Half Day Backwater Fishing – Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon inshore fishing targeting Trout, Redfish, and FlounderAll equipment including rods, reels, tackle, and bait providedSmall group charter accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Looking to get your line wet in some of the most productive inshore waters Florida has to offer? This afternoon backwater trip with Top Hook Charters puts you right where the fish are feeding. We're talking about the shallow flats, winding creeks, and protected bays around Fernandina Beach where redfish prowl the grass beds and trout stack up near oyster bars. You'll have everything you need – quality rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures – all included in your trip. Just bring yourself and up to three fishing buddies for four hours of solid action on the water.
This PM trip kicks off when the afternoon bite starts heating up. We'll be working the backwater areas where the fish feel safe to feed – think shallow grass flats, creek mouths, and oyster-lined shorelines. The beauty of afternoon fishing here is that you're targeting fish that have been holding in deeper water during the heat of the day and are starting to move shallow to feed. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides, wind, and structure to put you on fish. The boat is rigged for sight fishing and working shallow water, so you might find yourself casting to fish you can actually see cruising the flats. That's when things get really fun – watching a big red blow up on your bait in two feet of crystal-clear water.
We're fishing light tackle here, which means you'll feel every head shake and run these fish make. The captain will set you up with spinning gear matched to the conditions – usually 7-foot medium action rods with 2500-3000 series reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid. For bait, we're talking live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows depending on what the fish are keyed in on. The artificial selection includes soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that have proven themselves in these waters. Techniques vary based on conditions, but you'll likely be doing some sight casting, working grass beds with weedless rigs, and bouncing baits along oyster bars. The shallow water means you need to be quiet and accurate with your casts, but that's what makes it so rewarding when you connect with a quality fish.
Redfish are the stars of the show in these backwaters. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and oyster bars where they can root around for crabs and baitfish. Reds in the 20-28 inch range are common, with fish pushing the 27-inch slot limit showing up regularly. They're aggressive feeders and put up a serious fight, making long runs and using their broad sides to bulldoze against your drag. Best part about reds is they're here year-round, though fall and spring offer the most consistent action.
Sea trout are your other main target, and Fernandina's grass flats hold some beautiful speckled trout. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster bars, grass edges, and creek mouths. A good trout here runs 16-20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches or better. They're more finicky than reds but incredibly rewarding to catch. Trout bite best on moving tides and are most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets for this type of fishing.
Southern flounder are the ambush predators of these waters, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. They're masters of camouflage and can be tricky to hook because they grab bait and run with it before turning to swallow. A keeper flounder here is 14 inches, but you'll encounter fish up to 20 inches that make excellent table fare. Flounder fishing peaks in fall when they're staging for their offshore spawning migration.
Black drum round out your target species list and can provide some serious arm-burning action. These fish love oyster bars where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. Drum can range from schoolie-sized fish under 16 inches to giant bull drum over 40 inches. The bigger fish are catch-and-release, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Spring is prime time for big drum, though smaller fish are caught throughout the year.
This half-day backwater trip gives you a real taste of what makes Fernandina Beach fishing so special. You're getting quality time on productive water with all the gear and knowledge included. Whether you're new to inshore fishing or a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters, this trip delivers the goods. The afternoon timing means you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still get in solid fishing action. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for families, friends, or couples who want to experience some of the best fishing Florida's northeast coast has to offer. Don't wait – these afternoon slots fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Your fishing platform for this afternoon backwater adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to get you into Fernandina's productive inshore waters. The boat features a reliable fish finder to pinpoint where the trout and redfish are holding, plus GPS navigation to hit all the sweet spots along these coastal flats. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you target flounder in the deeper channels. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the waters without crowding each other. The boat's shallow draft lets you access those back-country areas where the big reds like to cruise. All your fishing gear is provided, so you can focus on reading the water and making those perfect casts to structure and grass beds where these fish feed.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, oval-shaped fish that hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our local waters. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 30+ inches that really get folks excited. These ambush predators bury themselves in the sand with just their eyes showing, waiting for shrimp, crabs, or baitfish to swim by. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavy before moving offshore. What makes them special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side of their head - and they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder have a sideways bite and need time to turn the bait around in their mouth.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are aggressive flatfish that provide some of our most consistent action in the backwaters. They typically run 15-20 inches, but the females can reach impressive sizes over 5 pounds. Unlike their southern cousins, these fish are more active hunters and will chase down baitfish in addition to ambushing from the bottom. You'll find them around sandy bottoms, creek edges, and structure where current brings food. Fall months are peak season when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. Guests love them because they fight harder than most flatfish and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to catching them consistently is using a slow retrieve with live minnows or strip baits - they like to follow before committing to the bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our backwater fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. These fish range from 18-inch "rat reds" up to oversized 40+ inch bulls that'll test your gear. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are prime when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is their power and the visual excitement of sight-fishing in skinny water. They're also excellent eating in the slot size range. Here's the deal: when you spot tailing reds, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sink to the bottom before they arrive.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These beautiful fish typically run 14-20 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed actively on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures, plus they're absolutely delicious with delicate, flaky meat. Guests enjoy their sporty fight and the visual excitement of seeing them blow up on topwater plugs. Local tip: work your lures slowly over grass beds - specks will often follow several times before striking, so patience pays off.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our backwater trips, ranging from keeper-sized 5-pounders up to monsters pushing 40+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster bars, mudflats, and creek mouths where they crunch on crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. You'll hear them before you see them - they make distinctive drumming sounds that carry through the water. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning in shallow water. Guests love the solid, bulldogging fight these fish put up, though the smaller ones under 15 pounds are much better eating than the big bruisers. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish finder rig, and don't set the hook too hard - let their weight do the work.
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