4hr Reef Vertical Jigging Trip
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Early morning vertical jigging starts at 6 a.m.Expert captain provides handson technique guidance throughout trip.Weatherdependent availability with full refund or inshore alternative.
If you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most aggressive predators, this early morning vertical jigging adventure is exactly what you need. We're talking about a 6 a.m. start time that puts you right in the sweet spot when pelagics are feeding hard over the reefs. This isn't your typical casting trip - vertical jigging demands focus, technique, and stamina, but the payoff is worth every drop of sweat. Our top-rated captain stays right beside you, coaching your technique and making sure you're working those jigs like a pro. With only 2 spots available, you get personalized attention that makes all the difference when you're battling 20-pound kings or heavyweight amberjacks.
This trip runs when conditions are dialed in perfectly - we're not messing around with rough seas or sketchy weather. Vertical jigging is physically demanding enough without fighting the elements, so if Mother Nature isn't cooperating, you'll get a full refund or can switch to an inshore option. The action starts as soon as we reach the reef structures where baitfish stack up thick. You'll be dropping jigs straight down in 60 to 150 feet of water, working them with sharp, aggressive jerks that trigger reaction strikes from whatever's prowling below. The morning bite window is prime time - these fish have been feeding all night and they're still hungry when the sun comes up. Expect your arms to get a workout, but also expect your drag to be screaming when something solid grabs hold of your jig.
Vertical jigging is all about presentation and timing. We're using heavy jigs - typically 4 to 8 ounces depending on current - dropped straight down to the bottom or suspended over structure. The key is that sharp, erratic action that mimics a wounded baitfish trying to escape. You'll lift the rod tip hard and fast, then let the jig flutter back down on a controlled drop. It's not just reeling in circles like trolling - this technique requires you to feel the bottom, read the fish, and adjust your cadence based on what's working. Our captain will show you the proper rod angle, how to vary your retrieve speed, and when to pause the jig to let curious fish commit. The gear we provide is built for this style of fishing - medium-heavy to heavy action rods with fast tips that can handle the constant jigging motion and still have the backbone to turn big fish away from structure.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of this fishery, typically running 10 to 25 pounds with lightning-fast strikes that'll test your reflexes. These fish school up over reefs year-round but are most active during cooler months when bait concentrations are highest. When a school moves through, you might hook up on every drop until they disappear as quickly as they arrived. The fight is pure adrenaline - long runs and multiple direction changes that keep you guessing.
King Mackerel are the reef bullies, ambushing jigs with bone-jarring strikes that can catch you off guard. Spring through fall brings the best king action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "snakes" up to 40-pound smokers that'll make you question your knots. Kings fight dirty - they'll run toward structure, make sudden direction changes, and aren't shy about showing their teeth when you get them boatside. These fish are why we keep the drag settings dialed in just right.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than their tuna cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. These 5 to 15-pound rockets are most common in fall and winter, often mixed in with blackfin schools. They hit jigs like freight trains and fight with that classic tuna stamina that keeps your reel singing. Don't let their size fool you - bonito will give you a workout that leaves your forearms burning.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the reef, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon around deeper structures. These bruisers test both angler and equipment, making immediate runs toward the bottom that feel like hooking a submarine. Spring and summer offer the best amberjack opportunities, though they're present year-round in deeper water. The first few seconds after hookup are critical - you need to turn their head and get them up off the bottom before they wrap you around whatever structure they can find.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the holy grail of this fishery - powerful, beautiful fish that can exceed 100 pounds when conditions align perfectly. While less common than blackfins, yellowfins move through during warmer months and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll experience. Their initial run is legendary, often taking 200+ yards of line in seconds. When you connect with a quality yellowfin over reef structure, you're in for a battle that combines raw power with surprising endurance.
This world-class vertical jigging experience fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when fish activity is off the charts. The intimate 2-person capacity means you're getting premium attention from our renowned captain, plus the space and time to properly work each fish without feeling rushed. Morning trips consistently produce the best results, and our weather-dependent scheduling ensures you're fishing when conditions give you the best shot at success. Whether you're looking to master a new technique or add some serious fish to your logbook, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Reserve your spot now and get ready for some serious arm-burning, drag-screaming fun on the reefs.
Get ready to hit the water at dawn aboard this freshly restored 28-foot Southport center console, completely rebuilt in 2024 and rigged for serious vertical jigging action. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines power this fishing machine up to 42 knots, getting you to productive reef structures fast while burning daylight matters most. The spacious center console layout gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work jigs and fight fish without getting tangled up. Your captain knows these waters and will put you on the best spots where vertical jigging produces results. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools holding near structure, while the GPS keeps you on productive bottom. When the bite gets hot, you'll appreciate having the icebox to keep your catch fresh and the onboard head for convenience during longer battles with bigger fish. This style of fishing demands focus and technique, so your trip only runs when conditions are right. No point in fighting rough seas when precision jigging requires steady boat positioning over reefs and wrecks. The VHF radio keeps you connected for weather updates and safety, while the boat's solid construction handles open water runs to offshore structure where the action happens.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are like small torpedoes with attitude. These silver rockets with dark stripes average 3-8 pounds and can hit 40 mph when they're on the hunt. You'll spot schools feeding on the surface, fins up like mini sharks, often with birds diving overhead. They prefer water temps in the 60s and travel in massive schools through coastal waters. Guests enjoy them because they're willing biters and put up a solid scrap for their size. While they're oily and not great table fare here, they make excellent bait for bigger game. When a school's feeding, they'll hit almost anything, but soft plastics work best since they stay in the strike zone longer than heavy jigs. Once you find a school, work it fast - they move constantly.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, usually running 10-20 pounds, but they pack serious punch for their size. These fish are gorgeous - dark backs with that signature yellow stripe that fades fast once they hit the deck. You'll find them in warm waters over 68°F, typically around the continental shelf and reef edges. They school up with skipjack and respond great to vertical jigs, especially during our cooler months when they're most active. What makes guests love targeting blackfins is their fierce fight - they're scrappy and fast, plus the meat is excellent for sushi or searing. Pro tip: scale down your leader to 30lb fluorocarbon and use smaller 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have sharp eyes and spook easily.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds, and they'll test every knot you tied. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water year-round, with peak action in spring and fall. That amber stripe down their side gets darker when they're fired up and ready to fight. Guests love the challenge - amberjacks fight dirty, diving straight back to structure to break you off. The meat's good eating when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. When vertical jigging, use heavy tackle with at least 50lb line and be ready to turn their head immediately after hookup. Key tip: keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the bottom, or they'll wrap you up every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These fish average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, and they're built for one thing - going fast. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. The bigger fish tend to move inshore during warmer months. What guests love most is that first screaming run - kings are lightning quick and known for jumping. The meat's decent eating too, though it's oily. When vertical jigging for them, always use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. A good trick is to rig two hooks on your bait - one in the nose and a trailing hook near the tail, because kings often attack from behind.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin Tuna are the ultimate offshore prize. These torpedo-shaped fighters average 60 pounds but can top 200+ pounds, with that beautiful yellow-finned silhouette that's unmistakable. You'll find them in the upper 300 feet of blue water, often around temperature breaks and current edges. They're most active during warmer months and travel in schools covering serious ground. Guests go crazy for yellowfins because of the explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus the meat is sushi-grade perfection. When vertical jigging, work fast-moving metal jigs in bright colors. If the bite slows down, try chunking with cut bait to bring them up from the depths. Remember to keep your drag smooth - these fish make blistering runs and don't give up easily.
San Juan