Private Inshore Charter | Jacksonville Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish and trout on St. Johns RiverAll tackle, live bait, licensing, and refreshments included in trip packageMorning or afternoon departure options accommodate flexible scheduling preferences
Get ready for some serious inshore action on Jacksonville's legendary St. Johns River system. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – we're talking about a private 4-hour fishing adventure designed for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your light tackle skills, this trip delivers the goods. The St. Johns River and its surrounding backwaters offer some of the most consistent inshore fishing on Florida's northeast coast, and we know exactly where these fish like to hang out.
Your day starts with a choice – hit the water bright and early at 8:00 AM when the fish are actively feeding, or opt for the afternoon departure at 3:00 PM when the shadows start stretching and the bite picks up again. Both time slots have their advantages, and honestly, the St. Johns River system produces throughout the day. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped inshore boat that can navigate the shallow flats, oyster bars, and deeper creek mouths where our target species love to cruise. The setup accommodates two anglers comfortably, though we can squeeze in a third person for an extra $50 – perfect for that buddy who always wants to tag along. Everything you need is provided: top-quality spinning reels spooled with the right line, a selection of live bait that's been proven to work in these waters, and a tackle box full of artificial lures that local fish can't resist. Your fishing license is covered, and we'll keep you hydrated with complimentary water while ice keeps any keeper fish fresh.
We're talking about true light tackle fishing here – spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test that gives you a real fight when you hook up. The technique varies depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. When we're working the grass flats for trout, we'll be throwing soft plastics on jig heads, letting them sink and working them with a steady retrieve or gentle hops along the bottom. For redfish cruising the shallows, it's all about sight fishing – spotting their backs or tails in skinny water and making precise casts with live shrimp or cut bait. The oyster bars are flounder territory, where we'll bump jigs tipped with live bait right along the structure. Your captain knows how to read the water conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns that dictate where these fish will be holding. The St. Johns River offers incredible variety – from open water flats to narrow tidal creeks, mangrove shorelines to rocky structure – and we'll hit multiple spots during your 4-hour window to keep the action going.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Jacksonville, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. They school up over grass flats and around structure, typically ranging from 14 to 20 inches with occasional "gator trout" pushing 24 inches or more. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some of the biggest specimens when they move to deeper water. What makes trout so appealing is their willingness to bite – they're perfect for anglers of all skill levels, and their distinctive spotted pattern makes for great photos. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot limits.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore angling, and Jacksonville's waters hold some true bulls. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn resistance once hooked. You'll find them in schools working shallow flats during high tide or holding around oyster bars and dock pilings. Reds are year-round residents, but fall brings the most exciting fishing when they school up in massive numbers for their spawning runs. A slot-sized redfish between 18-27 inches provides the perfect combination of fight and eating quality, while the oversized bulls – sometimes pushing 40 inches – offer pure adrenaline on light tackle. Their distinctive black spot near the tail makes them unmistakable, and their habit of "tailing" in shallow water creates some of the most visual fishing you'll experience.
Southern Flounder might be the sneakiest predator in these waters, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, but once you hook one, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their pancake-shaped profile. Flounder fishing peaks during their fall migration when they move from inshore waters toward the ocean to spawn. The best specimens range from 15-20 inches, though doormat flounder exceeding 24 inches are caught regularly around Jacksonville's inshore structure. What makes flounder special is the technique required – you need to work your bait right along the bottom where they're lying in wait. They're also considered some of the finest eating fish in coastal waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
At $425 for two anglers, this private charter delivers serious value compared to crowded party boats or half-day trips that rush you through the experience. You're getting 4 solid hours on some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, with all gear, bait, and licensing handled so you can focus on fishing. The intimate setting means personalized instruction, more casts per angler, and the flexibility to target whatever's biting best on your trip day. Whether you're introducing someone to saltwater fishing or looking to improve your inshore game, Tannic Water Adventures Inc. has the local knowledge and equipment to make it happen. The St. Johns River system is fishing well year-round, but don't wait too long to secure your preferred date – the best guides book up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
The Lake and Bay Backwater 24 Bay Boat is your perfect fishing platform for exploring Jacksonville's productive inshore waters. Built tough to handle the choppy conditions of the St. Johns River and nearshore Atlantic, this motorboat delivers comfort and performance when you're chasing redfish, trout, and flounder in the shallows. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet as you approach those nervous fish holding in the grass flats, while the fish finder helps locate productive structure and baitfish schools. Navigate confidently with GPS and radar systems, plus stay connected with VHF radio communication. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida fishing sessions, and the multimedia system adds entertainment between bites. With space for up to two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your spinning tackle without getting tangled up. This bay boat's shallow draft design lets you access those prime backwater spots where the big fish like to hide, making it ideal for light tackle adventures targeting Jacksonville's most sought-after inshore species.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Jacksonville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings some of the best action when they school up. What guests love most is the visual aspect - you can often spot them tailing in skinny water before you cast. They hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, and smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. My local trick: look for nervous baitfish dimpling the surface on calm mornings. Nine times out of ten, there's a red underneath pushing them up.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in Jacksonville waters. These silver beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow areas, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring are prime time when water temps are just right. What makes trout fishing so appealing is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're not too picky. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious if you decide to keep a few for dinner. Pro tip: when you're working grass flats, cast your lure past any potholes or sandy spots and work it back slowly - trout love to ambush prey from those edges.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around Jacksonville. These flatfish typically range 15-18 inches and are built for ambush hunting - both eyes on one side of their head and perfectly camouflaged. You'll find them lying motionless in shallow bays, creek mouths, and around structure where they wait for baitfish to swim by. Cooler months from fall through early spring are peak season before they head offshore to spawn. What makes flounder special is they're pure table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is in the hunt since they don't move much until they strike. Best approach is drifting live mud minnows or mullet along the bottom near drop-offs and points. Keep your bait moving slow and steady - flounder rarely chase, so you've got to put it right in front of them.
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