Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Jacksonville FL
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Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Jacksonville FL
Your Captain
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Dave Sipler
Identity Verified
Dave Sipler, Captain at Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Since 1996 Capt. Dave's Sport Fishing has been a full-time fishing guide. From offshore 30 miles to the St. Johns river. For over 27 years he's had boats from 17 to 26'. Dealer Sponsored boats for a few years, to even running a 23', a 21' and a 17' center console all at the same time, in the late 1990's. But his real love was fishing the Mayport Jetties, where the St. Johns river meets the Atlantic Ocean. He had his 26 footer built just for that area. Because it's very big water. And the inlet can be rougher than it is 20 miles offshore, so he wanted a boat that could handle it 365, and it did for 20 years. But in November of 2024, he sold that boat and had a custom inshore, shallow draft 20 foot side console built in Louisiana. Because he wanted to concentrate on fishing calmer more tranquil creeks and bayous. With the ability to traverse the shallow marsh up in the river, for all the same species, just in a different environment.
Instead of the boat filled with 4 persons plus him, which seemed more like ''people management'' many days, he set the passenger level of the new boat at 2 persons. For versatility, and going shallow, and more of a ''one on one'' experience for his customers. Just because we're fishing in saltwater, doesn't mean its a group affair. Most bass boats have two fisherman. Most Florida ''keys' flats boats heading off for Permit and Bonefish, have just two Anglers.
May 2025 is when the new boat was completed. And he loves it. We can still fish the same areas such as the St. Johns River channel edges for trophy sized Redfish in the fall or the Black Drum at the inlet in January. But we have the opportunity to now tuck into the calm shallow marsh when the wind blows and be virtually un-effected by it in March, and catch Speckled Trout and keeper sized Redfish
Upcoming Availability
Expertise & Attributes
water sports
Boating
Customer Relations
Customer Safety
Empathy
First Aid Survival
Guest Safety
High Stress Situations
Leadership
Local History
Natural Environment
Patience
PFD (Protective Floatation Devices)
Risk Management
Safety Practices
Storyteller
Weather And Climate
Yachting
fishing
Master Guide
Technical Fishing
Good with New Anglers
Good with Families
Good with Kids
Nature / Wildlife Views
Saltwater Fishing
Live Bait
tours
Basic First Aid
Clear And Loud Speaker
Customized Experience
Good With Kids
Humor
Local Knowledge
People Person
Positive Attitude
Professional
Quick On Feet
Safety
Storyteller
Strong CommunicationFishing Techniques
Water Sports Techniques
What's Included
Keep your Catch
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
License
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
Nature / Wildlife Views
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
What's Included
Keep your Catch
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Good to Knows
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
License
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
Nature / Wildlife Views
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
Cancellation Policy
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Trips Available with Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Top-Rated
Instant Booking
Fishing - Inshore
Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing20'HANKO's Max 2 guests (base trip price includes 2 guests)
2 person 6 hr. Jacksonville FL.
Join Capt. Dave, a 28-year veteran Jacksonville fishing guide, for a charter on the St. Johns River, saltmarsh, or at the inlet. This private 2-person trip departs 7am, is 6 hours Aboard the 20' Jettywolf, a 2025 custom built inshore shallow draft bay boat. Targeting inshore species such as Redfish, Seatrout, Black Drum, with seasonal opportunities for additional species. All per the tides, which are every 6 hours. Fishing methods may include bottom fishing, casting jig heads, or drifting slip floats using live, natural, and artificial baits. All rods, reels, tackle, coolers, ice, safety equipment & Licensing are included. Guests only need to bring a grocery bag with drinks, and a snack and dress accordingly, per the weather.
**Participants should be mobile and able to stand, and move about the boat. And cast spinning tackle for the best fishing results.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Call 904-642-9546 8am-8pm (no texts please)
Morning Trip
Maximum 2 persons allowed (base trip price includes 2 guests)
6 Hours
7:00 AMPick Your Date
Top-RatedInstant BookingFishing - InshoreCapt. Dave’s Sport Fishing20'HANKO's Max 2 guests (base trip price includes 2 guests)
2 person 4 Hr. Jacksonville FL.
Join Capt. Dave, a 28-year veteran Jacksonville fishing guide, for a charter on the St. Johns River, saltmarsh, or at the inlet. This private 2-person trip departs at 7am, is up to 4 hours . Aboard the 20' Jettywolf, a 2025 custom built inshore shallow draft bay boat. Targeting inshore species such as Redfish, Seatrout, Black Drum, with seasonal opportunities for additional species. All per the tides, which are every 6 hours. Fishing methods may include bottom fishing, casting jig heads, or drifting slip floats using live, natural, and artificial baits. All rods, reels, tackle, coolers, ice, safety equipment & Licensing are included. Guests only need to bring a grocery bag with drinks, and a snack and dress accordingly, per the weather.
