Hey there, anglers! Ready for a day on the water you won't forget? Our 6-hour fishing trip in Jacksonville, FL is where it's at. We're talking prime fishing spots, a cooler full of fresh catches, and the chance to kick back on a sandbar for lunch. Whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon action, we've got you covered. Let's dive into what makes this trip a must-do for any fishing fan visiting Jax.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Jacksonville with the sun on your face and the promise of a great catch ahead. Our 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to hit all the hotspots without feeling rushed. We're flexible too – want to start at dawn and catch that early bite? Done. Prefer to sleep in and fish into the evening? No problem. And here's a sweet bonus – we can even arrange a lunch stop on a private beach. Nothing beats a sandwich with your toes in the sand between casts.
Alright, let's talk fishing. In Jacksonville, we've got options. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might be bottom fishing for Black Drum, sight casting for Redfish in the flats, or trolling for King Mackerel. We'll set you up with all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, the works. Don't worry if you're new to this; our crew's got you covered with tips and tricks. We'll show you how to read the water, spot the signs of fish, and reel in like a pro. And if you're an old hand at fishing? Well, get ready to trade some stories and maybe learn a new trick or two.
"It was windy and cold but we managed take home some fish." - David
"Enjoyed our time with Captain Joe" - David
Black Drum: These bruisers are the drummers of the sea, known for the croaking sound they make. They're bottom feeders that put up a great fight. In Jacksonville, you can find them year-round, but they're especially active in the cooler months. When you hook one, get ready for a tug-of-war – these fish can weigh up to 50 pounds or more!
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the rock star of inshore fishing. These acrobatic fish are known for their spectacular leaps and can grow over 6 feet long. Late spring through summer is prime Tarpon time in Jax. Landing one of these beauties is a true badge of honor for any angler.
King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. They're most abundant in our waters from spring to fall. Trolling is the name of the game for Kings, and when they hit, be ready – they can make your reel scream as they peel off line at incredible speeds.
Redfish: The poster child of inshore fishing, Redfish are beloved for their copper color and that distinctive spot on their tail. They're here all year, but fall is when they really shine. Sight fishing for Reds in the shallows is an adrenaline rush like no other – you'll be hooked for life.
Cobia: These curious fish are sometimes called "crabeaters" or "lemonfish." They show up in our waters as the water warms in spring and stick around through fall. Cobia are known for following larger animals like sharks or rays, so keep your eyes peeled. They put up an epic fight and are delicious on the grill – a true offshore prize.
Look, there's a reason why folks keep coming back to fish Jacksonville. Our 6-hour trip hits that sweet spot – long enough to really get into the groove, but not so long that you're wiped out. You've got time to try different spots, techniques, and maybe even catch a variety of species. Plus, with the option to break for lunch on a secluded beach, it's more than just fishing – it's a day out on the water done right.
So what do you say? Ready to get your line wet and make some fishing memories? Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't let the big one get away – book your spot now and let's get out there. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this.
December 11, 2024
Enjoyed our time with Captain Joe
December 11, 2024
Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll put up a good fight. These guys can grow huge - up to 90 pounds - but the sweet spot for eating is 15 pounds or less. You'll find them lurking around oyster beds, mudflats, and shallow estuaries. They love brackish water and can handle a range of temperatures. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, which is pretty cool to hear underwater. Spring is prime time for catching them as they school up to spawn. Live bait like crabs or clams works great, but a slow-moving jig can do the trick too. When you're hooking one, be ready for some weight. These fish have powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish, so make sure your gear can handle it. A local tip: if you see ripples or swirls in shallow water, cast nearby - could be a Black Drum rooting around for food. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but they put up a solid fight and taste pretty good too.
Cobia are the oddball fighters of our local waters. Often mistaken for sharks, these brown battlers can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure, usually in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime Cobia seasons as they migrate along the coast. They're often spotted just below the surface, so keep your eyes peeled. Cobia are curious fish and will sometimes follow boats or even hooked fish. These fish are prized for both their fight and their excellent eating quality. They hit hard and make strong runs, often throwing in some aerial acrobatics too. Live bait works great, but they'll also hit jigs and artificial eels. A local tip: when you spot a Cobia, don't hesitate. Cast quickly but accurately - they can lose interest fast. And be ready for anything once hooked. These fish are known for their unpredictable, sometimes crazy, fighting tactics.
King Mackerel, or "Kings," are the speedsters of our offshore waters. These sleek predators can hit 30 pounds or more and are known for blistering runs. You'll find them anywhere from 40 to 150 feet deep, often around structure or following bait schools. Kings are most active here in late spring through fall. They're aggressive feeders, so trolling with live bait or artificial lures can be very effective. Watch for birds diving - that often means Kings are chasing bait fish near the surface. These fish are prized for their fight. When a King hits, hold on tight - they can peel off a lot of line in seconds. They also make for good eating, though larger ones can have higher mercury levels. A tip from the locals: use a stinger rig when live baiting. Kings are known for short-striking baits, so that trailing hook increases your hookup ratio. And always be ready - when Kings are around, the action can be fast and furious!
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a favorite target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored beauties can range from just a few pounds up to over 40, with most in the 5-15 pound range. Look for them tailing in super shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep. You'll find Reds around oyster bars, grass flats, and mud bottoms. They love structure, so old docks and jetties are good spots too. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round here. Redfish are known for their strong, steady fights and are excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of baits - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials like topwater plugs and jigs all work well. Here's a local trick: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper backs or tails breaking the surface. A well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike. Just remember to approach quietly - these fish can spook easily in shallow water.
Tarpon are the high-flyers of our local waters. These silver kings can reach 8 feet long and over 200 pounds, known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. You'll find them in coastal areas, often rolling at the surface in channels or around bridges. Spring and early summer are prime tarpon time here, as they migrate along the coast. They're not the best eating, so it's all about the thrill of the catch and release. Tarpon put up an epic fight - be ready for multiple jumps and long runs. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but artificial lures can be effective too. When you hook one, bow to the king - literally drop your rod tip when they jump to avoid breaking them off. It's all about finesse and patience with these fish. A local secret: look for tarpon "daisy-chaining" in circles near the surface. That's a pre-spawning behavior and a great time to present a bait. Just remember, landing a big tarpon is a real accomplishment - they don't give up easy!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
It was windy and cold but we managed take home some fish.