Back Country Eco Tours

100% (9) Jacksonville, FL 1 - 4 People 3 Hours From $250 Trip #8972
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

About Your Trip

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Join Captain Austin—a Jacksonville native with over 42 years of experience—for an unforgettable ecotour through the wild and scenic beauty of the St. John's River. This isn't just a boat ride—it's a front-row seat to the natural wonders that make North Florida one of the most biologically rich environments in the Southeast. Whether you're chasing the thrill of a wildlife encounter or simply want to soak in the sights, every trip with Captain Austin is...

About Your Trip

Join Captain Austin—a Jacksonville native with over 42 years of experience—for an unforgettable ecotour through the wild and scenic beauty of the St. John's River. This isn't just a boat ride—it's a front-row seat to the natural wonders that make North Florida one of the most biologically rich environments in the Southeast. Whether you're chasing the thrill of a wildlife encounter or simply want to soak in the sights, every trip with Captain Austin is personalized, exciting, and full of opportunities to connect with the water in a whole new way.

Once you step aboard Captain Austin’s sleek 24' Lake and Bay boat, you’ll see it’s built for both adventure and comfort. Outfitted with a powerful Yamaha 300-225 HP V6 outboard engine, dual 10-foot Power-Poles for stealthy anchoring, a saltwater bow-mount trolling motor, and top-tier steering by Dometic Marine, this vessel is ready for whatever the river brings. The custom SeaDek by Castaway Customs gives you a soft, grippy surface underfoot while the Garmin GPSMAP chartplotter with CHIRP sonar ensures you’re always in the right place at the right time. With SiriusXM Marine providing weather updates and entertainment, and JL Audio speakers delivering crisp sound, this trip blends nature and technology in the best way possible.

You can start your adventure by hunting for fossilized shark teeth—an exhilarating experience that taps into the area's rich prehistoric history. With Captain Austin guiding the way, you'll head to the best spots to unearth these hidden treasures. If wildlife is what you're after, set your sights on dolphin adventures where you can watch these playful creatures glide effortlessly through the water. For a deeper dive into the ecosystem, a backcountry wildlife excursion offers the chance to spot alligators, manatees, otters, and a variety of bird species as you navigate the less-traveled channels and creeks. Prefer something a little more laid-back? Scenic sightseeing cruises give you the chance to relax and take in the stunning views of salt marshes, cypress groves, and untouched natural shorelines. And if none of those quite fit your vision, Captain Austin is more than happy to customize your experience—from start to finish—so your trip is exactly what you imagined.

To make your adventure truly unforgettable, you can also add a drone video package for just $50. It’s a great way to capture the highlights of your journey from a breathtaking aerial perspective, perfect for sharing with friends or just reliving the experience yourself.

Captain Austin runs a 100% drug-free vessel and personally captains every trip—no substitutes, no stand-ins. Your safety is his top priority, and before leaving the dock, he’ll walk you through a detailed safety briefing to ensure everyone is fully prepped and ready to enjoy the day. Whether you're here for the wildlife, the views, or just to get away from it all, Captain Austin is committed to giving you a one-of-a-kind experience on the St. John’s River that you’ll be talking about long after the boat returns to shore.
Amenities

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an easy level of physical activity.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

3 hours
1 Person
$250.00
2 People
$250.00
3 People
$300.00
4 People
$350.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
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About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Austin
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Austin N.

Certified Damn Good Guide
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Adventurous
Quality
Captain Austin offers light tackle inshore fishing trips in the St. Johns River and along miles of green/gold grass in our beautiful backcountry tributaries.

The St. Johns River is an ancient intercoastal lagoon system, which gets its tea color from tannins, a natural color caused by decaying plant material. As sea levels dropped, barrier islands became an obstacle that prevented water from flowing east to the ocean. The water collected in the flat valley and...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Austin

Austin N.

Certified Damn Good Guide
Independent Guide
Captain Austin offers light tackle inshore fishing trips in the St. Johns River and along miles of green/gold grass in our beautiful backcountry tributaries.

