Jacksonville 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesExpert guides provide access to prime Jacksonville fishing spotsSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
When you're ready to hit Jacksonville's inshore waters for some serious fishing action, this 6-hour charter with MARSHRATS gives you the time and expertise to make it count. We're talking about proper fishing here – not some quick tourist trip, but a full day on the water where you'll learn the spots, the techniques, and get your hands on some of the best inshore species Florida has to offer. With just 3 anglers max, you're getting personalized attention from guides who know these waters like the back of their hand.
Six hours gives us real fishing time – enough to work multiple spots, adjust our approach based on conditions, and put you on fish throughout the day. We'll start early when the bite is hot, targeting prime structure and grass flats where Jacksonville's inshore species love to hang out. The St. Johns River system and surrounding backwaters offer incredible diversity, from shallow oyster bars where redfish cruise to deeper grass beds holding quality trout. Your captain knows when to move and when to stay put, reading the water, tides, and fish behavior to keep your lines tight. Expect to cover ground, learn new techniques, and see why Jacksonville's inshore fishing scene draws anglers from all over the Southeast.
We fish smart here – matching our approach to what's working on any given day. Live bait fishing with shrimp under popping corks is deadly for trout and redfish, especially around grass edges and drop-offs. When fish are aggressive, we'll throw artificials like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that trigger explosive strikes. The beauty of Jacksonville's inshore waters is the variety – one minute you're sight-fishing reds in 2 feet of water, the next you're working a creek mouth for flounder or battling a bruiser jack that came out of nowhere. We use light tackle that lets you feel every headshake and run, but strong enough to handle the fight these fish bring. GPS and fish finder technology help us locate structure and bait, but local knowledge is what puts fish in the boat consistently.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Jacksonville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties range from schoolie 14-inchers to trophy gator trout pushing 6 pounds or more. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though we catch them year-round in deeper grass beds and around structure. Trout have a delicate mouth, so the fight is all about finesse – they'll jump, shake their heads, and test your drag. What makes them special is their willingness to bite artificials and their excellent table fare when you decide to keep a few within the slot.
Redfish are the ultimate inshore game fish, and Jacksonville's marshes and flats hold some real bulls. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches in the slot, but we regularly hook oversized reds that'll strip drag and test your patience. Fall and spring offer the best redfish action when they're feeding heavily in preparation for spawning runs. They're ambush predators that love oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where they tail and cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. The fight is pure power – long runs, bulldogging in the shallows, and that distinctive thump-thump-thump you feel through the rod.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. These aggressive predators show up when you least expect them, often while targeting other species. They travel in schools and when you find one, you've usually found many. Jacks are available year-round but peak in warmer months when baitfish are thick. They'll absolutely destroy topwater lures and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. Most anglers release these brutes, but the experience of hooking into a 15-20 pound jack in shallow water is something you won't forget.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms and grass edges waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish are tricky to target but incredibly rewarding when you dial in the technique. Fall months from September through November offer the best flounder fishing as they migrate toward inlets. They're structure-oriented fish that love creek bends, dock pilings, and channel edges. The bite is subtle – often just a slight tick or weight feeling different – but the fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish. Flounder are hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler.
This 6-hour charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Jacksonville's inshore waters have to offer. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're getting a masterclass in reading water, understanding fish behavior, and techniques that'll make you a better angler long after you leave Florida. MARSHRATS knows these waters, the fish, and how to put it all together for a day you'll be talking about for years. Don't wait around hoping for perfect conditions – good captains make fishing happen regardless of what Mother Nature throws at us. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Jacksonville consistently ranks among the top inshore fishing destinations in the country.
This sleek 19' East Cape flats boat cuts through Jacksonville's shallow waters with serious authority. Built in 2023, she's powered by a robust 175HP Mercury engine that'll push you to fishing spots at speeds up to 60 knots - getting you on the fish fast and keeping you there longer. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this nimble craft lets you slip into those tight backcountry areas where the big redfish and sea trout love to hide. The onboard GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder does the heavy lifting, marking schools and structure below. Whether you're working the grass flats for tailing reds or drifting the channels for jack crevalle, this boat handles like a dream and gets you into water other boats can't touch. Built for serious fishing in Florida's coastal waters.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are pure muscle and attitude - the bulldogs of our waters. These brassy, golden fish typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but we hook into 20-pounders that'll test your tackle. They roam both shallow flats and deeper offshore waters, often in aggressive schools that push baitfish to the surface. Summer months bring the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes jacks special is their raw power - they fight harder than fish twice their size with long, burning runs. Watch for bird activity diving on baitfish - that's your cue. They're not great eating, but the fight is addictive. Here's the key: cast silver spoons past the school and reel fast. Jacks love the chase and won't hesitate to crush a fast-moving lure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in Jacksonville. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail typically range from 18-35 inches, with slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches being most common. You'll find them cruising super shallow flats, oyster bars, and dock lines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Spring through fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll drag you around oyster beds and grass flats. Plus, they eat well with firm, mild flesh. My go-to trick is watching for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, then making a quiet approach with live shrimp or gold spoons.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the most popular inshore fish around Jacksonville. These silvery beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and average 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they're most active. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels which makes for some great action. What makes trout fishing special is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics - the strikes can be explosive. They're also fantastic table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. Pro tip: work your lure slowly around dawn and dusk near oyster bars and grass edges - that's when they really turn on and feed aggressively.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Jacksonville. These flat, oval-shaped fish with both eyes on one side typically measure 15-18 inches, though we catch some approaching 30 inches and 10+ pounds. They bury themselves in sand near creek mouths, jetties, and channel edges in 5-20 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our waters heading offshore to spawn. What's cool about flounder fishing is the challenge - they're ambush predators that require patience and technique. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat perfect for the dinner table. My secret: use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows and drag it slowly across sandy bottoms near structure.
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