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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. - 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 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 productive areas. The extended half-day format provides ample time to work different structures where these species hold, making it perfect for anglers wanting to stock the cooler with fresh catches. Jacksonville's inshore waters offer excellent year-round fishing with diverse opportunities from shallow flats to nearshore structure, and our local expertise ensures you're fishing the right spots when conditions align for the best bite.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October provides a comprehensive 6-hour inshore fishing experience targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout around Jacksonville's prime fishing grounds. This extended half-day charter includes all necessary tackle and bait, with the flexibility to arrange lunch on a sandbar or private beach break during your trip. Our licensed guide brings years of local experience working the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where structure and baitfish concentrations create ideal conditions for consistent action. The trip accommodates up to 3 guests and focuses on drift fishing, bottom fishing, and lure casting techniques that produce results in these productive inshore waters. Book online to secure your preferred date and experience the backcountry fishing that makes Jacksonville special.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This 6-hour charter provides extensive time to explore Jacksonville's diverse inshore fishing opportunities, from shallow flats to structured areas where gamefish concentrate. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers some of the region's most productive redfish habitat, with excellent water clarity and abundant forage that keeps fish active throughout the tidal cycles. Captain Roland's approach combines multiple techniques—drift fishing over productive bottom, targeted casting with lures, and working specific structures where fish hold during different tide phases.
The extended format allows for a relaxed pace with optional lunch breaks on sandbars or private beaches, making it ideal for families or groups wanting both fishing action and scenic downtime. Recent trips have produced consistent catches of slot-size redfish, along with black drum and speckled trout that provide excellent table fare for evening meals.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Jacksonville's redfish population thrives in the diverse habitat mix of grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths throughout the Timucuan Preserve system. These copper-colored drum feed actively on incoming tides, moving from deeper creek channels onto shallow flats where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. October conditions often find them in 2-4 feet of water, making them perfect targets for both sight fishing and blind casting with soft plastics or live bait. The preserve's protected waters maintain consistent salinity levels that redfish prefer, and the abundant structure provides year-round holding areas where these fish concentrate during different seasonal patterns.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour charter includes all fishing equipment, tackle, and bait needed for targeting inshore species around Jacksonville's productive waters. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 guests with ample deck space for casting and fighting fish, plus storage for personal items and any catches you want to keep. Captain Roland provides coolers with ice for your beverages and any fish you harvest, along with cleaning services at the end of the trip. Morning departures typically start around sunrise to take advantage of prime feeding periods, while afternoon trips can include scenic lunch stops on secluded beaches or sandbars within the preserve system.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, are premier gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by their characteristic black eyespots near the tail and their coloration that fades from reddish-bronze backs to white bellies. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish are actively feeding in the shallow flats and creek systems of the Timucuan Preserve.
Redfish Overview
Red drum are highly sought-after inshore gamefish known for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, with Florida's northeast coast providing some of the most consistent fishing opportunities. Anglers prize them for their fighting ability and light, flaky meat that makes excellent fish tacos and grilled fillets.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in shallow coastal waters including grass flats, oyster bars, creek mouths, and nearshore structure. Around Jacksonville, they frequent the protected waters of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where salinity levels and abundant forage create ideal conditions. They prefer depths from 1 to 6 feet but can be found in deeper channels during certain tidal phases.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Florida's slot limit protects breeding-size fish, with one redfish between 18-27 inches allowed per angler daily. Trophy-class fish over 27 inches must be released immediately to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Red drum are opportunistic feeders that hunt crabs, shrimp, mullet, pinfish, and other small baitfish. They feed most actively during moving tides, particularly on incoming water when prey is pushed onto shallow flats. These fish often feed in very shallow water with their backs exposed, creating exciting sight-fishing opportunities for observant anglers.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late August through November, with peak activity in September and October. During this period, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water to spawn, while smaller fish continue feeding in their typical inshore haunts. Water temperatures between 70-85°F trigger the most active feeding behavior.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or pinfish, artificial lures like soft plastic paddle tails and spoons, and fly fishing with crab or shrimp patterns. In October around Jacksonville, anglers find success casting gold spoons and soft plastics near oyster bars and grass edges during moving tides. Sight fishing becomes productive when fish are tailing in shallow water during calm conditions.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish provide excellent table fare with mild, slightly sweet flesh that flakes easily when cooked. The meat is lean and versatile, perfect for grilling, blackening, or making fish tacos. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to larger offshore species, making them a healthy choice for regular consumption.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and cut mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails work excellently as artificials. Match your bait size to local forage for best results.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve offers prime redfish habitat, with grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths providing consistent opportunities throughout the year.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have mild, sweet flesh that's excellent grilled, blackened, or in fish tacos. They're high in protein and omega-3s while being low in mercury.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides provide the best action, particularly incoming water that pushes bait onto shallow flats. Early morning and late afternoon often produce the most consistent bites.
More species you can explore on this trip
Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters Available Trips
Ready for a fantastic day of fishing in Jacksonville? Our 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to cast your line and reel in some great catches. Whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon fishing, we've got you covered. With room for up to 3 people, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. As you cruise the inshore waters, you'll have the chance to try different fishing spots and techniques. Who knows, you might even catch enough for a tasty dinner! And if you're feeling hungry during the trip, we can arrange a relaxing lunch break on a secluded sandbar or beach. This isn't just about fishing – it's a chance to soak up the Florida sunshine, enjoy the coastal scenery, and maybe spot some local wildlife. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's make some fishing memories in Jacksonville's beautiful waters. With a mix of great fishing and laid-back fun, this trip is sure to be a highlight of your time in Florida.
