22 ft Bay Boat Northeast Florida Fishing
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques & Target Zones
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.