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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. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - Popular target species for both recreational and commercial fishing.
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. The extended half-day format provides ample time to work different areas and dial in your approach as conditions change throughout the day. Jacksonville's inshore waters offer excellent structure and abundant baitfish that attract these sought-after species, making it perfect for both experienced anglers and families looking to stock the cooler with fresh catches. Licensed guide service includes all necessary equipment and local expertise to put you on the fish when conditions are right.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October provides 6-hour inshore fishing adventures targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout around Jacksonville's productive waters. This extended half-day charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all fishing equipment, bait, and tackle needed for a successful day on the water. The trip focuses on drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques while incorporating casting with lures to maximize your chances of hooking up. Pricing includes licensed guide service and local expertise to navigate Jacksonville's prime fishing spots. Contact Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters directly to check availability and secure your booking for this comprehensive inshore fishing experience.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This 6-hour fishing adventure provides ample time to explore Jacksonville's diverse inshore opportunities and target multiple species throughout the day. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers excellent structure and baitfish concentrations that attract redfish, black drum, and speckled trout year-round. Captain Roland's approach combines drift fishing over productive bottom structure with active casting techniques to cover more water and adapt to changing conditions.
The extended format allows for strategic moves between different areas as tides shift, ensuring consistent action throughout the trip. Recent success includes slot-size redfish perfect for dinner, with guests consistently hooking up using both bottom rigs and artificial lures. The charter includes options for sandbar lunch breaks or private beach stops, making it ideal for families and groups looking for both fishing action and relaxation on Jacksonville's beautiful 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 small baitfish. These copper-colored drum are perfectly adapted to the 1-4 foot depths common in our area, using their keen sense of smell and lateral line system to locate prey in stained water conditions. October provides excellent redfish opportunities as cooler temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, with fish often found tailing in shallow water during morning and evening periods. Captain Roland's local knowledge helps locate schools holding near oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where these fish concentrate during different tide stages.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour inshore fishing charter includes all necessary rods, reels, tackle, and bait to target redfish, black drum, and speckled trout effectively. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably with ample deck space for casting and fighting fish. Captain Roland provides coolers with ice to keep your catch fresh, along with safety equipment and local expertise to navigate Jacksonville's productive inshore waters. Morning departures typically offer the best bite, though afternoon trips can be equally productive depending on tide timing and weather conditions. The extended format allows flexibility to adjust techniques and locations based on fish activity and guest preferences throughout the day.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish belonging to the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by their characteristic eyespots near the tail and reddish 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 shallow flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Red drum are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, with Jacksonville's inshore waters providing ideal habitat for both juvenile and adult fish. These adaptable predators use their keen senses to locate prey in the shallow, often stained waters they prefer.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish thrive in shallow coastal environments including grass flats, oyster bars, marsh creeks, and nearshore waters. Around Jacksonville, they're commonly found in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where abundant structure and baitfish create perfect feeding conditions. They prefer water depths of 1-4 feet but can be found in deeper channels and nearshore waters depending on season and tide conditions.
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 considered ideal for table fare, while larger "bull" redfish over 27 inches are often released to preserve the breeding population. The largest specimens can exceed 50 pounds and provide incredible fights on appropriate tackle.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and other small baitfish. They often feed by "tailing" in shallow water, where their tail fins break the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in the bottom sediment. Peak feeding activity typically occurs during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when baitfish are most active.
Redfish Spawning Season
Red drum spawn in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, with peak activity occurring in September and October. During this period, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper water to reproduce, while juvenile fish remain in the protective shallow water nursery areas. Water temperatures between 70-85°F are optimal for spawning activity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight fishing with artificial lures, bottom fishing with live or cut bait, and drift fishing over grass flats and oyster bars. Popular baits include live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crabs, while effective lures include gold spoons, soft plastic jigs, and topwater plugs. In October around Jacksonville, anglers find success working the edges of grass flats during incoming tides when redfish move shallow to feed.
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 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 and cut mullet are top choices, though redfish also readily take live pinfish, blue crabs, and artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastics.
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 where they feed during moving tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, slot-size redfish (18-27 inches) provide excellent eating with firm, white meat and mild flavor that's perfect for various cooking methods.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Fall months like October provide excellent redfish action as cooler temperatures increase feeding activity, with early morning and evening typically producing the best results during moving tides.
