Offshore Fishing Charters Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter targeting Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, and KingfishFlexible departure times with accommodations for up to six guestsSeasonal operations from May through October in abundant waters
Looking for some serious action on the water? Big Fin Charters runs top-rated offshore fishing trips that'll get your heart pumping and your cooler full. We're talking about real deal deep sea fishing here - the kind where you'll battle red snapper, kingfish, and mahi that'll test your muscles and leave you with stories worth telling. Our flexible departure times mean you can hit the water when it works for you, and with only 6 anglers max per trip, you're not fighting crowds for rod space. The prime season runs May through October when the Gulf Stream is firing on all cylinders, bringing baitfish and hungry predators right to our doorstep.
Captain and crew know these Fernandina Beach waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping the vibe relaxed and fun. You'll head out past the nearshore reefs into blue water where the real monsters live. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need - just bring yourself, some snacks, and drinks for the day. We're not talking about a fancy yacht experience here, but rather a serious fishing operation where the focus stays on putting fish in the boat. The crew handles everything from rigging baits to gaffing your catch, so even if you're new to offshore fishing, you'll feel confident out there. Most trips run 6-8 hours depending on conditions and how the bite's going.
Out here, we're primarily trolling with a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs to cover different depths and attract various species. The captain reads the water temperature breaks, current edges, and bird activity to position the boat where fish are feeding. You'll learn to watch for diving birds, floating sargassum, and color changes in the water - all signs that baitfish and predators are nearby. When something hits, it's game on. The crew coaches you through the fight, helping with drag adjustments and fighting technique so you can land that fish of a lifetime. We also do some bottom fishing over structure for snapper and grouper, dropping chicken rigs and knocker rigs down to productive ledges and wrecks. The Gulf Stream's influence here creates perfect conditions for both pelagic species cruising the surface and bottom dwellers hugging structure below.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Fernandina Beach offshore fishing, especially during summer months when they school up in massive numbers. These silver bullets can stretch 30-50 pounds and make blistering runs that'll burn drag and test your endurance. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps, so expect a fight that keeps you on your toes. Best part? Kings are excellent table fare when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish dip.
Mahi mahi show up consistently from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute crowd pleasers for good reason. These colorful fighters often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more nearby. Watch for their brilliant gold and green colors as they jump and tail-walk across the surface. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, though bull dolphins over 30 pounds aren't uncommon. They're found around floating debris, sargassum lines, and temperature breaks where small baitfish congregate.
Great barracuda patrol these waters year-round and provide explosive action when they decide to eat. These torpedo-shaped predators can exceed 4 feet long and are known for crushing baits with incredible speed. Their initial run is lightning fast, and they'll often jump multiple times trying to throw the hook. While they're not typically kept for the table due to ciguatera concerns in larger fish, the sport fishing value is off the charts. Smaller cuda make decent eating when properly prepared.
Red snapper are the prize catch during their season, offering both fantastic fighting ability and world-class table fare. These crimson beauties inhabit ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-150 feet of water. They're smart fish that require precise presentations and quality tackle to consistently fool. When hooked, they make determined runs toward structure, testing your ability to turn them before they cut you off. Most red snapper here run 5-15 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 20-plus pounds that'll make your day memorable.
Gag grouper round out the target species list and are highly sought after for their incredible eating quality and bulldog fighting style. These bottom dwellers love structure and are masters at using caves and ledges to their advantage once hooked. The initial hookup often feels like you've snagged bottom until the fish starts moving, then it's a power struggle all the way to the boat. Gags are regulated carefully, so the crew knows current size and bag limits to ensure legal harvest. Their flaky white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Don't let another season slip by without experiencing what Fernandina Beach offshore fishing has to offer. Big Fin Charters delivers the real deal - professional crew, quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or someone ready to try deep sea fishing for the first time, this trip delivers memories and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets. The flexible scheduling means you can plan around weather and your calendar, while the small group size ensures personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. Book now and get ready to see what's swimming in the deep blue waters off Northeast Florida.
Ready to hit the offshore waters around Fernandina Beach? This 2020 29-foot Parker Walkaround is built for serious fishing adventures. Twin 200HP Yamaha engines push her to a smooth 30 knots, getting you to the best fishing spots fast. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to work your lines. Essential gear includes an icebox to keep your catch fresh, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus a quality fish finder to locate those Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, and Kingfish hiding in the deep. The onboard toilet means longer fishing days without cutting trips short. From May through October, these waters come alive with pelagic species just waiting for your hook. Perfect setup for targeting everything from aggressive Barracuda to tasty Snapper in the productive offshore grounds.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that live around hard structure and put up a serious fight. These mottled gray fish average 5-15 pounds, with occasional 20+ pound bruisers that'll surprise you. We target them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-120 feet during the open seasons. What makes gags exciting is their power - once hooked, they immediately try to get back to their hole in the rocks. The firm, white meat is restaurant-quality and perfect for grilling. Gags prefer live bait like pinfish or mullet, but cut squid and crab work too. The secret is keeping your drag locked tight from the moment you hook up. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge. Quick, steady pressure is the only way to win.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's speed demons, reaching 35 mph in short bursts. These sleek predators typically run 10-30 pounds and love to hang around reefs, weed lines, and structure from the surface down to about 100 feet. They're curious fish that'll often follow lures before striking. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. What makes them exciting is their explosive strikes and wild runs - they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. While the meat can carry ciguatoxin, the fight is what brings people back. Pro tip: use a wire leader and bright, flashy lures trolled fast. When you hook one, watch for those trademark jumps and be ready to tighten your drag - they've got sharp teeth and attitude to match.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are serious gamefish that'll test your skills and equipment. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds, though we see some pushing 60+ pounds during peak season. They cruise our offshore waters from May through October, usually found in 40-150 feet over structure or along temperature breaks. What makes them special is their blistering speed - they can peel line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's rich and flavorful when prepared right. Kings love to hit the back half of live baits, so always rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, another trailing behind. When you hook up, keep that drag locked tight or they'll dive straight into the nearest structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold both in looks and on the dinner table. These beautiful fish average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks during our summer season. What guests love most is watching their colors flash from brilliant blues and greens to gold as we bring them boatside. They're aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters that'll jump and run when hooked. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Here's a local trick: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and cast to its buddies - they travel in schools and often stick around to help their hooked friend.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - beautiful, hard-fighting, and some of the finest eating in the ocean. These bright red fish typically range 2-8 pounds, though we occasionally see 15+ pounders that'll really test your tackle. They live around hard bottom, rocks, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. The federal season usually runs summer months when they're most active. What makes snapper special is their bulldogging fight straight down to the bottom, plus that sweet, nutty flavor that's made them famous in restaurants. Circle hooks are required, and fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid works best. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks or you'll lose them every time.
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