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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 game fish along Atlantic coastlines. - 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 extended half-day inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Jacksonville's pristine waters. Our 6-hour guided fishing trips focus on drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques around the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where structure and abundant baitfish create ideal conditions for consistent action. With local expertise and proven methods, these Jacksonville fishing charters provide excellent opportunities for anglers seeking quality inshore fishing experiences in Northeast Florida's backcountry waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October leads 6-hour extended half-day fishing trips targeting redfish and other inshore species around Jacksonville's productive waters. These guided fishing charters include all necessary tackle and equipment, with rates starting for up to 3 guests per trip. Captain Roland's local knowledge of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve ensures productive fishing using drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques. Book online or call to reserve your Jacksonville inshore fishing adventure with this experienced licensed guide.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This 6-hour fishing experience provides ample time to explore Jacksonville's diverse inshore fishing opportunities while targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout. The extended format allows for working different techniques including casting lures and bottom fishing, ensuring maximum fishing time during optimal tide conditions. Captain Roland specializes in the backcountry waters around the preserve, where structure and baitfish concentrations create consistent action throughout the trip.
The charter includes the option for a relaxing sandbar lunch break or beachside meal, combining productive fishing with scenic relaxation. Whether you prefer morning or afternoon departures, these trips are designed to stock the cooler with fresh catches while providing an unforgettable angling experience in Northeast Florida's premier inshore waters.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Jacksonville's shallow inshore waters, particularly around the flats and backcountry areas of the Timucuan Preserve where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored drum are perfectly suited to the 1-4 foot depths found throughout the area, using their keen sense of smell and lateral line system to locate prey in the often-stained waters. October conditions in Jacksonville create ideal redfish fishing as cooler temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, making them more aggressive and willing to take both live bait and artificial lures.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Jacksonville fishing charter includes all rods, reels, tackle, and bait needed for a successful day on the water. Captain Roland's boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with morning and afternoon departure options available to match your schedule and tide preferences. The 6-hour duration provides flexibility to work multiple fishing spots around the preserve, adjusting techniques based on conditions and fish activity. Safety equipment and local fishing licenses are handled by the charter, allowing you to focus on the fishing experience in these productive Northeast Florida waters.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier game fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae and order Perciformes. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red-bronze back that fades to a white belly. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish are particularly active as cooler temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior around the flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum species are known for their powerful runs and stubborn resistance when hooked, making them a favorite target for inshore fishing enthusiasts. They play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems as both predator and prey, helping maintain balance in shallow water environments.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, thriving in onshore flats, backcountry marshes, and nearshore environments. Around Jacksonville, they're commonly found in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths provide ideal feeding and shelter opportunities. These fish are well-adapted to varying salinity levels, moving between brackish marshes and saltwater flats.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights spanning 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish between 18-27 inches are most commonly caught by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 27 inches are often released to preserve breeding stock.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small baitfish. They use their excellent sense of smell and sensitive lateral line system to locate prey in murky water conditions. These fish are most active during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when they move onto shallow flats to feed.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and early fall, typically from August through November. During this period, mature fish form large schools in deeper water before moving to spawning grounds, making fall an excellent time for targeting both slot-size and oversized fish.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish fishing involves sight casting to tailing or cruising fish using live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait works well around structure, while drift fishing allows coverage of larger areas. In October, anglers around Jacksonville find them concentrated near oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides, making these prime locations for consistent action.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is versatile for grilling, blackening, or frying, and provides high-quality protein with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Slot-size fish typically offer the best eating quality, while larger specimens are often released for conservation purposes.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live or fresh-dead shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs work well for artificial lures.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Nassau Sound, and the St. Johns River system offer excellent redfish habitat with grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-size redfish provide excellent eating with firm, mild-flavored white meat that's perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October offer prime redfish fishing as cooler temperatures increase feeding activity, with moving tides during dawn and dusk providing optimal conditions.
