Ready for a quick fishing fix in Jacksonville? Captain Ty Sikes has you covered with this fast-paced 2-hour charter that'll get you on the fish without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a local looking for a post-work cast or a visitor wanting to squeeze in some angling action, this trip is perfect for getting a taste of what Jax's waters have to offer. We'll zip out to some nearby hotspots where redfish, trout, and flounder are known to hang out, and before you know it, you'll be feeling that first tug on your line.
This ain't your average boat ride, folks. We're talking about a focused fishing mission where every minute counts. Captain Ty knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the good stuff. You and up to two buddies will hop aboard a well-equipped boat that's perfect for navigating the local inshore waters. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. All you gotta do is show up ready to fish. And don't worry if you're new to this – the captain's got plenty of patience and know-how to get you catching like a pro in no time.
Once we shove off, we'll head straight for some prime fishing grounds. Might be a grass flat where the redfish are tailing, or maybe a deep hole where the flounder are stacked up. The beauty of inshore fishing is that conditions can change day to day, so we'll go where the bite is hottest. We'll likely use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best. You might find yourself casting a popping cork for trout one minute and bottom fishing for sheepshead the next. The action can be fast and furious, so keep that rod tip up and be ready for anything!
Look, I get it – not everyone's got time for an all-day fishing marathon. That's why this 2-hour trip is such a hit. It's long enough to get your line wet and hopefully put some fish in the box, but short enough that you can still make that dinner reservation or beach day afterward. Plus, with a smaller group size, you get more personalized attention from the captain. It's perfect for families with kids who might not have the stamina for a longer trip, or for those times when you just need a quick fishing fix to scratch that angling itch.
Largemouth Bass: Now, you might be thinking, "Bass? In saltwater?" But hear me out. The St. Johns River and its tributaries are home to some monster largemouth. These bulldogs of the freshwater world can push 10 pounds or more in our parts. They love to hang around structure like fallen trees or docks, and when they hit, they hit hard. Spring and fall are prime times for bass, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look. There's nothing quite like watching a big ol' bucket mouth explode on a topwater lure at dawn.
Summer Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the inshore world. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. But man, when they decide to eat, it's game on. We typically target flounder around drop-offs, creek mouths, and structure like jetties or bridge pilings. The key is a slow presentation – let that bait or lure crawl along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive 'thump', give 'em a second to get the bait, then set the hook hard. Flounder fishing heats up in late spring and stays good through fall. And let me tell you, there's no better eating fish in these waters.
Sheepshead: If you want a real challenge, sheepshead are your fish. These striped convicts are notorious bait stealers with a mouth full of teeth that would make a dentist jealous. We find 'em around hard structure like bridge pilings, rock piles, and oyster beds. The bite can be super subtle – you've gotta have a sensitive touch to feel when they're messing with your bait. But once you get the hang of it, you can fill the cooler quick. Sheepshead are most active in the cooler months, making them a great target when other species slow down. And trust me, they're worth the effort – the meat is white, flaky, and delicious.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum. These copper-colored beauties are probably the most sought-after inshore species in Jacksonville, and for good reason. They fight like mad, they're great on the table, and when conditions are right, you can sight fish for them in shallow water. There's nothing quite like watching a big red's tail poking out of the water as it roots around for crabs, then placing the perfect cast in front of it. We catch reds year-round here, but fall is prime time when the big bulls come inshore to spawn. Whether you're throwing artificial lures or soaking cut bait, when a redfish takes off, hold on tight – you're in for a ride!
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and sling some bait, this 2-hour trip with Captain Ty is just the ticket. It's the perfect intro to Jacksonville's inshore fishing scene, and who knows, you might just end up with dinner for the grill. Remember, with only three spots per trip, these charters can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't sit on your hands – grab your fishing buddies, pick a date, and let's get you hooked up. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. See you on the water!
Largemouth bass are the heavy hitters of freshwater fishing around here. You'll find these guys lurking near structure in lakes and rivers, usually in 5-15 feet of water. They average 2-4 pounds but can grow over 10. Spring and fall are prime seasons when bass are most active. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. To land a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near submerged logs or weed beds. These fish have a serious appetite - I've seen them hit everything from tiny jigs to foot-long swimbaits. Just remember, they're ambush predators, so patience is key. Let that lure sit still for a bit and get ready for an explosive hit when they finally decide to strike.
Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water barely covering their backs. Most reds we catch run 5-10 pounds, but they can grow over 40. Fall's prime time when big schools flood the flats. Anglers love 'em for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To spot reds, look for their copper color or tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs. They'll hit a variety of lures, but nothing beats a live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for pushes of water. That's often a redfish looking for its next meal. Cast ahead of the push and hold on tight - when a red hits, you'll know it!
Sheepshead, or convict fish, are the bane of many anglers but a real treat once you figure them out. These striped thieves hang around structure like docks, bridges, and oyster beds in 5-15 feet of water. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't unheard of. Spring's the prime time as they move inshore to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with those human-like teeth, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. They put up a solid fight and taste great, making them popular targets. For best results, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a tip: when you feel the telltale tap-tap-tap, wait for the third tap before setting the hook. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be pulling in sheepshead left and right.
Summer flounder are masters of camouflage, blending right into the sandy bottom. Look for them in coastal waters and estuaries, typically in depths of 20-60 feet. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big doormats can push 30. Fall's the best time to target them as they migrate to deeper waters. Flounder fishing's all about patience and precision - you gotta feel that subtle bite. They're ambush predators, so a slow retrieval with live bait or soft plastics works well. Anglers love 'em for their delicate white meat and the challenge of hooking them. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to swallow the bait, then reel in steadily. It's a game of finesse, but land a big one and you'll be hooked for life.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115