3-Hour Vertical Jigging Adventure Offshore
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Threehour vertical jigging trip targeting pelagic and bottom fishFish over wrecks, ledges and productive reef structures offshoreSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charter
Ready to drop some iron and see what's lurking down there? This 3-hour vertical jigging trip with Angle Drop Charters is your ticket to some serious offshore action. We're talking about targeting structure where the big boys hang out – wrecks, ledges, and productive reefs that hold everything from lightning-fast pelagics to hefty bottom dwellers. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll get plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
This isn't your typical drift fishing or trolling trip – we're going vertical and getting down to business. Once we reach our offshore marks, we'll position over known structure using GPS and fish finder technology. You'll be dropping heavy jigs straight down, working them with sharp, aggressive lifts and drops to trigger strikes from fish holding tight to the bottom or suspended in the water column. The technique might seem simple, but there's definitely an art to it. Our crew will show you the proper jigging cadence, how to feel the bottom, and recognize when a fish picks up your lure. Most importantly, we'll help you distinguish between a snag and a monster grouper trying to head back to its cave. The action can be fast and furious when we find the right spot – one minute you're working your jig, the next you're doubled over fighting something that doesn't want to come up from 150 feet down.
Vertical jigging is all about precision and feel. We'll supply the heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line – typically 50-80 pound test – paired with stout rods that can handle the pressure of lifting big fish from deep water. The jigs themselves range from 4 to 12 ounces depending on current and depth, often tipped with assist hooks for better hookup ratios. The key is letting the jig hit bottom, then working it up through the water column with sharp lifts followed by controlled drops. Fish often hit on the fall, so you need to stay connected and feel for that subtle weight or tick that signals a pickup. We'll position over wrecks in 100-200 feet of water, natural ledges, and artificial reefs that concentrate baitfish and the predators that follow them. The structure provides ambush points for everything from aggressive cobia cruising the mid-water to big mutton snappers holding tight to the reef. Current flow is crucial – it positions baitfish and gets the predators feeding actively.
Let's break down what's been crushing the jigs lately and why each species makes this style of fishing so addictive. These offshore structures hold an incredible variety of fish, and you never know what's going to slam your lure on the next drop.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the bunch, and when they hit a vertical jig, it's like getting struck by lightning. These fish can reach speeds over 40 mph and typically run 20-50 pounds, though monsters over 80 pounds lurk out there. Fall and winter months tend to be prime time when they move closer to structure chasing baitfish. What makes wahoo special is their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs – they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any other fish in the ocean. The meat is white, firm, and absolutely delicious grilled or blackened.
Cobia are the bulldogs of vertical jigging, known for their incredible power and stubborn fighting style. These brown sharks of the reef world average 30-60 pounds but can push over 100 pounds. Spring and summer bring the best action as they cruise structure looking for crabs and smaller fish. Cobia are curious by nature and will often follow a jig up from the bottom, giving you multiple chances to trigger a strike. Their broad tail and muscular body make them one of the strongest fighters pound-for-pound, often heading straight back to the wreck when hooked.
Mutton snapper represent the classic bottom fishing prize, with their distinctive red coloration and excellent table fare. Most fish run 8-15 pounds, but true trophy muttens over 20 pounds patrol deeper structure. These fish are most active during warmer months and around moon phases when they aggregate to spawn. Muttons are notorious for their excellent eyesight and wariness, making them a challenging target that rewards skill and persistence. The meat is firm, white, and considered among the best eating in the reef fish family.
Black grouper are the heavy hitters that test your tackle and technique. These bruisers commonly weigh 20-60 pounds, with true giants exceeding 100 pounds lurking in deeper water. They're most active during summer months but can be caught year-round on the right structure. Black grouper are ambush predators that inhale prey, and when they grab your jig, the first few seconds are critical – you need to winch them up immediately before they reach their cave. The fight is all about power and determination rather than speed, and the thick white fillets are restaurant-quality eating.
