Jacksonville Inshore Redfish and Seatrout Charter
When you're looking for a solid day of inshore fishing in Jacksonville, this 6-hour private charter with Captain Chad hits all the right spots. Starting at 8:00 AM from Mayport Boat Ramp, you'll spend your morning working the productive waters of the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip—Chad tailors every outing to current conditions and what's biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you'll leave with a cooler full of fillets and plenty of stories to tell.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Chad keeps things personal with just two anglers per trip, so you're getting the full attention and local knowledge that makes these Jacksonville waters so productive. The boat's rigged for comfort and safety, but more importantly, it's set up to put you on fish. You'll start the day with all your tackle and prepped bait ready to go—no need to hit the bait shop at 6 AM or wonder if you've got the right setup. Chad knows these backwaters like the back of his hand, having grown up fishing this area, and he'll move you between spots based on tides, weather, and where the fish are holding. If you're interested in learning the ropes, he'll even show you how to catch your own bait, which is always a game-changer for future trips. The best part? After you've had your fun, Chad handles all the cleaning and filleting, so you head home with restaurant-quality fillets ready for the pan.
Tactics and Prime Fishing Spots
Jacksonville's inshore scene is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be fishing a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what the target species are doing. The St. Johns River system offers everything from shallow grass flats perfect for sight-fishing redfish to deeper channels where big seatrout cruise for an easy meal. Captain Chad runs between oyster bars, creek mouths, and structure where these fish love to ambush prey. Expect to throw everything from popping cork rigs with live shrimp to soft plastics worked along drop-offs. The Intracoastal Waterway adds another dimension with its bridges, docks, and current breaks that hold sheepshead and flounder. Tides play a huge role here—moving water means active fish, and Chad times each spot to hit it when conditions are prime. You'll learn to read the signs: nervous baitfish, diving birds, and subtle color changes that signal productive water.
Customer Stories
"We hit a bunch of spots throughout the day, and even with the midsummer heat making things a bit challenging, Captain Chad kept us on the fish. He's a great guy—easy to talk to and full of local knowledge, having grown up in the area. Big thanks to you, Captain Chad!" - James
"Just outstanding customer service , safety and incredible knowledge in the charter business. Chad thank you again !!" - Ben
Target Species Breakdown
Redfish are the bread and butter of Jacksonville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice that size. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up in the shallows. What makes reds so exciting is their versatility—you might spot one tailing in two feet of water or hook into a bull red cruising a channel edge. They're not picky eaters, but they're smart, so presentation matters. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the table, with firm, mild flesh that grills beautifully.
Spotted seatrout are the other half of Jacksonville's inshore slam, and they're pure fun on light tackle. These beautiful fish run anywhere from 14 inches up to gator trout pushing 6-7 pounds. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides when they pin baitfish against structure. Spring through fall offers the best trout fishing, with summer evenings being particularly productive. Seatrout have that classic game fish fight—long runs followed by head-shaking jumps. Their delicate mouth means you need to play them carefully, but that just adds to the excitement. Fresh seatrout is some of the finest eating you'll find in these waters.
Southern flounder might not win beauty contests, but they're masters of camouflage and table fare. These flatfish hang around sandy bottoms, creek mouths, and bridge pilings where they ambush unsuspecting prey. Fall migration brings the biggest fish as they head to deeper water, with some doormat flounder topping 5-6 pounds. They're sneaky—often you won't know you've got one until you start reeling. Flounder fishing teaches patience and bottom-reading skills that make you a better angler overall. They're also fantastic eating, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Sheepshead are the technical fighters of the bunch, with crushing jaws designed for cracking barnacles and oysters. These black-and-white striped fish hang around structure year-round but are most active in cooler months. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one feels like a real achievement. Sheepshead average 2-4 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds in deeper water. Their diet of crustaceans gives them incredibly sweet, firm meat that rivals any saltwater fish. They'll test your rigging skills and patience, but landing a nice sheepshead is always satisfying.
Tarpon are the wildcards of Jacksonville inshore fishing. While you can't keep them, hooking into the silver king is a bucket-list experience. These prehistoric fish can show up anywhere from shallow creeks to deeper channels,