Jacksonville Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Jacksonville fishing trip is US $551, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $808 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Jacksonville are good for families?

Fishing charters in Jacksonville that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Jacksonville?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Jacksonville are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Jacksonville?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Jacksonville are:

What are the top types of fishing in Jacksonville?

The top 3 types of fishing in Jacksonville are:

Do Jacksonville fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Jacksonville provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Jacksonville?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Jacksonville are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Jacksonville?

Who are the top awarded captains in Jacksonville?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Jacksonville?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Jacksonville are:

4-hour fishing trips – US $711
6-hour fishing trips – US $802
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,100
10-hour fishing trips – US $1,739
11-hour fishing trips – US $2,000
12-hour fishing trips – US $2,033
18-hour fishing trips – US $2,200

Fishing in Jacksonville

Located at the mouth of the mighty St Johns River, Jacksonville fishing charters specialize in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. With rivers, inlets, offshore wrecks, and so much more, just about every type of maritime feature can be found in these parts. The opportunities here are endless all you have to do is get on the water!

These waters are home to bonafide monsters, with record-breaking Mackerel coming in alongside big Cobia, huge Redfish, and even impressive sizes of Largemouth Bass. Inshore, you’ll also stumble upon Flounder, Black Drum, Bluefish, and Sheepshead, as you peruse the scenic shallow waterways. The Gulf Stream is also certain to get the adrenaline pumping with Sailfish, Wahoo, and Blackfin Tuna waiting offshore.

No matter what, there’s never going to be enough time in the day to see everything Jacksonville has to offer. However, even if your time is limited to just an afternoon, the St Johns River can still show you plenty of action. Extend your trip by a couple of hours and you’ll also be able to get to the Intracoastal Waterway or the rich reefs nearshore. Finally, for Gulf Stream adventures, you’ll want to book nothing short of a full day!

After you’ve picked your target and the type of fishing you’d like to try, you’ll want to find a charter that best fits your needs. At the mouth of St Johns River, you’ll find charters ready to take you offshore, while moving further inland, there will be more guides who specialize in the area’s inshore fishery.

Rules & Regulations

Guests aboard a guided boat do not need to buy a fishing license for saltwater fishing, since charters in Jacksonville cover this for you. However, if you’re fishing in freshwater or on some public piers, shorelines, and bridges, you’ll need to have the appropriate fishing license.

Jacksonville

4.9 / 5

Based on 28556 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Jacksonville Fishing Seasons

January

The best thing about fishing in Jacksonville in January is that although it may be cold, the water is very clear. Fishing inshore is great for Sheepshead and Bluefish, while Black Sea Bass is being caught on the offshore reefs.

February

Battle the colder weather and get out on the water. Look for Redfish schooling in the creeks, around the jetties, and in the Intracoastal Waterway. Black Drum and Sheepshead are also biting well.

March

March is the month of big Black Drum in Jacksonville, and most inshore charters will devote a lot of time to catching and releasing the bigger breeding fish. With the water heating up, this is a great time to get out and about.

April

Winter fishing is now well and truly behind us and the warmer waters attract bait and a great variety of fish. Head out with light tackle and target Ladyfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle. Look for Cobia at the end of the month.

May

The fishing picks up even more. Spanish Mackerel, Ladyfish, and Redfish are all biting inshore, while Cobia is in full swing nearshore. Fan of big fish and small boats? Don't miss the Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic.

June

The ocean water warms up, nearly hitting the 80s mark. Saltwater moves up the river, meaning Redfish and Trout can be caught up to 20 miles upstream. Nearshore, look for Kingfish, Cobia, and Tarpon within 9-10 miles.

July

Be quick on your toes in Jacksonville in July. Fish in the morning to miss the storms and look for Sharks and Tarpon in the inlet and Bull Redfish in St Johns River. Don't miss the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament!

