Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville
Private Trip
River Fishing
4hour guided fishing trip targeting redfish and Spanish mackerelPrivate charter accommodates up to 4 guests with included gearCaptain provides expert guidance plus catch cleaning service
Captain Travis Wilson knows these Jacksonville waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish during this action-packed 4-hour adventure. Launching from Jacksonville Beach, you'll target some of Florida's most sought-after species including Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Trout, Crevalle Jack, and Black Sea Bass. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience - it's a private trip for up to 4 anglers aboard River City Charters' fully equipped boat, where you get the captain's undivided attention and prime fishing spots all to yourself.
Your morning kicks off at 2510 2nd Ave N in Jacksonville Beach, where Captain Travis has everything dialed in and ready to roll. The boat's stocked with top-shelf tackle, all your licenses are covered, and there's no need to worry about bringing gear - unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. The beauty of this half-day format is you're hitting the water during prime feeding times when these inshore species are most active. Travis reads the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns to position you where the fish are biting, not just where they might be. You'll work structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where these species love to ambush baitfish. The captain provides hands-on instruction for newcomers while giving experienced anglers the freedom to work their preferred techniques. Plus, when you land your keepers, Travis handles the cleaning so you can head home with fresh fillets ready for the dinner table.
Captain Travis runs a versatile fishing operation that adapts to what's working on any given day. You'll likely be throwing live bait like shrimp and pilchards around structure for the Redfish and Sea Trout, while also having spinning rods rigged with spoons and jigs ready when schools of Spanish Mackerel show up. The boat's equipped with both light tackle for the finesse fishing and medium-heavy setups when the Crevalle Jacks start pulling drag. Depending on conditions and fish activity, you might be drift fishing over grass beds, anchored up on productive bottom structure, or even doing some light trolling to cover water and locate active schools. The captain's got a fish finder and GPS to mark productive spots, but his real edge comes from years of reading water conditions, bird activity, and subtle signs that most anglers miss. Whether you're a complete beginner learning to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, or a seasoned angler looking to dial in new techniques, Travis adjusts his coaching style to match your experience level.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Jacksonville's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These speckled beauties typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 24+ inches that'll have you questioning your drag settings. They're most active during moving tides around grass flats and sandy potholes, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes Sea Trout so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs - plus they're absolutely delicious on the table with their flaky white meat.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Northeast Florida fishing, and Jacksonville's backwaters hold some real bruisers. These copper-colored fighters typically range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to oversized bulls that can stretch past 40 inches and test your tackle to its limits. Reds are year-round residents here, but fall and spring offer peak action when they school up in shallow water. They're notorious for their bulldogging runs and stubborn fights, often heading straight for structure to break you off. The thrill of watching a big Red's back and tail fin break the surface in skinny water is what keeps anglers coming back for more.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter in these waters. These silver missiles typically run 10-25 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs and refusing to give up even at the boat. They school up around bait pods and structure, often giving away their location by blowing up on the surface. Jacks are most active during warmer months and provide non-stop action when you find them - just make sure your drag is set right because they'll test every knot and connection.
Spanish Mackerel bring speed and excitement to every trip, especially during their peak runs from spring through fall. These streamlined predators typically measure 14-20 inches and are built for speed, making blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit fast-moving spoons, small jigs, and live bait, often in spectacular fashion with acrobatic jumps. Mackerel school up around bait concentrations and moving water, making them relatively easy to locate when they're in the area. Their firm, flaky meat makes excellent table fare, especially when grilled or blackened.
Black Sea Bass round out the mixed bag and provide consistent action around hard bottom structure and artificial reefs. These bottom dwellers typically run 12-16 inches in local waters and are notorious for their strong initial runs and head-shaking fights. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they congregate around structure in larger numbers. Sea Bass are excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or simply grilled with lemon and butter.
Captain Travis Wilson's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and his Jacksonville Beach location gives you access to some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's East Coast. This half-day format hits the sweet spot - long enough to get into serious fish but short enough to leave
The 21-foot Penn Craft is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Jacksonville's waters. Captain Travis Wilson's fully rigged motorboat comes packed with everything you need for a productive day chasing redfish, mackerel, and sea trout. The 150 HP Yamaha gets you to the hot spots fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on shallow water reds. With GPS and fish finder on board, you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of searching around blindly. The fighting chair gives you a solid platform for battling bigger fish, and the livewell keeps your bait fresh and frisky. There's an icebox for cold drinks and snacks, plus outriggers for spreading your lines when you're targeting Spanish mackerel or sea bass. All your tackle and licenses are covered, and Captain Travis handles the fish cleaning afterward so you can focus on the fun part.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy bottom dwellers that love hard structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky reefs. These chunky fighters typically measure 12-16 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds, with bigger males reaching 20+ inches. You'll find them in 20-120 feet of water, especially around artificial reefs and offshore structure. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. Guests appreciate their solid fight and excellent table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that'll often follow baits up from the bottom. The trick is using enough weight to stay on bottom in current, and don't set the hook too hard since they have soft mouths. Drop squid strips or cut bait right on the structure and be ready - they hit fast.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the ocean bullies that'll test your tackle with brute strength. These bronze-backed bruisers typically run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 40+ pounds. They hunt in aggressive schools around structure, pushing baitfish to the surface where diving birds give them away. Found from shallow flats to deeper reefs, they're most active during warmer months when bait is thick. Guests love the raw power - these fish fight like they're twice their size and never give up. They're not great eating, but the fight is addictive. Watch for bird activity and cast silver spoons or topwater plugs into the chaos. Key tip: retrieve fast and aggressive - jacks love the chase and won't hit slow-moving baits.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bull fighters of shallow water, averaging 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds in our area. Those distinctive black spots near the tail make them easy to spot in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. They love muddy bottoms and structure like old pilings. Spring and fall bring the best action when they're feeding heavily before seasonal moves. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll peel drag and test your tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, mild meat. The key is staying quiet and making long casts since they spook easily in skinny water. Look for tailing fish or nervous water, then drop a live shrimp or gold spoon just ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds around Jacksonville. These speckled beauties love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night when they're most active. You'll find them cruising oyster bars and sandy pockets in 2-6 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime times, but they school up in deeper channels during winter cold snaps. Guests love them because they fight hard, make great table fare with that flaky white meat, and hit topwater plugs with explosive strikes. The soft bite means you can't horse them - keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work. Pro tip: work plastic shrimp imitations slowly along the grass edges right at dawn or dusk when they're feeding most aggressively.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you arm-burning fights on light tackle. These sleek, spotted fish average 1-2 feet and 2-4 pounds, swimming in large schools near the surface. They love open water around structure, jetties, and nearshore reefs during spring through fall migrations. Warmer months bring them closer to shore where pier and surf anglers can reach them. What makes them special is their blazing speed and acrobatic jumps, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They have razor-sharp teeth, so use wire leaders or they'll cut you off instantly. Best tip: troll small silver spoons at 4-6 knots, or cast shiny jigs into feeding schools. Keep your drag loose - they'll snap light line on the initial run.
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