6 Hour Offshore Charter with Fishbuster Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper, Wahoo, and Mahi MahiAll fishing gear and licenses provided by Captain Robert BishopMaximum four guests with access to top fishing locations
Captain Robert Bishop and his crew at Fishbuster Charters know Jacksonville's offshore waters like the back of their hands. This 6-hour deep sea fishing adventure takes you beyond the nearshore reefs into the blue water where the big fish live. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species including Red Snapper, Wahoo, King Mackerel, and Mahi Mahi in waters that consistently produce trophy catches year-round. With a maximum of 4 anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room at the rail. All fishing gear, tackle, and licenses are provided, so just grab your cooler with food and drinks and get ready for a day of serious fishing action.
Your day starts early at the marina where Captain Bishop will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and fish activity. The run offshore typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch for dolphin pods and sea turtles along the way. Once we reach the fishing grounds, you'll be working depths anywhere from 80 to 200 feet depending on what's biting. The boat is equipped with top-notch electronics including GPS, fish finders, and radar to locate structure and schools of baitfish. Captain Bishop has been working these waters for years and knows exactly where to find the productive bottom and the seasonal migration routes that bring pelagic species through Jacksonville's offshore zone.
Most of your fishing will be done trolling with a spread of 4 to 6 lines running different lures and rigged baits. For Wahoo and King Mackerel, we'll pull wire line with spoons, diving plugs, and live bait on downriggers. Mahi typically hit the flat lines with ballyhoo or artificial squid, while the deeper lines target Cobia and Amberjack around structure. When we mark Red Snapper on the bottom, it's time to break out the conventional reels loaded with 50-pound test and drop down whole squid or cut bait. The crew handles all the rigging and will coach you through fighting techniques for each species. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and Captain Bishop follows all FWC regulations for size limits and seasons to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Jacksonville's offshore scene, with fish ranging from 15 to 40 pounds showing up consistently from spring through fall. These speed demons make blistering runs and test your drag system to the max. Peak season runs from April through October when the bait migrations bring schools of Kings close to the continental shelf. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled spoons, live pogies, and slow-trolled dead baits with authority.
Wahoo are the ultimate prize for speed and table fare, reaching weights over 50 pounds in these waters. These torpedo-shaped predators can strip 200 yards of line in seconds with their initial run. Best action typically occurs from November through March when water temperatures drop and Wahoo move inshore following baitfish. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their explosive strikes often result in spectacular jumps and long battles.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound fighters that will test your endurance. Schools of Jacks ranging from 10 to 30 pounds roam the offshore waters year-round, often mixed in with Cobia around floating debris or structure. They hit topwater plugs, jigs, and live bait with bone-jarring strikes and never give up during the fight. Many anglers specifically target Jacks for their sporting qualities and aggressive nature.
Red Snapper season brings out the best in bottom fishing, with these prized reef fish averaging 8 to 15 pounds in the deeper offshore ledges and artificial reefs. Their firm white meat makes them a customer favorite, and their willingness to bite whole squid, cut bait, and jigs keeps the action steady when conditions are right. Red Snapper are structure-oriented, so Captain Bishop uses his electronics to locate productive ledges and hard bottom where these fish congregate.
This 6-hour offshore charter offers serious value for groups wanting to experience Jacksonville's world-class fishing without the commitment of a full-day trip. With all gear provided and expert guidance from Captain Bishop, you're set up for success whether you're a seasoned angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time. The boat accommodates up to 4 people comfortably, making it perfect for family trips, buddy fishing adventures, or corporate outings. Book early during peak season as Captain Bishop's reputation for finding fish keeps his calendar full. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly and check weather forecasts before your trip date. Get ready to experience why Jacksonville's offshore waters consistently rank among Florida's top fishing destinations.
Captain Robert's fishing boat is built for serious offshore action in Jacksonville's waters. This motorboat cuts through the waves with ease, getting you out to the deep spots where the big fish hang out. The GPS keeps us on course to the hottest fishing grounds, while the fish finder helps locate schools of Red Snapper, Wahoo, and King Mackerel lurking below. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. The onboard head means you can stay out longer chasing that trophy Mahi Mahi without having to run back to shore. Everything's set up to maximize your time with lines in the water, from rod holders to tackle storage. This boat's seen plenty of action and knows these Florida waters like the back of Captain Robert's hand.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of inshore fishing - built like tanks and fight twice their weight. Most run 3-8 pounds, but we catch 15-20 pounders that'll leave your arms aching. They patrol grass flats, sandy bays, and around any structure from shallow water out to 100+ feet. Year-round fishing here, but warmer months bring the best action. What guests love is the pure power - these fish just don't quit. Watch for diving birds - that's your jackpot right there. They push baitfish to the surface while birds attack from above. Cast past the school with fast-moving lures like spoons or swimbaits, then burn it back through them. Speed triggers the strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen them push 60+ out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure and baitfish schools. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps hit that sweet 68-84 degree range. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll make blazing runs that'll test your drag and fighting skills. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, second near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that stinger hook back there saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - most average 2-8 pounds but trophy fish over 20 pounds make regular appearances. They hug hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Season runs summer months when regulations allow. What makes them special is that stubborn fight down deep plus some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant-quality every time. The trick is getting them up fast once hooked - they'll dive straight back to structure and cut you off on rocks or debris. Use heavy tackle, fresh squid or live pinfish, and don't give them an inch once that rod bends over.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long with some monsters pushing 8 feet. We find them in the blue water 40-200 feet down, often near floating debris or structure. July through November gives us our best shots here in Florida waters. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast strike and the screaming runs that follow. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-shelf - white, flaky, and mild. Perfect for fish tacos. Pro tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor teeth will slice through mono like butter, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle.
Jacksonville, FL