Jacksonville Inshore Fishing with Capt. Dave
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour morning charter targeting redfish and seatroutCaptain Dave provides 28 years experience on St. Johns RiverAll equipment, tackle, licensing, and safety gear included
When you're looking for a quality inshore fishing experience in Jacksonville, you want a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Capt. Dave brings 28 years of experience to every trip, running his custom 2025 Jettywolf through the St. Johns River and surrounding saltmarsh systems. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter operation – it's a private 4-hour morning trip designed specifically for two anglers who want to get serious about catching redfish, sea trout, and summer flounder in some of Northeast Florida's most productive inshore waters.
Your day starts early, typically between 7-8am, but Capt. Dave adjusts departure times based on tidal movements and weather conditions. That's the reality of fishing tidal waters – Mother Nature calls the shots, and experienced anglers know the bite is often best when conditions align properly. You'll be fishing from a 20-foot Jettywolf, a shallow draft bay boat specifically designed for navigating the skinny waters where big fish like to hide. The boat's custom build allows access to spots that deeper draft vessels simply can't reach, giving you a serious advantage over weekend warriors stuck in deeper channels. All your gear is provided – rods, reels, tackle, coolers, ice, safety equipment, and licensing – so you just need to bring drinks, snacks, and the right attitude. Fair warning: wear sneakers only, no work boots or hard-soled shoes that can damage the deck, and skip the open-toed sandals unless you want to risk a hook in your foot.
Capt. Dave employs three primary fishing methods depending on conditions and target species. Bottom fishing works great when black drum are holding in deeper holes or around structure. You'll also spend time casting jig heads, which is deadly effective for redfish cruising grass flats and oyster bars. The third technique involves drifting slip floats, perfect for covering water when sea trout are scattered or suspended in the water column. The captain switches between live bait, natural baits, and artificials based on what's working that particular day. Being able to cast spinning tackle isn't just recommended – it's essential for getting the best results. Half the fun of inshore fishing is making accurate casts to specific targets like dock pilings, grass edges, or that perfect pocket in the oyster bars where a big red might be waiting.
Summer flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. These fish can reach impressive sizes in Jacksonville waters, with keeper fish typically running 15-20 inches, though bigger ones definitely swim these flats. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they move into shallow water to feed. What makes them so exciting to target is their aggressive strike – when a flounder hits, there's no mistaking it. They'll absolutely crush a properly presented jig or live bait, and the fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Northeast Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are active throughout most of the year, with peak action during warmer months when they school up over grass beds and around creek mouths. A good sea trout runs 14-18 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing into the low twenties. They're known for their delicate mouths, so the fight requires finesse – too much pressure and you'll pull the hook. The reward is some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Redfish are what dreams are made of for inshore anglers. These copper-colored bulls are year-round residents in Jacksonville's marsh systems, and they grow big in these nutrient-rich waters. A slot-sized red runs 18-27 inches, but the real excitement comes from oversized fish that can push 30-40 inches and provide fights you'll remember for years. Reds are sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right – spotting that telltale bronze back cruising a shallow flat gets your heart pumping like few other fishing experiences can match.
Here's the bottom line: Capt. Dave runs a professional operation that puts you on fish while treating you right on the water. The 4-hour trip length works well for morning fishing, though the captain honestly notes that 6 hours is his standard recommendation, especially during summer months when longer trips often produce better results. Payment is handled upfront at booking time, so there's no awkward money exchange at the dock after a long day in the sun. Fish cleaning is available on a gratuity basis once you're back at the ramp. With 28 years of experience reading these waters, Capt. Dave knows where fish hold during different tidal stages and seasonal patterns. If you're ready for a top-rated Jacksonville inshore fishing experience that delivers consistent action and professional service, give him a call at 904-642-9546 between 8am-8pm. No texts – just pick up the phone and book your spot on some of the best inshore fishing Northeast Florida has to offer.
Get ready to fish the productive shallows of Jacksonville aboard this sleek 20-foot side console by Hanko Metal Works. This custom Jettywolf is built for serious inshore fishing with a reliable Suzuki 90HP that'll get you to the fish fast and a whisper-quiet 36V trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky redfish and trout. The boat's loaded with everything you need – Power Pole for instant anchoring, live bait well, fish finder to locate schools, GPS for navigation, and an Atlas Jack Plate for running super shallow water where the big fish hide. With float-pods for stability and more fishing room than typical bay boats, two anglers can cast comfortably without tangling lines. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in the marsh or working jigs over oyster bars for trout, this rig handles the St. Johns River and surrounding saltmarsh like a dream.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate inshore gamefish around Jacksonville - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, but don't be surprised by a 35+ inch bull that'll test your tackle. They love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action during cooler months. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and that telltale "thump" when they eat. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. The key to consistent success is staying quiet and making long casts - these fish are spooky in shallow water. Live shrimp under a popping cork or a gold spoon are my top choices.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Jacksonville. These silvery beauties with dark spots along their sides typically range 14-20 inches, with keeper fish running 1-3 pounds. You'll find them over grass flats, around docks, and in 2-8 feet of water throughout the St. Johns system. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. Trout are aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with authority. They fight hard for their size with head-shaking runs that'll test your drag. The white, flaky meat is outstanding on the table - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. My go-to trick is working a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the sound draws them in from a distance.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are Jacksonville's flat-bodied ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. These "door mats" typically run 15-20 inches but can surprise you with specimens pushing 4-5 pounds. They're found in 3-15 feet of water around grass beds, oyster bars, and channel edges throughout our saltmarsh system. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is their sneaky bite - you'll feel a gentle tap, then steady weight as they try to swim away with your bait. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle pickup, count to three before setting the hook. They bite sideways and need time to turn the bait around.
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