Afternoon Half Day Fishing Jacksonville
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour offshore fishing trip targeting Kingfish, Cobia, and SnapperAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included with Captain CookAfternoon departure at 1:00 PM fishing reefs and wrecks
Jacksonville's offshore waters come alive during peak season, and this afternoon half-day trip puts you right in the middle of the action. Captain Cook has been running these popular five-hour charters from April through September when the fishing is consistently hot. You'll launch at 1:00 PM with everything provided—rods, reels, bait, tackle, and your fishing license—so all you need to bring is yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch. With space for up to three anglers, this trip offers a more intimate experience where everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain.
This isn't your typical inshore trip—Captain Cook takes you out to the productive offshore structures where the bigger fish hang out. You'll be targeting reefs, wrecks, and nearshore ledges that hold concentrations of game fish throughout the afternoon hours. The boat is rigged with quality gear that can handle everything from scrappy redfish to hard-fighting cobia. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. The afternoon departure gives you perfect timing to avoid the morning crowds while still getting in solid fishing before sunset paints the sky. Most trips see consistent action, especially during the prime April through September window when water temperatures and baitfish activity create ideal conditions.
Captain Cook runs a variety of techniques depending on what's working best for the target species. You'll likely do some bottom fishing over structure using circle hooks and cut bait for snapper and grouper species. Live bait fishing with pinfish or pilchards is deadly for cobia and kingfish when they're cruising the reefs. The captain also employs drift fishing techniques, letting the boat move naturally with the current while presenting baits at different depths. All tackle is tournament-grade stuff that won't let you down when a big fish decides to test your drag. The boat carries a good selection of weights, leaders, and hooks to match changing conditions. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing—the captain will walk you through proper technique and make sure your baits are rigged correctly. Veterans will appreciate having quality gear without the hassle of bringing their own setup.
Southern Flounder are one of the most sought-after species on these trips, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy bottoms around structure waiting to ambush prey. Jacksonville's offshore waters produce some excellent keeper-sized flounder, especially during late spring and summer months. What makes them so fun to target is their aggressive strike—they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented bait. Once hooked, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish, making long runs and using their flat profile to their advantage in the current.
Sheepshead fishing around Jacksonville's offshore structure is absolutely top-notch during the cooler months of the season. These black-and-white striped fighters have human-like teeth and a reputation for being bait thieves, but that's what makes catching them so rewarding. They school up around pilings, wrecks, and rocky bottom where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp. The key is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and having lightning-fast reflexes when they bite. Sheepshead are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackened preparations.
Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are a customer favorite because they're both fun to catch and delicious to eat. Jacksonville's grass flats and nearshore waters hold good populations of these beautiful fish year-round, but they really turn on during the warmer months. Trout are aggressive predators that will hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm. They're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked, often clearing the water multiple times during the fight. Most trips produce several keeper trout in the 15-20 inch range, with occasional larger specimens that really get the drag screaming.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Jacksonville's inshore and nearshore fishery. These copper-colored bruisers are built like tanks and fight twice as hard as their size suggests. They can be found around oyster bars, grass flats, and nearshore structure throughout the fishing season. What sets reds apart is their incredible power—they'll make long, bulldogging runs that test your tackle and technique. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized "bull" reds provide pure adrenaline-pumping action before being released to fight another day. Redfish are also very cooperative, often traveling in schools where multiple hookups are common.
Captain Cook's afternoon half-day trips fill up fast during Jacksonville's prime fishing season, and for good reason. You're getting five hours of guided fishing with all gear included, expert local knowledge, and access to productive offshore spots that most anglers never see. The 1:00 PM departure gives you the perfect balance—sleep in a bit, grab lunch, then spend the afternoon doing what you love most. The three-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of attention and rod time without feeling crowded. Whether you're a local angler looking to explore new water or visiting Jacksonville for a fishing getaway, this trip delivers the goods. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before booking. The captain's track record speaks for itself, and the consistent action during peak season makes this one of Jacksonville's top-rated fishing charters.
Captain Carson's 22-foot Tidewater is your ticket to Jacksonville's best offshore fishing grounds. This solid motorboat packs a reliable 200 HP Evinrude that'll get you out to the reefs and wrecks where the fish are biting. Built for serious anglers, she's got everything you need - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. The boat handles beautifully in nearshore waters and has room for up to 5 fishermen, making it perfect for family trips or small groups looking to chase Kingfish, Cobia, and Snapper during Jacksonville's prime fishing season. Captain Carson knows these waters like the back of his hand and keeps quality gear onboard, so you can focus on what matters - landing that keeper fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers that'll test your drag in shallow water. Most run 20-35 inches with that signature black eyespot near the tail, though we catch slot-sized fish perfect for the dinner table. They love our oyster bars, grass flats, and structure in 1-6 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding and often cruise so shallow their backs show above water. What makes them special is their powerful runs and head-shaking fights - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mildly sweet meat. These fish will eat almost anything, from topwater plugs to live shrimp. My go-to technique: cast ahead of cruising fish and work a gold spoon or jig slowly along the bottom. When they hit, hold on tight - they'll make several strong runs before giving up. Look for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are beautiful silvery fish covered in distinctive black spots that cruise our grass flats and shallow nearshore waters. They typically range 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, feeding on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Best action happens during warmer months in 3-10 feet of water over grass beds and sandy bottoms. What guests love most is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their tasty, delicate white meat that flakes perfectly. They're also great fighters for their size, making long runs when hooked. The key is not overcooking them since the meat is tender. During our afternoon trips, I like working the grass edges with soft plastic shrimp or topwater plugs. Pro tip: fish them slow and steady - they often follow lures before striking, so don't rush your retrieve.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our local waters, sporting distinct black stripes and human-like teeth that crunch through barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but we occasionally see 20-pounders around the jetties and bridge pilings. They stick tight to structure - docks, reefs, and any barnacle-covered piling. Spring is prime time, especially February through April when they spawn around our nearshore structures. Guests get hooked on their challenging bite and excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. These guys are notorious bait thieves, so you need sharp reflexes. Here's my trick: get as close to structure as possible and use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a light jig head. The moment you feel weight, set that hook hard - they've got powerful jaws and won't give you a second chance.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms near our reefs and wrecks. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. What makes them special is how they ambush prey from below - both eyes positioned on their left side give them a unique advantage. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Guests love the challenge since they're sneaky biters and put up a solid fight once hooked. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: use a Carolina rig with live shrimp and work it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, give them a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Jacksonville