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Premier Jacksonville Fishing Charters | Ballistic Bass
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Jacksonville
- Updated Date: December 8, 2025
Summary
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Rods Bent, Lines Tight
Pro-Level Bass Fly Fishing in Jacksonville
Ready to test your fly fishing skills against some of Florida's hardest-fighting freshwater fish? This half-day trip with Ballistic Bass Fishing puts you right in the heart of Jacksonville's bass action. You'll be casting into prime largemouth territory and maybe even hooking into some scrappy bluegill. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to up your fly game, Captain Kieran Mooney's got the local know-how to put you on fish. Let's break down what makes this trip a must-do for any serious angler visiting North Florida.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your average guided fishing trip. Captain Kieran runs a tight ship, focusing on getting you the most casts and catches possible in your half-day on the water. You'll be hitting Jacksonville's top bass haunts, from lily-pad-lined banks to submerged timber. The captain's boat is decked out with all the gear you need, including top-notch fly rods and a selection of proven local patterns. Don't worry if you're new to fly fishing for bass - Kieran's got a knack for tailoring instruction to your skill level. He'll have you double-hauling like a pro in no time.
Expect an early start to beat the Florida heat and catch the morning bite. You'll want to bring sunscreen, polarized glasses, and a hat - the sun can be brutal out on the water. The fishing here is active, so be ready to cast a lot and maybe even do some wading if the conditions are right. Kieran knows these waters like the back of his hand, so trust his calls on where to cast and what flies to use.
Fly Fishing for Bass 101
If you've never targeted bass on the fly, you're in for a treat. It's a whole different ballgame from trout fishing. You'll be using heavier rods, usually 7 or 8-weight, to chuck bigger flies and handle the powerful runs of a big largemouth. The captain will show you how to work poppers across the surface, creating that "bloop" that drives bass crazy. You'll also learn the finesse of presenting subsurface flies like Clouser minnows and wooly buggers.
One of the key techniques you'll practice is accurate casting. Bass often hang tight to cover, so you'll need to drop your fly right on their nose. Kieran will teach you how to use the wind to your advantage and how to avoid spooking fish in clear water. You might even get to try some advanced techniques like skip-casting under overhanging branches. It's challenging, but man, is it rewarding when you nail it and a big ol' bucket mouth inhales your fly.
Target Species Breakdown
Largemouth Bass: These are the stars of the show on this trip. Jacksonville's lakes and rivers hold some true lunkers, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon. Largemouth are ambush predators, often hanging around structure like fallen trees or weed edges. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful fights. Spring and fall are prime times when bass move into shallower water to feed, but Kieran knows how to find them year-round.
Bluegill: Don't overlook these little fighters. What bluegill lack in size, they make up for in feistiness and numbers. They're perfect for working on your accuracy with a fly rod, as they often hold in specific spots near cover. Bluegill will readily take small poppers and nymphs, making for non-stop action when you find a school. They're also a blast on lightweight tackle, giving a good pull for their size.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Jacksonville's bass fishing scene is no secret, but there's something special about targeting these fish on the fly. It's a challenge that keeps anglers coming back for more. The visual aspect of seeing a big bass track and then hammer your fly is hard to beat. Plus, the variety of water you'll fish keeps things interesting - from open lakes to narrow creeks choked with vegetation.
Captain Kieran's expertise is a huge draw. He's not just a guide; he's a fly fishing educator. Clients rave about how much they learn on these trips, from reading water to perfecting their casting stroke. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the bend in a fly rod when a chunky largemouth decides your popper looks like lunch.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to test your fly fishing skills against some hard-hitting Florida bass, this is the trip for you. Captain Kieran's half-day excursion offers the perfect mix of instruction and action, whether you're a fly fishing newbie or a seasoned pro looking to dial in your technique. With only two spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and access to the best fishing spots.
Remember, Florida's weather can change quickly, so booking in advance is key. Spring and fall are particularly popular times, but don't sleep on the summer topwater bite - there's nothing like watching a bass explode on your fly in the early morning light. So grab your hat and sunglasses, and get ready for some of the best fly fishing Jacksonville has to offer. Book now and get ready to create some fish stories of your own!
