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Caught a 19inch redfish Inshore in Jacksonville
Redfish Inshore in Jacksonville
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is one of Jacksonville's premier inshore gamefish, prized by anglers for its fighting ability and table qualities. Found in the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family, these copper-colored fighters typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds when fully grown. - Jacksonville's redfish thrive in shallow water environments including oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. - Their distinctive black spot near the tail helps anglers identify them when sight fishing in clear water. - Light tackle methods produce the most exciting battles with these powerful fish.
Fishing Charter by Captain Andrew Thompson in August
Meet your Captain Andrew Thompson
- Experience Jacksonville's Premier Fishing Charters
Summary
Join Captain Andrew Thompson on this Thursday July inshore fishing charter in Jacksonville, Florida. This Half-Day Havens 6-hour trip offers the perfect balance of time on the water and productive fishing action. Our client Terrance recently landed a beautiful 19-inch redfish using light tackle techniques while exploring the productive inshore waters along Heckscher Drive. MARSHRATS Inshore Charters provides all the necessary gear and local expertise to target redfish in their natural habitat. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, these shallow-water fishing grounds deliver consistent action with various techniques including live bait fishing and artificial lures. The partly cloudy summer conditions created ideal fishing opportunities, making Jacksonville a prime destination for quality inshore fishing trips year-round.
Fishing Charter with Andrew Thompson – Rates & Booking
Captain Andrew Thompson of MARSHRATS Inshore Charters on Thursday July offers the "Jacksonville Florida Fishing Charter | 6 Hour Fishing Trip" that's perfect for anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. This half-day adventure provides everything needed for a successful day targeting redfish, jack crevalle, sea trout, and southern flounder in Jacksonville's productive waters. The charter accommodates up to 3 guests with all tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included. Captain Andrew's local knowledge ensures you'll visit the most productive spots based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. Launching from 8203 Heckscher Dr, you'll quickly access prime fishing grounds where light tackle action awaits. Book early to secure your preferred date, especially during peak summer months when these trips fill quickly.
Highlights of Jacksonville Florida Fishing Charter | 6 Hour Fishing Trip
This 6-hour inshore fishing experience offers the perfect balance between time commitment and fishing productivity. During a recent trip, our client connected with a quality 19-inch redfish, showcasing the caliber of fish available in Jacksonville's inshore waters. Captain Andrew employs multiple fishing techniques throughout the day, transitioning between live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and artificial lures to maximize your chances of success.
The versatility of this charter makes it ideal for anglers of all skill levels. You'll fish the productive areas around Heckscher Drive where the mix of structures, grass flats, and current breaks create perfect redfish habitat. The half-day format provides ample time to learn new techniques while still leaving part of your day free for other activities. With a maximum of three guests, you'll receive personalized instruction and plenty of fishing opportunities.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Jacksonville's waters are prime redfish territory, particularly in the inshore areas where these copper-colored gamefish hunt along oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges. These fish are known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot near the tail. Captain Andrew specializes in targeting these fish using light tackle, which maximizes the sporting experience when a redfish takes your bait.
During summer months, redfish in the 18-22 inch range are common in Jacksonville's waters, providing consistent action for anglers. The shallow water fishery here is excellent, with redfish often tailing in just 1-4 feet of water during optimal tide conditions. Whether you're casting live bait near structure or working artificial lures across grass flats, Jacksonville offers some of Florida's most reliable redfish action. The 19-inch specimen caught on a recent trip represents the quality of fish available to anglers booking this 6-hour adventure.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your day with MARSHRATS Inshore Charters, plan to arrive at 8203 Heckscher Dr about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, including sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). The boat comfortably accommodates up to three guests, making this an ideal trip for small groups or families.
While all fishing gear is provided, you're welcome to bring your own food and beverages (a small cooler is recommended). Captain Andrew will handle all the technical aspects, from rigging tackle to finding productive spots based on the day's conditions. The 6-hour duration offers the perfect balance of fishing time without consuming your entire day, typically running from early morning through early afternoon when fish are most active.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the Sciaenidae family within the Perciformes order. This iconic gamefish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze back, white belly, and one or more distinctive black spots near the tail. In Jacksonville waters this July, these prized sportfish provide exciting light tackle opportunities for anglers fishing the productive inshore waters.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore species along Florida's Atlantic coast. With their powerful runs and stubborn fights, they've earned a reputation as premier gamefish that test an angler's skill. Their popularity stems from both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare, making them a top target for Jacksonville fishing charters.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse coastal environments including grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and tidal creeks. In Jacksonville, redfish are commonly found in the extensive marsh systems and backwaters around Heckscher Drive. They prefer shallow water ranging from 1-4 feet deep, especially areas with good water flow and structure that concentrates baitfish.
Redfish Size and Weight
While adult redfish typically measure between 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds, the specimens most commonly caught in Jacksonville's inshore waters are in the 18-27 inch range (3-8 pounds). These younger "slot-sized" fish provide excellent sport on light tackle and are often the target of local anglers looking for both action and potential meals.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on crustaceans, small baitfish, and mollusks. They're often spotted with their tails protruding from the water ("tailing") as they root through bottom sediment for crabs and shrimp. They feed most actively during moving tides, particularly at dawn and dusk when they hunt aggressively in shallow water.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Florida waters, redfish typically spawn from August through November when water temperatures range from 70-75°F. During this period, mature fish gather in large schools near inlets and passes before moving offshore to spawn. After spawning, juvenile redfish use estuaries as nursery grounds, gradually moving into shallower inshore waters as they grow.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Jacksonville redfish, light tackle spinning gear with 10-20 lb test line provides the ideal balance of control and sport. Live bait options including shrimp, finger mullet, and blue crabs are extremely effective when fished near structure or along drop-offs. Artificial lures such as gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless spoons also produce great results. In July, anglers around Jacksonville find redfish congregating near creek mouths and oyster bars during falling tides when water temperatures peak.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with firm, white flesh that has a mild, sweet flavor. It's versatile for cooking, working well whether grilled, blackened, or baked. The meat is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining relatively low in mercury compared to many other game fish. Slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches in Florida) provide the best eating quality, with larger specimens sometimes having a stronger flavor.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Jacksonville?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and cut blue crab are top natural baits for Jacksonville redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs produce consistent results, especially during summer months.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The best redfish spots around Jacksonville include the flats and creeks near Heckscher Drive, Sisters Creek, the Nassau Sound area, and the backwaters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Look for moving water near oyster bars, grass edges, and creek mouths during falling tides.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches in Florida) provide the best eating quality and can be prepared numerous ways including blackened, grilled, or baked.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Jacksonville?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Jacksonville, the prime seasons are late summer through fall (August-November) and again in spring (March-May). Early morning and evening fishing during moving tides produces the most consistent action, particularly on days with moderate cloud cover.
