Scenic Jacksonville Morning Fishing Adventure

Published Date: August 21, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$425 - $525 price range
Updated Date: August 23, 2025

Summary

Join a laid-back morning fishing trip in Jacksonville, Florida that's perfect for taking in the coastal scenery while trying your hand at some light tackle fishing. Over 4 hours, you'll cruise the calm inshore waters with an experienced local captain, targeting species like Redfish, Sea Trout, Jack Crevalle, and Southern Flounder. This small-group charter is ideal for up to 3 guests who want to relax on the water, enjoy the sunrise, and cast a line without the pressure of serious fishing. You'll have plenty of room to spread out as you soak in Florida's natural beauty. Whether you're reeling in fish or just enjoying the views, it's a great way to start your day on the water. Keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so check the Trips & Rates page for details before booking.

Scenic Jacksonville Morning Fishing Adventure

Sunrise Fishing Views

Redfish caught while fishing in Jacksonville

null

Smiling with a beautiful redfish catch on the water!

Exciting catch on the water — young angler showing off a feisty black bass!

Awesome redfish catch on the boat — perfect day for inshore fishing!

Jacksonville's Morning Fishing Magic

Rise and shine, anglers! Get ready for a laid-back morning on the water with MARSHRATS Inshore Charters. We're talking about a sweet 4-hour trip that'll have you casting lines as the sun peeks over Jacksonville's skyline. Whether you're looking to reel in some local favorites or just soak in Florida's coastal beauty, this trip's got you covered. Our seasoned captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat as we cruise the calm inshore spots where the fish are biting.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're stepping onto our comfy boat just as the sky starts to light up. The air's crisp, the water's calm, and you've got nothing but possibility ahead. We'll head out to some prime fishing grounds where Redfish, Sea Trout, Jack Crevalle, and Southern Flounder like to hang. Our light tackle setup means you'll feel every nibble and pull – it's fishing at its purest. But hey, if you're more into watching the pelicans dive or spotting dolphins, that's cool too. This trip's all about doing what floats your boat (pun intended).

Rods, Reels, and Relaxation

We keep things simple out here. You'll be using light tackle – perfect for the inshore species we're after. It's all about finesse, not muscle. We'll show you how to work a soft plastic lure or maybe set you up with some live bait if that's what the fish are craving. The calm waters mean you can focus on your technique without worrying about sea legs. And if you're new to this? No sweat. Our captain's got patience for days and loves nothing more than helping folks land their first catch.

Top Catches This Season

Jacksonville's waters are teeming with some real crowd-pleasers. Let's break 'em down:

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the rockstars of inshore fishing. They put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. In the morning, you might find them tailing in the shallows – it's a sight that gets every angler's heart racing.

Sea Trout: Sneaky and quick, Sea Trout are a blast to catch. They've got a soft mouth, so setting the hook is an art form. When you nail it, though, you're in for some acrobatics as they leap and splash.

Jack Crevalle: These guys are like the bulldogs of the sea. They're not huge, but man, do they pack a punch. Hook into one, and you'll see why we call 'em "tug boats with fins."

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, these flatfish are the ninjas of the seafloor. Catching one is all about patience and a keen eye. When you do hook up, it's like reeling in a dinner plate – a tasty one at that!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing these Jacksonville waters that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as we head out, or how the city skyline fades behind us as we reach the fishing grounds. Could be the thrill of watching your line go tight, or just the peace that comes from being on the water. Whatever it is, this trip's got a way of recharging your batteries better than any alarm clock snooze button ever could.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching for a morning on the water that's equal parts relaxing and exciting, this is your ticket. We've got room for up to three guests, so grab your buddies or make it a family affair. Just remember, the early bird gets the worm... or in this case, the fish. And hey, while the fishing's great, the memories you'll make are even better. So what do you say? Ready to see what Jacksonville's waters have in store for you? Don't let this one be the one that got away – book your spot now and let's make some fishing magic happen!

Learn more about the species

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 3-5 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them busting bait schools in our bays and inlets, often giving themselves away with birds diving overhead. Jacks love to chase fast-moving lures, so a silver spoon or topwater plug worked aggressively is your best bet. They're not known for subtle strikes - expect your rod to double over when one hits. While not the best eating, pound-for-pound these are some of the hardest fighting fish in the area. My top tip: when you see a jack blow up on bait, cast beyond the commotion and retrieve through it. These aggressive feeders often circle back for another pass. Hold on tight - the fight that follows is what keeps anglers coming back for more.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore species here in Jacksonville. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can grow much larger. Look for them tailing in shallow flats or hanging around oyster bars and dock pilings. Fall is prime time as they school up, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful runs and delicious taste. To entice a bite, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a jighead. Work it slowly along the bottom, especially during incoming tides. My favorite local trick is to look for "nervous" water - that slight ripple reds make when feeding in skinny water. Cast just beyond it and work your lure through the zone. With some patience, you'll soon be battling one of these hard-fighting gamefish.

Sea Trout

Sea trout are a favorite among anglers here in Jacksonville. These silvery fish typically run 14 to 24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in our inshore waters, especially around grass flats and oyster bars. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting sea trout for their aggressive strikes and tasty white meat. To up your odds, try working a popping cork with a soft plastic shrimp imitation about 18 inches below. The pop attracts their attention, then they zero in on that shrimp - it's a deadly combo. Just remember to set the hook quick, as sea trout have soft mouths and can throw the hook easily. With some patience, you'll be reeling in these fun inshore gamefish in no time.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in our local waters. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and blend in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find them in our bays, inlets, and even up into brackish rivers. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn, but we catch them year-round. Anglers prize flounder for their mild, flaky meat. To target them, try slow-trolling or drifting with a live mullet or mud minnow. Work your bait along drop-offs and channel edges where flounder ambush their prey. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift. With some patience, you'll be bringing home these tasty flatfish for dinner.

About the East Cape (Flats boat)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 60

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Picture yourself on a cozy fishing boat, gliding through Jacksonville's calm inshore waters as the sun peeks over the horizon. This laid-back 4-hour morning trip lets you soak in Florida's coastal beauty while trying your hand at some light tackle fishing. Your experienced local captain knows just where to find Redfish, Sea Trout, Jack Crevalle, and Southern Flounder, giving you a shot at reeling in a catch. But there's no pressure – this charter is all about enjoying the scenery and relaxed vibe. With room for up to three guests, you'll have plenty of space to kick back, chat, and appreciate the peaceful start to your day. Whether you're a casual angler or just along for the ride, this outing offers a perfect blend of fishing fun and natural wonder in Jacksonville's picturesque waters.

Sitemap