Participants should be mobile and able to stand, and move about the boat and cast spinning tackle for the best fishing experience.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Call 904-642-9546 (no texts please)
Morning Trip
Maximum 2 persons allowed (base trip price includes 2 guests)
4 Hours7:00 AMPick Your Date
Top-RatedInstant BookingFishing - BackCountryCapt. Dave’s Sport Fishing20'HANKO's Max 3 guests (base trip price includes 3 guests)
Capt. Dave's famous 2 hour Kids Fishing Charter
Trips begin at 7am and are designed for 1 adult with 2 children under 10, or 2 adults with 1 child under 10.
Introduce your kids to fishing with Capt. Dave on a fun 2-hour morning charter in Jacksonville. These trips are for the younger kids who can't do a longer day, and 2 hours turns out to be perfect. Capt. Dave has been taking "kids" Fishing for 28 years, and has figured that out with the help of parents and grandparents over the years. We target any fish species, during the 2 hrs. Its all about Kids learning the "fishing experience" And parents are there to help the kids. We start early, because of the weather. Example; In the heat of the summer, earlier means "cooler".
HAVE A QUESTION?
CALL 904-642-9546 (NO TEXTING PLEASE)
Morning Trip
Maximum 3 persons allowed (base trip price includes 3 guests)
2 Hours7:00 AMPick Your Date
Top-RatedInstant Booking
Tour - ExcursionJacksonville Salt marsh & Dolphin spotting trip
NON-FISHING: Explore the natural side of Jacksonville with a private 2-hour Dolphin and bird watching tour led by Capt. Dave. Starting at 8am (can vary, just want it calm. early morning are usually the calmest) this trip takes you along the St. Johns River and surrounding marshes, where a variety of native and migratory birds can be observed in their natural environment. Up close Dolphins, Pink Spoonbills, Bald Eagles, easily viewed. Guests may also spot manatees, and other local wildlife depending on the season. Plus Capt. Dave tells you all about the local history of our River area. Use this 2 hour, 2 person private trip Non-fishing trip for whatever you want. Burial at sea, river front real estate viewing, etc.
Aboard the 20' Jettywolf a 20' HANKO, bay boat.
Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing Max: NON-FISHING Max: 2 guests
HAVE A QUESTION?
CALL: 904-642-9546 (NO TEXTING PLEASE)
Morning Trip
Maximum 2 persons allowed (base trip price includes 2 guests)
2 Hours8:00 AMPick Your Date
Vehicle
Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
2
Boat Length:
20 ft
Manufacturer Name:
HANKO's
Model Year:
2025
Engine Manufacturer Name:
Suzuki
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
90
Maximum Cruising Speed:
40
Features: Bait Tank Ice-Box Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS VHF Radio
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Fish the shallows on my sleek 20-ft side console boat by Hanko Metal Works. With a Suzuki 90HP engine, Power Pole PV state of art 36V trolling motor, bait well, sounder/GPS, Atlas Jack Plate, float-pods, and spud poles. More fishing room than most 20' bay or flats boats.
Boat
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Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
2
Boat Length:
20 ft
Vehicle Details
FAQs about Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
What are the trip rates for Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing?
What's included in the trip price with Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing?
What types of Fishing does Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing offer?
Which Fishing species can I catch with Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing?
What is the cancellation policy for Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing?
