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Premium 5-Hour Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville, FL
- $600 price range
- Updated Date: November 27, 2025
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Giant Redfish measured on deck
Solid Redfish catch from the river
Huge Redfish catch shared on deck
Massive Black Drum catch on the boat
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Energetic Striped Bass catch on the water
Strong Speckled Trout catch in Louisiana waters
Impressive Redfish catch on the bay
Powerful Black Drum catch on the water
Massive Redfish landed on the boat
Giant Redfish measured on deck
Solid Redfish catch from the river
Huge Redfish catch shared on deck
Massive Black Drum catch on the boat
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Energetic Striped Bass catch on the water
Strong Speckled Trout catch in Louisiana waters
Impressive Redfish catch on the bay
Powerful Black Drum catch on the water
Massive Redfish landed on the boat
Giant Redfish measured on deck
Solid Redfish catch from the river
Huge Redfish catch shared on deck
Massive Black Drum catch on the boat
Jacksonville's Hottest Half-Day Fishing Action
Get ready to put your angling skills to the test on this high-octane, half-day fishing trip in Jacksonville, Florida. We're talking serious fishing for serious anglers. No newbie hand-holding here – this is where you come to tangle with trophy redfish, outsmart wily sea trout, and maybe even lock horns with a bruiser snook. Our seasoned guides at Blue Cyclone Inland Charters know every nook and cranny of these waters, and they're itching to put you on the fish. Strap in for 5 hours of non-stop action, where your artificial lures and precision casting will be the weapons of choice.
Trip Overview
This ain't your average boat ride, folks. We're hitting Jacksonville's inshore honey holes hard and fast. You'll be sight-casting to tailing reds, working grass flats for gator trout, and maybe even ambushing tarpon in the backcountry creeks. Our guides are dialed into the seasonal patterns and daily tides, so we're always fishing the hot spots at prime time. Expect a fast-paced trip with minimal downtime – we're here to bend rods, not twiddle our thumbs. And hey, while we can't guarantee the fish will always cooperate, we can promise you'll get your money's worth in casts, laughs, and local knowledge.
Techniques and Tactics
Leave the live bait at home for this one. We're talking artificial lures all the way – topwater walking baits, soft plastics, and maybe a suspending twitch bait or two. You'll need to bring your 'A' game when it comes to working these lures effectively. We'll be sight-fishing when conditions allow, so keep those polarized glasses handy. Expect to cover a lot of water, whether we're poling shallow flats, drifting grass beds, or running and gunning between spots. Our skiffs are set up for stealth and mobility, letting us access those skinny-water honey holes where the big boys lurk. And don't worry if you're not up to speed on the local techniques – our guides are happy to share their tricks of the trade.
Target Species
Redfish: The crown jewel of Jacksonville's inshore scene. These copper-colored bruisers can push 40 inches in our waters, and they fight like their tails are on fire. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools flood the flats. Nothing beats watching a monster red crush a topwater lure in inches of water.
Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you – our "gator" trout are anything but delicate. These spotted predators have a knack for explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Winter is trophy time, when 5+ pounders are a real possibility. Watching a big trout smoke a walk-the-dog lure is worth the price of admission alone.
Snook: The wily ghosts of our backwaters. These ambush predators love structure and current, making them a challenge to both find and land. They're here year-round, but summer is prime time when they gather to spawn. Landing a big snook is a feather in any angler's cap – they're smart, strong, and notoriously picky.
Tarpon: The silver king himself. While we can't guarantee tarpon on every trip, when they show up, it's game on. These prehistoric beasts can push 100+ pounds in our waters, and they jump like their life depends on it. Spring and early summer are your best bet for a tarpon tango.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the flat-fish world. These ambush specialists blend in perfectly with the bottom, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Fall is flounder time in Jax, when they start their annual migration. They might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it on the dinner table.
What to Expect on the Water
First things first – we run a tight ship. Be ready to go at the scheduled time, because fish don't wait for stragglers. We'll provide the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite lures if you've got a lucky charm. Dress for the weather and don't forget sun protection – the Florida sun doesn't mess around. We'll be covering a lot of ground, so a good pair of polarized sunglasses is crucial for spotting fish (and protecting your eyes from errant casts). And while we're all about the fishing, don't forget to soak in the scenery – Jacksonville's waterways are home to all sorts of wildlife, from ospreys and dolphins to the occasional manatee.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, there's a reason our regulars keep booking trip after trip. It's not just about the fish (though we catch plenty). It's about the whole package. The thrill of stalking redfish in gin-clear water. The satisfaction of perfectly working a lure and getting crushed by a gator trout. The laughs and stories shared between casts. Our guides aren't just fish-finding machines – they're educators, entertainers, and guardians of these waters. You'll walk away with new skills, insider knowledge, and probably a few fish tales of your own. Plus, let's be honest – there's nothing like the bragging rights that come with landing a trophy inshore slam.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're still reading this, you know you want to get out on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to tangle with some of Jacksonville's finest, or an eager angler ready to step up your game, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to just two anglers per trip, so these slots fill up fast – especially during peak seasons. Don't be the one telling stories about "the trip that got away." Grab your fishing buddy, check your calendar, and lock in your date. The fish are waiting, and trust us, you don't want to miss out on this action. Book now, and let's make some waves (and memories) on Jacksonville's inshore playground.
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of Jacksonville's flats. These copper-colored brutes average 3-5 pounds inshore but can grow over 40 pounds in the surf. Look for them tailing in shallow water, especially around oyster bars and grass flats. They're most active in fall and spring, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish are prized for their strong fights and excellent table fare. To target them, try live or cut bait on the bottom, or sight-cast with artificial lures in clear shallows. My go-to setup is a gold spoon worked slowly across the flats. Keep an eye out for their distinctive tail sticking up out of the water – it's a dead giveaway. Remember, slot size limits apply, so measure carefully before keeping any fish.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple of Jacksonville's inshore fishing scene. These silver-spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches, but trophy "gator" trout can top 30 inches. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around oyster bars, often in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months, especially fall and spring. Trout are loved for their aggressive strikes and mild, flaky meat. To catch them, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs bounced along the bottom. One of my favorite techniques is working a topwater plug at dawn or dusk – the surface explosions are a blast. Pro tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. They often school up, so work an area thoroughly once you get a bite.
Snook
Snook are the ultimate inshore game fish around Jacksonville. These sleek predators average 1.5-2 feet long but can grow over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlets, especially during warmer months. Snook are ambush feeders, using their large mouths to inhale prey. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers prize snook for their challenging fight and tasty white meat. To target them, try live bait like pinfish or mullet around structure. For artificial lures, I swear by soft plastic jerkbaits worked slowly near cover. Remember, snook are temperature sensitive – they get sluggish below 70°F. Time your casts for low light conditions when they're most active feeding.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically grow 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries around Jacksonville. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try slow-trolling or drifting with a live bait like mullet or shrimp. My go-to trick is using a light jig head with a soft plastic grub, bouncing it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive thump, give it a second before setting the hook – flounder like to reposition their prey before swallowing.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of Jacksonville's waters, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric fish are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Look for them rolling in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers during warmer months. Spring and summer are prime tarpon seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers chase tarpon for the thrill of the fight – they're pure muscle and known for testing both skill and gear. To target them, use heavy tackle and live bait like mullet or crabs. For artificial lures, big swimbaits or topwater plugs can trigger explosive strikes. My top tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give slack. This "bowing to the king" helps keep the hook set. Remember, these are catch-and-release only in Florida, so handle them with care.
