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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 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 premier inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Jacksonville's productive waters. Our 6-hour Extended Half Day trips provide ample time to work the flats around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve using proven drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques. With clearing weather conditions and prime water structure, these Jacksonville fishing charters consistently deliver tight lines and memorable catches for anglers seeking the best inshore fishing experience in Northeast Florida.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October leads this Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip targeting redfish and other inshore species around Jacksonville's prime fishing waters. This 6-hour charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary tackle and gear for a successful day on the water. Book online to secure your spot for this proven inshore fishing experience that consistently produces quality catches in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve area.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This comprehensive 6-hour fishing adventure offers diverse opportunities to target redfish, black drum, and speckled trout using multiple techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting lures. The extended timeframe allows for thorough coverage of productive flats and structure where these species congregate. Recent trips have produced excellent results with anglers landing slot-size redfish perfect for dinner, along with steady action on black drum and speckled trout throughout the day.
The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve provides ideal habitat with its shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that attract baitfish and the gamefish that feed on them. Captain Roland's local knowledge ensures you'll fish the most productive areas based on current tide and weather conditions.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Jacksonville's inshore waters provide excellent redfish habitat with their shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds that these copper-colored gamefish prefer. Redfish in this area typically range from 18 to 35 inches, with many fish falling into the slot size perfect for keeping. These drum species feed actively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish found throughout the preserve's diverse structure. Captain Roland targets them using live bait on the bottom and artificial lures worked around oyster bars and creek mouths where redfish ambush prey during moving tides.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour charter includes all fishing tackle, bait, and safety equipment needed for a successful inshore fishing experience. The boat accommodates up to 3 anglers comfortably with plenty of room for casting and fighting fish. Trips can be scheduled for morning or afternoon departure times, with the option to arrange a relaxing lunch break on a sandbar or private beach. Captain Roland provides expert instruction on techniques and helps ensure everyone stays connected to fish throughout the trip. Bring sunscreen, drinks, and snacks for your extended day on Jacksonville's productive inshore waters.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a highly prized gamefish from the family Sciaenidae in the order Perciformes. Distinguished by their copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black eyespots near the tail, redfish are among the most sought-after inshore species along the Atlantic coast. In Jacksonville waters this October, these powerful drum species provide exciting action for anglers targeting the shallow flats and oyster bars of the Timucuan Preserve.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are robust, hard-fighting gamefish that inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico. They're known for their distinctive copper-red coloration that fades to white on the belly, along with one or more black spots near the tail base. These spots serve as false eyes to confuse predators. Redfish are long-lived fish that can reach impressive sizes, making them a favorite target for both recreational and tournament anglers.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal waters including grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and backcountry areas. They prefer water depths from 1 to 4 feet but can be found in deeper nearshore waters as they mature. Around Jacksonville, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers ideal redfish habitat with its extensive shallow flats, oyster structure, and tidal creeks that provide abundant forage.
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 in Florida waters (18-27 inches) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while larger bull redfish over 27 inches are catch-and-release only. The current world record redfish weighed 94 pounds and was caught off the North Carolina coast.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and other small baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances as they root for crabs and shrimp in the grass and mud. Redfish are most active during moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are displaced from their hiding spots.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from late August through November, with peak activity occurring in September and October. During spawning season, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water to reproduce. Water temperatures between 70-80°F trigger spawning behavior, and females can produce millions of eggs during the spawning season.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with topwater lures, bottom fishing with live or cut bait, and working artificial lures around structure. Popular baits include live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crabs. Effective lures include gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs. In October around Jacksonville, anglers find success working the falling tide around oyster bars and creek mouths where redfish ambush baitfish.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Slot-size redfish provide 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. Redfish is high in protein and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and cut mullet are top choices, along with blue crabs when available. Gold spoons and soft plastic jigs also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers prime redfish habitat with shallow flats, oyster bars, and tidal creeks perfect for targeting these gamefish.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-size redfish (18-27 inches in Florida) provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor that's perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides are most productive, especially the two hours before and after high or low tide when baitfish are most active and redfish feed aggressively.
