Jacksonville Morning Fishing Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targeting Redfish and Sea Trout inshoreSmall group capacity with scenic sunrise views includedLight tackle fishing with experienced local captain guidance
There's something special about being on the water as Jacksonville wakes up, watching the sunrise paint the sky while you cast for some of Florida's best inshore species. MARSHRATS Inshore Charters knows how to make those early morning hours count with their top-rated 4-hour morning fishing trip that perfectly balances scenic beauty with solid angling action. You'll cruise the calm inshore waters around Jacksonville with an experienced local captain who knows exactly where the fish are holding, targeting prized species like Redfish, Sea Trout, Jack Crevalle, and Southern Flounder. This isn't one of those crowded party boat situations – you're looking at a maximum of three guests, so there's plenty of elbow room to fish comfortably and actually enjoy the experience.
Your morning starts early, but trust me, it's worth dragging yourself out of bed for this one. The calm morning conditions make for perfect fishing weather, with less boat traffic and cooler temperatures that keep both you and the fish more active. Your captain will pick productive spots along Jacksonville's extensive inshore system, working everything from grass flats to creek mouths where gamefish love to ambush baitfish. The light tackle approach keeps things sporting without being overwhelming – perfect whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone who just wants to enjoy a peaceful morning on the water. You'll have plenty of time to soak in those coastal views between hookups, and the smaller group size means your captain can provide personalized instruction and share local knowledge that you won't get on bigger charters.
This charter focuses on light tackle fishing, which means you'll be using spinning gear that's perfectly matched to the inshore species you're targeting. Your captain will set you up with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – all chosen specifically for Jacksonville's inshore waters. You'll primarily be working with live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. The techniques vary based on conditions and target species, but expect to do plenty of sight fishing over grass flats, working structure around docks and oyster bars, and maybe some drift fishing in deeper channels. The beauty of light tackle is that even a 16-inch trout feels like a solid fish, and when you hook into a slot redfish or a feisty jack crevalle, you'll definitely know it. Your captain will coach you through the fight and help with netting and photos, making sure you get the most out of every fish.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Jacksonville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. They're most active in the cooler morning hours, making them perfect targets for this charter. You'll find them over grass beds and sandy potholes, typically ranging from 12 to 20 inches with some larger "gator trout" mixed in. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – they're one of Florida's best eating fish when prepared fresh.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Jacksonville, and these copper-colored bruisers will test your drag system. They're year-round residents that love shallow water, often cruising so shallow their backs are out of the water. Spring and fall offer the best action, but summer mornings can be phenomenal as they feed aggressively before the heat sets in. Most fish run 18 to 27 inches, right in that slot size range, and they fight like freight trains with their broad tails and stubborn nature. Sight fishing for reds over shallow flats is about as exciting as inshore fishing gets.
Jack Crevalle might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute warriors that will give you an arm-burning fight on light tackle. These ambush predators travel in schools and hit baits with reckless abandon, making them a customer favorite for pure fishing action. They're most active during warmer months and can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deeper channels. Don't let their reputation as "just jacks" fool you – a 15-pound crevalle on light spinning gear will humble even experienced anglers.
Southern Flounder are the stealth predators of Jacksonville's inshore waters, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. They're most active during cooler months, making fall and winter morning trips particularly productive. These flatfish require a different approach – slower presentations and patience pay off. When you feel that subtle "thump" and set the hook on a nice flounder, you'll understand why they're such prized table fare. Most run 14 to 18 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 20 inches are always a possibility.
This world-class morning fishing experience combines everything that makes Jacksonville inshore fishing special – diverse species, beautiful scenery, and the expertise of local guides who live and breathe these waters. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the 4-hour duration gives you plenty of time to get into fish without wearing you out. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fillets in the cooler or just want to enjoy a peaceful morning on the water, MARSHRATS Inshore Charters delivers the goods. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Don't sleep on this one – morning trips book up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the bite is hot and the weather is perfect for getting on the water.
The 2023 East Cape 19' flats boat cuts through Jacksonville's inshore waters with authority, powered by a 175HP Mercury engine that can push you to fishing spots at 60 knots when needed. Built specifically for shallow water fishing, this sleek vessel gets you into those productive backwater areas where redfish and sea trout like to hide. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of casting space without bumping elbows. The low-profile design lets you slip into skinny water where bigger boats can't go, perfect for sight fishing those tailing reds in the grass flats. Whether you're working the oyster bars for trout or targeting flounder along the sandy bottoms, this nimble flats boat handles like a dream and gets you back to the dock with fish in the cooler.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - pure muscle that'll test your drag system. These brassy-green fighters typically run 12-24 inches but can hit 60 pounds. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often in aggressive schools that create major surface commotion. What makes them special is their relentless fight - they just don't quit. Look for diving birds working baitfish, and you'll usually find jacks underneath pushing the action. They're year-round residents but really fire up during warmer months. While they're not great table fare, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Here's the secret: cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve them fast - jacks love the chase and aggressive movement.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of inshore fishing here in Jacksonville waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. What guests love most is watching them "tail" while feeding head-down in the grass. They fight hard and make long runs, but they're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up heavily. My go-to trick is to look for nervous water and mullet jumping - redfish are usually pushing bait underneath. Cast past them and work your lure back slowly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are Jacksonville's bread and butter fish, running 14-24 inches and putting up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially during early morning and evening hours when they're actively feeding. These silvery fish with dark spots love to ambush shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They school up in deeper channels during winter months, but spring through fall they're scattered across the flats. Pro tip: when you see them busting bait on the surface, throw a topwater plug just beyond the action and work it back through the school - they can't resist it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise in our Jacksonville waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and are prized for their excellent eating quality - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. You'll find them ambushing prey around creek mouths, channel edges, and grass lines in 3-15 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward inlets to spawn, making them easier to target. What guests enjoy is the surprise factor - one second you're dragging bottom, next second your rod's doubled over. They're not flashy fighters but they're smart and will try to wrap you in structure. The key is fishing slow with live mud minnows or shrimp right on the bottom near current breaks.
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