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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville, FL
- Published Date: November 14, 2025
- Fishing
- $550 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
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.
Reel in the Big Ones: Jacksonville's Inshore Hotspots
Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive waters? Captain Tom Wheeler's got you covered with this action-packed half-day trip right here in Jacksonville. We're talking primo fishing grounds where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic, loaded with redfish, black drum, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's designed to put you on fish and send you home with stories to tell.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll shove off bright and early at 7 AM from the dock at 4870 Ocean St. You and up to three buddies will hop aboard Captain Tom's 25-foot Robalo – a sweet ride that's perfect for cruising these waters. This isn't some cattle boat operation; it's just you, your group, and the captain, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one time to pick his brain and dial in your technique. We provide all the gear, from rods and reels to live bait, so all you need to bring is your game face (and maybe some snacks and sunscreen). Over the next four hours, we'll hit Captain Tom's favorite spots, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to tasty flounder.
Top Catches This Season
Jacksonville's inshore waters are like a buffet for gamefish, and we've got the tools to take advantage. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. Expect to do some light tackle casting around structures for redfish and trout, maybe some bottom fishing for black drum, or even sight-casting if conditions are right. Captain Tom's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks for speckled trout or working a jig for those doormat flounder. Don't worry if you're new to this – the captain will walk you through every cast and retrieve until you're hooking up like a pro.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, and when they hit, hold on tight! Redfish in our area can range from "rat reds" of a couple pounds up to bull reds pushing 40 inches. They're most active in the fall, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are like redfish's beefy cousins. They've got a distinctive "croaking" sound and can grow to monster sizes. We typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. They're bottom feeders, so we'll use natural baits like crab or shrimp to tempt them. Spring and fall are prime time for big schools of black drum.
Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're known for their spotted sides and delicate flavor. We catch them year-round, but the bigger "gator" trout show up in winter. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures work great too. The challenge with trout is their soft mouths – you've got to finesse them in!
Southern Flounder: Flatfish fanatics, this one's for you. Flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on the bottom. They're most active in fall as they prepare to migrate offshore. We'll target them around drop-offs and creek mouths using live mullet or soft plastics. The biggest challenge? Spotting them – they're masters of camouflage!
Cobia: These guys are the wildcards of our inshore trips. Cobia are migratory fish that show up in spring and fall, often hanging around buoys or following large rays. They're curious fish, so sometimes you can sight-cast to them. When hooked, they put up an epic fight, making runs and even jumping occasionally. Landing a cobia is always cause for celebration!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, there's a reason Captain Tom's been running these trips for years. It's not just about catching fish (though we do plenty of that). It's about experiencing the natural beauty of Jacksonville's waterways, learning new techniques, and making memories with friends and family. Maybe you'll see dolphins playing in the wake or spot a manatee lounging in the shallows. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps folks coming back season after season.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, what do you say? Ready to get out there and bend some rods? This half-day trip is perfect if you're short on time but still want a shot at some quality fish. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests max, so it's an ideal setup for families or a group of buddies. All the gear's provided, the boat's comfortable, and Captain Tom knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip's got you covered. Don't let the big one get away – book your spot now and let's go fishing!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of our local waters. These bruisers can reach 90 pounds, though most are in the 5-30 pound range. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in brackish waters. They love to hang out in depths from just a few feet to about 30 feet. Spring's your best bet, as they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their powerful fights and the weird croaking sounds they make. The smaller ones, under 15 pounds, are great eating too. If you're after Black Drum, use natural baits like crab or clams on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: when you feel those telltale thumps, let the fish run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. These guys have tough mouths, so you want to make sure they've really got the bait before you try to reel 'em in.
Cobia
Cobia are the oddball fighters of our local waters. These solitary fish can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most are smaller. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and even hanging with big rays. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love Cobia for their hard fights and excellent table fare. They're curious fish, often swimming right up to the boat. To catch one, try sight fishing with live eels or big jigs. Here's a local secret: when you see a Cobia, don't spook it by casting right on its head. Drop your bait a few feet away and let the fish's curiosity do the work. And be ready – when they hit, they hit hard!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of our inshore waters. They average 28-33 inches but can grow much bigger. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for Redfish because they're tough fighters and great eating. That signature black spot near the tail? It's actually there to confuse predators. To catch one, try sight fishing in clear shallows or working deeper channels with live bait. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Cast just ahead of them and hold on tight!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a local favorite here in Jacksonville. These silvery fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight for their size. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love hanging around structures like oyster beds and drop-offs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their sporty nature and tasty, flaky white meat. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures work well too. Here's a local trick: try fishing topwater lures at first light or dusk. The surface strikes are explosive and a blast to watch. Just remember, these fish have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing it.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're usually 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, mild flavor and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait or artificial lures. A local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before turning it to swallow. This pause can make the difference between landing a fish and missing it entirely.
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
