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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Jacksonville Jacksonville
Redfish Fishing in Jacksonville
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish along the Atlantic coast. - These fish can be identified by their distinctive eyespots near the tail and copper-red coloration.
Fishing Charter by Captain Roland Bell in October
Meet your Captain Roland Bell
- Experience Jacksonville's Best Fishing Charters!
Summary
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October offers exceptional inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Jacksonville's pristine waters. Our 6-hour extended half day guided fishing trip provides ample time to work the flats around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve using proven drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques. Jacksonville's inshore waters offer excellent structure and abundant baitfish that attract these prized gamefish year-round. Whether you're casting lures or working the bottom, our local expertise and knowledge of tidal movements ensure productive fishing sessions. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary gear for a memorable day on the water. Book your Jacksonville fishing charter today and experience the backcountry fishing that makes Northeast Florida waters so special.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October provides expert guidance for your Jacksonville inshore fishing adventure. This 6-hour extended half day trip offers excellent value with all tackle and gear included, accommodating up to 3 anglers per charter. Our licensed captain brings years of local experience fishing Jacksonville's productive inshore waters, specializing in redfish, black drum, and speckled trout using time-tested techniques. The charter departs from convenient Jacksonville locations with flexible morning or afternoon scheduling available. Contact us directly for current rates and availability, and secure your spot for an unforgettable day targeting Jacksonville's premier gamefish.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This comprehensive 6-hour fishing experience provides ample time to explore Jacksonville's diverse inshore fishing opportunities while targeting multiple species. The extended format allows for working different techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting lures to maximize your chances of success. You'll fish the productive waters around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, known for excellent structure and abundant baitfish that attract redfish, black drum, and speckled trout.
The trip offers flexibility to arrange a relaxing lunch on the sandbar or take a break from fishing to enjoy a meal on a private beach. With diverse fishing options and the prospect of a delightful beachside experience, this charter promises a memorable day on Jacksonville's inshore waters. The extended half day format ensures you have plenty of time to dial in techniques and work the tides for optimal fishing success.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Jacksonville's shallow inshore waters, particularly around the flats and backcountry areas of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. These copper-colored gamefish prefer depths of 1-4 feet where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish along grass beds and oyster bars. October provides excellent redfish action as cooler water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, making them more aggressive toward both live bait and artificial lures. Captain Roland's expertise in reading tidal movements and understanding redfish behavior patterns ensures productive fishing sessions, whether you're sight fishing the flats or working structure with bottom rigs.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Jacksonville fishing charter includes all necessary tackle, gear, and safety equipment for a comfortable day on the water. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests with ample space for casting and fighting fish. Departure times are flexible with both morning and afternoon options available to work around your schedule and optimal tidal conditions. Captain Roland provides local knowledge of productive fishing areas, bait selection, and techniques while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for your extended half day adventure on Jacksonville's premier inshore fishing grounds.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive fish are easily identified by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish are particularly active as cooling temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior around the flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Red drum are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These fish are found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States, with Jacksonville's inshore waters providing ideal habitat for both juvenile and adult redfish. They're known for their powerful runs and ability to strip line from reels when hooked in shallow water.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer very shallow water ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, making them perfect targets for sight fishing and flats fishing. Around Jacksonville, they're commonly found in the backcountry waters of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where grass beds, oyster bars, and sandy flats provide excellent feeding opportunities. These fish move with the tides, often feeding in extremely shallow water during high tide periods.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size redfish (18-27 inches in Florida) are considered prime eating size, while larger fish are often released to preserve the breeding population. Trophy redfish over 40 inches provide incredible fights and are highly sought after by sport anglers.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, small fish, and marine worms. Redfish are most active during moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are displaced from their hiding spots. They often feed with their heads down and tails up, creating distinctive "tailing" behavior that alerts observant anglers to their presence in shallow water.
Redfish Spawning Season
Red drum spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall months, typically from August through November. During this period, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper water to reproduce, while juvenile fish remain in the protective shallow water nursery areas throughout the year.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with live shrimp or crabs, casting spoons and soft plastics to tailing fish, and bottom fishing with cut bait around structure. In October, anglers around Jacksonville find them actively feeding near oyster bars and grass beds during moving tides. Drift fishing and bottom fishing work well when fish are holding deeper, while casting lures excels for sight fishing opportunities.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Slot-size redfish are considered optimal for eating, providing good protein content and healthy omega-3 fatty acids while maintaining sustainable fishing practices.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, blue crabs, and cut mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs work excellent as artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers prime redfish habitat, along with the St. Johns River flats, Nassau Sound, and Amelia Island backcountry waters.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-size redfish (18-27 inches) provide excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or making fish tacos.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides during early morning and late afternoon provide optimal redfish action, with fall months like October offering some of the year's best fishing.
