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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. - These fish have a red-colored back that fades to a white belly.
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 fishing charters targeting redfish in Jacksonville's productive inshore waters. These 6-hour guided fishing trips focus on drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques around the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where redfish, black drum, and speckled trout thrive in the shallow flats and backcountry structure. Jacksonville's inshore fishing provides excellent year-round opportunities with experienced local guides who know exactly where to find the fish when conditions are right. The charter includes all necessary gear and covers prime fishing spots throughout the preserve's diverse ecosystem. Whether you're casting lures or working the bottom, these Jacksonville fishing charters are designed to put you on the fish with proven techniques that produce consistent results. Book your inshore fishing adventure and experience the backcountry fishing that makes Jacksonville waters so productive for targeting trophy redfish.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October provides extended half-day fishing experiences targeting redfish and other inshore species around Jacksonville. These 6-hour trips offer ample time to work different techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting with lures to maximize your chances of success. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests and includes all necessary fishing gear, with the flexibility to arrange morning or afternoon departures based on tidal conditions. Licensed and experienced, Captain Roland specializes in Jacksonville's inshore waters and knows the productive areas around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where redfish consistently feed. Book online to secure your dates and experience the quality inshore fishing that makes Jacksonville a premier destination for targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This 6-hour fishing adventure provides extensive time to explore Jacksonville's diverse inshore fishing opportunities, from shallow flats to structured areas where redfish and other species congregate. The extended format allows for working multiple techniques and locations as tidal conditions change throughout the day. Captain Roland's local expertise ensures you'll fish the most productive areas during optimal conditions, whether that's early morning action or afternoon bite windows.
The trip includes the option to arrange a relaxing lunch on the sandbar or take a break from fishing to enjoy a meal on a private beach, adding a unique element to your fishing experience. With diverse fishing options and the prospect of a delightful beachside meal, this charter combines productive fishing with the natural beauty of Jacksonville's coastal environment.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in Jacksonville waters are perfectly adapted to the shallow flats and backcountry areas around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored drum are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting ability, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers. October conditions in Jacksonville provide excellent redfish opportunities as these fish move into the shallows to feed before cooler weather arrives. Captain Roland's drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques are particularly effective for targeting redfish around structure where they ambush prey, and the preserve's diverse ecosystem offers ideal habitat for both slot-size and oversized fish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour Jacksonville fishing charter includes all necessary tackle and equipment, with Captain Roland providing local expertise to maximize your fishing success. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, allowing for personalized instruction and plenty of room to fight fish. Departure times can be arranged for morning or afternoon based on tidal conditions and your preferences, with the extended duration providing flexibility to work different areas as conditions change. Safety equipment is provided, and Captain Roland's knowledge of local waters ensures a productive and enjoyable experience whether you're targeting redfish on the flats or working deeper structure for black drum and speckled trout.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are iconic game fish found along the Atlantic Ocean coastlines of the United States, belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive fish can be identified by their copper-red backs that fade to white bellies and characteristic black eyespots near the tail. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish are particularly active in the shallow flats and backcountry areas around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
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 one of the most sought-after inshore game fish along the southeastern coast. Their adaptability to various salinity levels allows them to thrive in both brackish and saltwater environments.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, including grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas. Around Jacksonville, they're commonly found in the extensive marsh systems and shallow flats of the Timucuan preserve, where they have access to abundant food sources and protective structure.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are most commonly targeted by anglers, while oversized "bull" redfish over 27 inches provide trophy fishing opportunities.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish. They often feed by "tailing" in shallow water, where their tails break the surface as they root for food in the bottom. This feeding behavior makes them excellent targets for sight fishing, especially during morning and evening hours when they're most active.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, typically from August through November. During this period, large schools of adult fish gather in deeper water to reproduce, while juvenile fish remain in the protective shallow waters of estuaries and marshes.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include drift fishing with live or cut bait, bottom fishing around structure, and casting artificial lures like spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. In October, anglers around Jacksonville find them actively feeding on shallow flats during moving tides, making both sight fishing and blind casting productive approaches.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent eating with firm, white meat that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is versatile and can be prepared by grilling, blackening, baking, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other game fish.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live 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 offers excellent redfish habitat, including shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry creeks where they feed regularly.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or baked, and they're high in protein and omega-3s.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides are prime times, with fall months like October providing some of the best redfish action in Jacksonville waters.
