Fernandina Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing adventure targeting Mahi, Snapper, and Grouper speciesExpert guides navigate 20-50 miles from Fernandina Beach coastlineSmall group charter accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
When you're looking for serious offshore action, Big Fin Charters delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers talking long after they're back on dry land. Our Fernandina Beach charters take you 20 to 50 miles out into the Atlantic, where the big fish roam and the water runs deep blue. With flexible departure times and room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about real offshore fishing where the pelagics cruise and the bottom dwellers stack up on structure.
Once we clear the inlet and head offshore, you'll feel the difference as the continental shelf drops away beneath us. The Gulf Stream influence brings baitfish close to our fishing grounds, and where there's bait, there's big fish. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand – every ledge, every temperature break, every piece of structure that holds fish. We'll be running multiple techniques depending on what's biting: trolling spread for pelagics, dropping bottom rigs on structure, and adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, but if you've got your own setup and prefer using it, that's fine by us. Just remember, this is offshore fishing – the fish are bigger and stronger out here, so make sure your drag is set right and you're ready for a fight.
Offshore fishing demands different approaches than what you'd use closer to shore. We'll typically start with a trolling spread using ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs to cover water and locate active fish. Once we mark fish or hit a productive area, we might switch to live bait fishing or drop down to the bottom with heavy tackle. The depth out here ranges from 60 feet on the nearshore reefs to over 200 feet on the deeper structures, so we're using appropriate weights and sinkers to get down fast. Our reels are spooled with 30-50 pound test, and we've got wire leaders ready for the toothy critters like kings and barracuda. Circle hooks are the standard for bottom fishing – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut hooking, which means better survival rates for released fish. When we're targeting cobia or mahi, we might sight fish if conditions are right, which adds a whole different level of excitement to the day.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, and these silver rockets will test your reflexes and your tackle. These fish cruise the 40-80 foot range most of the year, with peak action from April through October. They'll hit a trolled bait at 15 knots without warning, and that first run will strip line off your reel faster than you'd expect. Kings average 15-30 pounds out here, but we see plenty of fish in the 40+ pound range. What makes them special is their speed and their teeth – razor-sharp choppers that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat, which is why we use wire leaders.
Mahi Mahi are the most colorful fight you'll experience offshore, and when we find them, they're usually traveling in schools. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, typically in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger bulls showing up in late spring. A mahi will light up in electric blues and greens when it's fighting, putting on a show as it jumps and bulldogs near the boat. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home.
Great Barracuda are the aggressive predators that'll hit just about anything that moves too fast near them. These toothy missiles can exceed 4 feet in length and they're found around structure and in open water. They're ambush predators with incredible acceleration, and they'll often follow a hooked fish right to the boat before deciding to strike. The bite is explosive and the initial run is blistering fast. Most anglers target them while fishing for other species, but when you hook into a big cuda, you'll know it immediately.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise our offshore waters, especially around structure and floating debris. These bronze-colored fish can reach 50+ pounds and they're known for their curious nature – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. Spring migration brings the big fish through our area, typically April through June. They're sight fish much of the time, which means you'll see them swimming near the surface before you cast. The fight is more of a power struggle than speed, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Gag Grouper are the bottom dwellers that test your ability to turn a fish's head before it reaches structure. These guys live around rocks, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, and they know exactly where to run when hooked. The key is putting maximum pressure on them immediately – hesitate and they'll wrap you around structure faster than you can blink. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, and they're prized for their firm white meat. A good gag will thump your rod tip before the bite, giving you a split second warning before the fight begins.
This is the kind of offshore fishing that separates the casual anglers from the serious ones. When you're 30 miles offshore with the coast just a thin line on the horizon, surrounded by deep blue water and the possibility of hooking into the fish of a lifetime, you'll understand why offshore fishing gets into your blood. Our flexible departure times mean we can work around your schedule, and with space for 6 anglers, you can bring your crew or join other serious fishermen for the day. The fish are out there year-round, but they're not going to wait forever. Book your Fernan
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our 2020 29-foot Parker Walkaround, powered by twin 200HP Yamaha engines that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at a solid 30 knots. This boat is built for serious offshore action, taking you 20-50 miles out where the big fish live. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. We've got all the essentials covered - an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, GPS and radar to navigate safely, plus a fish finder to put you right on top of the action. There's even a head onboard for those long days chasing Mahi, Red Snapper, Grouper, Barracuda, and Kingfish. The walkaround design means you can move freely around the boat to follow the fish wherever they take you. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to land your first offshore trophy, this Parker delivers the performance and comfort you need for a productive day on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. They average 20-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. These solitary fish hang around buoys, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet during spring migration and spawning season. What makes Cobia special is they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals the best fish you'll eat. They're also sight-fishable - you'll often see them cruising just under the surface. Spring migration (April-June) is prime time when they move through our area. Here's a guide secret: look for rays and turtles - Cobia often follow them to feed on stirred-up crabs and baitfish. A bucktail jig works great when you spot one.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are bottom-dwellers that love rocky reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. They typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. These fish are ambush predators with powerful jaws that make great table fare - firm, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Fall through spring is prime time when they're more active and feeding heavily. What makes Gag Grouper challenging is their tendency to dive straight for cover when hooked - it's a tug-of-war from the start. They're smart fish that require patience and the right presentation. Local tip: once you hook a Gag, lock that drag and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge. Circle hooks work best with cut bait like squid or crab.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's speed demons, capable of hitting 35 mph in short bursts. They typically run 10-40 pounds and can reach 5-6 feet long. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure from the surface down to about 100 feet. They're active year-round in our waters but really turn on during warmer months. What makes them fun is their explosive strike and powerful initial run - they'll test your drag immediately. While not the best table fare due to potential toxins, they're pure adrenaline on the line. Watch those teeth when landing one! Here's the key: they hunt by sight and love shiny objects, so silver spoons and flashy lures work great. When they follow your bait, speed up the retrieve - it triggers their predatory instincts.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are fast-moving predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds offshore. They're found in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall are prime times when they migrate through our waters. What makes Kings exciting is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. The meat is excellent when fresh, with firm white flesh that grills beautifully. Here's a local tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Put one hook through the nose and let a treble dangle near the tail - Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, and this setup keeps you connected when they do.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see, with brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that light up when they come out of the water. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water, especially during warmer months. What makes Mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They often travel in small schools, so when you hook one, get another line out quick. Pro tip: once you find floating sargassum or debris, work it thoroughly - Mahi love hanging under cover in blue water.
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