Bull Redfish Battle in Jacksonville Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bull redfish with heavy tackle techniques and guidanceCaptain Frank Cole provides all equipment and expert instructionSmall group experience accommodates up to three guests maximum
Get ready to test your strength against some of the most powerful fish swimming in Northeast Florida's waters. Captain Frank Cole's 4-hour bull redfish trip puts you face-to-face with these copper-colored bruisers that'll give your arms a workout you won't forget. Whether you've been fishing for decades or just picked up your first rod, this Jacksonville charter is designed to get you hooked up with trophy-sized reds that call our local waters home. With all tackle provided and expert guidance every cast of the way, you'll be battling bulls like a seasoned pro by the end of the day.
Captain Frank keeps his charters intimate with just three anglers max, so you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're learning to handle heavy tackle. The moment you step aboard, you'll notice this isn't your typical light-tackle inshore trip. We're talking serious gear designed to stop bulldozing redfish in their tracks before they can wrap you around the nearest oyster bar. The captain will walk you through proper technique, show you how to set the drag just right, and position you in prime spots where these copper missiles love to cruise. Jacksonville's extensive river system and nearby Atlantic waters create the perfect storm of structure and current that big reds can't resist. You'll be fishing areas where the Intracoastal meets tidal creeks, around bridge pilings, and along grass flats that hold baitfish like a dinner bell for hungry bulls.
Forget about finesse fishing – when you're targeting bull redfish, it's all about power and presentation. Captain Frank provides heavy conventional reels spooled with serious line, paired with stout rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. The technique revolves around using substantial baits like cut mullet, blue crab, or live pinfish presented on circle hooks that'll find their mark when a red commits to the bite. You'll learn to feel the difference between a pickup and a run, how to let the fish load up before coming tight, and most importantly, how to keep steady pressure without getting spooled. The captain will show you proper body positioning – legs braced, rod butt in your gut, and how to use the boat's leverage to your advantage. Jacksonville's structure-heavy environment means you've got to turn these fish quick before they reach their sanctuary, making proper technique absolutely critical for success.
Redfish are the undisputed kings of Jacksonville's inshore scene, and the bulls we target are typically pushing 30-40 inches and weighing anywhere from 15 to 30-plus pounds. These mature fish patrol deeper water around jetties, inlet mouths, and channel edges where they ambush schools of baitfish. Fall through early spring offers prime bull red action as cooler water temperatures stack these fish in predictable areas. What makes them so addictive to target is their combination of size, fight, and accessibility – you don't need to run offshore to tangle with something that'll test your tackle and technique. Bulls are notorious for their bulldogging runs, often heading straight for the nearest piling or oyster bar to cut you off. The satisfaction of turning one of these copper tanks and getting it to the boat is what keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Red snapper make appearances depending on the season and regulations, adding another exciting dimension to your Jacksonville fishing adventure. These reef dwellers typically show up around structure in 30-60 feet of water, where they school in impressive numbers during their open seasons. Snapper fishing requires a different approach than redfish – you're dropping baits to the bottom around hard structure and dealing with fish that know every trick in the book for cutting your line. What makes red snapper special is their combination of excellent table fare and challenging fight characteristics. They'll make screaming runs toward the reef, test your drag system, and require steady pressure to bring to the surface. Jacksonville's offshore structure holds quality snapper that average 3-8 pounds, with occasional trophy fish pushing double digits when conditions align perfectly.
This top-rated Jacksonville charter fills up fast, especially during prime redfish season when word gets out about the quality of fishing Captain Frank consistently delivers. With everything provided except your fishing license and a cooler for your catch, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks for the trip. The intimate 3-angler limit means you'll get hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunities to get your line wet without waiting around. Payment balance is due on trip day via cash or Venmo, making booking simple and straightforward. Whether you're a local angler looking to upgrade your inshore game or visiting Jacksonville specifically for the world-class redfish action, this 4-hour adventure delivers the kind of fishing stories that'll have your buddies planning their own trips before you're even back at the dock. Book now and get ready to muscle up against some of Northeast Florida's most sought-after gamefish.
Captain Frank's motorboat is your ticket to tangling with Jacksonville's legendary bull redfish. This fishing machine comes equipped with a whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor that lets you slip into shallow water without spooking these powerful fighters. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools of reds in their favorite haunts along the flats and oyster bars. Built for serious angling action, this rig handles up to 3 anglers comfortably while you work the heavy tackle needed to battle these bruising fish. Captain Frank provides all the gear - heavy rods, strong reels, and proven baits that bull reds can't resist. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll learn the techniques that bring these copper-colored giants to the boat. The stable platform gives you solid footing when a big red makes its signature runs through Jacksonville's productive inshore waters.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the deep water prize that keeps anglers coming back. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet of water - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Most fish we catch run 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 30+ pounds and really make you work. Summer months are prime time when they're actively feeding near the bottom. What guests love is that solid thump when they hit your bait, followed by a bulldogging fight straight down toward cover. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean - that white, flaky meat with a sweet, nutty taste is restaurant quality. My go-to trick is using circle hooks with live pinfish or fresh squid, and keeping steady pressure to pull them away from structure before they cut you off.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull redfish around Jacksonville are absolute powerhouses - these copper-colored fighters can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats, oyster bars, and around dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. That distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to spot when they're tailing in skinny water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they'll rip line off your reel on that first run. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you see one feeding, cast well ahead of where it's moving - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a battle worth bragging about.
Jacksonville, FL