4hr Inshore Fishing Charter in Mayport, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, flounder, trout, and tarpon with experienced captainFish St. Johns River, ICW creeks, and Mayport watersFour-hour inshore charter accommodates up to six anglers
Looking for a top-rated inshore fishing adventure that puts you right where the fish are biting? Captain Blake's 4-hour charter out of Mayport is your ticket to some of Northeast Florida's best fishing waters. With his deep knowledge of both the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal Waterway, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting a master class in reading these waters. Whether you're after the rush of a bull redfish peeling drag or the satisfaction of a cooler full of keeper trout, this charter adapts to what's hot and what you want to target.
Captain Blake doesn't just fish one spot and hope for the best. This guy knows every creek, oyster bar, and structure from Mayport's inlet all the way up the river system. Depending on the season and what's biting, you might find yourself drifting live shrimp over grass flats for trout, working the mangrove edges for redfish, or anchored up on structure targeting those hefty black drum. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – if the trout bite is slow in the creeks, you're moving to the river for reds. If the wind's howling outside, those protected backwaters are still fishable. With a comfortable 2-angler capacity, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without crowding each other. Need to bring the whole crew? Captain Blake can accommodate up to 6 anglers for just $50 per additional person, making it a customer favorite for family outings and buddy trips.
This isn't your typical head boat experience where everyone's using the same rig. Captain Blake matches his techniques to the target species and conditions. In the creeks, you'll likely be working with live or artificial shrimp under popping corks, letting the current do the work while you wait for that telltale thump of a trout or the sideways pull of a redfish. When targeting drum on the river, it's often a different game entirely – heavy sinkers, cut bait, and the patience to let these bottom-dwellers find your offering. Around Mayport's structure, you might be sight-fishing for sheepshead with fiddler crabs or working the tide lines for mackerel and the occasional tarpon. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear perfect for trout to heavier setups that can handle a bull red's first run. He's got the local knowledge to know which baits are working, whether that's live shrimp from the local bait shops, fresh-cut mullet, or the right artificial lures for finicky fish.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Mayport's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round, though fall and winter often produce the biggest fish. Slot-sized reds in the 18-27 inch range are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized "bull" reds – some pushing 40+ inches – are pure adrenaline on light tackle. They love shallow water, often feeding in just a foot or two over oyster bars and grass flats. What makes reds so special here is their predictability once you understand their patterns, and Captain Blake has that dialed in.
Southern Flounder might be the most underrated fish in these waters. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying motionless on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim by. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder, with fish over 20 inches not uncommon. They're structure-oriented, loving dock pilings, bridge abutments, and channel edges. The fight isn't flashy, but that first strong pull when they realize they're hooked always surprises anglers. Plus, few fish eat better than a fresh flounder fillet.
Sea Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the perfect inshore species for light tackle fun. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders, especially during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. A 15-inch trout might not sound huge, but on light spinning gear, they'll give you a memorable fight with their head-shaking runs. The St. Johns River system holds some genuine gator trout over 20 inches, fish that have fooled many anglers into thinking they'd hooked something much larger.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore game. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can exceed 30 pounds in local waters, using their powerful bodies and stubborn nature to test your tackle and patience. Spring brings the big spawning fish into shallower water, where their drumming sounds can actually be heard through the boat hull. Younger "puppy" drum under 16 inches are excellent table fare, while the big breeders provide world-class sport fishing before being released.
Sheepshead around Mayport's docks and structure are notorious bait thieves, but once you figure them out, they're steady producers. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're most active in cooler water, making winter and early spring peak times. A 3-pound sheepshead might not sound impressive, but they're incredibly strong for their size and rank among the best eating fish in local waters.
Captain Blake's 4-hour inshore charter gives you the best of Mayport's fishing without eating up your entire day. Whether you're a local angler looking to learn new waters or a visiting fisherman wanting to experience Northeast Florida's renowned inshore fishing, this trip delivers. The personalized service, local expertise, and variety of target species make it a standout choice. With seasonal patterns constantly changing and different techniques producing throughout the year, there's never a bad time to
Captain Blake's 2020 32-foot center console is built for serious inshore fishing around Mayport's diverse waters. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines push this rig up to 50 knots, getting you to the fish fast whether you're targeting redfish in the creeks, bull drum on the St. Johns River, or tarpon around Mayport's jetties. The boat's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish in shallow water. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida days. With a toilet onboard, you can stay out longer chasing that next bite. Captain Blake knows these waters inside and out, from the ICW to the river systems, and he'll put you on whatever species are biting. Perfect setup for 2 anglers looking to experience some of Northeast Florida's best inshore fishing action.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 90. You'll hear them before you see them - they make actual drumming sounds, especially during spring spawning season. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish and crabs with powerful jaws. Spring is your best bet when they school up in shallow water. These fish are serious pullers that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. The big ones are better released. Around here, I always use fresh crab or cut mullet on a knocker rig. Here's the secret: when you feel them picking at the bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them get it good and committed - they're notorious for spitting the hook if you rush it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, with their copper-colored backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches in our waters, but we see plenty of "bull" reds over 40 inches that'll really test your equipment. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths hunting crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy, but they bite year-round here. Guests love them because they fight hard, eat well (the slot-size ones), and you can sight-fish them in skinny water. Whether you're throwing topwater plugs, gold spoons, or live shrimp, they're usually willing to eat. Pro tip: in really shallow water, approach quietly and cast past them - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll make some serious runs.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most range 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we catch some real slabs over the grass flats. They love shallow waters around oyster bars, creek mouths, and grass beds where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring are peak times, but summer nights can be fantastic. These fish have a soft mouth so they're fun on light tackle, plus they're excellent eating with sweet, tender meat - just don't overcook it. What guests really enjoy is the variety of ways to catch them - topwater plugs at dawn, soft plastics over grass, or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local trick: during cooler months, look for them in deeper creek bends and channels. They'll stack up there when the flats get too cold.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of inshore waters with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth. These guys typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders. They're structure junkies - always hanging around docks, pilings, and jetties where they pick barnacles and crabs off the wood. Spring is prime time when they gather to spawn, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. People love targeting them because they're challenging - notorious bait stealers with incredible table fare. The white, flaky meat is some of the best you'll eat. My go-to trick: use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook and get as close to structure as possible. When you feel them nibbling, set the hook hard and fast. They'll steal your bait all day if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - flat fish that bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we catch some pushing 20+ pounds. What makes them unique is having both eyes on their left side, plus they can change color to match the bottom. You'll find them in shallow creeks, around docks, and near structure where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. Guests love the challenge - they're sneaky biters and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use live mud minnows on a Carolina rig and fish it slow right on bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Jacksonville, FL