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Best Family Fishing Trips in Jacksonville
- Published Date: November 13, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville
- Updated Date: November 21, 2025
Summary
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Family Fishing Fun
Family Fishing Fun in Jacksonville's Inshore Waters
Ready to get the kids hooked on fishing? Our family-friendly fishing trips in Jacksonville are the perfect way to introduce the little ones to the joys of angling. Led by Captain David, who's been navigating these waters for decades, you'll get a fun, safe, and educational day out on Jacksonville's inshore fishing grounds. We've got all the gear and licenses sorted, so you can focus on making memories and maybe even catching dinner!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising through Jacksonville's scenic waterways, the sun warming your face as Captain David points out local wildlife and shares fishing tales. The kids are wide-eyed, taking it all in. Before you know it, you're at a prime fishing spot, and the real fun begins. We'll show the kiddos how to bait their hooks, cast their lines, and reel in their catch. Don't be surprised if they out-fish the adults – it happens more often than you'd think! With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention, making this the perfect private charter for families who want to learn together.
Fishing 101: Kid-Friendly Edition
We keep things simple and fun for the young anglers. Captain David's got a way of explaining fishing techniques that even the littlest fishers can understand. We'll cover the basics of inshore fishing, like how to feel for a bite and when to set the hook. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for beginners, and we use light tackle that's easy for kids to handle. Safety's our top priority, so we'll go over boat rules and proper fish handling. By the end of the trip, your kids might be teaching you a thing or two about fishing!
Top Catches This Season
Jacksonville's inshore waters are teeming with fish that are just right for young anglers. Bluefish are fighters that'll give the kids a thrill. Summer flounder, or "fluke," are fun to catch and make for great fish stories – "It was this big!" Sea trout are plentiful and perfect for teaching kids how to use artificial lures. Redfish, with their distinctive spot, are like underwater treasure for kids to find. And let's not forget the ladyfish, often called the "poor man's tarpon" – they jump and dance on the water, giving kids an exciting show.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Bluefish are the speed demons of the inshore waters. These guys are fast, feisty, and fun to catch. They typically range from 2 to 20 pounds, so even the smaller ones give a good fight. Bluefish are most active in the warmer months, making them a summer vacation favorite. Kids love their aggressive strikes and the way they chomp at the bait.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the masters of camouflage. These flat fish blend in with the sandy bottom, but we know just where to find them. They're usually in the 1 to 5 pound range, perfect for young anglers to reel in. Flounder fishing is like a treasure hunt – you've got to be patient and observant. When you hook one, it's like pulling a living frisbee through the water!
Sea trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are a staple of Jacksonville inshore fishing. These silvery fish with spots along their backs are beautiful and tasty. They typically weigh 1 to 5 pounds, but the "gator" trout can get much bigger. Sea trout are fun to catch on artificial lures, which gives kids a chance to practice their casting and retrieving skills.
Redfish are the rock stars of inshore fishing. With their coppery color and black spot near the tail, they're easy for kids to identify. Redfish can range from small "rats" to big "bulls" over 40 pounds. We usually target the smaller ones, which are perfect for young anglers. Redfish love to hang out near structure, so fishing for them is like a game of hide and seek.
Ladyfish might not be the biggest catch, but they're pound-for-pound one of the most exciting. These slender, silvery fish are known for their acrobatic leaps when hooked. They typically weigh 1 to 3 pounds, making them manageable for kids. Ladyfish are often found in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found many – perfect for keeping young anglers engaged and excited.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
Our family fishing trips aren't just about catching fish – they're about catching moments. Kids light up when they reel in their first fish, and parents beam with pride. We've seen shy kids come out of their shells, siblings bond over friendly competition, and families create inside jokes that'll last for years. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching your own dinner (if you choose to keep your catch, of course). Many families tell us this trip becomes an annual tradition, with kids looking forward to it all year long.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to start your family's fishing adventure? Our Jacksonville inshore fishing charters book up fast, especially during peak seasons and school breaks. Remember, we provide all the gear and licenses, so all you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and a sense of adventure. Whether you've got aspiring anglers or just want a fun day out on the water, our family-friendly fishing trips are the perfect way to make a splash in Jacksonville. Don't let this chance to create lasting memories slip away – book your private charter today and get ready to reel in the fun!
Learn more about the animals
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive predators that put up a great fight. They typically run 14-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, though bigger ones over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them in coastal waters, inlets, and bays from spring through fall. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll often find many. Bluefish are fun to catch on light tackle - they hit hard and make strong runs. Use metal lures, topwater plugs, or live bait like mullet or menhaden. A wire leader is a must, as their sharp teeth will slice through mono. When filleted and grilled fresh, smaller bluefish make good eating. For the best action, target them early morning or evening when they're actively feeding near the surface. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them!
Ladyfish
Ladyfish are small but scrappy fighters that are a blast on light tackle. They usually run 12-24 inches and rarely top 5 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and even up into rivers. They're most active in warm months, often schooling near the surface. Ladyfish hit just about anything - small jigs, spoons, or flies all work well. When hooked, they go airborne with acrobatic jumps and tail-walks across the water. They're not great eating, but make excellent cut bait for other species. Ladyfish are often mixed in with other gamefish, so they're a fun surprise when targeting trout or redfish. For non-stop action, look for birds working over bait schools - ladyfish are often underneath. Just be careful of their sharp teeth when unhooking!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 20-30 inches and 6-12 pounds, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near marsh edges. They love structure and often tail in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and can be caught year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in clear shallows is a blast. Try gold spoons, soft plastics, or cut bait on the bottom. When hooked, they make strong runs and pull hard. The meat is excellent - firm and mild-flavored. For best results, fish the falling tide when reds are leaving the flats and ambushing bait in deeper cuts and channels.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a blast to catch inshore. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, but trophy fish over 5 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths, especially at dawn and dusk. They like moving water and will stack up in deeper holes on falling tides. Sea trout hit artificial lures aggressively - try topwater plugs early, then switch to soft plastics or jigs later. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. These fish have soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset. They're not huge fighters, but make up for it with their willingness to bite. The meat is mild and flaky, best eaten fresh. For consistent action, fish the tide changes and key on bait schools - where there's bait, there's often trout.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or fluke, are a popular inshore species here. They average 15-20 inches but can reach 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore waters. Flounder are ambush predators - they lie flat on the bottom, blending in perfectly, then strike fast at prey. They're most active in warmer months, especially September to November. Drift fishing with live bait like minnows or strip baits works well. Let your rig bounce along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give them a second before setting the hook. Flounder put up a decent fight and are excellent eating - mild, flaky meat that's great fried or baked. For best results, work dropoffs and channel edges where flounder wait to ambush bait moving with the tide.
About the 22' Nautic Star
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
