Fernandina Beach Wreck Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Six-hour afternoon charter targeting multiple species near jettiesSeason runs May through October with flexible departure timesSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
Looking for a fishing adventure that'll have you talking for months? Big Fin Charters' wreck fishing trip out of Fernandina Beach delivers exactly what serious anglers are after. This isn't your typical inshore dabbling – we're talking about a 6-hour charter that puts you right where the big fish live. From late May through October, when the water's warm and the fish are feeding heavy, you'll be working the jetties and structure where redfish, tarpon, grouper, and sharks call home. With room for up to 6 anglers, this afternoon charter makes the most of those long summer days when the bite stays hot well into the evening.
Your afternoon starts at Fernandina Beach, where the Amelia River meets the Atlantic. This timing isn't random – afternoon trips during summer months hit the sweet spot when baitfish are active and predators are feeding. The jetties and nearby wrecks create the perfect storm of structure, current, and cover that draws everything from massive tarpon to aggressive blacktip sharks. You'll be fishing in 20 to 60 feet of water, working both natural bottom and artificial structure that's been collecting marine life for decades. The flexible departure times mean we can adjust for tides, weather, and what's been biting best lately. Expect to move between several spots throughout the day as we follow the action and target different species based on conditions.
Wreck fishing around Fernandina means adapting your approach to the structure and the fish you're after. We'll be using medium to heavy tackle – think 20 to 50-pound class gear that can handle the drag-screaming runs tarpon are famous for, plus the sharp-toothed sharks that patrol these waters. Bottom fishing with live and cut bait is the bread and butter here, but don't be surprised when we break out the heavy jigs or work live pinfish around the jetty rocks for those stubborn grouper. The key is reading the structure on the fish finder and positioning your bait where fish are holding, whether that's tight to the wreck or in the current breaks nearby. Wire leaders are a must when sharks are in the mix, and we'll have everything rigged and ready based on what's been producing lately.
Black drum around Fernandina are absolute bruisers, especially during the summer months when they school up near the jetties and offshore structure. These fish can push 30 to 50 pounds and fight like freight trains, using their broad sides to leverage against the current. They're suckers for fresh shrimp and cut crab, and once you hook into a big drum, you'll understand why locals consider them one of the best eating fish in these waters. The best action usually happens on the incoming tide when they move up to feed in the shallower water around the jetty rocks.
Tarpon fishing near Fernandina Beach peaks during the summer migration, and these silver kings don't mess around. Fish ranging from 80 to 150 pounds roll through these waters, and when one eats your bait, you're in for the fight of your life. They're famous for their acrobatic jumps and long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Live pinfish, crabs, and large shrimp all work, but the key is getting your bait in the right depth and keeping it lively. These fish are catch and release, but the memory of landing a tarpon this size sticks with you forever.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests, but they're crafty fighters and excellent table fare. Around the jetties and wreck structure, they use their human-like teeth to pick barnacles and crustaceans off the rocks. This makes them notorious bait thieves, but once you figure out their feeding pattern, you can fill the cooler. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and respond well to small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. A good day on sheepshead means fresh fish dinners that rival any restaurant.
Redfish in the Fernandina area are year-round residents, but summer brings some of the best action as they school up and feed aggressively. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 35 inches and provide that perfect combination of fight and flavor. They're not picky eaters – cut bait, live shrimp, and small jigs all produce. What makes redfish special here is their willingness to eat in relatively shallow water around the jetty structure, making them accessible even when offshore conditions are rough.
Blacktip sharks add serious excitement to any wreck fishing trip. These fast, aggressive predators show up when the water warms up and baitfish are thick. Running 20 to 60 pounds, blacktips are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're not shy about eating cut bait intended for other species, so be ready when that rod doubles over and line starts disappearing. The fight is pure adrenaline, and these sharks are perfect for photos before a quick release.
Summer wreck fishing around Fernandina Beach offers some of the most diverse and exciting angling on the East Coast. With Big Fin Charters' flexible scheduling and afternoon departure times, you're positioned to make the most of those long summer days when fish are feeding and conditions are prime. Whether you're after the brute strength of a big drum, the aerial show of a tarpon, or the lightning-fast runs of a blacktip shark, this 6-hour charter puts you right in the middle of the action. The season runs from May 31st through October 1st, so don't wait – the best dates fill up fast when word gets out about hot fishing. Book your spot today and get ready for the kind of fishing stories that never get old.
This 2020 29-foot Parker Walkaround is built for serious wreck fishing around Fernandina Beach waters. Twin 200HP Yamaha 4-strokes push her to 30 knots, getting you to those productive offshore wrecks fast while burning less fuel. The walkaround design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to move around when fighting fish, plus easy access to every corner of the boat. She's loaded with the right gear for wreck fishing success - GPS keeps you on those numbers, radar helps in morning fog, and the fish finder shows exactly what's hanging around the structure below. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days targeting grouper, snapper, and whatever else is lurking in the depths. There's even a head onboard for those 6-hour trips when nature calls. The Parker's reputation for handling rough water means you'll fish comfortably even when conditions get choppy around the wrecks.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow flats, oyster beds, and around the jetties where they crush crabs and shellfish with their powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's prime time when they school up and become easier to target. What makes them special is their raw pulling power and the fact that smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap, give them a second before setting the hook hard - they like to mouth the bait first.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks bring the excitement level up a notch with their signature black-tipped fins and acrobatic jumps. These sleek predators average 4-5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. They patrol waters from 30-100 feet deep around reefs, jetties, and wherever baitfish gather. Summer months are prime when they move into our area following schools of mackerel and sardines. What guests love is their athleticism - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times, spinning and thrashing. They're strong fighters that test your tackle and skills. While they're edible, most folks release them for the sport. The secret is using oily baits like mackerel or sardines on the bottom with heavy tackle - 30-50 pound test minimum. When they hit, hold on tight because the rodeo is just starting.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-32 inches and fight way above their weight class. They love shallow water from 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit topwater lures with explosive strikes and never give up the fight. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with sweet, firm meat. The fact that they're a protected gamefish makes each catch more meaningful. My go-to tip: look for tailing fish in super shallow water during moving tides, and throw your lure past them, then work it back - they spook easily but strike hard.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating around. Most run 1-8 pounds, though 20-pounders show up occasionally. They live around any structure with barnacles: docks, pilings, jetties, and reefs. Spring months are prime time when they move to spawn around inlet mouths. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. The challenge is their light bite - they'll steal your bait before you know it. Their sweet, flaky white meat rivals snapper. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel that subtle weight, set hard and fast.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds and 4 feet, but can push 200+ pounds. They roll through our waters May through October, cruising shallow flats, channels, and around structure where they hunt baitfish. What sets them apart is their aerial show - when hooked, they'll jump 10 feet out of the water at 35 mph trying to throw the hook. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're mainly bones and not great eating. The real draw is the fight of a lifetime. They can live 50+ years, so that fish you're battling might be older than you. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give them slack, or they'll snap your line on the way down.
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