Learn more about the species
Bluegill
## Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) Bluegill is a freshwater gamefish and is popular for its taste and spunky fight.it resembles redear sunfish and orange-spotted sunfish. Bluegills are literally found in every area of the country. The body color of the bluegill depends on its habitat and environment. The body color can be bluish-purple, dark blue, green, or olive green and have vertical 6 to 8 stripes. Female Bluegill has white belly while a breeding male can have a rusty red or orange belly. It has 3 anal fin spines and dorsal fin with 10 - 11 spines. ## Bluegill Size and Weight Bluegill average approximately 8 inches, but can reach up to 16 inches. They usually weigh about a half-pound. Bluegills can grow larger with age and are expected to live up to 10 years. ## Bluegill Interesting Facts • Bluegills are said to be excellent swimmers. They can change their direction very quickly by adjusting their fin movements. The shape of their body helps to reduce water resistance and allows them to move very fast. • They are usually found in a school of 10-20. • Breeding males are most colorful among bluegills. • Bluegill is also used as bait and lure for bigger fishes. ## Bluegill Spawning Lepomis macrochirus maturity age depends on the habitat and environment, but mostly they mature at the age of 2 or 3 years. As the water temperature reaches 70 F, the spawning season begins. It takes place from April to September. After the female lays eggs, the nest is guarded by the male. After reaching a certain length, the younglings leave the nest for deep waters. ## Bluegill Food Bluegills mostly feed on insects, zooplankton, worms, eggs, snails, and small fish. But they are not much picky about their food, and also consume human scraps such as bread, corns, and crackers. ## Bluegill Fishing Bluegills usually hunt for food at dusk and dawn. They can be caught year-round, but spring and early summer are recommended seasons. • Spin casting with worms is extremely effective catching bluegill. • If you are planning a fishing trip with young children, go after Bluegill. They are not picky and will put up a good fight. Using a bobber with a worm will allow even the youngest angler to enjoy the day. • If you are a fly-rod expert, then try laying a spider bubble or fly at the bluegill’s spawning spots. • As bluegill has a small mouth, jig fishing with small hooks is a good option. • Float rigs such as waggler float and bubble rig work great. ## Bluegill Baits and lures: Lure and baits include: • Worms • Bread • Minnows • Small jigs • Insects • Bugs ## Bluegill Habitat and Distribution Bluegill is found mostly in ponds and lakes. They usually live in shallow and along shorelines. They prefer a vegetated or weed-rich area, or fallen logs and sunken objects where they can hide. Clear, quiet, and warm water with suitable hiding places are its favorite, like under a dock. Bluegill is endemic to the Eastern half of America. They can be found in Far East states such as Florida up to far west such as New Mexico. They have also been introduced in North America, Europe, South Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
It is the most famous and biggest member of the sunfish family and is a renowned game fish. Largemouth Bass has a green or olive-green color body and dark or black horizontal markings on its body giving it the nickname black bass. It has a slightly forked tail and the soft rays on dorsal fins are separated by deep points.
The average adult Largemouth Bass averages 12 inches to 24 inches and weighing between 1 to 4.5 pounds.
Interesting facts:
- They are appropriately named having an exceptionally large mouth and when opened, the upper jaw goes well beyond its eyes.
- They are an angler's favorite as they give quite a fight when reeled out of water.
- Largemouth can detect their prey’s vibrations using their sixth sense called lateral lines as well as their keen sense of smell.
- Largemouth Bass are attracted to red color.
Where to Find Largemouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass mostly live in ponds, lakes, and medium-sized water bodies, but can be found near ditches and creeks. They like a warm place abundant in weeds and shallow muddy waters. The Largemouth Bass is only native to North America and is densely populated in the eastern and southernmost states. They now have been expanded to every state of America except Hawaii and Alaska. Due to its popularity as a game fish, the species has been introduced in many countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Central America.
Spawning
When matured, largemouth bass usually spawns from late winter to late spring. The eggs are guarded by the male. When hatched the school remains for about 3 to 4 weeks under their father’s protection before dispersing. The optimum temperature when the eggs are laid is a steady 60 ºF or higher.
