Back Country: Shallow-water pursuit on the Saint Johns

ATLANTIC BEACH GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Back Country: Shallow-water pursuit on the Saint Johns

A guided backcountry fishing trip on the Saint Johns River that targets redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder and black drum during the October–May season.

Back Country: Shallow-water pursuit on the Saint Johns.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Atlantic Beach
Operator
Set Em Up Fishing Charters
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set Em Up Fishing Charters’ Back Country trip places anglers in the shallow waters on and adjacent to the Saint Johns River, where protected flats and channels produce Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder and Black Drum; the outing is offered in the calmer shoulder-season months when inshore conditions are generally more forgiving than ocean or offshore fishing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE TARGETS

Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder and Black Drum

This trip focuses on classic backcountry species—the normal targets listed for the outing are Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder and Black Drum, giving anglers a chance at multiple inshore gamefish in one session.

THE WATER

Shallow flats and protected channels

The experience takes place in shallow waters on or adjacent to the Saint Johns River, environments that are less exposed to open-ocean weather and that concentrate inshore species.

THE SEASON

October through May bookings

Captain Joe schedules Back Country departures only from October 1 to May 1, concentrating this offering in the fall-through-spring months.

What the day feels like

What the trip feels like

Across a 4–6 hour window, the outing moves through shallow river flats and adjacent backcountry waters of the Saint Johns, fishing tactical spots where inshore species congregate and staying relatively sheltered compared with offshore charters.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is best (and not best) for.

1
Active FamiliesA good option for families: the operator allows up to 1 adult and 2 kids on a single booking, making this a family-friendly backcountry option.
2
Couples or pairsWell suited to two adults fishing together—the trip capacity accommodates up to 2 adults.
3
Large groupsNot ideal—the outing is limited in capacity (maximums apply) and cannot host larger parties.
4
Seasonal travelersPlan trips in the designated season: the Back Country experience is booked only from October 1 through May 1.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Trip duration is 4–6 hours; the operator runs Back Country trips from October 1 through May 1.

What to Bring

No specific gear list is provided in the trip data; consult the operator for recommended tackle and provisions.

Capacity & Booking

Maximum capacity is two adults, or one adult and two children.

Operator

The Back Country trip is operated by Set Em Up Fishing Charters and focuses on inshore/backcountry fishing on the Saint Johns River.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Back Country trip?

The trip runs approximately 4–6 hours.

When are Back Country trips offered?

Bookings for this experience are available from October 1 through May 1.

What species will we fish for?

The normal targets are Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder and Black Drum.

How many people can join a trip?

Capacity is limited to 2 adults, or 1 adult and 2 children.

Are these trips weather dependent?

Backcountry trips take place in shallow waters that are less weather dependent than ocean and offshore trips.

Who operates the Back Country trip?

Set Em Up Fishing Charters operates the Back Country fishing experience.