22 ft Bay Boat Northeast Florida Fishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target tarpon, redfish, cobia and Spanish mackerel offshoreAccommodates up to 4 guests on 22foot bay boatCovers coastal waters, inlets and nearshore fishing zones
Northeast Florida's coastal waters offer some of the best inshore and nearshore fishing on the East Coast. Our 22-foot bay boat is perfectly rigged for tackling everything from shallow flats to deeper inlet structures where big fish cruise year-round. With space for up to 4 anglers, this charter puts you right in the heart of world-class fishing grounds where tarpon roll, bull reds prowl the shallows, and cobia make their seasonal migrations. Whether you're chasing that first tarpon jump or looking to put some quality fish in the cooler, these waters deliver consistently.
Our 22-foot bay boat gives us the flexibility to fish multiple zones depending on conditions and what's biting. We'll work the coastal flats for redfish and black drum, hit the inlet mouths where tarpon and cobia stage, and venture into nearshore waters when the bite calls for it. The boat handles Northeast Florida's variable conditions well, so we can adapt our game plan throughout the day. You'll fish with quality tackle suited for each target species - from lighter spinning gear for Spanish mackerel to heavy conventional setups when we're hunting big tarpon or sharks. The shallow draft lets us get into those backcountry spots where the big bull reds like to feed, while the boat's seaworthiness means we can chase fish offshore when they're holding in deeper water.
We fish multiple techniques depending on the species we're targeting and seasonal patterns. Live bait fishing with mullet, shrimp, and pinfish produces consistently for most of our target species, especially when we're sight-casting to cruising tarpon or working structure for cobia. Cut bait works great for sharks and big drum, while artificials like spoons and jigs are deadly on Spanish mackerel and jack crevalle when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. The coastal waters here offer diverse structure - from oyster bars and grass flats to inlet jetties and nearshore reefs. We'll position on the fish based on tide, wind, and seasonal movement patterns. Northeast Florida's unique geography gives us access to both shallow water flats fishing and deeper inlet and nearshore opportunities all in the same trip.
Black Drum - These bruisers are available year-round in Northeast Florida waters, with the bigger fish showing up in cooler months. Black drum in the 20-40 pound range are common around oyster bars and deeper holes, and they put up a serious fight on medium-heavy tackle. They're bottom feeders that love cut bait and fresh shrimp, making them a reliable target when other species are finicky. The satisfaction of landing a big black drum after a long, grinding fight keeps anglers coming back.
Tarpon - The silver king arrives in Northeast Florida waters typically from late spring through fall, with peak action in summer months. These fish range from juvenile tarpon in the 20-50 pound class to massive adults exceeding 100 pounds. Tarpon fishing is all about the jump - there's nothing like watching a 6-foot tarpon launch itself completely out of the water. They're primarily a catch-and-release species, making the fight and photos the real prize. Live mullet and large artificials work best when they're rolling and feeding.
Redfish - Bull redfish are a Northeast Florida staple, with fish in the 15-40 pound range cruising flats, channels, and nearshore structure. Fall brings some of the best bull red fishing as they school up for spawning runs. These copper-colored fighters are incredibly strong and make blistering runs in shallow water. Sight-casting to tailing or cruising reds on the flats is as exciting as it gets, and they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Blacktip Shark - Blacktips are common in Northeast Florida's coastal waters, especially during warmer months. These sharks typically range from 3-6 feet and are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're aggressive feeders that will take cut bait, live bait, and even artificials. Blacktips provide fast action and exciting fights, plus they're a great introduction to shark fishing for anglers who haven't tangled with toothy critters before.
Cobia - Cobia migrate through Northeast Florida waters primarily in spring and fall, though some fish are around most of the year. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) are curious fish that will often approach the boat, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia in the 20-50 pound range are common, and they're one of the best eating fish in these waters. They love live bait and will also hit artificials worked near structure or free-swimming in open water.
Northeast Florida's diverse fishing opportunities mean there's always something biting, but booking ahead ensures you get the dates you want during peak seasons. Spring through fall offers the most variety with tarpon, cobia, and sharks being most active, while winter months can produce some of the biggest black drum and redfish of the year. Our 22-foot bay boat gives you access to this renowned fishery with the comfort and safety you want for a day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for that next personal best or new to saltwater fishing and want to experience what Northeast Florida has to offer, this charter delivers the goods. Contact North Florida Fishing Charters today to secure your spot and get ready for some of the best fishing the Atlantic Coast has to offer.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they cruise looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we catch the most. These fish are powerful fighters that'll test your drag, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The bigger fish get tough and stringy, so we usually release those giants. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom - they're less likely to steal crab than other baits, and drum can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are aggressive feeders that average 4-5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. They patrol our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and bait schools. These sharks are known for their acrobatic jumps - they can launch 21 feet in the air when hooked. Spring through fall is peak season when they follow bait migrations. What makes them exciting is their speed and aerial shows, plus they're great on the grill. They feed heavily on mackerel, sardines, and herring, so oily baits work best. Heavy tackle is a must - 20-50 pound gear with circle hooks. The trick is getting a good chum slick going with ground mackerel to draw them in close to the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary brown sharks look-alikes that average 40-60 pounds but can top 100. They cruise around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet of water. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. These fish are sight-fishing targets - you'll often spot them cruising just under the surface. What makes them special is they're curious and aggressive, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, even topwater lures. The key is a quiet approach since they spook easily in shallow water. Once hooked, they make strong runs but tire quicker than most fish their size.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore species, running 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. What guests love is the variety - you can sight cast to them on topwater, work jigs around structure, or drift live shrimp. They fight hard for their size and make outstanding table fare with mild, sweet meat. The eyespot tricks predators into attacking the wrong end, giving them an escape route. My tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then cast past them and work your bait back.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 80-100 pounds but capable of reaching 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow flats, deep channels, and around structure from late spring through summer. What makes them special isn't the eating - they're bony and not great table fare - it's the fight. When hooked, they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and run like freight trains. We target them with live bait like mullet, pinfish, and crabs, drifting baits down to feeding fish. The key here is keeping your rod tip down when they jump - that sudden slack often keeps them pinned. These ancient fish can live 50+ years, so we practice catch and release to keep the fishery strong.
Neptune Beach, FL