%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1823%2Fimages%2F2.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated Jacksonville Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville Beach, FL
- $500 - $800 price range
- Updated Date: October 5, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F7d45984b-840b-47a5-9d6f-ef7d9502ea6c%2Fratecard%2F4.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Rods Bent, Fish On!
Hooked up on a copper beauty
Redfish never disappoint
The tug of a red never gets old
Inshore favorite — the mighty red
Chasing tails in the shallows
Redfish run = good day on the water
Copper tones and tight lines
Nothing like sight-casting a red
Big bulls, bigger smiles
One spot, endless memories
Hooked up on a copper beauty
Redfish never disappoint
The tug of a red never gets old
Inshore favorite — the mighty red
Chasing tails in the shallows
Redfish run = good day on the water
Copper tones and tight lines
Nothing like sight-casting a red
Big bulls, bigger smiles
One spot, endless memories
Hooked up on a copper beauty
Redfish never disappoint
The tug of a red never gets old
Inshore favorite — the mighty red
Half-Day Fishing Frenzy off Jacksonville Beach
Ready for an afternoon of non-stop fishing action? El Cazador Fishing Charters has you covered with our half-day trip that'll have you reeling in the good times just offshore from Jacksonville Beach. From noon 'til sunset, we'll be dropping lines and hauling in some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our experienced crew will make sure you're in on the action. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for some of the best fishing Jacksonville has to offer!
What's the Deal?
We'll cruise out about 10 miles from shore, where the fishing grounds are teeming with life. You'll be using light tackle, perfect for feeling every nibble and putting up a good fight with whatever takes your bait. We'll mix it up between jigging and trolling, giving you a taste of different techniques and maximizing your chances of landing a variety of fish. The afternoon light on the water is something special, and as the sun starts to dip, the bite often heats up. It's not uncommon for our guests to go home with a cooler full of fish and a camera roll full of memories.
Fishing Know-How
Don't worry if you're new to this – our captain's got years of experience and knows these waters like the back of their hand. They'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to setting the drag just right. We'll be using a mix of live bait and lures, depending on what's working best that day. Jigging is a blast – you'll drop your line down and give it some action to mimic a wounded baitfish. When we're trolling, we'll drag lines behind the boat as we cruise, covering more water and often picking up some of the bigger predators. The key is staying alert – when that rod bends, it's game on!
Fish You'll Be Chasing
Jacksonville's waters are home to a real mixed bag of fish, and that's what makes it so exciting. Let's break down some of the stars of the show:
Sheepshead: These striped bandits are a local favorite. They hang around structure like pilings and reefs, and they're known for their sneaky bites. Sheepshead put up a great fight for their size and make for some fantastic eating. The trick is to set the hook fast – they're notorious bait stealers!
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, and when they're on the feed, the action can be non-stop. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, and hooking into one is always a thrill. They're at their best in the fall, but you can catch them year-round in Jacksonville.
Cobia: These guys are the prize of many anglers. Cobia are powerful swimmers and can grow to impressive sizes. They're migratory, following the warmer waters, and when they show up, it's always cause for excitement. Cobia are curious fish and often swim right up to the boat – be ready to cast quickly!
Red Snapper: These deep-water dwellers are prized for their flaky white meat and put up a serious fight. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's like a holiday for local anglers. They typically hang out over reefs and wrecks, and hauling one up from the depths is always a rush.
Brook Trout: While not typically found in the saltwater we'll be fishing, brook trout are occasionally caught in the freshwater systems feeding into the Jacksonville area. They're known for their beautiful coloration and are a treat for fly fishing enthusiasts in the cooler, upstream waters.
Why Folks Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing off Jacksonville Beach. Maybe it's the way the skyline looks from out on the water, or how the Atlantic breeze carries away all your worries. Our regulars tell us it's the perfect escape from the daily grind – just a few hours out here and you feel like a new person. Plus, there's nothing like the satisfaction of catching your own dinner. And let's be honest, the bragging rights of landing a big one are pretty sweet too.
Time to Get Your Line Wet
So there you have it – an afternoon of world-class fishing right in Jacksonville's backyard. Whether you're looking to test your skills against some hard-fighting fish or just want to soak up some sun and salt air, this trip's got you covered. Our half-day afternoon trips are perfect for fitting some fishing into a busy schedule or capping off a day of beach-going. Don't let another season slip by without getting out on the water. Give El Cazador Fishing Charters a call and let's get your next fishing adventure on the books. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting!
Learn more about the species
Brook Trout
Brook trout aren't native to Jacksonville, but they're a beloved target in our cooler mountain streams up north. These colorful beauties typically run 8-12 inches and under a pound. Look for them in clear, cold creeks with plenty of cover like fallen logs and boulders. Spring and fall offer the best fishing as water temps cool. Anglers prize brookies for their stunning colors and spirited fights on light tackle. To catch one, try fly fishing with small dry flies or nymphs. Here's a local tip: approach low and slow, casting upstream to avoid spooking these wary fish. When you see that flash of orange and blue, set the hook gently - their mouths are soft. While they're small, brook trout more than make up for it in beauty and the wild places they call home.
Cobia
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to target off Jacksonville. These sleek, brown predators can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime as cobia migrate along the coast. Anglers prize them for their powerful runs and delicious meat. To land one, try sight fishing near the surface with bucktail jigs or live eels. Here's a local tip: when you spot a cobia, cast well ahead of it and let your bait sink. These curious fish will often investigate, giving you a shot at hooking up. Be ready for a fight - cobia pull hard and don't give up easily!
Red Snapper
Red snapper are a prized catch in Jacksonville's offshore waters. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but monsters over 30 pounds are possible. You'll find them holding near reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 100-300 feet of water. Summer is prime time when regulations allow harvesting. Anglers love snapper for their hard-fighting spirit and fantastic table fare. To catch one, drop live bait or heavy jigs right to the bottom. Here's a tip: use circle hooks to improve your hook-up ratio and release fish safely. When you feel that telltale thump, reel steady and get ready for a battle. Red snapper pull hard all the way up, so keep tension on the line. The reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
Redfish
Redfish are a staple target in Jacksonville's shallows. These copper-colored beauties average 28-33 inches but can push 50 pounds. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water around oyster beds, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Fall and spring are peak seasons as they school up. Anglers love redfish for their hard-pulling fight and that distinctive tail spot. They're also excellent eating. To hook one, try sight fishing with light tackle. A local trick: use a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning over grass flats. When you see that big tail sticking up, cast beyond it and work your lure right into the feeding zone. Just be ready - when a big red hits, hang on tight!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are a unique catch around Jacksonville. These striped fish, often called "convict fish," typically run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches. You'll find them hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles to munch on. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their stubborn fight and tasty white meat. They're notorious bait stealers though, so here's a tip: use a small, sharp hook and set it quick when you feel that telltale nibble. Live fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp work great. Just remember, cleaning them can be tricky with their tough scales, but the flavor is worth the effort. Sheepshead offer a fun challenge for all skill levels right in our local waters.
About the Pathfinder
%2F%2Fusers%2F7d45984b-840b-47a5-9d6f-ef7d9502ea6c%2Fvehicle_picture%2Felcazador.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