August

August means big fish and excitement in Jacksonville. What it doesn't necessarily mean is lots of eating fish. Charters this month will often involve battling with mighty Sharks nearshore or Bull Redfish in the inlet.

September

Fishing starts to diversify again in September. Look out for Tarpon in large numbers as they school from Fernadina to Matansaz Inlet. Offshore, Sailfish is biting 25 miles out.

October

In October, there are two words on the lips of every angler in Jacksonville: Bull Redfish. Big Reds are spawning in the flats - watch out for their spotted tails as you pole or wade towards them and practice your cast.

November

November is a great time to fish in Jacksonville. As the waters cool, the baitfish gather together as they begin their southerly migration. This attracts a large number of enjoyable inshore species, as well as the big Redfish.

December

With Redfish in clear waters and Sheepshead and Black Drum around the jetties, there's plenty to take your bait. And with plenty going on nearshore and offshore, the festive season will be far from boring.

Jacksonville Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Jacksonville

Huge red snapper!!! Well be back for him in july.

Pauls fish was missing a little horsepower!

What anglers said about fishing in Jacksonville

Don't be afraid to ask your captain lots of questions -- our captain was very knowledgeable (about the fish, water, equipment, seasons, local area, etc.) and quite friendly. He was eager to teach us about fishing these waters at this season and was also willing to engage in conversation along other lines.

5.0 / 5

Salty Charters Of Jacksonville

Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather! I personally recommend layering. Can be pretty cool in the morning but warms up nicely!

4.7 / 5

Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather! I personally recommend layering. Can be pretty cool in the morning but warms up nicely!

Fishbuster Charters

Stay inland for the first time. You will have a blast and will check out your sea legs.

5.0 / 5

Stay inland for the first time. You will have a blast and will check out your sea legs.

Backwater Fishing Adventures

It’s cold! Dress for the cold and you’ll have a great day! Put some Vaseline on your face to prevent chapped cheeks or get yourself a balaclava :)

5.0 / 5

It’s cold! Dress for the cold and you’ll have a great day! Put some Vaseline on your face to prevent chapped cheeks or get yourself a balaclava :)

Hooker Charters & Guide Service

Cooler weather makes it a little tougher fishing, however we warmed up quick when the bite was on.

5.0 / 5

Cooler weather makes it a little tougher fishing, however we warmed up quick when the bite was on.

Fishbuster Charters

November weather is unpredictable so be flexible and you will have a great time.

5.0 / 5

November weather is unpredictable so be flexible and you will have a great time.

Always Hookin Fishing Charters– 31' Contender

Bring sunglasses, bottled waters, maybe a small beach towel. That’s all you need.

5.0 / 5

Bring sunglasses, bottled waters, maybe a small beach towel. That’s all you need.

Sea Dancer Charters

Capt Bill held and excellent day for my family and I. His attentiveness towards my son was beyond reproach. His knowledge was definitely passed on to us and we are looking forward to the next trip. I’m glad we were able to make some memories as a family and Capt Bill definitely made that happen!

5.0 / 5

Hooker Charters & Guide Service Lake City, Florida

Bottom fishing was excellent with non-stop action. We caught tons of red snapper, lots of Black Sea bass, several triggerfish, a few vermillion snapper, a Cobia, and a handful of other species. Don’t expect any trophy fish but do expect to get worn out from catching fish all day and make sure to plan out a dinner with your fresh catch!

5.0 / 5

Hott Pursuit Fishing Charters

Notice that once you come in the presence of captain Travis that you will feel know that you are in good hands.

5.0 / 5

Notice that once you come in the presence of captain Travis that you will feel know that you are in good hands.

River City Charters Lithonia, GA

It is all weather dependent! Don't get upset if you don't catch a whole bunch of fish, there are so many factors at play. Just relax and have a good time!

5.0 / 5

It is all weather dependent! Don't get upset if you don't catch a whole bunch of fish, there are so many factors at play. Just relax and have a good time!

