Half Day Scenic Fishing In Jacksonville Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour guided inshore fishing for redfish and troutAll fishing gear and bait provided by experienced captainScenic marshes and wildlife viewing included throughout trip
Looking for a fishing trip that doesn't feel rushed? Blue Cyclone Inland Charters has dialed in the perfect balance with this 5-hour inshore adventure around Jacksonville's coastal waters. Captain knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, and he's designed this trip for folks who want to wet a line while soaking up everything else the marsh has to offer. You'll target redfish, sea trout, and whatever else is biting, but the real magic happens when you slow down enough to notice the osprey diving or catch sight of a manatee cruising by. This isn't about filling the cooler – though you definitely might – it's about getting back to why you fell in love with being on the water in the first place.
Your day starts in Jacksonville's protected inshore waters where the current runs gentle and the fish hang out in predictable spots. Captain provides all the tackle and bait, so you can focus on the fun part. These calm waters are perfect for beginners or anyone who prefers a more relaxed approach to fishing. You'll drift through scenic marshlands where the spartina grass creates natural highways for feeding fish. The boat stays in shallow areas most of the time, usually under 6 feet, which means you're close enough to see grass beds, oyster bars, and the structure that holds fish. Between casts, keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins, brown pelicans, and the occasional river otter. The pace stays mellow throughout the trip, giving everyone time to actually enjoy the surroundings instead of constantly moving from spot to spot.
Captain runs light spinning gear that's perfect for the inshore species you'll be targeting. Most setups use 15-20 pound test line with circle hooks and split shot rigs – nothing fancy, but deadly effective in these waters. Live shrimp is the go-to bait since it attracts everything from trout to redfish, though he'll also have cut bait and artificials depending on what's working. The technique is straightforward: cast near structure, let your bait settle, and stay alert for that telltale tap-tap of a fish picking up your offering. You'll fish from anchor in productive spots rather than constantly trolling, which gives you time to really work an area and increases your chances of connecting with quality fish. The shallow water means you can sight-fish when conditions are right, watching redfish cruise the flats with their backs out of the water.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Jacksonville's inshore waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in these waters and fight way above their weight class. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some surprisingly good days when weather cooperates. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of feeding in skinny water where you can actually see them coming. When a slot red grabs your shrimp and takes off across a grass flat, you'll understand why local anglers get addicted to targeting them.
Sea trout might not have the glamour of redfish, but they're incredibly fun on light tackle and excellent table fare. Jacksonville's grass flats hold good numbers of keeper-sized trout, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper potholes. These fish have soft mouths, so the fight stays interesting without being overwhelming. Trout are also one of the most reliable species in the area – even when the reds aren't cooperating, you can usually count on picking up a few specks to keep things interesting.
Southern flounder are the wildcards of this fishery. These flatfish hide in sandy areas and ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes that'll surprise you every time. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawning migration. Don't let their appearance fool you – flounder are excellent eating and provide a different kind of challenge since they're masters of camouflage and require a more finesse approach.
Snook represent the premium catch in these waters, though they're more seasonal and structure-oriented than the other target species. These silver-sided fighters love hanging around docks, mangrove shorelines, and creek mouths where they can ambush baitfish. Summer months offer the most consistent snook action, and their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights make them worth the wait. Just remember that snook have specific slot limits and closed seasons, so catch-and-release is often the rule.
This half-day scenic fishing trip delivers exactly what it promises – a relaxed morning or afternoon on Jacksonville's beautiful inshore waters with plenty of opportunities to catch fish and enjoy the scenery. Blue Cyclone Inland Charters has crafted something special here for folks who want to fish without the pressure or pace of a tournament-style trip. Whether you're introducing someone new to saltwater fishing or just want to unwind on the water, this 5-hour adventure hits the sweet spot. The boat accommodates up to two guests, making it perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want a personalized experience. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar before booking, but don't wait too long – these relaxed trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing months.
Meet the Blue Cyclone, your ticket to Jacksonville's best inshore fishing spots. This 20-foot Champion flats boat cuts through shallow waters with ease, powered by a reliable 200HP engine that'll get you to the fish fast at up to 40 knots. Built for two anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish and sea trout. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in structure. GPS keeps you on track to productive areas, and the live well ensures your catch stays fresh. Her shallow draft design opens up skinny water spots where bigger boats can't go, giving you access to prime fishing real estate along Jacksonville's marshy coastlines and grass flats.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and that signature black spot near the tail. They typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, though we see plenty of bigger ones in the deeper creeks. These fish love 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they can root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time, but they bite well year-round here in Jacksonville. Guests love how hard they fight and how they'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures. They're also fantastic on the table with mild, sweet meat. Best advice I can give is to watch for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats. When you see that copper flash, make your cast past them and work back - they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets, running 14-20 inches on average with those distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats, especially in 2-6 feet of water where they can hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them year-round - they just move to deeper holes during cold snaps. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit topwater lures, especially early morning and late evening. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, flaky meat. The key to consistent trout fishing is finding the grass beds - they rarely venture far from cover. When the bite gets tough, downsize your bait and slow your retrieve. These fish can be finicky, but once you dial in their mood, they'll often school up and provide steady action.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of our mangrove shorelines, with that distinctive black lateral stripe and golden color that makes them easy to spot. Most of our fish run 18-28 inches, though the big females can push 35+ inches and really test your drag. They love structure - docks, mangrove roots, creek bends, and any kind of cover where they can ambush baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially around the new and full moons when they get more active. What guests love is their explosive strike and hard fight in shallow water. They're also great eating with firm, white meat. One thing I always tell folks - when you hook one near structure, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head quickly. Let them get back into those roots and you'll likely lose them to a cut-off.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 25+ inches in our deeper channels and creek mouths. They're active year-round here, though fall and early winter bring the best action as they move toward inlets to spawn. What makes them fun is the surprise factor - you never know when that "stick" on the bottom will turn into a nice flatfish. They're excellent table fare too, with sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when drift fishing, let your bait sit still on the bottom for 30 seconds before moving - flounder like to study their meal before committing to the bite.
Jacksonville, FL