The St. Johns River is an ancient intercoastal lagoon system, which gets its tea color from tannins, a natural color caused by decaying plant material. As sea levels dropped, barrier islands became an obstacle that prevented water from flowing east to the ocean. The water collected in the flat valley and slowly meandered northward, forming the St. Johns River.

Captain Austin has been a Jacksonville Native for over 40 years and has fished the St. John’s since the young age of 6 with his Father.

Captain Austin is a member of the Maritime Drug Testing Consortium and we are a 100% Drug-Free vessel.

We specialize in Family Fun Adventures that include light tackle fishing trips for Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. We can accommodate any trip to fit your needs within reason. With us you will get a Captain with over 40 years of St. John’s River Knowledge that is USCG Certified and is the owner and operator, not a subcontracted Captain.

Our Vessel is the 24’ Lake And Bay boat that is designed and built to handle the rough bay and nearshore waters of the St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean with comfort and style. With a draft of only 13 inches of water, the modified VEE hull with an 8’6” beam creates a stable, spacious platform for fishing or enjoying the day on the water with friends and family powered by the reliable Yamaha engine.

So go ahead and Book your next Adventure with Us!
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Massive Sharks
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Fish Tacos of course

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Massive Sharks
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Fish Tacos of course
What’s your favorite band?
I love Reggae so I'd have to say "Stick Figure"
What’s your favorite movie?
I have a lot but since I have to pick just one I'll go with "Sandlot" I played baseball for many years and it's a great movie.
What’s your favorite sports team?
DuuuuuuVALLLL! GO JAGS!
What’s your drink of choice?
Caffeine
What was your last halloween costume?
I dressed up as Luigi from super mario cart. Great Game!
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Fishing on Christmas is always fun!
How did you get started guiding?
I grew up fishing and playing baseball. When my baseball years were over I dove headfirst into fishing. It's the Best Job on the Planet!
What makes you different from other guides?
There are many great guides out there and I've learned from some of the best. Clients do not get to fish as much as guides so I do my very best to make sure they have a memorable experience.
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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.
You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.
Jacksonville, Florida

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Back Country Eco Tours
Boat photo for Back Country Eco Tours
Boat photo for Back Country Eco Tours
Boat photo for Back Country Eco Tours
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Lake and Bay
Year Built
2010
Boat Length
24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Lake and Bay
Year Built
2010
Boat Length
24'
Boat Restroom
No
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
300
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
Cushioned seats, livewell, i-pilot trolling motor, spot lock anchoring, power poles, Garmin chart plotter, cooler with ice and waters, seadek, rod holders, Bluetooth stereo, leaning post, 6-8 rods and reels.
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Trip Details & Amenities

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won't lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an easy level of physical activity.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Everything Else to Know

Please wear hats, sunglasses and comfy clothing for your trip. Ice and waters are provided for every trip but you're more than welcome to bring anything extra that you may want to drink or eat.
Sunscreen is a must during hot months so please apply before boarding our vessel as sunscreen is not friendly on fiberglass or vinyl seats.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0
based on 6 reviews

Vanessa

Verified Review

October 8

Austin was great!!!!! Super fun morning catching fish and chatting with a great guy! We caught some mammoth Red fish and almost had a 4 ft Gar!

Vanessa

Verified Review

October 8

Austin was great!!!!! Super fun morning catching fish and chatting with a great guy! We caught some mammoth Red fish and almost had a 4 ft Gar!
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Trip: Jacksonville Adventure

Response from Austin:
You ladies were great to have onboard! I look forward to our next Adventure! - Captain Austin

Response from Austin:

You ladies were great to have onboard! I look forward to our next Adventure!

- Captain Austin
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Chris

Verified Review

July 3

Great caption, I didn’t catch anything worth keeping but my buddy did great. I guess I need to brush up on my fishing skills lol. That’s Matt in the picture not me.

