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Caught a 19inch redfish Inshore in Jacksonville
Redfish Inshore in Jacksonville
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The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a popular gamefish belonging to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order. Known for its distinctive copper-red coloration and black spot near the tail, this species is highly sought-after by anglers visiting Jacksonville, FL. These powerful fighters typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds when fully grown. The 19-inch specimen caught during our trip represents a healthy juvenile redfish. - Redfish prefer shallow coastal habitats including flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas. - They're known for their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability. - The black spot near their tail serves as camouflage from predators.
Fishing Charter by Captain Andrew Thompson in August
Meet your Captain Andrew Thompson
- Experience Jacksonville's Premier Fishing Charters
Summary
Thursday July brought perfect conditions for our Jacksonville fishing charter with MARSHRATS Inshore Charters. Captain Andrew Thompson guided Terrance through various fishing techniques on this 6-hour inshore adventure, resulting in a nice 19-inch redfish catch. We launched from 8203 Heckscher Dr as the sun climbed, with partly cloudy skies providing ideal fishing conditions. From live bait fishing to bottom fishing and casting artificial lures, we covered all the bases to maximize our chances of success in Jacksonville's productive inshore waters. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, this half-day charter offers the perfect amount of time to experience what Jacksonville's fishery has to offer.
Fishing Charter with Andrew Thompson – Rates & Booking
Captain Andrew Thompson of MARSHRATS Inshore Charters offers this Thursday July Jacksonville Florida Fishing Charter | 6 Hour Fishing Trip for up to 3 guests. This action-packed half-day adventure gives you six full hours on Jacksonville's productive waters, targeting redfish and other inshore species. All fishing gear, licenses, and expert guidance are included – just bring yourself and any personal items you'll need for a day on the water. With convenient morning launch times from 8203 Heckscher Dr, you'll maximize your fishing time while still having part of your day free for other activities. Reserve your spot today to secure the best dates!
Highlights of Jacksonville Florida Fishing Charter | 6 Hour Fishing Trip
This half-day charter delivers the perfect balance of fishing time and convenience. Captain Andrew Thompson focuses on productive inshore spots where redfish, sea trout, jack crevalle, and southern flounder thrive. On our recent trip, we landed a beautiful 19-inch redfish using light tackle – a testament to the quality of fishing Jacksonville's waters offer.
Captain Andrew employs multiple fishing techniques throughout the day, from live bait to artificial lures and bottom fishing, ensuring everyone on board has opportunities for action regardless of experience level. The 6-hour timeframe provides ample opportunity to explore different fishing spots while maintaining a relaxed, enjoyable pace that's perfect for families and serious anglers alike.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) are one of Jacksonville's most sought-after inshore species, known for their copper-red coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. These powerful fighters can be found year-round in the area's shallow flats, creek mouths, and around oyster bars. During summer months, they often move into shallower waters during cooler morning hours before retreating to deeper channels as the day heats up.
Captain Andrew has refined techniques specifically for targeting Jacksonville redfish, including sight-casting artificial lures on the flats or using live bait near structure. The 19-inch specimen caught on our recent trip is a healthy size for the area, though they can grow considerably larger. Redfish put up a spectacular fight on light tackle, making them a favorite among sport fishermen visiting Northeast Florida.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your 6-hour adventure with MARSHRATS Inshore Charters, plan to arrive at the 8203 Heckscher Dr launch point about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and bring sunscreen. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 3 guests with all necessary safety equipment and fishing gear provided. A small cooler with drinks and snacks is recommended, along with a camera to document your catches. Captain Andrew focuses on creating a safe, enjoyable experience for anglers of all skill levels, making this charter perfect for both families and dedicated fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), belonging to the Sciaenidae family and Perciformes order, is one of the most prized inshore gamefish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Distinguished by its coppery-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot near the tail (sometimes multiple spots), this species has become a favorite target for Jacksonville anglers. In Jacksonville waters this July, redfish provide excellent light tackle action in the shallow inshore waters.
Redfish Overview
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are renowned for their powerful fights and accessibility to anglers fishing from boats, piers, and shorelines. They're highly adaptable predators that can tolerate a wide range of salinity levels, making them prevalent throughout Jacksonville's diverse estuary systems.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish thrive in Jacksonville's inshore environments, particularly around oyster bars, grass flats, creek mouths, and mangrove shorelines. Juvenile redfish (often called "rat reds") prefer shallow backwater areas with plenty of structure, while larger adults may venture into deeper channels and even nearshore waters, especially during spawning season.
Redfish Size and Weight
While redfish can grow to impressive sizes between 30 and 61 inches and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds, the typical "slot-sized" fish targeted in Jacksonville waters ranges from 18 to 27 inches. The 19-inch specimen caught during our recent charter falls perfectly within this desirable range, offering both sporting quality and potential for harvest when regulations permit.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders, primarily consuming crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They're often spotted "tailing" in shallow water as they root through bottom sediment for crabs and shrimp. In Jacksonville waters, they frequently reveal their presence by creating wakes or pushing water as they patrol shallow flats, especially during early morning hours.
Redfish Spawning Season
Late summer through early fall marks the peak spawning period for redfish in Northeast Florida waters. During this time, larger breeding adults often form large schools and move toward inlets and nearshore waters. The spawning aggregations create some of the most exciting fishing opportunities of the year, as multiple hookups become possible when these schools are located.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For Jacksonville redfish, several techniques consistently produce results. Live bait fishing with finger mullet, shrimp, or mud minnows around structure often yields success. Artificial lure enthusiasts find gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless paddle-tail swimbaits particularly effective. In July, anglers around Jacksonville find morning incoming tides especially productive, as redfish move onto the flats to feed before retreating to deeper water during midday heat.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded for its mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm white flesh that flakes easily when cooked. It's versatile in the kitchen, excellent for blackening, grilling, or baking. The meat is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while containing relatively low mercury levels compared to many other marine species. Local regulations typically restrict harvesting to slot-sized fish to protect both juveniles and breeding adults.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in Jacksonville?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and blue crabs are top natural baits for Jacksonville redfish. For artificial lures, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and shallow-running plugs consistently produce strikes, especially when worked slowly around structure.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The extensive marsh systems, creek mouths, and flats surrounding the St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway hold excellent redfish populations. Specific productive areas include the waters around Heckscher Drive, Nassau Sound, and the backwaters of the Timucuan Ecological Preserve.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. It's versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, blackening, and baking. Just be sure to follow local slot limit regulations when harvesting.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in Jacksonville?
A: While redfish can be caught year-round in Jacksonville, fall typically offers the most consistent action as water temperatures moderate and baitfish become more abundant. Early morning incoming tides during summer months like July also create prime feeding opportunities, particularly around oyster bars and creek mouths.
Q: How big do redfish get in Jacksonville waters?
A: While the average "slot" redfish ranges from 18-27 inches in Jacksonville waters, trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches and 30 pounds are encountered, particularly during the fall spawning run when larger breeding adults move through the area.
Q: What tackle should I use for redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb test line works well for most Jacksonville redfish situations. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining sensitivity for detecting the often-subtle takes of redfish in shallow water.
