Full Day Offshore Fishing in Jacksonville Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting cobia, snapper, and grouperProfessional captain provides gear, bait, licenses, and catch cleaningAccommodates up to 5 guests with El Cazador Fishing Charters
When you step aboard with El Cazador Fishing Charters, you're signing up for a full day of serious fishing in some of Jacksonville's most productive waters. We're talking about a legit 8-10 hour adventure that takes you from the shallow flats where redfish cruise to the deeper offshore structure where grouper and snapper call home. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with room for up to 5 anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a day you'll be talking about for years. No need to stress about gear, licenses, or even cleaning your catch – we've got all that covered so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active, especially during those prime feeding windows at dawn and dusk. We'll cruise out from Jacksonville Beach, and depending on conditions and what's biting, we might start inshore working the grass flats and oyster bars where redfish and trout hang out, or head straight offshore to the structure where the bigger fish live. The boat's rigged with quality gear – no cheap stuff here – and we keep a variety of baits on board because you never know what these fish are going to want on any given day. Live shrimp, cut bait, artificials – whatever it takes to get them to bite. The captain reads the water constantly, watching for birds, bait schools, and structure changes that signal fish nearby. You're not just fishing; you're learning how to fish these specific waters from someone who's been doing it professionally for years.
We fish multiple techniques depending on the species we're targeting and where we find them. Inshore, we'll work the shallow water with lighter tackle, sight fishing for redfish in 2-3 feet of water or drifting the deeper holes for trout and flounder. When we head offshore, we're talking bottom fishing with heavier tackle for grouper and snapper around structure, maybe some trolling if the conditions are right for cobia or king mackerel. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – everything's maintained and matched to the fishing we're doing. Circle hooks for the big stuff offshore, lighter jig heads and soft plastics for the inshore action. We keep multiple rod setups ready so when the bite's hot, you're not wasting time rigging up. The boat's equipped with quality electronics too – fish finder, GPS, the works – so we can locate structure and mark productive spots for future trips.
Sheepshead are some of the craftiest fish in these waters, and they'll test your patience and skill like no other. These black and white striped devils hang around structure – docks, pilings, reefs – and they're notorious bait stealers. They've got human-like teeth that can crunch through crabs and barnacles, which is exactly what we'll be feeding them. Best fishing for sheepshead runs from late fall through early spring when they stack up for their spawning runs. They're not the flashiest fighters, but landing a 4-5 pound sheepshead takes real finesse, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. Many anglers underestimate these fish until they try to hook one consistently.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Jacksonville inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can grow to impressive sizes in our waters, with slot fish running 18-27 inches being perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls we catch and release can push 40+ inches. They're year-round residents, but fall is when they really turn on as they school up in the shallows. Redfish fight dirty – they'll use their broad sides and powerful tails to peel drag and test your tackle. Watch for them tailing in shallow water or cruising the grass flats, especially on falling tides when they're ambushing prey getting swept off the flats.
Cobia are the offshore wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks of the fishing world are curious and aggressive, often approaching the boat to investigate. They're structure oriented, hanging around wrecks, reefs, and even following rays in the shallows during their spring migration. A good cobia runs 30-50 pounds and fights like a freight train – they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have you questioning your drag setting. Spring through early summer is prime time for cobia in Jacksonville waters, and they're phenomenal eating. These fish have serious attitude and will absolutely test your tackle and technique.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of offshore fishing when they're in season. These deep water beauties live around bottom structure in 60-120 feet of water, and they're both beautiful and delicious. A quality red snapper runs 5-15 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 20+ pounds. They're ambush predators that hit hard and fast, then dive straight for the bottom trying to cut your line on the structure. The bite can be finicky – sometimes they want live bait, sometimes cut bait, and the depth and current all factor into the presentation. When the federal season opens, it's some of the most sought-after fishing in the area.
Brook trout in our area are actually weakfish, and they're scrappy little fighters that show up in the cooler months around grass beds and deeper holes. They're silver sided with a soft mouth, so you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them. They school up and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they wise up or move on. They hit artificials well – soft plastics, small spoons, even topwater on calm mornings. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they're willing biters and great eating, making them perfect for filling out a mixed bag when the bigger fish aren't cooperating.
This sleek 24-foot Pathfinder motorboat is your ticket to prime fishing waters off Jacksonville Beach. Built for serious anglers, she cuts through coastal waters at up to 40 knots with her powerful 250HP engine, getting you to the best fishing spots fast. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking redfish and trout in shallow waters, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate those offshore grouper and snapper hotspots. With room for 5 anglers and a built-in livewell to keep your catch fresh, this boat handles everything from inshore backwater fishing to deeper offshore runs. The Pathfinder's shallow draft design lets you access those skinny water honey holes where big fish hide, then smoothly transition to open water for bottom fishing adventures.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout aren't actually found in Jacksonville's saltwater - these are cold-water freshwater fish that need temperatures below 68°F and pristine mountain streams up north. They're small, colorful fish with wavy back markings and red spots circled in blue, typically running 8-16 inches in remote creeks and ponds. Fall spawning season offers the best action in shallow gravel areas near cover like fallen logs and boulders. What draws anglers is the challenge of fishing tight spots and their beautiful colors, plus they're excellent eating when regulations allow harvest. These native char are indicator species for clean water, so finding them means you're in pristine habitat. Since they're not available in our Jacksonville waters, we focus on our outstanding saltwater species instead.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone in 30-70 feet of water around wrecks, buoys, and offshore structure. These bruisers average around 40-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. Spring migration from April through June gives you the best shot when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What makes them a prize catch is that aggressive strike and strong fight, plus some of the finest eating fish in the ocean - firm texture and clean flavor that restaurants pay top dollar for. Since they're mostly solitary, spotting one is half the battle. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat. My go-to trick is dropping a bucktail jig in 4-8 ounces right in front of their nose when you see one cruising.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the deep-water prize fish that turn bright red as they mature, running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds on average, though trophy fish can hit 35+ pounds. You'll find them on hard bottom structure, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water where they school up tight. Summer months from June through August offer the best fishing when they're most active. What makes them special is that fight - they're true warriors that'll run straight for structure to cut your line, plus that sweet, nutty meat that's restaurant quality. The combination of the battle and the table fare keeps folks coming back. My tip: use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure, and don't give them any slack to dive back down.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers of our shallow flats, easily spotted by that black eyespot near the tail. These red drum average 28-33 inches but can push 45 inches and 50 pounds in deeper water. They love cruising 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines where their backs sometimes break the surface. Spring and fall give you the best action when they're actively feeding. What gets anglers fired up is their bulldogging fight and explosive topwater strikes. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, mild flesh. The meat quality and that heart-pounding surface blow-up keeps folks coming back. Pro tip: when sight-fishing, lead them by a few feet with your cast and work that topwater lure slow.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Jacksonville waters with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we see 20-pounders around dock pilings, bridges, and jetties where they munch on barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves, so keep your fiddler crab or shrimp pinned tight to the hook. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they move to structure for spawning. What makes them special is that sweet, mild white meat - some of the best eating you'll find, though those tough scales make cleaning a chore. My tip: get your bait right against the pilings and be ready to set the hook hard when you feel that telltale nibble.
Jacksonville Beach, FL