Top-Rated Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$425 - $525 price range

Summary

Get ready for an awesome morning of fishing in Jacksonville with MARSHRATS Inshore Charters. You'll head out for 4 hours on the calm waters, targeting some of Florida's most popular catches. With room for 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Your expert guide knows all the best spots to find Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Sea Trout, and Southern Flounder. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you'll have a blast casting lines and soaking up the Florida sunshine. The inshore waters are teeming with fish, so your chances of reeling in a big one are good. It's a great way to spend a morning, learning new techniques and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. By the time you head back to shore, you'll have plenty of fish stories to share.

Top-Rated Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charters

Reels and Rods

Light tackle triumph: A 19-inch redfish in stormy Jacksonville!

Light tackle magic lands a beautiful redfish!

Redfish catch by experienced Angler

Reel in the Big Ones: Jacksonville's Morning Bite

Trip Overview

Get ready to start your day with a bang on this 4-hour morning fishing trip in Jacksonville, FL. We'll hit the water early when the fish are most active, giving you the best shot at landing some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. With room for up to three guests, it's the perfect outing for a small group or family looking to make some lasting memories on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The calm morning waters of Jacksonville's inshore waterways set the stage for a productive day of fishing. We'll cruise to some of our favorite honey holes, where the action can be fast and furious. You'll be using light tackle gear, perfect for battling these inshore fighters. Our guides will show you the best techniques for each species, whether it's working a topwater lure for sea trout or slow-rolling a jig for flounder. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – we're here to help every step of the way, from baiting hooks to landing your catch.

Top Catches This Season

Jacksonville's inshore waters are teeming with game fish, and on this trip, we're targeting some real beauties. Redfish are always a favorite, known for their hard-pulling fights and delicious meat. Sea trout are abundant and offer great action on light tackle. If you're looking for a real workout, jack crevalle will test your arms with their powerful runs. And for those who love a challenge, we'll try our luck for the elusive southern flounder, masters of camouflage and a true prize catch. Our guides know exactly where these fish like to hang out and what they're biting on, giving you the best chance to fill the cooler.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters around Jacksonville. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water, painting the sky in brilliant colors. Or perhaps it's the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line, not knowing if it's a scrappy jack or a monster red. Our customers tell us time and again that it's the combination of great fishing, knowledgeable guides, and the beauty of Florida's coastal ecosystem that keeps them coming back for more. Plus, with our morning trips, you'll still have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day in Jacksonville – though we can't promise you won't be daydreaming about your next fishing adventure!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Sea Trout: These speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Jacksonville. Known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps, sea trout offer exciting action on light tackle. They're most active in the early morning, making them perfect targets for our trip. Sea trout range from 1-5 pounds, with larger "gator" trout providing an extra thrill when hooked. Anglers love targeting these fish for their sporty fight and excellent table fare.

Redfish: The bulldogs of the inshore world, redfish are prized for their powerful runs and delicious flavor. In Jacksonville, we target reds year-round, with the fall months being particularly productive as they school up in preparation for spawning. These copper-colored fighters can range from 5-40 pounds, with larger "bull reds" providing an unforgettable battle. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail – it's said to ward off predators, but it won't ward off eager anglers!

Crevalle Jack: If you're after a true test of strength, the jack crevalle is your fish. These powerhouses are often found in schools, crashing bait on the surface and creating exciting topwater action. Jacks in the 10-20 pound range are common, and they'll make your drag scream as they peel off line. While not known for their table quality, jack crevalle more than make up for it with their explosive strikes and bulldog fighting style.

Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the inshore world, southern flounder are masters of camouflage and ambush predation. These flatfish lie in wait on the bottom, perfectly blended with their surroundings until an unsuspecting bait passes by. Targeting flounder requires finesse and patience, but the reward is a delicious catch that's highly prized by anglers and chefs alike. Fall is prime time for flounder as they move towards the inlets to spawn, offering the chance at some real doormat-sized fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience the thrill of Jacksonville's inshore fishing scene? Our 4-hour morning trips are the perfect way to start your day with a bang. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy some time on the water, we've got you covered. Our experienced guides will put you on the fish and ensure you have a safe, fun, and productive day on the water. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Grab your hat, sunscreen, and sense of adventure – the fish are waiting, and the memories are yours for the making. Let's get out there and tight lines!

Learn more about the species

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle Jack, or Jack Crevalle, are the bulldogs of Jacksonville's waters. These powerful fish usually run 12 to 24 inches and 3 to 5 pounds, but can grow up to 4 feet and 60 pounds. You'll find them both inshore and offshore, often around seagrass beds, sand flats, and even man-made structures like oil rigs. These fish are most active in warmer months, making late spring through early fall the best time to target them. Anglers love Jacks for their aggressive fights – they're like aquatic freight trains when hooked. To catch a Jack, watch for birds diving on baitfish. That's often a sign of a Jack feeding frenzy. Use fast-moving lures like silver spoons or topwater plugs. Here's a tip: when you see a school, cast beyond them and retrieve quickly. These bullies love the chase, so keep that bait moving!

Redfish

Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a favorite among Jacksonville anglers. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 28 to 33 inches when fully grown, but can reach up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in shallow waters, often just 1 to 4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall is the prime season for Redfish, but you can catch them year-round. They're known for their powerful fights and distinctive black spot near the tail. Anglers love targeting them not just for the challenge, but also for their excellent table fare. To hook a Redfish, try using topwater lures in shallow water for some exciting strikes. Live shrimp work great too. Here's a local tip: look for "tailing" Redfish in very shallow water during high tide – it's a sight you won't forget. Just remember, these fish are protected, so always check current regulations before you head out.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a popular catch in Jacksonville's waters. These fish typically run 14 to 24 inches long, weighing 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're known for their silvery appearance and torpedo shape, with spots all over their body. Sea Trout love to feast on shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish. Fall and winter are prime seasons for Sea Trout fishing. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge they present. They're good fighters and tend to school up in deeper waters during colder months. If you're looking to land one, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. A local trick: troll slowly along grass flats if you're having trouble spotting them. Remember, these fish are sensitive to temperature, so adjust your tactics based on the season.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in Jacksonville's waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them lurking on sandy, rocky, or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, as they move to deeper waters for the winter. Anglers prize them for their delicate, mild flavor and the unique challenge of catching them. These ambush predators aren't known for long fights, but outsmarting them is half the fun. To land a flounder, try drift fishing or still fishing with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Here's a local secret: use a slow, bouncing retrieve to mimic an injured baitfish. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a moment to fully take the bait – patience is key with these crafty bottom-dwellers.

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

Ready for a fun morning on the water in Jacksonville? Hop aboard for a 4-hour guided fishing trip that'll have you casting lines before the sun gets too high. Your local captain knows all the best spots to find Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Sea Trout, and Southern Flounder. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. As you cruise the inshore waters, you'll get to soak in the beautiful Florida scenery while waiting for that exciting tug on your line. Your guide will share tips and tricks to help you land the big one, and with room for up to three guests, you can bring along a couple friends or family members to join in on the action. The calm morning waters make for ideal fishing conditions, giving you the best shot at reeling in some impressive catches. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a relaxing yet rewarding few hours out on Jacksonville's waters. Who knows? You might just come back with a great fish story to tell!

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