6hr Inshore Fishing Charter - Mayport Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, flounder, trout, and tarpon across multiple locationsCaptain Blake provides expert guidance on St. Johns River and ICWSix-hour inshore adventure accommodates up to two anglers comfortably
Captain Blake's got the St. Johns River and ICW dialed in like nobody's business. This 6-hour inshore charter puts you right where the fish are biting, whether that's back in the creeks chasing reds or out at Mayport working the structure for sheepshead. With years of experience reading these waters, Blake knows exactly where to position you based on the tide, season, and what's been hot lately. You're looking at a legitimate shot at multiple species in one trip - something that keeps anglers coming back to these productive Northeast Florida waters.
Blake runs his operation smart - keeping groups small with a 2-angler recommendation so everyone gets quality time with the rod. The beauty of this charter is the variety. Morning might start in the river chasing drum, then shift to the creeks for trout and flounder as the tide changes. Blake reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly. You're not stuck fishing one spot all day hoping something happens. The ICW and St. Johns system gives you options, and Blake uses every advantage these connected waters offer. Expect to cover ground, try different techniques, and learn why certain spots produce at certain times.
The fishing approach changes completely depending on where Blake decides to set up. In the creeks, you're looking at sight fishing and working structure with live bait or artificials. The river fishing tends to be heavier tackle when bull drum are running - these fish will test your drag and your patience. Over at Mayport, it's all about reading the current and working around the jetties and pilings where baitfish stack up. Blake provides the gear suited for each situation, from light spinning tackle for trout to stouter setups when big drum are in the picture. The key here is versatility - being ready to switch techniques as conditions and target species change throughout the day.
Southern Flounder are ambush predators that lay buried in sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to cruise by. Fall and winter months bring the best action as these flatfish fatten up before their offshore spawning run. They're tricky to hook since they often mouth the bait before committing, but once you feel that telltale thump and set the hook right, you've got excellent table fare on the line. Blake knows the drop-offs and channels where flounder stage up, particularly around creek mouths where current brings food right to them.
Black Drum, especially the bull drum that cruise the St. Johns, are absolute bruisers that can push 40+ pounds. These fish have serious pulling power and will make multiple runs before you get them boatside. Spring brings the big breeding fish into the river system, creating some of the most exciting inshore fishing you'll find in Florida. They're bottom feeders with a keen sense of smell, so fresh bait and patience are essential. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, but catch-and-release keeps this fishery strong for future trips.
Sheepshead around Mayport's structure are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs. They require finesse and quick reflexes - these fish can clean your hook before you know they're there. Winter months are prime time when sheepshead stack up around pilings, jetties, and any hard structure. They're excellent eating and provide a technical fishing challenge that keeps even experienced anglers sharp. Blake positions you right where the current brings food to these structure-oriented fish.
Sea Trout are year-round residents that school up in grass flats and creek mouths throughout the ICW system. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Spring and fall produce the best numbers, while winter often brings larger, gator trout that have been around the block a few times. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots and provide great light-tackle action that's perfect for building confidence on the water.
Redfish are the bread-and-butter species that made inshore fishing famous along the Gulf Coast. These copper-colored fighters are found throughout the system, from shallow creeks to deeper river channels. They're opportunistic feeders that will take cut bait, live shrimp, or artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Fall months bring schools of slot-sized reds into the area, creating some of the most consistent fishing of the year. Their distinctive black spot and bronze coloring make them easy to identify, and their fighting ability ensures they're always a crowd favorite.
Six hours with Captain Blake gives you a real taste of what makes Northeast Florida inshore fishing special. You're getting local knowledge that takes years to develop, access to multiple fisheries in one trip, and the kind of variety that keeps things interesting from first cast to last. The two-angler setup means personalized attention and plenty of rod time for everyone. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this charter delivers the goods. Blake's track record speaks for itself - he puts you on fish because he knows these waters inside and out.
Captain Blake's 2020 32-foot center console is built for serious inshore fishing on the St. Johns River and ICW around Mayport. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines get you to the fish fast, hitting speeds up to 50 knots when conditions allow. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers but runs best with 2 for maximum fishing space and personalized attention. You'll have everything needed for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky redfish in shallow creeks. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's an onboard head for convenience during longer trips. Captain Blake knows these waters inside and out, targeting different species based on season and conditions. Work the creeks for redfish, flounder, and trout, or hit the main river for bull drum. When the time's right, head to Mayport for mackerel, sheepshead, and tarpon action. Whether you're after dinner or just enjoy the fight, this setup delivers solid fishing in Northeast Florida's best inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders to tackle-busting 40+ pound bulls. These fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season around March-May is peak time when they school up in predictable spots along the St. Johns. What guests love is the raw power - big drum will test your drag and make long runs. Plus, the smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that croaking sound they make when feeding. Best local trick is using fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish finder rig. Keep your drag loose initially because when a big bull picks up your bait, it's going to move.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target with their copper-colored backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but oversized bulls up to 40+ inches patrol deeper waters. They thrive in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they're actively feeding in large schools. What makes reds special is their power and willingness to eat - they'll crush topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. Plus, slot-sized fish are outstanding on the dinner table. The most exciting way to target them is sight-fishing shallow flats with topwater plugs or gold spoons. When you spot their backs or tails in skinny water, cast well ahead of them and work your lure slowly - they'll track it down and explode on it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats - beautiful silver fish with distinctive black spots that typically run 14-20 inches. They love shallow seagrass beds, creek mouths, and drop-offs throughout the ICW system. Cooler months bring the best action when they school up in deeper holes and channels. Guests enjoy their willingness to hit artificial lures and their spirited fights on light tackle. They're also some of the best eating fish around with tender, flaky meat - just don't overcook them. These fish are most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late evening. My favorite approach is working soft plastics like DOA shrimp or jerkbaits around grass edges. Listen for feeding activity - when trout are busting bait on the surface, cast just past the commotion and work your lure back through.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the pickpockets of the dock pilings - those black and white striped "convict fish" with human-like teeth that love to steal your bait. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but dock veterans up to 8 pounds lurk around Mayport's structure. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they school up near bridges and jetties. What makes them special is the challenge - they'll nibble your bait clean off without you feeling it, then reward patience with excellent table fare. Sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish we catch. The key is getting close to structure with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs on a light jighead. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook hard because those bony mouths are tough to penetrate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically find them 15-18 inches long, though bigger ones up to 25+ inches show up. They love shallow creeks, grass flats, and channel edges throughout our area. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What makes flounder fishing special is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with a soft bite that requires patience. The payoff is some of the best eating fish around with sweet, white meat. My go-to tip: use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows and feel for that subtle "tick" - don't set the hook right away, let them take it and run a few seconds first.
Jacksonville, FL