Hooker Charters & Guide Service United States

You can’t be out during the heat of the day. The bite rapidly fades off as it gets warmer. Sunrise to about 10am is pretty good

5.0 / 5

You can’t be out during the heat of the day. The bite rapidly fades off as it gets warmer. Sunrise to about 10am is pretty good

River City Charters Jacksonville, FL

Go for a charter. There so much to learn and I tried for a year to learn it myself and was doing it all wrong.

5.0 / 5

Go for a charter. There so much to learn and I tried for a year to learn it myself and was doing it all wrong.

Capt. Roland Bell

Talk to the locals and try and figure out what they're biting the rig they're using to catch the fish and it what depths are they catching them

5.0 / 5

Talk to the locals and try and figure out what they're biting the rig they're using to catch the fish and it what depths are they catching them

Hooker Charters & Guide Service Kingsland, Georgia

It can be good boat ride to location but once you're there, the experience will be awesome.

5.0 / 5

It can be good boat ride to location but once you're there, the experience will be awesome.

Sweet Lips Fishing Charters, Llc Jacksonville, FL

Bring snacks. Small Cooler of drinks. Sunscreen. Long sleeve fishing shirt overtop swimsuit or trunks. A lucky hat. Sunglasses. Generous tip for the Captain & first mate. Cellphone for pictures and video of your catch. We brought a small backpack and cooler aboard. I used a beach towel to cover my daughter's legs from sun. Just enjoy every minute

5.0 / 5

Reel Adventures Fishing Charters

Wear tons of industrial strenght sunscreen and bring a rashguard! Also, take arm day at the gym seriously. You will need all of the upper body strength you've got to pull some of these giants in!

5.0 / 5

Wear tons of industrial strenght sunscreen and bring a rashguard! Also, take arm day at the gym seriously. You will need all of the upper body strength you've got to pull some of these giants in!

Sweet Lips Fishing Charters, Llc

Excellent weather but a little rough out there. If you get sea sick come prepared

5.0 / 5

Excellent weather but a little rough out there. If you get sea sick come prepared

Fishbuster Charters Las Vegas, NV

End of April was much better than.mid February on our experience. We changed the annual trip for the warmer days, which paid off nicely

5.0 / 5

End of April was much better than.mid February on our experience. We changed the annual trip for the warmer days, which paid off nicely

Sweet Lips Fishing Charters, Llc Leesburg, VA

Make sure you are aware of when the kingfish run. I was in the area because of work but if I had a choice I would have come a few week later to troll for them

5.0 / 5

Make sure you are aware of when the kingfish run. I was in the area because of work but if I had a choice I would have come a few week later to troll for them

Fishbuster Charters Jacksonville, Florida

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Jacksonville?

Sea Dancer Charters
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(216 reviews)

Captain Dennis didn’t disappoint. We really enjoyed the 6 hours with him and appreciate the time he spent teaching three eleven year olds to catch over 50 fish!!

Shane E.

Capt. Roland Bell
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(53 reviews)

Captain Roland makes sure you have a good time. We caught sheep head red snapper and 6 foot sharks!

Dominick A.

Tannic Water Adventures Inc.
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(33 reviews)

The fishing was a little slow but picked up later in the evening which could be expected! Our captain was awesome everything we needed he was right there to help us out. I will definitely book with him again!

Deontre R.

Tannic Water Adventures Inc.
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(33 reviews)

Tides4fishing said it was a one fish day, let me tell you, Captain Austin made our trip, Much more and then some. Would Highly Recommend. We will definitely use him again!!!

Carrie S.

Top Knot Charters
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(7 reviews)

Our captain, Gary, was tremendous. From greeting us at the dock to working hard to put us on both trout and then red fish, Gary went above and beyond. The boat was well stocked and we switch rods and bait several times to offer more opportunities to catch fish. Gary’s knowledge was very apparent. Not only would be highly recommend to others but we will return specifically to fish with him again.

