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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 Atlantic coastlines. - 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 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. Jacksonville's inshore waters provide excellent structure and abundant baitfish that attract these sought-after species year-round. The extended half-day format allows ample time to work different areas and techniques while the preserve's protected waters offer consistent action for anglers of all skill levels. Our local guides know exactly where to find fish when conditions align, making this an ideal choice for families and serious anglers looking to experience Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October provides comprehensive 6-hour inshore fishing experiences starting at competitive rates for up to 3 guests. This extended half-day charter includes all necessary tackle, bait, and fishing licenses with departure times available for morning or afternoon trips. Roland's local expertise and knowledge of Jacksonville's inshore waters ensures productive fishing sessions targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout using specialized drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques. Book online or call directly to secure your preferred date and experience why Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters maintains a reputation for putting clients on fish consistently.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This comprehensive fishing charter explores Jacksonville's premier inshore waters with focus on the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where excellent structure and abundant baitfish create ideal conditions for targeting multiple species. The 6-hour duration provides flexibility to work various techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting lures to cover productive water efficiently. Recent trips have produced consistent action with redfish over slot size, quality black drum, and speckled trout throughout the day.
The extended format allows time for a relaxing lunch break on a sandbar or private beach, combining fishing success with scenic Florida backcountry experiences. Captain Roland's approach focuses on reading tides and water conditions to keep lines tight while ensuring guests experience the diverse fishing opportunities that make Jacksonville's inshore waters special.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Jacksonville's shallow inshore waters, particularly around the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where structure and baitfish concentrations create prime feeding opportunities. These copper-colored gamefish prefer depths of 1-4 feet and respond well to both live bait presentations and artificial lures when worked near oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. October conditions in Jacksonville often produce excellent redfish action as cooler water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, making this an ideal time for targeting both slot-size fish and the larger "bull" reds that patrol these waters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Jacksonville fishing charter includes a fully equipped boat with all tackle, bait, and safety equipment provided for up to 3 guests. Captain Roland utilizes a shallow-draft vessel perfectly suited for navigating Jacksonville's inshore waters and accessing the productive fishing areas within the Timucuan Preserve. Morning departures typically begin at sunrise to take advantage of prime feeding periods, while afternoon trips offer flexibility for those preferring later starts. The boat features comfortable seating, ample storage for personal items, and all necessary safety equipment to ensure a comfortable and secure fishing experience on Jacksonville's beautiful inshore waters.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), commonly known as Red Drum, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This iconic gamefish is distinguished by its copper-red back that fades to a white belly and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish are particularly active as cooler temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior around the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Atlantic coast, prized for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are known for their distinctive drumming sound produced by specialized muscles against their swim bladder. Anglers value them for their accessibility in shallow water and willingness to take both live bait and artificial lures.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish inhabit onshore waters, grass flats, backcountry creeks, and nearshore environments from Massachusetts to northern Mexico. In Jacksonville, they concentrate around oyster bars, creek mouths, and shallow flats where abundant baitfish provide consistent feeding opportunities. The Timucuan Preserve offers ideal redfish habitat with its mix of shallow water structure and tidal flow.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, weighing between 10 and 45 pounds. Florida's slot limit protects breeding-size fish, allowing harvest of redfish between 18-27 inches with one fish over 27 inches permitted. Trophy "bull" reds exceeding 40 inches provide exceptional sport fishing opportunities in Jacksonville's inshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders consuming crabs, shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and other baitfish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed while rooting for crabs and shrimp in soft bottom areas. Peak feeding occurs during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when baitfish are most active in the shallows.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late August through November when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. Large schools of mature redfish gather in deeper water to spawn, with females capable of producing millions of eggs. Juvenile redfish spend their first years in shallow estuarine waters before moving to deeper nearshore areas as adults.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include sight fishing with live shrimp or crabs, casting spoons and soft plastics to feeding fish, and bottom fishing with cut bait near structure. Popular lures include gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits, and topwater plugs during early morning periods. In October, Jacksonville anglers find success working shallow flats during incoming tides when redfish move up to feed.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer mild, slightly sweet white meat with a firm texture ideal for grilling, blackening, or frying. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked properly, making it excellent for fish tacos or traditional Southern preparations. Redfish provide high-quality protein and 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, blue crabs, and cut mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons, soft plastic swimbaits, and topwater plugs work well for artificial presentations.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Talbot Island area, and shallow grass flats around Fort George Inlet consistently hold redfish year-round.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet white meat that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, making them popular for both sport and table fare.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides during dawn and dusk provide peak feeding activity, with fall months like October offering some of the year's best redfish action in Jacksonville.
