Fernandina Beach Wreck Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target redfish, sheepshead, black drum, and groupers near jettiesWreck fishing charter accommodates up to six guests comfortablyAll fishing gear and equipment provided by Big Fin Charters
Looking for some serious action around the jetties and wrecks? This Fernandina Beach fishing charter puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about fishing the structure that holds everything from bruiser black drum to explosive tarpon. With Captain and crew providing all the tackle and know-how, you just need to show up ready to fish. The waters around Fernandina's jetties and nearby wrecks are legendary for a reason – they're fish magnets that consistently produce trophy catches year-round.
Your day starts at the Fernandina Beach marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting. This charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or groups of friends who want to share some quality fishing time. The boat heads out to the jetties first, where the rocky structure creates perfect ambush points for redfish and sheepshead. From there, it's off to the wrecks – those underwater goldmines where grouper, black drum, and sharks patrol the depths. The captain reads the water conditions, tide movements, and fish activity to put you on the hottest spots. You'll spend the day moving between productive areas, adjusting techniques based on what's working. The vibe is relaxed but focused – everyone's here to catch fish, and the crew knows exactly how to make that happen.
Wreck fishing requires the right approach, and that's where the crew's expertise really shines. You'll be using heavy conventional tackle capable of pulling big fish away from structure before they cut you off. Bottom rigs loaded with fresh bait work best for black drum and grouper around the wrecks, while live bait presentations near the jetties drive redfish crazy. The captain provides everything – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice. Circle hooks are standard to improve hook-up ratios and fish survival. When targeting tarpon, expect to switch to lighter spinning gear with live bait or artificials. Shark fishing calls for wire leaders and serious drag settings. The key to success around wrecks is getting your bait down fast and keeping steady pressure on hooked fish. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on feeling those bites and setting hooks.
Black drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with bulls pushing 40-50 pounds common around the deeper wrecks. These fish feed year-round but peak during cooler months when they school up in massive numbers. They're bottom huggers that crush crabs and cut bait, giving anglers that deep, steady pull that tests both tackle and technique. What makes black drum special is their size and fight – landing a trophy bull drum from structure requires skill and patience.
Tarpon show up in late spring through early fall, turning the jetties into an angler's playground. These silver kings range from 80-150 pounds and provide the most spectacular fights in Northeast Florida waters. They hit live bait near the surface and immediately go airborne, tail-walking and gill-rattling in displays that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. Tarpon fishing around Fernandina is catch-and-release, making it pure sport fishing at its finest.
Redfish are year-round residents that love the jetty rocks and nearby grass flats. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-35 inches and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. They're ambush predators that crush live shrimp, crabs, and cut bait. Redfish fight with bulldogging runs and head shakes that keep rods bent and drag screaming. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Blacktip sharks patrol these waters looking for easy meals, and they're always ready to crash the party. Running 3-6 feet long, blacktips provide fast runs and acrobatic jumps that rival tarpon for pure excitement. They hit live bait intended for other species and immediately peel line off reels. Shark fishing adds an element of surprise to every trip – you never know when that next bite might be a blacktip ready to go ballistic.
This Fernandina Beach wreck fishing charter delivers the complete Northeast Florida fishing experience. You're getting access to prime fishing grounds that many anglers never see, guided by captains who fish these waters daily. The combination of jetty structure and offshore wrecks creates diverse fishing opportunities that keep every trip interesting. Whether you're after a trophy black drum, hoping for tarpon fireworks, or just want to catch fish consistently, this charter puts you in position to succeed. The crew handles all the details while you focus on what matters – fighting fish and making memories. Don't wait on this one – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons.
This 2020 29-foot Parker Walkaround is built for serious wreck fishing around Fernandina Beach. Twin 200HP Yamaha engines push her to a solid 30 knots, getting you out to those productive offshore wrecks quickly. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of deck space for fighting fish. You'll have GPS and radar to navigate safely, plus a quality fish finder to mark structure and baitfish around the wrecks. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those longer trips. The boat also features a head for convenience on full-day adventures. This setup is perfect for targeting grouper, snapper, and other bottom species that call these artificial reefs home.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds around our jetties, though giants over 50 pounds show up. You'll recognize them by their dark coloration and the drumming sounds they make underwater. These bottom-feeders love our oyster beds and shallow muddy flats, especially during spring spawning season when they school up and become much easier to target. The fight is steady and strong - they use those powerful jaws to crush shellfish all day. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table; bigger fish get tough and lose flavor. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait since it stays on the hook and catfish won't steal it. Fish slow and keep your bait on the bottom.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of our shark species, averaging 4-5 feet and known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. You'll find them around our jetties and nearshore reefs in 30-100 feet, especially during warmer months when baitfish are thick. They're easily identified by the black tips on their fins and their excitable nature - they'll often jump completely out of the water. What draws anglers is their aggressive fight and willingness to take both live and cut bait. These sharks are catch-and-release only, but the battle makes it worthwhile. Heavy tackle with 30-50 pound braid is essential. Fresh mackerel or live sardines work best, and here's the key: use plenty of chum to draw them in, then be ready for explosive action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter around Fernandina - bronze-colored fish with distinctive black spots near the tail that typically run 20-30 inches. They love our shallow flats, oyster bars, and around the jetties in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs out of the water when they're feeding. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding before and after spawning. These fish are prized for their strong, steady fight and excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat almost anything - shrimp, crabs, or artificial lures. The key is staying quiet and making long casts since they spook easily in shallow water. Topwater plugs at dawn create explosive strikes you'll remember.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 80-100 pounds and putting on aerial shows you won't forget. These prehistoric fish patrol our jetties and nearshore waters during warmer months, often rolling on the surface. They prefer depths from 10-50 feet around structure but will move into shallower water to feed. Late spring through summer gives you the best shot when they migrate through our area. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump repeatedly and run hard with that forked tail. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since the meat is bony and not great eating. Live mullet or pinfish work well, but here's a tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod at them to keep tension without breaking off.
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