African pompano are the wildcard species that can show up anytime and absolutely torch your drag system. These fish feature elongated dorsal and anal fins when young, developing into deep-bodied powerhouses that can exceed 30 pounds. They're most common during warmer months and are known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. African pompano are relatively rare catches, making them highly prized among serious anglers. Their silver flanks and distinctive profile make them easy to identify, and they're considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat.
This 3-hour vertical jigging adventure delivers maximum action in a focused timeframe, perfect for anglers who want to experience the best of offshore fishing without committing to a full day. Whether you're a seasoned vertical jigging pro or ready to learn this productive
This rugged 26-foot Angler is built for serious offshore vertical jigging adventures. The boat features a comfortable cabin with a bed for those longer runs to productive fishing grounds, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. Modern electronics including GPS navigation, fish finder, and VHF radio ensure you'll locate the best wrecks and reefs while staying connected with other vessels. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work vertical jigs over deep structure where pelagic species and bottom dwellers gather. Whether you're targeting grouper on ledges or amberjack around wrecks, this well-equipped fishing machine delivers the stability and technology needed to make the most of your 3-hour offshore session.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are striking members of the jack family with their silvery, disc-shaped bodies and impressive size potential - they can reach 50+ pounds and nearly 40 inches. Juveniles have those cool diamond shapes with long trailing filaments, while adults develop into powerful fighters. You'll find them from 30-250 feet over wrecks and reefs, where they hunt crustaceans and smaller fish. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes these fish special is their speed and endurance - jacks are built for long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle. The meat is good eating too. Since they're attracted to shiny, moving objects, vertical jigs work great around structure. Key tip: keep your jig moving with sharp, erratic motions - these fish love the flash and action, and once they commit, hold on tight because they're going to make you work for it.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldozers of the reef - powerful, stocky fish with olive-gray bodies covered in dark rectangular blotches. Most average over 2 feet, but they can reach 5 feet and 125 pounds. These ambush predators live around wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30 feet down to 300 feet, moving shallower in winter. They're active year-round, with spawning season running November through May providing good action. What guests love is the tug-of-war battle - grouper use pure strength and try to pull you back into the structure. The meat is fantastic - mild, firm, and flaky white flesh that's restaurant quality. They're not picky eaters and will hit live or dead bait. Critical tip: once you feel that bite, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll dive straight back into the rocks and break you off.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their brown coloring and single dorsal fin. These bruisers average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, and they're usually loners except during spawning season. You'll spot them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-300 feet of water, with peak action during their spring migration and summer months. What guests love about cobia is their aggressive nature and strong fight - they'll make powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked. The meat is firm and tasty, making them excellent table fare. Since they're often found near the surface, sight fishing is common, but they also respond well to vertical jigs around structure. My go-to tip: use a 4-8 oz bucktail jig and don't worry about color - these fish aren't picky and will hit just about any shade you throw at them.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are beautiful fish with olive coloring and distinctive blue lines around their eyes, plus that telltale black spot on their sides. Most run around 20 inches, though they can reach up to 37 inches and 34 pounds. These fish hang around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas between 130-230 feet, though you can find them shallower at times. They're active year-round but tend to be more cooperative during warmer months. What makes muttons special is their smart, finicky nature - they're excellent fighters that will test your skills. The pink flesh is top-shelf eating, firm and mild-flavored. Adults are usually solitary, so when you find one, work the area thoroughly. Here's a key tip: use the freshest bait possible with minimal weight and let it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink color coming up through the water, you know you've got a keeper.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet long and are known for their distinctive blue stripes and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them in open water around wrecks and ledges, usually in the top 66 feet. They're most active during cooler months and love chasing fast-moving lures. What makes wahoo special is their lightning-quick strike and powerful initial run - they'll test your drag system for sure. The meat is absolutely premium - white, flaky, and mild-tasting, often called "ono" which means delicious in Hawaiian. Pro tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through mono like butter, and keep your trolling speed up around 12-15 knots to trigger strikes.
Palm Beach