Dee W.

Salty Charters Of Jacksonville
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(188 reviews)

Our captain told us it was windier than wanted for good fishing, but we had a great time -- we caught more fish than we could keep and enjoyed being on the water.

Eric H.

Fishbuster Charters
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(151 reviews)

It's was fun. My uncle and grandfather had fun also. Robert was very good at knowing where the fish was at and had a good idea and what would be biting. I'm looking forward to booking another one when I come back down.

Travis G.

Always Hookin Fishing Charters– 31' Contender
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(19 reviews)

Super helpful with my 7 year old and we both had a blast. Also caught tons of fish! Plan on an off shore trip when I’m back in the area!

CJ C.

Fishbuster Charters
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(151 reviews)

Capt. Bob is a kindly Old Salt whose sole focus is giving his customers the best experience possible. His insights are very interesting and he never lost his humor with his landlubber clients who barely knew which end of the rod to hold. Our “battle” with the 7 foot shark we hooked was epic!

Earl P.

Tannic Water Adventures Inc.
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(33 reviews)

Captain Austin was great and very knowledgeable, my 8 year old daughter who went on the trip with me. He stood by her the whole time, helped coach her on how to cast, how to reel the fish in and she was able to end the day with very nice 24 inch red fish!! Overall it was a fantastic day and would highly recommend going on this trip. Kid friendly

William G.

Capt. Roland Bell
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(53 reviews)

Great time on the water, cool scenery and great fishing. Awesome day on the boat.

Andrew W.

Tannic Water Adventures Inc.
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(33 reviews)

Had a great time with Captain Austin catching a lot of great fish! It was just me individually going out as a novice fisher from out of state- it was a fantastic learning experience. Capt. was helpful and had great tips. I got to reel in my biggest fish to date! I will be coming back when I visit Jacksonville again!

Jessica W.

Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(19 reviews)

We had a great time fishing with Capt. Frank, the wind gave us a run for our money. But overall Capt. Frank showed us a good time ans we caught a few fish!

Tasha N.

Always Hookin Fishing Charters– 31' Contender
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(19 reviews)

Weather conditions were challenging and yet Captain Greg and first mate John found the fish, showed us how to catch them and gave my family a needed bonding time a great experience.

Brian F.

Hooker Charters & Guide Service
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(362 reviews)

We took a 4 hour Am inland trip on St John's River. It was low tide, and Captain Bill got us on the fish. He took the time to give us fishing tips and tricks and soon we were landing them in the boat. Thank you Captain Bill for a fun day with great conversations. We will be having some delicious fish dinners this week. I will be calling you again!

Ashley D.

Reel Adventures Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

4.3 / 5

(35 reviews)

High wind and rough seas but Captain Ryan still managed to put us in a few fish. Really enjoyed taking with him about the area and if my son and I can get back to the Jacksonville area later this year we will definitely reach out to Reel Adventures again

John P.

Sweet Lips Fishing Charters, Llc
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(164 reviews)

We had an excellent trip with Chris! Couldn’t have asked for a better captain. He was attentive at all times and was great fishing with the kids. Experience is a plus and this guy knows his stuff. We’ll definitely go out with SweetLips again

Matthew V.

Tannic Water Adventures Inc.
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(33 reviews)

We had a Fantastic day with Captain Austin! He took us out to target what we asked for and put in the work to get us fish. We caught a bunch of different species and ate good for a few nights for sure. Thanks again Captain!

Keith G.

Capt. Roland Bell
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(53 reviews)

Captain Roland was kind, professional, and knew where to catch fish! We did and 8 hour excursion and it was a blast! Can not recommend him enough!

Colt L.

Hott Pursuit Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Jacksonville

5.0 / 5

(135 reviews)

Capt Chris worked hard to make sure we found fish. Answered all our questions about the area. Was very knowledgeable about fishing area. Great experience!