Offshore Fishing Charters in Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing targeting Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, and GroupersVentures 2050 miles from Fernandina Beach coastlineAccommodates up to 6 guests with flexible departure times
Picture yourself hauling in a screaming King Mackerel 30 miles offshore while the sunrise paints Fernandina Beach's coastline in the distance. That's exactly what you'll get with Big Fin Charters – a top-rated fishing operation that knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking serious offshore action here, not some rinky-dink nearshore trip. You'll be running 20 to 50 miles out into the deep blue, where the big fish live and the real fishing happens.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip. We're running deep offshore where the water turns that gorgeous cobalt blue and you can't see land on the horizon. The captain will have you out there at first light when the fish are most active, and with flexible departure times, we can work around your schedule. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers max – we keep groups small so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and your appetite for adventure. The boat comes rigged with all the tackle, rods, and gear you'll need to tangle with whatever's biting. The crew knows exactly where to find the fish based on water temperature, bait movement, and years of experience working these waters. Some days we'll hit the ledges and drop-offs, other days we'll chase birds and floating debris where Mahi Mahi like to hang out. Every trip is different, and that's what keeps it exciting.
We fish these offshore waters primarily by trolling – that means we're constantly moving and covering water with multiple lines out behind the boat. The crew will set up a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures designed to mimic the baitfish that pelagic species can't resist. You'll see rods rigged with different weights and depths, from surface teasers to deep-diving plugs that run 20 feet down. When something hits, you'll know it immediately – these fish don't nibble, they slam the bait and take off running. The boat is equipped with outriggers and downriggers to maximize our spread and keep lines separated. For the bigger Grouper and Snapper, we'll also do some bottom fishing over structure using heavy tackle and live or cut bait. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on what you came for – fighting fish. We run quality Penn and Shimano reels paired with heavy action rods that can handle anything from a 10-pound Mahi to a 40-pound King Mackerel without breaking a sweat.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Fernandina Beach offshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can reach speeds of 40 mph and will test your drag system to the max. Best fishing is typically spring through fall when they're following bait schools along the coast. A decent King runs 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 40 pounds or more. What makes them so fun is their acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw the hook. The meat is excellent when prepared properly, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're officially known, are hands down the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here. Their brilliant gold and green colors are absolutely stunning when they come boat-side, and they put on quite a show with their head-shaking, tail-walking antics. These fish are pure adrenaline – fast, strong, and unpredictable. They travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll often find several. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. A typical Mahi runs 10-20 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull that tops 30 pounds.
Great Barracuda are the wild cards of offshore fishing here. These toothy predators are lightning fast and hit baits with incredible aggression. They're ambush hunters that can grow over 5 feet long and 30 pounds in these waters. What makes Barracuda exciting is their unpredictability – they might follow a lure for hundreds of yards before striking, or slam it the second it hits the water. Their razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws make for an exciting fight, and experienced anglers know to keep their fingers clear when handling these fish.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the offshore world, and Fernandina Beach waters produce some world-class specimens. These brown sharks look-alikes can reach 50 pounds or more and are known for their curious nature – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. Spring migration brings the biggest fish through our area, and sight-fishing for Cobia is as exciting as it gets. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Gag Grouper round out our target species list and represent some of the best eating fish in the ocean. These bottom dwellers love structure and will test your tackle with powerful runs back toward their rocky homes. Fernandina Beach's offshore ledges and artificial reefs hold plenty of keeper-sized Gag Grouper, typically running 5-15 pounds. The key is getting them away from structure before they can wrap your line around a rock or ledge. Their fight is all about power and determination rather than speed.
Offshore fishing in Fernandina Beach doesn't get much better than this. Big Fin Charters has built a reputation on putting clients on fish while providing a safe, professional experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime
Ready to chase trophy fish in the deep waters off Fernandina Beach? Our 2020 29-foot Parker Walkaround delivers serious offshore performance with twin 200HP Yamaha engines that cruise at 30 knots, getting you to productive fishing grounds 20-50 miles out fast. This walkaround design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to move around while battling Mahi, Red Snapper, Grouper, Barracuda, and Kingfish. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for those long days on the water. Whether you're dropping lines on offshore reefs or trolling for pelagic species, this Parker handles big water with ease while giving everyone space to fish comfortably.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the best eating fish we target - firm texture and excellent flavor that rivals any table fare. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 40-60 pounds and are usually found solo, cruising structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet. Spring migration through summer gives us the best shots at them. What makes cobia special is they're sight fish - we'll often spot them swimming near the surface before casting. They're curious and will follow lures, but can be picky. The fight is strong and steady rather than flashy. My advice: when you see one, make your first cast count. Drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them and be ready - they either eat it quick or they're gone. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They live around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks, with bigger fish preferring deeper offshore structure. Fall through spring offers our best grouper fishing when they're more active. What guests love is the solid fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole in the rocks. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so you need to get bait right to them. Live pinfish or mullet works best, but cut bait like squid and crab produces too. Key tip: when you hook a gag, lock that reel down tight and keep your rod low. Don't give them any slack or they'll wrap you up in the rocks below.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's silver bullets - reaching six feet long and hitting speeds of 35 mph in short bursts. They cruise near the surface around reefs and structure, using their razor teeth to ambush schools of baitfish. We see them year-round, but spring and summer fishing is most consistent when they're actively feeding. What makes barracuda exciting is their explosive strike and the way they fight - short but intense runs followed by acrobatic jumps. They're curious fish too, often following lures before deciding to hit. While the meat can be good, most folks target them for the sport. Here's the key: use a wire leader and be ready for anything when one hits. They'll test your tackle quickly, but they tire fast, so keep steady pressure and watch for those last-second jumps near the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in these waters, averaging 30 pounds with some reaching over 90. We find them in 40-150 feet, often around structure and current breaks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line like nothing else out here. The meat's got a rich flavor that locals love, though it's high in oils. When targeting kings, use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. They typically hit the tail end of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish. These silver bullets put up a serious fight with multiple runs that'll test your drag.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target - brilliant gold, green, and blue that puts on a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. Warmer months are prime time when they move through our offshore waters. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. The meat is fantastic too - firm, white, and mild tasting. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and cast around it - mahi travel in schools and that hooked fish will often keep the others nearby curious enough for additional hookups.
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