Largemouth Bass Size and Speed
Largemouth bass size and speed are two essential factors that anglers consider when fishing for this popular game fish. The largemouth bass is one of the largest freshwater fish species found in North America, with adult fish typically ranging from 12-24 inches long and weighing anywhere from 2-10 pounds or more. However, some specimens have been known to reach lengths of up to 30 inches, and the biggest largemouth bass ever caught weighed more than 22 pounds.
One reason why largemouth bass size is so important to anglers is that larger fish tend to be older and more experienced, making them harder to catch than their smaller counterparts. Additionally, larger fish can put up a much stronger fight when hooked, which adds an extra level of excitement and challenge for anglers. On the other hand, speed is another important factor that affects the behavior of largemouth bass.
Food
The Largemouth Bass's food consists of other fishes such as gizzard, shad, threadfin shad, golden shiners, bluegills, catfish, crayfish, and other smaller fishes. Snakes, salamanders, mice, bats, frogs, and other creatures are also victims.
Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Largemouth Bass
They are most abundantly found in places where it is easier to hide, such as sunken objects and thick weeds. Other spots include gradual shores, under bridges, open waters, and shorelines.
- Fishing with swim-baits is a highly successful way to catch these fish. There are both hard and soft varieties made out of wood or plastic rigged with hooks.
- Dragging is mostly used to catch Largemouth. Use plastic baits and Carolina rig. Most effective to use in the hard bottom and non-vegetated areas.
- In shallow water and grass-rich areas, try wacky fishing using straight worms and a variety of hooks.
You can use the jigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, hoppers, minnows, plugs, and live bait such as worms or minnows. These fish are abundant and you should be able to snag one with any of these on your hook.
For the fly fisherman, it’s important to have the right rig. An important thing to remember is that the Largemouth Bass does not spook easily and will put up a fight. With this in mind, it never hurts to pack heavy gear. A 6-weight will get the job done for most bass, but if you're looking for the big one, be safe with your 8-weight, it will always do the job especially when fishing big lakes and rivers.
When choosing your reel, just match it to whichever rod you’re using weight-wise. For bigger fish, we recommend using a disk drag as it will give you a more gradual resistance in the line with a sinking leader.
Use flies, primarily streamers, that are colorful and/or shiny. You will catch their attention with brightly colored flies in the murky water where they dwell. Using poppers is extremely effective as they are made to copy the actions of topwater food such as frogs which are a big part of their diet.
Weighted flies are especially useful in the late summer when the fish are down in deeper water where it is cooler.
What is the Difference Between Spotted Bass and Largemouth Bass
Spotted bass and largemouth bass are two of the most popular game fish in North America. While they may look similar, there are significant differences between them that make them unique. Understanding these differences can help anglers choose the right bait and technique to catch more fish.
Spotted bass have a smaller mouth than largemouth bass, making it easier for them to swallow smaller prey such as crustaceans or insects. They also tend to be more aggressive and will chase down their prey rather than waiting for it to come to them. Largemouth bass, on the other hand, prefer larger prey such as frogs or small fish and will often ambush their prey by hiding in cover before striking.
Another difference between spotted bass vs largemouth bass is their habitat preference. Spotted bass thrive in clearer water with rocky bottoms while largemouths prefer murky water with plenty of vegetation.
Is Largemouth Bass Good to Eat?
Are largemouth bass good to eat? The answer is yes, but with a catch. While it is safe to consume largemouth bass, it is important to consider the quality of the water where they were caught and any potential contaminants. To ensure the best taste and safety, it is recommended to only eat largemouth bass caught in clean, clear bodies of water that have been properly prepared and cooked. Overall, with the right precautions, largemouth bass can be a delicious meal for those who enjoy the sport of fishing and culinary experimentation.
Next, when it comes to cooking and eating largemouth bass, it's important to remember that the fish should be handled and prepared with care to ensure its quality and taste. To ensure that the meat remains firm and delicious, anglers should clean and store the fish properly, and cook it with the right seasonings and techniques. When done correctly, largemouth bass can make for a delicious meal, enjoyed by many fishing enthusiasts across the country.
