences - watching a 25-inch red track down your lure in three feet of clear water never gets old.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Nick Binnie and Black Flag Charters have built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing a professional, enjoyable experience on the water. Six hours gives you plenty of time to target multiple species and locations without feeling rushed, and the flexible pricing structure makes it easy to bring along extra anglers. Jacksonville's inshore fishing stays productive year-round,