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Pro-Level Fishing Trip in Jacksonville, FL
- Published Date: November 14, 2025
- Fishing
- $550 price range
Summary
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Reels Screaming
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.
Jacksonville's Pro-Level Inshore Fishing Adventure
Ready to test your skills against some of Florida's toughest inshore fighters? Captain Tom Wheeler's half-day advanced fishing trip in Jacksonville is the real deal. We're talking serious angling action for experienced fishermen who want to tangle with trophy redfish, black drum, and more. This isn't your average tourist fishing trip - it's 4 hours of non-stop action aboard a fully-rigged 25' Robalo that'll put you on the fish fast.
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment we shove off from Ocean Street, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise the St. Johns River and nearby Atlantic hotspots, hitting prime fishing grounds that only the locals know. Capt. Tom's got years of experience under his belt, so he knows exactly where the big boys are hiding. You'll be using top-of-the-line gear and live bait to target redfish, black drum, cobia, sea trout, and flounder. And with downriggers on board, we can get deep where the monsters lurk. This is a private trip for up to 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room to work those rods. No need to worry about licenses either - we've got you covered.
Techniques That Land Lunkers
On this trip, we're pulling out all the stops. We'll mix it up with some sight casting in the shallows for tailing reds, then switch to bottom fishing with live bait for those big, ugly black drum. When the bite is on, we might troll for Spanish mackerel or cobia. Capt. Tom's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks for trout or slow-trolling live mullet for trophy redfish. You'll need to be on your game - these fish fight hard and dirty. But don't worry, the captain's there to coach you through every cast and hookset. By the end of the day, you'll have some new techniques in your arsenal and hopefully a few "personal best" catches under your belt.
Top Catches This Season
Jacksonville's inshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been hauling in bull redfish over 40 inches, black drum pushing 50 pounds, and cobia that'll make your arms ache. The flounder bite has been insane too, with some real doormats coming to the net. Sea trout action picks up as we move into fall, with gator trout over 5 pounds not uncommon. Of course, fish don't read calendars, so every day is different. That's what keeps us coming back for more!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (also called red drum) are the ultimate challenge. These copper-colored beauties can grow over 50 inches long and put up a fight that'll test your drag. In the shallows, you might spot their tails waving as they root for crabs. Bigger bulls cruise deeper channels, especially in fall and winter. There's nothing like the initial run of a big red - hold on tight!
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world. These heavyweight cousins of the redfish can top 80 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-30 pound range. They love crustaceans, so we often use live shrimp or crab to tempt them. Black drum tend to hang around structure like bridges and deep holes. When you hook one, be ready for a stubborn, down-and-dirty fight.
Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're abundant, great eating, and put up a respectable fight on light tackle. We target them around grass flats and oyster bars, often using soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. The real thrill is hooking into a big "gator" trout over 5 pounds - they're craftier and fight much harder than their smaller cousins.
Cobia: These powerful fish are a bonus catch on inshore trips, but when we find them, it's game on. Cobia love structure and often hang around buoys, markers, or even free-swimming rays. They're curious fish, so sight-casting to them can be incredibly exciting. Be ready for long, powerful runs and some acrobatics when you hook up. Cobia in the 20-40 pound range are common, but they can grow much larger.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their table quality. We target flounder around drop-offs, creek mouths, and structure using live bait or soft plastics bounced along the bottom. The bite is subtle, but once hooked, flounder put up a spirited battle. In Jacksonville, we see a good number of 3-5 pounders, with some real doormats pushing 8 pounds or more.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Jacksonville's inshore waters are a fishing paradise, plain and simple. Where else can you target such a variety of hard-fighting fish in one trip? From the adrenaline rush of sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water to the arm-burning battle with a big black drum in the channel, there's something for every angler here. And let's not forget the scenery - you might spot dolphins, manatees, or even a bald eagle while we're out there. Plus, with Capt. Tom's local knowledge and fully-rigged boat, you're set up for success from the start. It's no wonder folks come back year after year to wet a line in these waters.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're an experienced angler looking for a real challenge, this half-day advanced fishing trip in Jacksonville is calling your name. With Capt. Tom Wheeler and Out N About Fishing Charter, you're in for some of the best inshore action Florida has to offer. Remember, this is a private trip for up to 4 anglers, so grab your fishing buddies and make it happen. All the gear is provided, the licenses are covered, and the fish are waiting. The only thing missing is you! Don't let another season slip by - book your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class inshore fishing you won't soon forget. Tight lines!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, packing a serious punch on the line. These bruisers can range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90+. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in brackish waters. They're most active in spring during spawning, but you can catch 'em year-round. Black Drum are popular for their strong fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To hook into one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a local trick: listen for their distinctive drumming sound underwater - it's how they communicate and can lead you right to them. Just remember, the big ones can be tough and not as tasty, so consider releasing those trophy-sized catches.
Cobia
Cobia are the bruisers of our nearshore waters, often mistaken for sharks with their sleek, brown bodies. These solitary fighters can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run 30 to 50 pounds. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30 to 70 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they migrate north, but you can catch them through summer. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-fishing with live eels or big jigs. Here's a tip: when you spot a cobia, get your bait in front of it fast. They're curious fish and will often investigate, but they spook easily if you make them wait. Once hooked, be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily and will test your stamina.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. They're easy to spot with that trademark black dot near their tail. Most "slot" reds run 18 to 27 inches, but they can grow over 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near mangroves. They love to tail in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers go nuts for reds because they pull hard, eat just about anything, and taste great on the grill. To land one, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local secret: on hot days, look for them under docks or in deeper holes. They'll often stack up in these cooler spots and ambush bait as it passes by.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Jacksonville anglers. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, with some topping 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are prized for their light, flaky meat and the exciting topwater strikes they provide. To target them, try using soft plastic jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork. One tip: when the water's cool, slow down your retrieve and work deeper areas. These fish don't like sudden temperature drops, so they'll often hunker down in holes or channels when it gets chilly. Sea Trout put up a good fight and make for some fantastic eating - just be sure to release the big breeders to keep the population healthy.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as they move to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty, flaky white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To land one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Use a single-hook rig with a 1/4 to 3/8 oz head, letting it bump along the bottom. When you feel that telltale "thump," give it a few seconds before setting the hook - flounder like to grab their prey and reposition it before fully committing.
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
