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Family Fishing Adventure in Jacksonville, FL
- Published Date: November 14, 2025
- Fishing
- $550 price range
Summary
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Catch of the Day
Jacksonville waters never disappoint.
From docks to deep sea, it’s all here.
Bait, cast, catch, repeat.
Chill vibes and tight lines.
Jacksonville fishing at its finest.
Inshore calm, offshore excitement.
Good times start on the water.
Your next great catch is right here.
Nothing beats a Florida fishing day.
Rods ready, tides rising—let’s go!
Jacksonville waters never disappoint.
From docks to deep sea, it’s all here.
Bait, cast, catch, repeat.
Chill vibes and tight lines.
Jacksonville fishing at its finest.
Inshore calm, offshore excitement.
Good times start on the water.
Your next great catch is right here.
Nothing beats a Florida fishing day.
Rods ready, tides rising—let’s go!
Jacksonville waters never disappoint.
From docks to deep sea, it’s all here.
Bait, cast, catch, repeat.
Chill vibes and tight lines.
Family Fishing Fun in Jacksonville's Waters
Hey there, fishing fans! Looking for a great day out with the family? Captain Tom Wheeler's got you covered with this awesome 4-hour trip right here in Jacksonville. We'll be cruising the St. Johns River and nearby Atlantic spots on a sweet 25' Robalo that's perfect for families. Whether you're after some hard-fighting redfish or hoping to land a tasty flounder for dinner, this trip's got something for everyone. And don't worry about gear or licenses - we've got all that sorted for you. So grab the kids, slap on some sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
First things first - this ain't no boring boat ride. We're talking real fishing action, folks! Captain Tom knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on the fish. The 25' Robalo is a super comfortable ride, with plenty of room for the whole family to spread out and cast. We provide life vests for the kiddos, so you can relax and focus on reeling in the big one. And speaking of big ones, we'll be targeting some of Jacksonville's most popular inshore species. Redfish, black drum, sea trout - you name it, we're after it. The best part? This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Never held a rod before? No problem! Captain Tom's got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need.
Fishing Tactics & Hotspots
Alright, let's talk strategy. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might start off working some grass flats for redfish and trout. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures - nothing beats the thrill of seeing a big red crush a topwater plug! If the tide's right, we might slip into some backwater creeks where the flounder like to hang out. These flatties are masters of camouflage, but Captain Tom knows all their hiding spots. And don't forget about those hard-fighting black drum - when we find a school, it's non-stop action! We'll also keep our eyes peeled for any cobia cruising by. These "brown bombers" can turn up anywhere, and they put up one heck of a fight. Throughout the trip, Captain Tom will be showing you the ropes - how to cast, set the hook, and play your fish like a pro.
Target Species Breakdown
Let's dive into some of the awesome fish you might tangle with on this trip:
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Jacksonville favorite. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, and they'll hit just about anything that looks like food. In the fall, we sometimes get into schools of big bull reds - now that's a workout for your arms! Redfish are great eating too, so be sure to keep a couple for dinner if they're in the slot size.
Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum are like underwater bulldozers. They use those barbels on their chin to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. When you hook a big one, hang on tight! These guys can push 50 pounds or more. They're best targeted around bridge pilings and deep holes.
Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're not the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a blast on light tackle. We'll often find them over grass flats or around creek mouths. Dawn and dusk are prime time for trout, so early birds might have the best shot at a gator trout (that's local speak for a big one).
Flounder: Ah, the mighty flounder - flat as a pancake and twice as tasty. These ambush predators like to bury themselves in the sand and wait for prey to swim by. We'll target them around dock pilings and drop-offs. The key is a slow retrieve - give that flounder time to grab your bait and turn it around in its mouth.
Cobia: Last but not least, we've got the cobia. These fish are like the wildcards of inshore fishing. They show up when they want, where they want. But when they do, hold onto your hat! Cobia are strong swimmers and will test your gear and your stamina. We often spot them near buoys or following big rays.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Listen, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I never get tired of seeing families light up when they reel in their first big fish. There's just something special about being out on the water together, away from all the screens and distractions. And let me tell you, the look on a kid's face when they feel that first tug on the line? Priceless. But it's not just about the fishing. We'll cruise past some of Jacksonville's most beautiful scenery, maybe spot some dolphins or manatees, and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Plus, with all the gear provided and Captain Tom's expert guidance, it's stress-free fun for parents too. No wonder so many families come back year after year!
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly day on the water that everyone will enjoy, this trip's a no-brainer. With a seasoned pro like Captain Tom at the helm, top-notch gear, and some of the best inshore fishing Jacksonville has to offer, you're in for a real treat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. And remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait - grab your calendar, round up the family, and let's get you booked for an awesome day of fishing. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often mistaken for them when young. Adults can reach 90 pounds, but the sweet spot for eating is 5-15 pounds. Look for them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish estuaries. They use their strong chin barbels to root out crabs and shellfish from the bottom. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, making some serious noise with their drumming. Anglers get a kick out of their powerful runs and the challenge of tempting these sometimes-finicky fish. For the best shot at a Black Drum, use fresh peeled shrimp or crab on a fish-finder rig. Here's a local secret: if you're seeing them but they won't bite, try "scenting" your bait by crushing a piece of fresh shrimp onto it. That extra smell can often trigger a strike.
Cobia
Cobia are like the prize fighters of our coastal waters. They're big, strong, and put up one heck of a fight. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 60-pounders aren't uncommon. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast, but you can catch them through summer too. Cobia are curious fish, often coming right up to the boat to investigate. Anglers love the challenge of sight-fishing for them and their excellent eating quality. To catch one, have a heavy jig or live eel ready to cast when you spot them. Local tip: if you see rays, turtles, or whale sharks, always check for cobia swimming alongside them. These fish love to travel with larger marine life, picking off small prey in their wake.
Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They're easily identified by their copper color and black spot near the tail. Most fish we catch are in the 18-27 inch "slot" size, but big bulls over 40 inches cruise the beaches and inlets. You'll find Redfish in super shallow water, often tailing in less than a foot of water around oyster bars and grass flats. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spring and fall are excellent times to target them, but they're available year-round. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To catch them, try a gold spoon or a soft plastic jig on light tackle. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, look for their coppery backs flashing in shallow water. Cast well ahead of them and slowly drag your lure into their path for a reaction strike.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target here in Jacksonville. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though trophy "gator" trout can hit 10 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and near deeper channels. These fish are most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor on the table. To catch Sea Trout, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom. One local tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle "nervous water" caused by trout feeding on the surface. Cast a topwater lure like a Zara Spook just beyond the activity and work it back with a walk-the-dog retrieve for explosive strikes.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as flounder move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To land one, try drifting or still fishing near drop-offs or structure. Use a Carolina rig with live bait like mullet or shrimp. My local tip: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel down and lift firmly to set the hook.
About the Out N About Fishing Charter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
