Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville, FL
$450 - $800 price range
Updated Date: September 12, 2025

Summary

Ready for some stellar inshore fishing in Jacksonville? Join Backwater Fishing Adventures for a half-day trip that'll have you reeling in redfish, flounder, trout, and black drum. This is shallow water fishing at its finest, with plenty of chances to try different techniques. Perfect for families, the boat takes up to 3 adults and 1 kid. You'll be cruising the local waters, getting tips from experienced guides, and hopefully landing some impressive catches. It's a great way to experience Jacksonville's rich marine life and get a taste of Florida's famous fishing scene. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this trip offers something for everyone. Don't forget your camera – you'll want to capture those big smiles and even bigger fish!

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville

Inshore Action Shots

A person holding a 19-inch snook fish in Jacksonville, Florida

Kid's Trophy Fish: Snook!

Angler holding a large redfish in Jacksonville

Fishing Fun at Jacksonville, FL!

Snapper Fishing In Florida

Redfish measuring 43 inches caught by 2 people in Jacksonville, Florida

Florida's Top Inshore Fishing, Florida

Reel in the Afternoon: Jacksonville's Inshore Hotspots

Get ready to swap your work shoes for some flip-flops and hit the water with Backwater Fishing Adventures. This half-day trip is your ticket to Jacksonville's inshore fishing paradise. We're talking about stalking redfish in the shallows, outsmarting trout, and maybe even tangling with a bruiser black drum. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line, this trip's got something for everyone. Bring the family (we can take 3 adults and 1 kid) and let's make some memories on the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off from the dock, we're heading straight for the fishy stuff. Jacksonville's backwaters are a maze of oyster bars, grass flats, and hidden creeks - it's like nature's own fish factory. We'll start by hitting some of my favorite spots where the redfish and trout love to hang out. Depending on the tide and what the fish are doing, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds or working a deep hole for some gator trout. The beauty of inshore fishing is that every trip's a little different, but I'll put you on the fish and show you how to catch 'em.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures. I'll show you how to work a popping cork for trout, skip a jig under docks for flounder, or pitch a live bait to a cruising redfish. We'll be fishing from a stable, shallow-draft skiff that lets us sneak into those skinny water honey holes where the big boys like to hide. Don't sweat the gear - I've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of our inshore waters. These copper-colored bulldogs put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They love to cruise the shallows, sometimes with their backs out of the water, making for some heart-pounding sight fishing. In the fall, we get some big bulls moving through that'll test your drag and your biceps.

Sea trout, or speckled trout as we call 'em, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are known for their soft mouths and acrobatic jumps. They're suckers for a well-presented lure, and when you find a school, it can be non-stop action. The bigger ones, which we call gator trout, are a real prize and make for some fine eating if you're into that.

Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're like the linebacker of the flats. These bruisers can get big - I'm talking 40+ pounds - and when they decide to eat, hang on tight. They've got a soft spot for crabs and shrimp, and you can often feel them thumping on your line before they even bite.

Southern flounder are the ninjas of the seafloor. These flat fish are masters of camouflage and ambush predators. Catching them is all about finesse and feeling that soft bite. They're most active in the cooler months and are prized for their sweet, white meat. When we're targeting flounder, I'll show you how to work those jigs just right to tempt these bottom-dwellers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, this isn't just fishing - it's a front-row seat to some of the best inshore action on the East Coast. Jacksonville's waters are teeming with life, and every cast has the potential for something special. Maybe it's the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water, or the satisfaction of outsmarting a wary trout. Could be the way the sun sets over the marsh as we're heading in with a cooler full of fish. Whatever it is, I've seen it hook people time and time again. And let's be honest, there's nothing like the look on a kid's face when they reel in their first big fish - that's the stuff that makes this job the best in the world.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fish are out there waiting, and I'm ready to put you on 'em. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new tricks, or just enjoy a day on the water with the family, this trip's got you covered. We've got prime dates filling up fast, so don't let this one slip away. Give Backwater Fishing Adventures a shout, and let's get you penciled in for some serious fishing action. Trust me, once you've experienced Jacksonville's inshore fishing, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Let's make it happen!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of our local waters, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. These cousins of the Redfish love hanging out in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. You'll hear them before you see them – they make a distinctive croaking sound that's earned them the nickname "croakers." Spring is your best bet for Black Drum action, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong fight and good eating, though stick to the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) for the best flavor. These bottom-feeders go nuts for crabs and shrimp. Here's a pro tip: when fishing for big Drum, use heavier tackle and let them run a bit before setting the hook. Their tough mouths can make hooksets tricky, so patience pays off.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically range from 20 to 30 inches in our inshore areas. You'll find them tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface, usually around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from live bait to artificial lures. Here's a tip: when you spot tailing Reds in shallow water, make a quiet, accurate cast well beyond them and slowly work your lure into their feeding zone. The explosion when they strike is something you won't forget!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a staple in our local waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14 to 24 inches, though some lunkers can hit 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, making for some exciting low-light fishing. Sea Trout are popular for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild flesh. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can be deadly too. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for "nervous water" – that's often a sign of Trout feeding on the surface. Cast just beyond the disturbance and work your lure through it for some heart-pounding action.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow coastal waters. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to a hefty 33 inches. These flat fish are ambush predators, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey. You'll find them in estuaries, bays, and along the coast, often in waters less than 5 feet deep. Fall is prime time for Flounder fishing as they move towards the ocean to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. To up your odds, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the Flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel steadily to set the hook.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for an awesome afternoon of fishing in Jacksonville Beach! We'll be hitting up the local inshore spots to catch some redfish, trout, and more. This half-day trip is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers looking to reel in some of Florida's most popular fish. Our knowledgeable captain will show you the best techniques for hooking these local favorites. With room for up to 3 people, it's a great way to spend quality time with friends or family out on the water. You'll learn all about the different species and get hands-on experience fishing in one of the top shallow water destinations around. Don't miss your chance to create some lasting memories and maybe even catch dinner while exploring the beautiful waters of Jacksonville. Book your spot now and get ready for a fun-filled fishing adventure!

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