5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Fishing with Reel Adventures Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, flounder, and tarpon inshore watersAll fishing gear and equipment provided onboardAccommodates up to 5 guests per charter trip
Looking for a solid inshore fishing trip that'll put you on the fish? Captain Ryan and the crew at Reel Adventures know these Jacksonville waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about real deal inshore action where you'll target redfish, spotted sea trout, flounder, and black drum in the shallows and grass flats. During summer months, we'll even hunt down tarpon that'll test your drag and leave your arms sore for days. This isn't some tourist trap operation – we fish where the locals fish, and we fish hard.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Ryan at the dock. We'll load up to 5 anglers onto a well-rigged boat that's built for navigating the shallow waters and oyster bars where these fish love to hang out. The captain's got all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about what to bring. We're heading to proven hotspots where the water's just right and the structure holds fish. Expect to move around during the trip as we read the tides and follow the bite. The inshore game is all about adapting to conditions, and that's exactly what separates a good guide from a great one.
Inshore fishing is about finesse and knowing when to switch it up. We'll be working live bait under popping corks when the trout are schooled up, throwing soft plastics around downed timber for bass and redfish, and bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder. When the tide's moving right, we'll drift the grass flats with shrimp or finger mullet. If we're chasing tarpon in the summer heat, get ready to throw everything you've got at them – they're picky eaters but explosive fighters. Captain Ryan reads the water constantly, watching for bait movement, bird activity, and subtle changes that tell him where to position the boat next. You'll learn to spot redfish tailing in skinny water and recognize the telltale swirls that give away feeding trout.
"Captain Ryan was amazing! In fact he made our experience so much fun my son insisted we book again 2 days later! We spent half of our vacation with Captain Ryan! He is very knowledgeable and even though the weather was not cooperating he did his best to find those hidden spots for kingfish. I have been on other Charters but they don't come close to Captain Ryan! I highly recommend him and we will be going again our next time there!" - Tracy. "Had an amazing time. Captain Ryan was excellent and very knowledgeable. Was a great experience and would definitely recommend. Even tho I didn't catch very many fish he made it a great first experience and also showing me and teaching me by letting me do hands on!" - mathieu smith. "Capt. Ryan keep us on the fish all day and he was great company! I would highly recommend Capt. Ryan and Reel Adventures Fishing Charters!!!" - chris hazlett.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Jacksonville inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers hang around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow grass flats year-round. They're not picky eaters but they're smart – you'll need to present your bait naturally and be ready for their trademark headshaking runs. Slot-sized reds typically run 18 to 27 inches, but we also encounter bull reds that'll peel line and make you question your tackle choices. Fall and spring offer the best action when these fish school up and feed aggressively.
Spotted sea trout are the most consistent biters in our local waters. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots and sharp teeth love grass flats and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. They're abundant from spring through fall, with the best action happening during moving tides. Trout are perfect for anglers who want steady action – they'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm. A good trout bite means multiple hookups and plenty of fish for the cooler.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage and the ultimate table fare. These flatfish bury themselves in sandy bottoms near creek mouths and inlet areas, waiting to ambush passing prey. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right technique – we'll be bumping jigs and live bait along the bottom to trigger strikes. Fall is prime time for doormat flounder as they migrate toward deeper water. Landing a quality flounder feels like pulling up a dinner plate, and they're absolutely delicious when prepared right.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're powerful fighters that'll test your tackle. These bottom dwellers love structure like docks, bridges, and oyster beds where they root around for crabs and shellfish. We target them with cut bait and crabs fished on the bottom. Black drum can grow massive – we're talking fish that can exceed 40 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're more common in cooler months and provide excellent action when other species slow down.
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing and our most prized summer target. These prehistoric giants can exceed 100 pounds and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Tarpon fishing is a whole different game – heavy tackle, circle hooks, and nerves of steel are required. We find them rolling on the surface during calm summer evenings or hunt them around bridges and channels. Landing a tarpon is a bucket list achievement that most anglers never forget.
Captain Ryan's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. This top-rated charter operation has earned its reputation by consistently putting clients on fish and creating memories that last a
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, and you'll hear them before you see them - they make distinctive drumming sounds that carry through the water. These fish typically range 5-30 pounds, but the real bulls can hit 90 pounds. They cruise oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries with their powerful jaws, crushing shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag system. For eating, stick with fish under 15 pounds - the bigger ones get tough and stringy. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait, and make sure it stays on the bottom where these fish feed. They're not picky about depth but love structure.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle action. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Spring through fall are best, with early morning and evening bites being most productive. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Specks are aggressive fighters for their size and will hit both live bait and artificials. Local tip: fish the grass edges at first light with topwater plugs - the strikes are explosive. During winter, they school up in deeper channels, so adjust your strategy when temperatures drop.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. Both eyes sit on the left side of their head, which guests always find fascinating. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Spring and fall are prime times when they move through our waters. They put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom and bounce it slowly - flounder won't chase fast-moving baits, so patience pays off with these ambush predators.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing - massive, acrobatic fish that can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds, though most run 80-100 pounds. These prehistoric giants patrol shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in warm months. Summer is peak season when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special isn't the eating (they're full of bones), but the fight - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and run at 35 mph. It's pure adrenaline watching a 100-pound fish go airborne. They feed on baitfish in mid-water, so live mullet, pinfish, and crabs work great. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them - it keeps tension off the line and prevents pulled hooks. These fish can live 50+ years, so we practice catch and release.
5.0 out of 5.0Reel Adventures Fishing Charters Add a photo Reel Adventures Fishing Charters 5.0 (7) Fishing charter i...
Jacksonville