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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 extended half-day inshore fishing charters targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout in Jacksonville's pristine waters. These 6-hour guided fishing trips explore the productive flats and backcountry areas around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques consistently produce quality catches. Jacksonville's inshore waters provide excellent structure and abundant baitfish that attract trophy redfish year-round. Our local fishing charters include all tackle, bait, and expert guidance from a licensed captain who knows exactly where to find the fish when conditions are right. Whether you're casting lures on the flats or working the bottom near structure, these Jacksonville fishing adventures offer the perfect opportunity to experience what makes this area special for inshore fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing Charter with Captain Roland Bell – Rates & Booking
Captain Roland Bell of Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters on Monday October provides extended half-day inshore fishing experiences targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout around Jacksonville's productive waters. These 6-hour guided trips accommodate up to 3 guests and include all fishing tackle, bait, and expert local knowledge from a licensed fishing guide. The charter focuses on proven techniques like drift fishing and bottom fishing while exploring the flats and backcountry areas near Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Rates include all equipment and guidance, with morning and afternoon departure times available. Book online to secure your Jacksonville inshore fishing adventure and experience the quality fishing that makes these waters special.
Highlights of Extended Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Jacksonville, FL- Redfish, Cobia And More
This 6-hour Jacksonville fishing charter provides ample time to explore diverse inshore fishing opportunities while targeting redfish, black drum, and speckled trout using multiple techniques. The extended format allows anglers to work different areas as tides change, maximizing fishing success throughout the trip. Captain Roland focuses on productive flats and backcountry spots around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where structure and baitfish concentrations attract quality fish year-round.
The charter includes options for relaxing lunch breaks on sandbars or private beaches, combining excellent fishing with scenic Jacksonville waterways. Whether you prefer morning or afternoon fishing, the extended timeframe ensures plenty of opportunities to dial in techniques and put fish in the cooler for a fresh dinner.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in Jacksonville's shallow inshore waters, particularly around the flats and backcountry areas near Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where structure and abundant baitfish create ideal feeding conditions. 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 fishing around Jacksonville offers excellent redfish opportunities as cooler water temperatures trigger increased feeding activity, making this an ideal time to target trophy-sized fish using light tackle techniques that showcase their powerful runs and determined fights.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Jacksonville inshore fishing experience includes all necessary tackle, bait, and safety equipment provided by Captain Roland Bell and Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters. The 6-hour format accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with both morning and afternoon departure times available to match your schedule and tidal conditions. The charter boat is equipped for inshore fishing techniques including drift fishing, bottom fishing, and casting artificial lures. Captain Roland provides expert guidance on technique selection and works productive areas around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve where redfish, black drum, and speckled trout are consistently found. All trips include fishing licenses, ice, and cleaning of your catch, ensuring a complete fishing experience on Jacksonville's premier inshore waters.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier gamefish belonging to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. These distinctive fish are easily 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 as cooler temperatures trigger increased feeding behavior around the productive flats and backcountry areas.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their powerful fights, accessible habitat, and excellent table fare. These drum family members can live over 40 years and are found throughout the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, with Jacksonville's inshore waters providing ideal habitat for both juvenile and trophy-sized fish.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish prefer shallow coastal waters including flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore environments. Around Jacksonville, they're commonly found in the productive waters near Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, where oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths provide excellent structure and abundant baitfish.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds for mature fish. Jacksonville waters produce both slot-sized fish perfect for the dinner table and oversized trophy redfish that provide unforgettable battles on light tackle.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various baitfish. Redfish are most active during moving tides, particularly around dawn and dusk when they move onto shallow flats to feed. They often feed with their heads down and tails up, creating distinctive wakes that alert anglers to their presence.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall, with peak activity occurring when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During spawning season, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper waters before returning to inshore areas.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective redfish techniques include sight fishing with live shrimp or crabs, casting spoons and soft plastics near structure, and drift fishing with cut bait. In October around Jacksonville, anglers find success using topwater lures during early morning hours and switching to live bait presentations as the day progresses near oyster bars and grass edges.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer 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 blackening, grilling, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to many other gamefish.
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 paddle tails, and topwater plugs work excellent as artificials.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: Look for redfish around Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, particularly near oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where they feed on crabs and baitfish.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent blackened, grilled, or fried. They're high in protein and omega-3s while being low in mercury.
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 being particularly productive as cooler water increases feeding activity.
