Your Captain
Dave Sipler
Identity Verified
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
What's Included
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
What's Included
This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.
This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
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 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 results.
HAVE A QUESTION? Call 904-642-9546 (no texts please)
Pick Your Date
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.**PLEASE BE ADVISED, WE CAN'T DO MUCH TRAVEL ON A 4 HOUR TRIP. Participants should be mobile and able to stand, and move about the boat and cast spinning tackle for the best results.
HAVE A QUESTION? Call 904-642-9546 (no texts please)
Pick Your Date
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. 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".
Pick Your Date
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.
20' HANKO's, Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing Max: 2 guests
Pick Your Date
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
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.
Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
2
Boat Length:
20 ft
Vehicle Details
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.
https://youtu.be/UT6_86J_Bv4?si=DLJ0JDgo6ZkDfSyO
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.
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 8, 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 8, 2025
Thank you for an great experience, excellent Captain, and exceptionally clean vessel. We’ll be back.
October 8, 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 8, 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 8, 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 8, 2025
Thank you for an great experience, excellent Captain, and exceptionally clean vessel. We’ll be back.