Reports and Expert Articles
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YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l1whkM7_gA
VIDEO 10/14 WITH THE TRAVELLER SEE ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l1whkM7_gA FOR SOME REASON WILL NOT UPLOAD ON MY REPORTS. WE HAD A FINE DINNER AFTERWARDS AT SINGLETONS SEAFOOD WITH OUR CAUGHT FISH. VIEW HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l1whkM7_gA EXPERIMENTING GOING INTO MILL COVE IN THE MORNING LOW TIDE. THEN FLOAT-RIGGING LATER ON. THEN DINNER AT SINGLETONS SEAFOOD EATING REDFISH & SPECKLED TROUT. BLACKENED AND FRIED. NO MESS SINGLETONS FOES ALL THE COOKING. ALWAYS GOOD FUN WITH THE TRAVELLER ABOARD. VIDEO LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l1whkM7_gA
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YOUR FRESH FISH
10/15 - 2nd day with TRAVELLER BOB. Not much to report. Turns out that the weather went Bad real fast. Bob and I met at 7am as usual, at the Mayport boat ramp. The forecast wasn't good. ''SMALL CRAFT EXERCISE CAUTION!!'', a radical difference compared to yesterday (day 1) with Bob. But we bottom fished for Bull Redfish. Starting out ''hiding'' from the N.E. Wind. Caught some junk, a few whiting, a few panfish types and toooo many saltwater catfish. The scourge of the St, Johns river. Which are un-avoidable, if any bait is near the bottom. The ebbing tide was fast, so we hid from it also. Then, as noon approached and we were further from the boat ramp it really got bad. A falling tide against a NOW due EAST wind bucking the current made the river a true soup sandwich, for my Small Craft'' that was a creek boat. We got soaked, didn't catch any big Bull Redfish, and should have just went in the creeks, and left from the Oak Harbor ''secluded'' boat ramp. The flat bottom JETTYWOLF ll, took a beating, and we decided to bag it, at noon. The wind versus tide is never a good thing in Mayport FL. We had Redfish & Speckled Trout fillets from yesterday. So Bob said, '' ya wanna join me at ''Singletons Seafood Shack'' in Mayport for Blackened Redfish and fried Trout for dinner?'' Of course, I said. Singleton's is a local favorite in Mayport, only around the corner from the boat ramp. They'll cook up your catch for ya. And thats what we did and it was damn good! Here's Bob, getting ready to chow down. You too can have a ''mess free'' dinner of what you caught, aboard the Jettywolf ll, with Capt. Dave's Sport Fishing, Jacksonville, FL. Just visit CAPTDAVES.COM to reserve your 4 or 6 hour day.
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Float Rig Fishing 4- spots in muddy water!
Went into Mill Cove at low tide "shallow alert" but the Jettywolf ll handles it like a dream. The water was like mud, everywhere we went today. Have oldest customer with me for day one of two. We fished over a shell bar with live shrimp on small floats drifting with the last moments of current. Bob caught a few small Speckled Trout, and I hooked up a keeper 19" Redfish. The bait stealers as usual were a huge issue as always in N.E. Florida inshore. So as the tide died, so did all bites. Left out of the cove and float-rigged a few other spots. Bob wasn't hooking up anything. So I gave it a try, and hooked up on a 17" chunky Speckled Trout. But that was about it besides Bob catching a Jack Crevalle. Bob's usually the "hot rod". So we left out, the river was full of wakes from tug boats and ships. So into a creek we went. Now, the tide was rising. NOT the best for this creek spot. I cast a gold spoon and got a "keeper" 18" Redfish on it. So we kept it. Then Bob caught a 20" Redfish and a handful of "Pups", at 16 inches. Not a super day. Found out even though Mill Cove is "FULL" of Mullet, big ones. Obviously, its still not "right". It's becoming only a dead of winter area. The reason we tried it at my Benchmark spot (one that gives me all the ideas if its worth it in there) the bait-stealers are rampid, and it's not turned on as years ago. Maybe in Nov. or Dec. Day#2 with Traveller Bob we will pursue over-sized Bull Redfish, and have even a bit longer falling tide. The forecast is a lot more wind for day 2 (10/15).
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St. Johns River Kids Charter: Tough Flats After High Winds
2 HOUR KIDS TRIP: TOUGH MORNING BITE AFTER A WEEK OF HIGH WINDS. FIRST ''COLD'' MORNING THIS FALL. TIDE & WIND BUCKING EACHOTHER IN THE CREEK. ENDED UP FINDING A FEW BITES IN THE ICW. LEFT OUT OF A ALTERNATE BOAT RAMP, IN CASE WIND PICKED UP IN MAIN RIVER.
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Jacksonville 2 hr. kids Fishing charters
AFTER THE ''BIG'' WINDS....on Sunday Oct. 12. A ZOO of people at the tiny Oak Harbor boat ramp. Parking lot was full by 0730 hrs. when we departed. it was finally calm. Couldn't give away a bait up in the creek, so went into the ICW, and still not much. Had a 5 & 8 yr old brothers and dad. just fished the rods in the holders. the kids couldn't do much, but we ended up with croakers and a stingray. The day after the week of mega high winds didn't do us any favors. NEXT UP: Tuesday and Weds. TRAVELLER BOB, FROM ASHVILLE. 👍👍
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Full moon, crazy tides, BIG TIME CHALLENGES!
