5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Fishing in Jacksonville
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday afternoon fishing trip targeting snapper and sheepsheadLight tackle jigging and trolling just 10 miles offshoreExpert captain guidance suitable for all experience levels
If you're looking for a solid afternoon of fishing near Jacksonville Beach, El Cazador Fishing Charters knows exactly where to put you on the fish. This half-day trip runs from noon to sunset, giving you plenty of time to work the water just 10 miles offshore where the action really picks up. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention from the captain without feeling crowded. You'll be targeting some of the area's most sought-after species using light tackle, jigging, and trolling techniques that keep things interesting all afternoon long.
Once you clear the inlet and head offshore, you'll quickly realize why this stretch of water off Jacksonville Beach produces such consistent fishing. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position you over structure and feeding areas where red snapper, sheepshead, and redfish like to hang out. The afternoon timing works in your favor since many species become more active as the day progresses, especially when the sun starts getting lower on the horizon. You'll spend your time moving between spots, working different depths and structures to maximize your chances of hooking into multiple species. The light tackle approach keeps the fight exciting - even smaller fish put up a good battle when you're not overpowered with heavy gear.
This trip combines three proven fishing methods that work exceptionally well in Jacksonville's inshore and near-offshore waters. Light tackle fishing lets you feel every bite and gives smaller fish a chance to show their fighting spirit. Jigging is deadly effective around structure where snapper and cobia like to patrol - you'll drop vertical jigs and work them with short, sharp movements that trigger aggressive strikes. Trolling covers water efficiently and picks up species like cobia and larger redfish that are cruising and feeding actively. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, including rods matched to the techniques, appropriate line weights, and a selection of lures and baits that have been producing fish in recent trips. All tackle is maintained and ready to fish, so you can focus on learning the techniques and landing fish rather than rigging gear.
"Captain was great ! My son caught multiple Red Drum's and that's what we came to do, boat was really clean and the captain was really good at directed my son on things to improve his fishing." - Latasha
Sheepshead are one of the trickiest and most rewarding fish you'll target on this trip. These black-and-white striped baitfish thieves have human-like teeth and a reputation for stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure, pilings, and rocky bottom where they feed on barnacles and crabs. The key to hooking sheepshead is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keeping a tight line, and setting the hook at the first sign of a nibble. When you do connect, they fight with surprising strength for their size. Most sheepshead in these waters run 2-4 pounds, with occasional larger specimens pushing 6-8 pounds. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that many anglers consider among the best-eating fish in local waters.
Redfish, also called red drum, are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Jacksonville. These copper-colored bruisers patrol grass flats, oyster bars, and nearshore structure where they hunt for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Redfish are notorious for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights that test your tackle and technique. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around and become easy targets. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while larger bull reds provide catch-and-release action that'll leave your arms sore. Fall and spring offer the most consistent redfish action, though they bite year-round in Jacksonville waters. Live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures all produce strikes from these aggressive feeders.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the near-offshore waters, known for their incredible strength and curious nature. These brown sharks lookalikes often approach the boat for a close inspection, giving you heart-stopping moments before they decide whether to eat your bait. Cobia average 20-40 pounds in local waters, with larger specimens exceeding 50 pounds during peak migration periods. They're most common from April through October when water temperatures climb and baitfish become abundant. Cobia hit hard and fight even harder, making long runs and testing every knot in your tackle. They're also outstanding on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red snapper represent the ultimate offshore prize for many Jacksonville anglers. These crimson-colored bottom dwellers live around hard structure, wrecks, and rocky outcroppings where they ambush passing baitfish. Red snapper have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, requiring finesse presentations with lighter leaders and natural baits. When federal seasons are open, targeting red snapper becomes the focal point of many offshore trips. They typically range 3-8 pounds in local waters, though larger fish are possible around deeper structure. Red snapper fight with surprising strength for their size, making multiple runs toward the bottom where they try to cut your line on sharp edges.
Brook trout might seem out of place on an offshore fishing list, but Jacksonville's diverse fishery includes these speckled beauties in certain areas and seasons. These fish prefer cooler water and are most active during winter months when temperatures drop. Brook trout are excellent light tackle opponents, known for their acrobatic jumps and delicate takes. They respond well to small jigs, live bait, and light spinning tackle that matches their fighting characteristics. While not as common as other target species, hooking into brook trout adds variety to your trip and provides excellent table fare for anglers who enjoy milder-tasting fish.
This sleek 24-foot Pathfinder motorboat is your ticket to Jacksonville's productive inshore waters. Built for serious anglers, she cuts through the waves with a powerful 250HP engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. The GPS keeps you on track to the hottest spots while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. When you need to work structure quietly, the wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly without spooking the snapper and sheepshead. The onboard livewell keeps your catch fresh, and with room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines. Whether you're jigging around docks or casting to structure, this boat handles Jacksonville's inshore challenges with ease. The stable platform gives you confidence when fighting fish, and the thoughtful layout means everyone gets their shot at the action. Perfect for targeting those tasty bottom dwellers that call Northeast Florida home.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't really what we target on our Jacksonville offshore charters since they're cold-water freshwater fish found in mountain streams and northern lakes. These beauties prefer water under 68°F and need pristine, clean conditions to survive. They're small but scrappy, typically 8-14 inches with those gorgeous olive-green backs and red spots circled in blue. You'd find them in the Appalachian streams or up north in places like Maine and Canada, not in our warm coastal waters. They're indicator species for clean water and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Fall spawning season offers the best action in their native range. For our Florida charters, we focus on species that thrive in our warm saltwater like snapper, grouper, and cobia that actually live in our local waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown torpedoes that'll make your heart skip when you first see one cruising near the surface - they look like sharks until you spot that flat head. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can top 100, making them serious arm-burners on medium tackle. Find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet, though spring migration brings them shallow. They're loners, not schooling fish, so it's quality over quantity. What's great about targeting them? That fierce fight and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They spawn June through August, making late spring through summer prime time. My go-to trick: work a bucktail jig in 4-8 ounces around structure. Color doesn't matter much, but that vertical presentation drives them crazy.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the ruby-red prize of deep water fishing, and there's good reason they're so sought after. These bottom-dwellers typically run 2-8 pounds inshore, but the deeper reefs can produce 15+ pound slabs. You'll find them on hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 30-200 feet, where they stack up around structure. Summer months offer the best fishing when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs, diving straight for cover when hooked, plus that sweet, nutty white meat is restaurant-quality every time. They're true warriors that'll test your drag and your patience. Key tip: use heavy enough weight to get your bait to the bottom quickly - they live down there and won't chase a bait drifting in the current. Fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish work best.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your gear. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around downed trees in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes them awesome? That explosive topwater strike and the way they bulldoze through the shallows when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that mild, flaky meat. Here's the key: when sight-fishing, cast ahead of where they're moving, not right at them. Spook one and the whole school disappears.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are known for their human-like teeth and distinctive black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds around our local structures. You'll find them hugging docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered pilings where they love to munch on crabs and shellfish. They're notorious bait thieves, so keep that hook sharp and your reflexes sharper. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? That firm, sweet white meat is some of the best eating you'll find, plus they put up a solid fight on light tackle. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick - they'll come running to investigate the free meal.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain was great ! My son caught multiple Red Drum’s and that’s what we came to do, boat was really clean and the captain was rea...
Jacksonville Beach, FL