Top-Rated Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charters

Half Day Fishing Trip in Jacksonville - Redfish, Trout and Flounder

Captain Ty Sikes knows Jacksonville's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour fishing charter puts you right in the sweet spots where redfish cruise the flats, speckled trout hang in the grass beds, and flounder lay waiting in ambush. Whether you're a first-timer who's never held a rod or a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique, this trip delivers steady action without the commitment of a full day on the water. With room for up to three anglers, it's perfect for a family outing or a small group of friends who want to experience some of the best inshore fishing the First Coast has to offer. Everything you need is included - rods, reels, bait, tackle, and even your fishing license - so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.

What to Expect on the Water

Your morning starts at one of Jacksonville's launch ramps, where Captain Ty will have the boat rigged and ready to roll. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one minute you're working the oyster bars near the St. Johns River mouth, the next you're poling across shallow grass flats where redfish tails break the surface like copper pennies. The captain reads the water conditions, tides, and weather to put you on the most productive spots for the day. Don't expect to anchor up and wait around - this is active fishing where you'll be moving, casting, and covering water to find where the fish are feeding. The boat stays stocked with a cooler and ice for your drinks and snacks, because staying hydrated and fueled up is just as important as having sharp hooks. Four hours might sound short, but when the fish are biting and you're learning new spots, time flies faster than a speckled trout hitting a topwater plug.

Techniques and Tackle

Captain Ty runs a mixed bag of techniques depending on what the fish want on any given day. You'll likely throw everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastic paddle tails bounced along the bottom. When the redfish are up shallow and happy, sight fishing with gold spoons or weedless jigs gets your heart pumping as you watch fish track your lure through crystal clear water. For trout, it's often about finding the right grass edge or oyster point where they're stacked up waiting for baitfish to sweep by on the current. Flounder fishing is a whole different game - these flatfish are masters of camouflage, so you're dragging baits slowly along sandy bottoms and shell bars where they lie buried, waiting to pounce. All the gear is top-rated stuff that can handle the fight these inshore species put up. The captain will show you how to work each technique properly, from the subtle twitches that trigger strikes to setting the hook with authority when you feel that telltale thump.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the crown jewel of Jacksonville's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from schooling "rats" around 18-22 inches up to true bulls that can stretch over 30 inches and put a serious bend in your rod. Fall and spring are prime time when big schools push into the shallows to feed, but Jacksonville's year-round fishery means you've got shots at reds in every season. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll crush a well-presented bait and then bulldoze toward the nearest oyster bar or grass bed, testing your drag and your nerves. The fight is pure power, and when you land your first slot red, you'll understand why so many anglers become obsessed with chasing these fish.

Speckled trout might not have the raw strength of a redfish, but they make up for it with acrobatics and attitude. These spotted beauties love grass flats, channel edges, and oyster bars where they can ambush unsuspecting shrimp and baitfish. Jacksonville's trout fishing peaks in the cooler months when big "gator" trout move shallow to feed, but keeper-sized fish are available throughout most of the year. They're notorious for their soft mouths, so setting the hook requires finesse rather than brute force. When you hook into a good trout, expect head shakes, jumps, and that distinctive speckled trout run that keeps you guessing which way they'll go next. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Summer flounder are the ninjas of the inshore world - perfectly camouflaged flatfish that can disappear into the sand so completely you'd never know they're there. These ambush predators set up along channel edges, around structure, and on sandy flats where they wait for prey to swim within striking distance. The bite is often subtle - just a gentle tap or the feeling of extra weight on your line - but once hooked, flounder put up a surprising fight with their broad, flat bodies creating maximum resistance in the water. Jacksonville's flounder fishing is best during the warmer months when these fish move inshore to feed before their fall migration. Landing a doormat flounder over 20 inches is a real trophy, and they're hands-down some of the best eating fish you'll find in these waters.

Time to Book Your Spot

This half-day trip with Captain Ty Sikes offers everything you need for a successful day on Jacksonville's productive inshore waters. The combination of variety, action, and expert guidance makes it a customer favorite for both newcomers and experienced anglers looking to explore new techniques or discover new honey holes. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred date and helps the captain plan for the best possible trip. Whether you're hoping to land your personal best redfish, dial in your trout fishing skills, or experience the unique challenge of flounder fishing, this charter delivers the goods. Jacksonville's inshore fishery is world-class