Private Inshore Fishing Trip - Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour inshore fishing trip for up to 3 guestsTarget Red Drum, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Trout speciesNavigate scenic creeks, waterways, and St. Mary's jetties
If you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing experience that gets you away from the crowds and onto the fish, this 4-hour private morning charter in Fernandina Beach is exactly what you need. Schmidt Happens has been putting anglers on the water here for years, and we know these waters like the back of our hands. You'll have the boat all to yourself and up to two buddies, which means no fighting for rod space or dealing with strangers who don't know how to handle a fish. This is pure Northeast Florida inshore fishing at its finest - we're talking about waters that hold some seriously impressive reds, black drum, sheepshead, trout, and even the occasional shark that'll get your heart pumping.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when these fish are most active and hungry. We'll launch from Fernandina and head into the maze of creeks, marshes, and grass flats that make this area a world-class inshore fishery. The Amelia River system and surrounding waters offer incredible variety - one minute you're working oyster bars for sheepshead, the next you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water. The St. Mary's jetties are always an option when we want to mix things up and target bigger fish that cruise the rocks. These granite boulders hold bait, and where there's bait, there are predators. The intercoastal waterway gives us protected water and consistent action, especially when the weather's been rough offshore. Every trip is different because we read the conditions, tides, and fish movement to put you on the best bite possible. The scenery alone is worth the trip - wild dolphins, manatees, and all kinds of birds, but let's be honest, you're here to bend some rods.
We run quality spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bull redfish that'll test your drag system. Most of our fishing involves live bait - shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet that we either bring fresh or catch during the trip. There's nothing like watching a redfish crush a live shrimp in two feet of crystal-clear water. We also throw plenty of artificials - soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that trigger aggressive strikes. The technique depends on what we're targeting and where we find them. Sight fishing is huge here when conditions are right - you'll actually see the fish before you cast, which adds a whole different level of excitement to the experience. Around structure like docks, oyster bars, and creek mouths, we'll anchor up and fish vertically with lighter tackle. In the grass flats and shallow water, we stay mobile and cover ground until we locate schools of feeding fish. The key is staying versatile and letting the fish tell us what they want on any given day.
Black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore waters here, and Fernandina Beach has some monsters. These fish can push 40-50 pounds and will absolutely test your tackle and technique. They love oyster bars and structure, feeding on crabs and shellfish with those powerful crushers in their throats. Spring and fall are prime time for the big ones, but we catch them year-round. When you hook into a good black drum, you'll know it immediately - they don't jump or make long runs, they just pull straight down and try to get back to the bottom. It's a different kind of fight that'll leave your arms burning.
Sheepshead are the thieves of the inshore world, and they're everywhere around Fernandina's docks, bridges, and rocky structure. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and will steal your bait faster than you can blink if you're not paying attention. They're excellent table fare and a blast to catch once you figure out their game. The trick is using small hooks, light line, and staying in direct contact with your bait. When a sheepshead picks up your shrimp, you've got about half a second to set the hook before he's gone. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look.
King mackerel might seem like an offshore fish, but Fernandina's jetties and nearshore waters hold plenty of them, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These fish are pure speed and aggression - when a king hits your bait, there's no mistaking it. They'll scream line off your reel and put on an aerial show that'll get everyone on the boat excited. We typically target them around the jetties with live bait or by slow-trolling the edges where the current brings in baitfish. A good king mackerel will give you one of the most exciting fights you'll find in these waters.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and excellent eating. These spotted beauties love grass flats, creek mouths, and anywhere the tide moves bait around. They hit artificials aggressively and are a customer favorite because they're relatively easy to catch but still put up a respectable fight. The bigger trout - what we call "gator trout" - show up during cooler months and can reach 20-plus inches. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, which is why our morning trips are so productive.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and Northeast Florida has some of the best red drum fishing on the entire East Coast. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round and can range from schoolie-sized fish up to bull reds that'll exceed 40 inches. Slot-sized reds (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized fish provide trophy potential and unforgettable fights. They're found everywhere from shallow grass flats to deep creek bends, and they'll eat just about
Meet your fishing platform for the day - a reliable 2006 Triton 24-footer that's built to handle Fernandina's diverse inshore waters. This center console cuts through the creeks and intercoastal with ease, powered by a solid 225HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly and smoothly. Perfect for your group of 3, she's equipped with everything you need to locate and land fish - GPS to navigate those winding waterways, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to spot Red Drum, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Trout holding in their favorite spots. Whether you're working the grass flats or positioning near the St. Mary's jetties, this boat provides the stable casting platform and shallow water access that makes inshore fishing so productive. The center console design gives everyone room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavy-hitters of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, so you'll find them around oyster beds and structure in our creeks and near the jetties. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the most action. What makes them fun is their stubborn fight and those drumming sounds they make underwater. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait, and here's the key: keep it right on the bottom and be patient. They'll pick at your bait before committing, so when you feel that steady weight, set the hook hard. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you an arm workout, typically running 15-30 pounds with some pushing past 50. We usually target them around the jetties and nearshore structure where they hunt in 40-150 feet of water. Summer through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees. What makes them special is that blazing fast run when they hit - pure adrenaline. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam live bait or fast-moving lures. The meat is rich and great for smoking or grilling. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Put one hook through the nose, let the stinger hook dangle free near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, and that back hook will save the day when they try to cut you off with those razor-sharp teeth.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore waters, with those copper-colored backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. They range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds pushing 40+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being peak times. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldog fight, plus they're excellent table fare when kept in slot. They'll eat just about anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. My go-to move is sight fishing the flats with gold spoons or topwater plugs early morning. Lead them by a few feet and work it slow - when they turn on your lure, get ready for a battle.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are consistent performers that average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds - perfect action fish that'll keep your rod bent all day. They love grass flats and shallow waters throughout our creeks and the ICW, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall produces the best fishing, with summer evenings being magic time. Guests enjoy their willing bite and decent table fare with that tender, flaky white meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and willingness to hit artificials. The secret is fishing the grass edges at first light or dusk with a popping cork and live shrimp, or throwing soft plastics under birds. Keep your drag light - their mouths are soft and they'll pull the hook if you horse them. Look for nervous water and bait activity.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around 14-20 inches, but we occasionally see 20-pounders that'll test your skills. They live around any structure - dock pilings, jetties, bridges - anywhere barnacles grow. Early spring through summer is peak season when they're most active. What guests love is the challenge - these guys are notorious bait thieves with light bites that'll clean your hook before you know it. The reward is some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, white meat. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook at the first sign of weight. Their mouths are tough, so don't hesitate.
Fernandina Beach, FL