Full Day Advanced Fishing Trip in Jacksonville, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour advanced fishing trip targeting King Mackerel and RedfishCaptain Roland guides experienced anglers using proven techniquesSandbar break included with opportunity for trophy catches
When you're ready to step up your game and fish with a true pro, Captain Roland's 8-hour advanced charter is where serious anglers come to test their skills. We're talking about a proper full day on Jacksonville's waters, targeting the species that'll make your arms burn and your reel scream. From dawn to dusk, you'll be running the beaches, hitting proven honey holes, and working techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the real deal. This isn't a leisurely cruise – it's a full-throttle fishing adventure designed for anglers who want to push their limits and fill the cooler with quality fish.
Captain Roland knows Jacksonville's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's not wasting any of your 8 hours on mediocre spots. You'll start early, hitting the prime feeding times when predators are most active along the beaches and nearshore structure. The game plan changes with conditions – maybe we're working live bait around jetties for monster Tarpon, or running and gunning for screaming King Mackerel runs. Expect to move around plenty as we chase the bite, and don't worry about getting tired – there's a sandbar stop built in where you can stretch your legs, grab some water, and get ready for round two. With only 4 anglers max, you'll get plenty of rod time and personal attention from one of Jacksonville's top-rated captains. Fair warning though – this trip moves fast, and the action can get intense when multiple species are feeding at once.
This isn't your basic bottom fishing trip. Captain Roland runs advanced techniques that require some skill and experience to execute properly. We're talking live bait presentations with precise boat positioning, sight fishing opportunities where you'll need to make accurate casts quickly, and trolling patterns that cover serious water when we're hunting pelagics. The boat's rigged with top-shelf tackle that can handle everything from finicky Redfish to bulldogging Cobia, plus all the electronics needed to find structure, bait, and fish in real time. You'll learn how to read the water, identify feeding signs, and adjust your approach as conditions change throughout the day. Bring your A-game because these fish don't make it easy – they're fast, smart, and absolutely explosive when they hit. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod setup that you're comfortable with, feel free to bring it along.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of Jacksonville's nearshore waters, and they're absolutely addictive to target. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 50+ when conditions are right. Spring through fall offers the best action, and when they're feeding, it's game on. The initial strike will test your reflexes, and the blistering runs that follow will push both you and your tackle to the limit. What makes Kings so special here is their unpredictability – they might crash a surface bait one minute, then demand a precise deep presentation the next.
Redfish are Jacksonville's year-round superstars, and these copper-colored bruisers know how to put up a fight. Most of our slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the real prizes are those oversized bulls that can stretch past 40 inches and 30+ pounds. Fall and winter tend to produce the biggest fish, especially around structure and deeper grass flats. When a big Red grabs your bait, expect a powerful initial run followed by a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Cobia are the wild cards that can turn a good day into an epic one. These chocolate-brown fighters average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ when you find the right fish. Spring and early summer are prime time, especially around structure and following rays in clear water. What makes Cobia special is their curiosity – they'll often come right to the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight fishing one of the strongest fish in the ocean. Once hooked, they dive deep and fight dirty, using their broad tail and powerful body to test every knot and connection.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute brutes that'll smoke your drag and leave your arms aching. These silver torpedoes typically run 5-20 pounds and are available year-round, with peak action during warmer months. When schools are feeding, the action gets absolutely crazy – multiple hookups, bent rods everywhere, and non-stop excitement. They hit hard, run fast, and never give up, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action and serious fights.
Tarpon are the silver kings that every serious angler dreams about. Jacksonville's waters host both juvenile fish in the 10-40 pound range and massive adults that can exceed 100+ pounds, depending on the season. Late spring through early fall offers the best shots, especially around passes and nearshore structure. When a Tarpon eats your bait, everything changes – these fish jump, tail-walk, and put on aerial displays that'll have you questioning whether your tackle can handle it. Even a smaller fish will give you a 20-minute fight you'll never forget, while a big silver king can battle for over an hour.
Captain Roland's advanced trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when all these species are firing at once. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of rod time with one of Jacksonville's most experienced guides. This is your chance to fish like a pro, learn advanced techniques, and target some of the most exciting species on the East Coast. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, land a personal best, or just spend a full day doing what you love most, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the fish are
Your ride for this serious fishing adventure is a fully restored 24' Sea Chaser bay boat that's built for performance and comfort on Jacksonville's waters. Originally from 2001 but completely overhauled in 2020, she's powered by a reliable 150HP Mercury that'll push you to 45 knots when it's time to chase down those moving fish or hit distant spots quickly. The spacious layout accommodates up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work the rods and fight those big Kings and Tarpon. Essential gear includes a quality fish finder to locate structure and bait, GPS for pinpoint navigation to Captain Roland's proven honey holes, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day. The wireless trolling motor lets you approach skittish Redfish and Cobia without spooking them. This boat's designed for serious fishing - stable enough for the fights, fast enough for the chase, and equipped with everything needed for a productive day targeting Jacksonville's premier gamefish along the beaches and inshore waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the best-eating fish in these waters and put up a solid fight to boot. These brown, shark-looking fish typically run 30-50 pounds and can hit 100+. They're loners, usually found around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April to June is prime time when they move through our area heading north. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that'll come up to investigate the boat, plus their firm white meat rivals grouper for table quality. They're aggressive predators that'll hit crabs, eels, and jigs. Best local tip: when you spot a cobia, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead the fish by 20 feet and work your bait back toward it - they spook easy but will follow and eat if you play it right.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the ocean - pound for pound, they'll give you one of the hardest fights you'll ever experience. Most average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 40+ pounds. Look for them around structure, grass flats, and especially under diving birds where they push baitfish to the surface. They're here year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What anglers love about jacks is their pure aggression - they'll chase down anything that moves and never give up once hooked. They're not great table fare, so most folks release them, but the action is non-stop. Here's the trick: when you see birds working, don't run straight at them. Circle around and cast past the school, then rip your lure back through - jacks love a fast-moving bait they have to chase down.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are built for speed and put up one heck of a fight. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen some push 60+. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths along our coast, following baitfish like sardines and blue runners. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot around 70-80°F. What guests love about kings is the raw power - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one through the bait's nose and a stinger hook trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the back, and that second hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore target - they fight hard, taste great, and give you that classic sight-fishing thrill. Most run 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds, with that distinctive copper color and black spots near the tail. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges where they tail and cruise looking for crabs and shrimp. They bite year-round here, but fall is money time when they school up. What makes reds special is they're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater lures with explosive strikes, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Local trick: when you see a redfish tailing in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where it's moving and let it sink to the bottom - they feed with their heads down.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are what fishing dreams are made of. Most tarpon you'll hook are 80-100 pounds, but they can push 200+ and reach 6 feet long. They live in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around structures like bridges and jetties. Best fishing is late spring through summer when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - most folks release them - it's the fight. When hooked, they'll launch themselves 10 feet out of the water in acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Here's a local tip: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward the water. It keeps tension off the line and prevents those razor-sharp gill plates from cutting you off mid-fight.
Jacksonville