| Whether you are an avid fisherman or a newcomer to | | | | A veteran, licensed fishing guide knows where and |
| the sport, you will have a great time fishing with an | | | | when to fish so you are not wasting your time. If |
| experienced guide in the waters around Jacksonville, | | | | you're looking for a guide in the Jacksonville area, |
| Florida. A charter captain can take you on a | | | | check out their fishing reports before your sign up for |
| productive fishing trip in the protected saltwater of the | | | | a charter. A captain's fishing reports will give you an |
| St. Johns River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, an | | | | idea of his or her skill, experience, and knowledge |
| area locals call the Mayport Jetties. You may also | | | | about local waters. The more years a guide has spent |
| venture to the natural and artificial reefs near | | | | locally the better they will know the fine points of the |
| Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island. | | | | sport. You can have a fun time even if you don't catch |
| When you go on a charter fishing trip you can bring | | | | anything, but it is a much better day if you haul in the |
| your own rod and reel or use the tackle that is | | | | fish. And it's not a matter of luck; an experienced guide |
| provided. After you and your friends take your seats | | | | is your key to a great day on the water. |
| seasoned hands can help you set up your hooks and | | | | You can join other people on a big fishing boat or |
| line. If you want they will instruct you on the fine points | | | | charter a smaller boat just for you and two or three |
| of the sport. Before you know it you will be catching | | | | friends. A typical trip lasts four to six hours; shorter |
| king fish, speckled sea trout, king mackerel, tarpon, and | | | | trips can be arranged for families with small children. |
| cobia. If you don't know a weakfish from a | | | | For extra fun try a night fishing trip on the St. John |
| sheepshead, the captain or crewmembers will tell you | | | | River, with a glowing green light to draw in the fish. If |
| what you've got on your line and show you how to | | | | you want to be on the water but don't care to fish, |
| bring it in. If your line gets tangled or you lose your bait, | | | | you can charter a captain to take you on a pleasure |
| the helpful crew will set you right back up. They will | | | | cruise in the Jacksonville waters. |
| even clean your fish for you, making your catch ready | | | | Like with any nature activity, you don't know what you |
| for the grill! (Of course, you are free to release any | | | | are going to encounter when you head out onto the |
| fish you don't want.) From start to finish the crew | | | | water. You just have to find a good fishing guide and |
| takes care of the dirty work so you can spend your | | | | head out for an adventure. Once you go, you will |
| time catching fish. | | | | probably be back for more. |