OCTOBER 8, 2025 HUSBAND & WIFE FROM ''GUATEMALA'', ORIGINALLY PICKED 10/9 AND THE FORECAST WAS SCA-25 KNOTS. THE FULL MOON OCTOBER TIDES MADE THIS DAY CHALLENGING ENOUGH SO WE WENT ON 10/8 INSTEAD AT HIGH TIDE. NEEDING "LOWER WATER" TO CATCH ANY FISH UP IN THE MARSH. STARTED OUT CASTING JIGS & SHRIMP, FOR JACKS AND LADYFISH. LOADS OF BITES NOT MANY HOOK UPS. AS THE TIDE DROPPED WE ENDED UP GOING TO MY FLOAT-RIG SET-UPS AND BAIT CASTING TACKLE AND LIVE SHRIMP. THEY ENDED UP WITH 3 REDFISH, TWO PERFECT "KEEPERS". BUT AS THE TIDE GOT "PERFECT", AND THE BAIT FISH (MULLET) STARTED SHOWING UP ALL AROUND US. THEY WANTED TO GO IN AND CALL IT A DAY, AT 3:30pm. "OK, WHATEVER YOU WANT" .... I WAS READY WITH PLENTY OF LIVE SHRIMP TO CATCH MORE REDFISH. THE CHALLENGE WAS REAL TODAY, AND WE WERE ON THEM, NOW. WE SWITCHED DAYS, WE SWITCHED TIME OF DEPARTURE, WE HAD TO WAIT ON THE TIDE, WE BARELY AVOIDED 2-3 RAIN STORMS PASSING BY, AND WE AVOIDED ANY HIGH WINDS. I WAS READY TO GET ON MORE REDFISH. *** PLEASE, BE ABLE TO STAND, MOVE ABOUT THE BOAT, AND BE VERY MOBILE, AND SURE ON YOUR FEET. TO GO ON THESE TRIPS. NONE OF THESE TRIPS ARE SITTING IN A CHAIR TO FISH. CAPTDAVES.COM
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RAIN, WIND, MASSIVE FLOOD TIDE!!!! 'Anchoring'
Spud Poling - ''the better Power Pole'' MY BOAT HAS SPUD POLES AND HOLES THRU THE HULL....say that twice fast. Really better than the $1400 a piece Power Poles that are sold commercially and others put on their boats. Simple, and effective. on bow, and two on the stern, it blew 20 knots with driving rain at one point, and I never moved.
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YOUTUBE VIDEO
https://youtu.be/UT6_86J_Bv4?si=DLJ0JDgo6ZkDfSyO
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Shimano Sojourn Testing Video
Haven't bottom fished deep all summer. Stayed shallow in the marsh. So, today was a solo R & D test of the Shimano "Sojourn" Musky (yes Musky) rods testing for river bottom fishin'. 2 - 26'' REDFISH later in day. No footage, too busy. Boxed 2 - 12'' SEABASS, AND ONE Redfish. I think these rods will work with customers.
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WATER FINALLY IS COOLING.....A TINY BIT!
The inshore bite around Jacksonville has been VERY slow in the heat of the summer. It seems now, with less humidity and not as hot the water temps have dipped a bit. (But it won't last long) We need to be well into October to see a real change in local water temps. SO BOOK YOUR 2 PERSON LIGHT TACKLE INSHORE/SALTMARSH TRIP WITH CAPT DAVE ABOARD THE BRAND NEW 20' JETTYWOLF FOR OCTOBER!
Ratings & Reviews Summary
October 23, 2025
Capt Dave is one of the most knowledgeable fishing guides/charter service's that that you can possibly find. Experience speaks in volumes and with over 24 years of experience you'll hear it loud and clear when Dave puts you on giant "Brutus T" Red fish, Jack Crevalle , Trout, you name it. If it swims in the St Johns river ask Dave and you better be ready to battle with it. Oh yea sharks are no stranger to that river too!!! Dave's custom built 26' aluminum center console was built for fishing comfort. whether for the novice angler or the old salt you and your party will appreciate the room provided while your fighting the "big one" Capt Dave is a great guy and he will make you feel welcome from the minute you step on board to when he is handing you your bag of fillets. Passenger safety is number one priority for all his clients and has numerous repeat client. This is no fish tale folks, give him a call and book while you can!!!
October 23, 2025
Thank you for an great experience, excellent Captain, and exceptionally clean vessel. We’ll be back.
October 23, 2025
It was a great fishing trip. Capt Dave is a great captain which our girls truly enjoyed the trip. He knows his areas to fish and did awesome of encouraging our girls to try fishing. We loved our trip because our girls learned about of fishing, saw dolphins, boats and caught several fish and sting ray. If you are ever in the Jacksonville area and like to do a fishing tour, Capt Dave is your guy.
October 23, 2025
Took the kids 15y and 4yr, both got seasick but Captain Dave not only handled well but with the shorter on open water experience took us up river for sightseeing and a bit of history it was a great end
October 23, 2025
Went out with Dave again today, we split a day with a solo trip and then followed it up with a kids trip, went home with about 12 pounds of fish after they were filleted. Also my son had a blast trolling for Mackerel. Thank you Dave for another great day. Will be back soon
October 23, 2025
Thank you for an great experience, excellent Captain, and exceptionally clean vessel. We’ll be back.