Chris

Verified Review

July 3

Great caption, I didn’t catch anything worth keeping but my buddy did great. I guess I need to brush up on my fishing skills lol. That’s Matt in the picture not me.
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Trip: Jacksonville Adventure

Response from Austin:
We still had a good time! 💪 - Captain Austin

Response from Austin:

We still had a good time! 💪

- Captain Austin
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Justin

Verified Review

March 15

I would say that his trip was very exciting and fun, he is a nice and funny guy who knows what he's doing when it comes to fishing. We caught a bunch of different kinds of fish, huge and small. I would say me and my dad had a great time with austin, if you want a learning experience austin is your guy.

Justin

Verified Review

March 15

I would say that his trip was very exciting and fun, he is a nice and funny guy who knows what he's doing when it comes to fishing. We caught a bunch of different kinds of fish, huge and small. I would say me and my dad had a great time with austin, if you want a learning experience austin is your guy.
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Trip: Jacksonville Adventure

Response from Austin:
Thanks for the kind words! I had a blast fishing with you and your dad—y’all made it easy to have a good time. I’m glad the fish cooperated too (they must’ve known they were dealing with serious anglers). Appreciate you trusting me to show you the ropes—I like to think of it as fishing school, but with more laughs and less homework. Come back anytime for round two—I'll make sure the big ones are ready...

Response from Austin:

Thanks for the kind words! I had a blast fishing with you and your dad—y’all made it easy to have a good time. I’m glad the fish cooperated too (they must’ve known they were dealing with serious anglers). Appreciate you trusting me to show you the ropes—I like to think of it as fishing school, but with more laughs and less homework. Come back anytime for round two—I'll make sure the big ones are ready for a rematch!
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Jeff

Verified Review

February 2

Very enjoyable day on the water! Austin worked hard to get us on fish. My wife kicked my butt with quantity but size matters, right?!

Jeff

Verified Review

February 2

Very enjoyable day on the water! Austin worked hard to get us on fish. My wife kicked my butt with quantity but size matters, right?!
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Trip: Jacksonville Adventure

Response from Austin:
You guys were great to have onboard! Thanks for being so patient and I'm glad you all were able to experience some warmer weather. Thank you! - Captain Austin

Response from Austin:

You guys were great to have onboard! Thanks for being so patient and I'm glad you all were able to experience some warmer weather.
Thank you!

- Captain Austin
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Ryan

Verified Review

November 15

Austin was fantastic! We had a great trip and caught them up. He was so good with my son and taught him some great tricks to help catch the big ones.

Ryan

Verified Review

November 15

Austin was fantastic! We had a great trip and caught them up. He was so good with my son and taught him some great tricks to help catch the big ones.
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Trip: Jacksonville Adventure

Response from Austin:
Thank you very much for the kind review it is greatly appreciated. I had a great time with you all onboard and look forward to our next Adventure. Thank you for booking! - Captain Austin

Response from Austin:

Thank you very much for the kind review it is greatly appreciated. I had a great time with you all onboard and look forward to our next Adventure. Thank you for booking!
- Captain Austin
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David

Verified Review

June 1

Austin was fantastic! I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get on the fish. Very professional and personable. All around good dude.

David

Verified Review

June 1

Austin was fantastic! I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to get on the fish. Very professional and personable. All around good dude.
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Response from Austin:
Thank you so much for the kind review David! You guys were great to have on onboard and I look forward to our next Adventure together! - Captain Austin

Response from Austin:

Thank you so much for the kind review David! You guys were great to have on onboard and I look forward to our next Adventure together!

- Captain Austin
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Richard

Verified Review

July 16

Austin was great! He was very patient with my niece and nephew who were novices. He had them casting, jigging, and on fish within 30 minutes of leaving the dock. We caught a bunch of catfish (no keepers) and a couple of nice Redfish. Would definitely book with Austin again.

Richard

Verified Review

July 16

Austin was great! He was very patient with my niece and nephew who were novices. He had them casting, jigging, and on fish within 30 minutes of leaving the dock. We caught a bunch of catfish (no keepers) and a couple of nice Redfish. Would definitely book with Austin again.
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Trip: Jacksonville Adventure

Response from Austin:
Thank you for the kind words! - Captain Austin

Response from Austin:

Thank you for the kind words!

- Captain Austin
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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.
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