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Caught a Redfish Inshore in 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. - They can be identified by 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 prime inshore fishing opportunities targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Jacksonville's productive waters. This 6-hour fishing charter explores the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve using proven drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques, with casting lures to cover more water. Jacksonville's inshore flats provide excellent structure and abundant baitfish that attract these sought-after species year-round. The extended half-day format allows plenty of time to work different areas and techniques, ensuring anglers experience the best of what these backcountry waters offer. Whether you're new to inshore fishing or an experienced angler, our Jacksonville fishing charters deliver memorable catches in some of Florida's most pristine fishing grounds.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October guides this Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Jacksonville's inshore waters. This 6-hour charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary fishing gear, tackle, and local expertise. The trip focuses on drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques around the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where structure and baitfish create ideal conditions for these species. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience Jacksonville's premier inshore fishing with a licensed local guide.
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 opportunities while targeting multiple species. The extended format allows for working different techniques throughout the day, from drift fishing over structure to casting lures on the flats. You'll have the chance to stock the cooler with fresh catches while enjoying the pristine waters of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The trip can include a relaxing lunch break on a sandbar or private beach, combining excellent fishing with scenic relaxation in one of Florida's most beautiful coastal areas.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Jacksonville's inshore waters provide exceptional redfish habitat, with the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offering prime structure and abundant baitfish that these copper-colored gamefish love. Redfish thrive in the shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds throughout this area, making them accessible to anglers using both bottom fishing and casting techniques. During October, these fish are actively feeding in preparation for cooler months, creating excellent opportunities for consistent action. The preserve's protected waters maintain ideal conditions year-round, with redfish ranging from slot-size fish perfect for dinner to oversized bulls that provide thrilling fights on light tackle.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour Jacksonville fishing charter includes all necessary tackle, bait, and fishing licenses, with Captain Roland providing expert guidance on techniques and local hotspots. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of room to fish effectively. Morning and afternoon departure times are available, with the flexibility to arrange a beachside lunch break during your trip. All safety equipment is provided, and the captain's local knowledge ensures you'll fish the most productive areas based on current conditions and tides.
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 recognized by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish are actively feeding and provide excellent angling opportunities for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Redfish Overview
Red drum are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Atlantic coast, prized for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit shallow coastal waters from Massachusetts to Florida, with Jacksonville's Timucuan Preserve offering some of the finest redfish habitat in the Southeast. These fish are known for their distinctive drumming sound produced by muscles vibrating against their swim bladder, especially during spawning season.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Red drum thrive in shallow coastal environments including grass flats, oyster bars, salt marshes, and nearshore waters. Around Jacksonville, they frequent the protected waters of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where abundant structure and baitfish create ideal feeding conditions. These fish prefer water depths from 1 to 4 feet but can be found in deeper channels and nearshore waters depending on season and food availability.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches in Florida) are prized for their excellent eating quality, while oversized "bull" redfish over 27 inches provide thrilling fights and are typically released to preserve the breeding population. The largest specimens can exceed 50 pounds and live over 40 years.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Red drum are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and other small fish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances as they root for crabs and shrimp in grass beds and oyster bars. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides, particularly during dawn and dusk periods when baitfish are most active.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs from late summer through fall in nearshore waters, with fish forming large schools in deeper channels and passes. During this period, redfish become more aggressive and easier to locate, making fall an excellent time for targeting these fish. Water temperatures between 70-85°F trigger spawning behavior, with October being prime time in Northeast Florida waters.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include drift fishing with live or cut bait over oyster bars and grass flats, sight fishing with artificial lures in shallow water, and bottom fishing around structure. Popular baits include live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crabs, while artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs produce excellent results. In October, anglers around Jacksonville find success working the edges of grass beds during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Slot-size redfish are considered 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. Red drum are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many offshore species, making them a healthy seafood choice.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crabs are top natural baits, while gold spoons and soft plastic jigs work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers excellent redfish habitat, particularly around grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow creek mouths.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Slot-size redfish (18-27 inches) are excellent eating with firm, white meat and mild flavor, perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October provide excellent redfish fishing, with moving tides during dawn and dusk being most productive.
