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Caught a Trophy Redfish Inshore in Jacksonville
Redfish Fishing in Jacksonville
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - Red-colored back fades to white belly. - Popular game fish prized for light flavor.
Guided Fishing Trip by Captain Dave Sipler in December
Meet your Captain Dave Sipler
- Jacksonville Florida Inshore & Saltmarsh Charters
Summary
Captain Dave Sipler leads private redfish charters on Friday October from Jacksonville's St. Johns River and saltmarsh waters. This 2-person guided fishing trip targets trophy redfish in shallow inshore flats using live bait and artificial lures. The 20-foot Jettywolf bay boat provides access to prime redfish habitat where anglers regularly land 10-45 pound fish. All tackle, licensing, and safety equipment included with this full-service Jacksonville fishing charter. Book online for immediate confirmation and competitive rates.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dave – Rates & Booking
Captain Dave Sipler of Capt. Dave's Sport Fishing on Friday October offers private 2-person redfish charters departing at 7am for up to 6 hours on Jacksonville's premier inshore waters. This $400 charter includes all rods, reels, tackle, coolers, ice, safety equipment, and Florida fishing licenses. The rate is paid in full at booking with no additional dock fees. Fish cleaning and filleting available on a gratuity basis. Contact Captain Dave at 904-642-9546 (8am-8pm) or jettywolf@gmail.com for cash payment arrangements.
Highlights of 2 person 4 Hr. Jacksonville FL.
This private charter targets redfish, seatrout, and black drum in the St. Johns River system and surrounding saltmarsh. Captain Dave's 28 years of local experience ensures productive fishing using bottom rigs, jig heads, and slip floats with live and artificial baits. The custom 2025 Jettywolf shallow draft bay boat accesses prime inshore flats and backcountry spots where trophy redfish feed.
Recent success includes a 17-pound redfish caught while chunking pogies in 20 feet of water near the ICW. Afternoon clearing conditions often provide the most exciting fishing opportunities around Mayport and surrounding waters.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Jacksonville's redfish thrive in the extensive saltmarsh and river systems where tidal flow creates perfect feeding conditions every six hours. These copper-colored drum prefer shallow flats from 1-4 feet deep, making sight fishing possible on clear days. October brings cooler water temperatures that concentrate redfish in predictable areas, with fish ranging from slot-size 18-27 inchers to oversized bulls exceeding 30 pounds. Captain Dave targets structure like oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where redfish ambush baitfish during moving tides.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
The 20-foot Jettywolf accommodates 2 anglers comfortably with ample casting room and storage for gear. Departure from Mayport area provides quick access to productive inshore waters. Guests should bring drinks, snacks, and wear sneakers only—no work boots or hard-soled shoes. Open-toed sandals not recommended for safety. Participants must be mobile and able to cast spinning tackle for optimal fishing success. All safety equipment meets Coast Guard requirements.
Fishing in Jacksonville: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier game fish belonging to the family Sciaenidae and order Perciformes. These distinctive copper-colored fish are easily identified by one or more black eyespots near their tail and their characteristic red back that fades to a white belly. In Jacksonville waters this October, redfish provide some of the most exciting inshore fishing opportunities along Florida's Atlantic coast.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized by anglers for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. These drum species can live over 40 years and grow to impressive sizes, with fish ranging from slot-size specimens to massive bulls exceeding 50 pounds. Their popularity stems from their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to take both live and artificial baits.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
Redfish inhabit shallow coastal waters from Massachusetts to northern Mexico, with Jacksonville's extensive saltmarsh and river systems providing ideal habitat. They prefer water depths of 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths where tidal flow concentrates baitfish. The St. Johns River and surrounding backcountry offer perfect redfish habitat with varying salinity levels and abundant food sources.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically measure 30-61 inches and weigh 10-45 pounds, though exceptional specimens can exceed these ranges. Florida's slot limit protects breeding-size fish, allowing harvest of redfish between 18-27 inches. Trophy bulls over 30 pounds are common in Jacksonville waters, particularly during cooler months when larger fish move into shallow feeding areas.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish. They often feed in shallow water with their tails exposed, creating excellent sight fishing opportunities. These fish are most active during moving tides when prey is displaced from cover. Dawn and dusk feeding periods typically produce the most consistent action.
Redfish Spawning Season
Redfish spawn in nearshore waters from August through November, with peak activity occurring in September and October. During this period, large schools of mature fish gather in deeper water before returning to inshore areas. Water temperatures between 70-85 degrees trigger spawning behavior, making fall an excellent time for trophy fishing.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Successful redfish techniques include sight casting to tailing fish, bottom fishing with cut bait, and working artificial lures around structure. Live shrimp, mullet, and pogies are proven baits, while gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs excel with artificial presentations. In October, Jacksonville anglers find redfish concentrated around oyster bars and grass flats during incoming tides.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild flavor similar to snapper. The flesh is lean and flakes easily when cooked, making it perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. Redfish are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while remaining low in mercury, making them a healthy seafood choice for families.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp and cut mullet are top choices, though redfish readily take artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastics worked around structure.
Q: Where can I find redfish near Jacksonville?
A: The St. Johns River, Mayport area, and surrounding saltmarsh flats provide excellent redfish habitat, especially around oyster bars and grass beds.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried. They're high in protein and low in mercury.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Moving tides during dawn and dusk produce the most consistent action, with fall months offering excellent trophy fishing opportunities.
More species you can explore on this trip
Capt. Dave’s Sport Fishing Available Trips
The 2025 custom Jettywolf is a 20-foot shallow draft bay boat specifically designed for Jacksonville's inshore waters. This modern vessel features a quiet trolling motor for stealthy approaches to redfish flats, plus ample deck space for two anglers to cast comfortably. The shallow draft design allows access to backcountry spots and grass flats where trophy redfish feed, while the stable platform ensures safe fishing in varying conditions. Captain Dave's boat includes all necessary safety equipment, rod holders, and storage for tackle and personal items during your Jacksonville fishing adventure.
