Fernandina Private Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing trip for up to 3 guestsTarget Red Drum, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Trout speciesNavigate scenic creeks, waterways, and St. Mary's jetties
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that gets you into some real action? This 4-hour private charter with Schmidt Happens puts you right where the fish are biting around Fernandina Beach. We're talking about exploring the best inshore waters Northeast Florida has to offer – from winding tidal creeks to the productive zones around St. Mary's jetties. With space for up to 3 anglers, this is your chance to fish the waters that locals have been hitting for generations, guided by someone who knows exactly where to find the bite.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when you want to be on the water. The inshore bite around Fernandina Beach really turns on during those cooler morning hours, and we'll have you positioned in prime spots while other boats are still loading gear. Depending on conditions, tides, and what's been hitting lately, we might work the grass flats for trout, drop around structure for some hefty drum, or work the jetty rocks where sheepshead love to hang out. The intercoastal waterway system here is like a highway for baitfish, and where the bait goes, the predators follow. Don't be surprised if we hook into something with teeth – sharks patrol these waters year-round and they're always looking for an easy meal. The variety here keeps things interesting, and you never know what's going to grab your line next.
We fish these waters the way they're meant to be fished – with the right gear for the job and techniques that actually produce. Most of the time, we're working with medium-action spinning rods that can handle everything from finicky trout to bruiser drum. Live bait is king in these waters, so expect to see plenty of shrimp, mud minnows, and finger mullet in the livewell. When the fish are being picky, nothing beats a perfectly presented live shrimp under a popping cork. For the bigger stuff lurking around structure, we'll bump up to cut bait on circle hooks – let the fish hook themselves while you enjoy the fight. The beauty of fishing the intercoastal system is the variety of structure and cover. We might be casting to oyster bars one minute, then working a deep channel edge the next. Each spot requires a slightly different approach, and that's what keeps experienced anglers coming back.
The redfish around Fernandina Beach are absolutely legendary, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that dot our coastline. Spring through fall, you'll find them tailing in water so shallow you can see their backs. They're not just pretty – a slot-sized red will test your drag and give you a fight you won't forget. What makes them special here is how they use the structure. They'll duck under docks, wrap you around pilings, and generally do everything they can to break you off. The drum family runs strong in these waters, and black drum are the heavyweights. These bottom-huggers can push 20-30 pounds and they fight like trucks. They love to hang around bridge pilings and deep holes, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and oysters. When you hook a big black drum, prepare for a long, methodical battle.
Sheepshead fishing around the jetties is some of the most technical angling you'll find inshore. These black-and-white striped convict fish have teeth like a human and they're notorious bait thieves. They hang tight to structure – we're talking inches from barnacle-covered rocks and pilings. The key is getting your fiddler crab or oyster right in their face before they spook. When you do connect, they make strong runs back to cover. Sea trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, especially during the cooler months. They school up over grass beds and sandy potholes, and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. Spotted trout hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. King mackerel show up seasonally and when they're here, they're hard to ignore. These speed demons will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run, and they've got razor-sharp teeth that require wire leaders. They patrol the deeper edges and channels, looking to ambush schools of baitfish.
Four hours on the water with Schmidt Happens gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species without wearing yourself out. The morning bite is consistently the best time to be fishing these waters, and starting early means you'll be back at the dock before the afternoon heat really kicks in. This top-rated charter puts you on fish that locals have been targeting for decades, using techniques that work and gear that's up to the task. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table or just want to feel that bend in your rod, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Northeast Florida. The variety of species, the scenic waterways, and the chance for some real surprises make this a customer favorite for both experienced anglers and folks just getting into inshore fishing. Book your spot now and find out why Fernandina Beach has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.
Meet your fishing platform for the morning - a reliable 2006 Triton 24-footer that's built to handle Fernandina's inshore waters with ease. Powered by a solid 225HP Yamaha, this center console cuts through the creeks and intercoastal smoothly, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and comfortable. The GPS keeps us on track while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate those Red Drum and Sheepshead holding spots. When the morning fog rolls in off the Atlantic, the radar ensures we can navigate safely back through the jetties. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The open layout gives everyone access to the action whether we're drifting for Trout or anchored up waiting for Black Drum to move through. This boat has seen plenty of Fernandina fishing trips and knows these waters well.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some reaching 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. You'll recognize them by their dark coloring and ability to make drumming sounds during spawning season in spring. Around Fernandina, we find them in creeks, around structure, and the intercoastal. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, but keep smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - the meat gets tough as they grow. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut shrimp on the bottom near oyster bars, and don't set the hook too quick. They're notorious for mouthing bait before committing to the bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll burn line off your reel faster than almost any fish in these waters. These sleek predators typically run 15-40 pounds and cruise deeper waters around 40-150 feet, though big ones sometimes push into harbors and inlets. Summer and fall offer the best shots when water temps hit the 70s and 80s. What makes kings special is their blistering runs and aerial displays - they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. The meat's decent eating if you bleed them quick, but it's really about the fight. When trolling near the jetties or offshore structure, rig live bait with a stinger hook - kings love to hit the tail end of baits. Wire leaders are a must since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono instantly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily identified by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-32 inches and put up a serious scrap in shallow water. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action as they school up. What makes reds special is their power and the visual excitement of sight-fishing in skinny water. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with sweet, firm meat. Look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats. Gold spoons and topwater plugs work great, but my go-to is live shrimp under a cork near oyster bars during moving tides.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. These spotted beauties love grass flats, creek mouths, and shallow areas where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall produces steady action, with evening and early morning being prime times. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating around. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. Fish soft plastics or live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds in 2-6 feet of water. Key tip: don't horse them in - their soft mouths tear easily, so keep steady pressure and use a net when possible.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish around. Running 1-8 pounds typically, they hang tight to structure like dock pilings, jetties, and oyster beds where they feed on barnacles and crabs. Spring brings the best action when they spawn around the St. Mary's jetties. Guests love them for their excellent white, flaky meat and the challenge they present. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can strip your hook clean. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They rarely venture far from cover.
Fernandina Beach, FL