Fernandina Beach Wreck Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour afternoon charter targeting redfish, tarpon, and sharksSeasonal trips available May through October with flexible schedulingSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
Looking for serious wreck fishing action off Fernandina Beach? Big Fin Charters runs one of the top-rated afternoon wreck trips on Florida's northeast coast, targeting structure-holding fish that'll test your tackle and skills. This 6-hour charter takes you to productive offshore wrecks where big fish live, eat, and fight hard. From late May through October, we're hitting these artificial reefs when the bite is hottest and the days are longest. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have room to spread out and work different spots without crowding each other's lines.
We launch in the afternoon when the summer sun extends our fishing window and fish are actively feeding around the wrecks. These artificial reefs create underwater highways for baitfish, and that draws everything from hefty groupers to prowling sharks. The jetties serve as our launching point, but we're heading offshore to where the real action happens. Captain and crew know these wrecks like the back of their hands – which ones are holding fish, what depths to target, and how to position the boat for maximum success. You'll be fishing in 40-80 feet of water typically, working the structure with both bottom rigs and live bait presentations. The boat stays positioned over productive spots, and we rotate fishing zones based on current, tide, and what's biting. Expect to see your rod bend and your drag scream when these wreck fish decide to cooperate.
Wreck fishing demands specific approaches to pull fish away from structure before they cut you off. We're using medium-heavy to heavy action rods with strong reels that can handle 30-50 pound test line. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and strong leaders is the bread and butter – think knocker rigs, Carolina rigs, and fish finder setups that get bait down to where fish are holding. Live bait works magic around wrecks, especially when targeting tarpon and big drum that cruise the edges. Cut bait and fresh chunks are deadly for grouper, sheepshead, and sharks that patrol the structure looking for easy meals. The key is getting your bait to the fish quickly before smaller reef fish strip your hooks clean. We'll also throw some artificial lures when fish are suspended or when live bait presentations aren't producing. Captain provides all the tackle, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer specific setups.
Black Drum around Fernandina's wrecks are absolute tanks that'll make your arms ache. These bruisers range from 20-60 pounds and love hanging around structure where they can crush crabs and shellfish. Peak season runs June through September when water temperatures climb and drum move into shallower wreck zones. They're not flashy fighters like tarpon, but they're pure power that tests your endurance and drag system. What makes them special is their size and the way they use structure to their advantage – expect a bulldogging fight that keeps you wondering if you're hooked to the wreck itself.
Tarpon show up around these wrecks from May through October, ranging from 50-150 pounds of pure aerial acrobatics. These silver kings use the wrecks as ambush points for schools of baitfish, and when they're feeding, the action gets wild fast. Early morning and late afternoon produce the best tarpon action, which fits perfectly with our afternoon departure times. What gets anglers hooked on tarpon is their unpredictable fighting style – one minute they're deep, the next they're 6 feet in the air trying to throw your hook. Landing one is a badge of honor that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
Sheepshead around Fernandina's artificial reefs are some of the craftiest fish you'll target. These black-and-white striped convict fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and small crabs off wreck structure. They're most active March through November, with summer months producing the biggest specimens up to 8 pounds. Sheepshead require finesse and patience – they're notorious bait stealers that can clean your hook without moving your rod tip. But when you connect with a big one, they fight surprisingly hard and make excellent table fare with flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
Redfish cruise these offshore wrecks year-round, but summer months bring schools of bull reds that'll straighten hooks and test your tackle limits. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 20-27 inches up to massive bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Reds are ambush predators that use wreck structure to surprise baitfish, and they'll absolutely crush a well-presented bait. Their fighting style combines power runs with head-shaking bulldogging that keeps constant pressure on your gear. Plus, slot reds make some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Blacktip Sharks patrol these wrecks like underwater wolves, always on the hunt and ready to turn a routine bottom fishing trip into an adrenaline rush. These sleek predators range from 3-6 feet and are incredibly fast, aggressive fighters that'll peel line off your reel in seconds. Summer months bring the most consistent shark action when baitfish schools concentrate around structure. Blacktips are perfect for anglers wanting big fish thrills without the extreme tackle requirements of larger shark species. They jump, they run, and they never give up – exactly what makes shark fishing so addictive for first-timers and veterans alike.
Fernandina Beach wreck fishing delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Big Fin Charters has dialed in these artificial reefs to consistently put clients on fish that fight hard and create lasting memories. The afternoon timing works perfectly for families, working folks, and anyone who doesn
This 2020 29-foot Parker Walkaround is built for serious wreck fishing adventures off Fernandina Beach. Twin 200HP Yamaha engines push her to a solid 30 knots, getting you to the productive offshore wrecks quickly and efficiently. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work the rails when the grouper bite gets hot. She's loaded with everything you need for a successful day - GPS keeps you on the numbers, radar cuts through morning fog, and the fish finder marks structure and baitfish around those underwater obstacles where big fish hide. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer afternoons targeting redfish, tarpon, and sharks. With an onboard head for convenience, this boat lets you focus on what matters most - putting fish in the box.
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 oyster beds, muddy flats, and around jetty structures where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is their size potential and that distinctive drumming sound they make underwater. Keep fish under 15 pounds for better eating - the big ones get tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom. They're picky eaters but once hooked, they'll give you a solid bulldogging fight that tests your drag.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are our most common summer sharks, averaging 3-5 feet but growing up to 9 feet. These guys patrol nearshore waters around jetties and artificial reefs, usually in 30-100 feet of water. They're known for their aerial shows - they'll jump clear out of the water when hooked. Summer months bring the best action when baitfish are thick. What guests love is the raw power and those spectacular jumps. They're also good eating if you bleed them properly. These sharks are pretty aggressive feeders, especially around schools of sardines and mackerel. My tip: use oily fish like mackerel for bait on a circle hook with wire leader. Start a chum line and be patient - once they show up, the action can get crazy fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore species, running 18-30 inches with that distinctive copper color and black spot near the tail. They live in 1-4 feet of water on grass flats, oyster bars, and around docks. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and that bulldogging fight in shallow water. The slot-sized fish are great eating too. You'll see their backs out of water when they're feeding in super shallow spots. Best advice: throw a gold spoon or topwater plug early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding. Work it slow and steady - they'll crush it when they're ready.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish with their black and gray stripes, running 1-8 pounds typically but capable of hitting 20+ pounds. These guys live tight to structure - jetties, pilings, oyster bars - anywhere barnacles grow. They're famous for those human-like teeth and being notorious bait thieves. Spring spawning brings the best action when they stack up on offshore structure. People love targeting them because they're excellent eating with sweet white meat, plus they're a technical challenge. You need small hooks, light line, and quick reflexes. My go-to trick: use fiddler crabs on a #1 hook and fish right against the pilings. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Megalops AtlanticusThe Silver King runs 4-8 feet and 80-280 pounds of pure muscle and acrobatics. These prehistoric giants cruise shallow flats, around jetties, and deeper channels during our summer season. What hooks people is watching a 6-foot tarpon launch 10 feet out of the water - it's a sight that never gets old. They're strictly catch and release due to their bony meat, but the fight is what you're after anyway. Tarpon hit live bait like mullet and pinfish, plus they'll take flies on the flats. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. Keeps the line slack so they can't throw the hook during those wild aerial shows. Peak season runs May through September.
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