Temperatures are warming, days are getting longer. We’re heading into spring, and that means fishing is back with a vengeance in Jacksonville, Florida!

With Jacksonville’s warm temperatures and mild climate year-round, fishing is a sport that thrives 12 months a year. However, savvy fishermen know the season has a lot to do with the kind of catch you can expect in a fishing expedition off the coast of Jacksonville.

In March, it’s all about the redfish off the coast of Jacksonville. These abundant and aggressive fish are a strain of snapper. Typically, they don’t grow more than 7 pounds, and their small size may be one of the prime reasons these fish are largely overlooked by out-of-town fishermen. But the locals who are in-the-know understand these great fish are not just a fun sport; they can be one tasty treat!

Redfish are available 365 days a year, but the prime season really starts in February, and peaks in July. During the fishing season, it’s important to know exactly how to fish the Jacksonville Intracoastal Waterways. Even experienced fishermen can find the fishing patterns of the Intracoastal tricky and hard to navigate. As the tide moves in and out, you’ll find water levels, fish behavior and the prime fishing spots will change on a moment’s notice. That’s why it’s important to have a seasoned guide to help you navigate the prime fishing spots within the waterways off the Jacksonville coast.

Captain Dave Borries of Backwater Fishing Adventures is one of those fishermen. He’s been fishing the Jacksonville Intracoastal Waterways for more than a decade, and knows these inlets and the fishing patterns like the back of his hand. He’s one of several fishermen who are happy to show fishermen around northeastern Florida’s waterways, regardless of skill. From expert to novice, Captain Dave will find you the perfect fishing spot and give you the pointers you need to reel in the perfect catch.

  “I caught one THIS big…”

Now, a note of caution: fishing (in my estimation) is a lot like gambling. You never really know how lucky you’ll be when you set out with your pole and a box of tackle. That’s why I like to head out on a fishing trip just looking for a good time, rather than the size of my catch. That way, I can find the fun in catching a big fish, or snaring a wee little guy. Also, on one trip with Captain Dave, a friend of mine snagged a redfish that was missing a tail! Don’t ask me how this little guy made his way through the Intracoastal Waterways, but it was still a pretty funny sight. Incidentally, we let him return to the saltwater to hang out with his other fishy friends.

Fishing in Jacksonville is a great way to experience a unique Jacksonville treat. Whether you’re successful in snagging a record-breaking redfish of just looking for a way to spend a lazy afternoon, heading on a fishing expedition is a great way to see a completely different side of this Northeast Florida city.

Catch Jacksonville’s fishing areas on the Versus Network this Friday (3/26/10) at 9:00 p.m. ET.  Fishing icon Mike Iaconelli spends some quality time on our waterways looking for the perfect catch on “City Limits Fishing.”