6hr Inshore Fishing Charter with Captain Blake
Looking for a fishing guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand? Captain Blake's got you covered. With years of experience working both the St. Johns River and the Intracoastal Waterway around Mayport, he's dialed in on where the fish are biting year-round. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – Blake tailors every charter based on what's running hot and what species you're most fired up to catch. Whether you're after slot reds in the creeks or want to tangle with bull drum on the river, this top-rated 6-hour adventure puts you right in the action.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Blake runs a clean operation with a boat that's rigged for comfort and fishing success. You'll launch from Mayport and head to wherever the bite is strongest that day. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're working oyster bars for redfish, the next you're drifting creek mouths for spotted trout. Blake reads conditions like a pro, adjusting the game plan based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The charter is sized for 2 anglers to keep things personal and maximize your time on productive water. Need to bring a third or fourth person? No problem – just add $50 per additional angler and Blake will make it work.
Tackle, Techniques & Territory
Blake's got all the gear you need, from light tackle spinning setups perfect for trout to heavier rods that can handle bull drum when they're staging in the river. Depending on the target species and conditions, you might be throwing live bait around structure, working soft plastics through grass flats, or sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water. The St. Johns River system offers everything from deep holes where big drum hang out to shallow creeks where redfish cruise the edges. Around Mayport itself, you've got access to jetty fishing for mackerel and sheepshead, plus the chance at tarpon when they're rolling through. Blake knows which spots produce and isn't afraid to move if the action slows down.
Target Species Breakdown
Redfish are the bread and butter of Northeast Florida inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers fight hard and taste even better. Around Mayport, you'll find them in everything from 6 inches of water to 8-foot deep channels. Spring and fall are prime time when big schools move through, but Blake knows how to find them year-round. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls will test your drag and give you a workout you won't forget.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim overhead. These flatfish are tricky to target but incredibly rewarding when you dial in the pattern. Fall is when they really turn on as they stage for their offshore spawning run. Blake knows the creek mouths and channel edges where they set up, and he's got the technique down for bouncing jigs just right to trigger strikes. A 3-pound doormat flounder is about as good as it gets for table fare.
Spotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are gorgeous fish with distinctive spots and a reputation for being finicky feeders. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving water. Winter months can produce some true giants when the big females move into deeper holes, while summer finds them scattered across shallow flats. Blake's got the patience and know-how to put you on quality trout, whether you're working topwater plugs at dawn or bouncing soft plastics through the afternoon.
Black Drum, particularly the massive "bull drum," are absolute tanks that can pull like freight trains. The St. Johns River is famous for its bull drum fishing, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon. These bruisers love to hang around bridges, docks, and deep bends in the river where they can ambush crabs and other bottom fare. Landing one of these giants on the right tackle is a bucket-list experience that'll have your arms burning and your drag screaming.
Sheepshead are the convict-striped specialists that drive anglers crazy with their bait-stealing abilities. Around Mayport's structure-rich environment – think docks, pilings, and jetties – these fish are masters at picking off fiddler crabs and barnacles. They've got human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked, but Blake knows the tricks to outsmart them. When you do connect, they're surprisingly strong fighters and make excellent table fare with their firm, white meat.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Blake's 6-hour inshore charter gives you serious time to explore different spots and techniques without feeling rushed. The variety of fisheries around Mayport means every trip offers something different, whether you're a first-timer wanting to learn the ropes or an experienced angler looking to dial in on specific species. With no meals included, you can fuel up before or after and spend maximum time with lines in the water. This customer favorite charter books up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Blake's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish make this world-class inshore fishing adventure one you'll be talking about long after you head home.