Jacksonville Fishing Charters | 4 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore charter targeting Barracuda, Tarpon, and AmberjackCaptain Robert provides all gear and expert guidance includedSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Ready to get your lines wet in some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds? Captain Robert's 4-hour Jacksonville fishing charter puts you right in the action, whether you're working the inshore flats or heading out to blue water for the big boys. This isn't your typical tourist trap – we're talking about serious fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be targeting everything from hard-hitting barracuda to trophy tarpon, with the chance to hook into wahoo that'll test your drag and your nerves. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, because once we start fishing, you won't want to head back to the dock.
Captain Robert runs a tight ship, but keeps things relaxed enough that everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers feels right at home. The beauty of Jacksonville's location is you get the best of both worlds – we can stay inshore and work structure for amberjack and barracuda, or make a run offshore where the wahoo cruise and tarpon roll. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle whatever we hook into, and the captain's got backup gear if something gets spooled or snapped off. Four hours gives us enough time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what's biting. Don't worry about bringing rods or bait – everything's provided, including the local knowledge that makes the difference between a fish story and fish in the box.
We fish smart out here, not just hard. Depending on conditions and what's showing on the fish finder, we might be trolling ballyhoo for wahoo, working live bait around structure for amberjack, or sight-casting to rolling tarpon. The tackle's matched to the target – medium-heavy spinning gear for the barracuda and smaller amberjack, but we'll step up to conventional reels with serious drag when we're hunting wahoo or big tarpon. Captain Robert knows when to switch from artificial lures to live bait, and he's not shy about moving spots if the bite slows down. The 4-passenger limit means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with other anglers. We keep a variety of lures rigged and ready – from high-speed trolling lures to jigs for working the bottom.
Tarpon are the silver kings for a reason – these prehistoric giants can stretch over 6 feet and jump clean out of the water when hooked. Peak season runs May through September, but Jacksonville's year-round population means you've got a shot at them any time we're on the water. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size, but their aerial show. Once hooked, they'll jump, gill-rattle, and run like nothing else in these waters. Most anglers consider landing a tarpon a bucket-list achievement, and the fish often outlive the angler who catches them.
Barracuda are the water wolves of the flats – aggressive, fast, and armed with teeth that'll slice through wire if you're not careful. These ambush predators love structure and moving water, making Jacksonville's inlets and nearshore reefs perfect hunting grounds. They hit lures with authority and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Year-round residents, barracuda are reliable targets when other species get finicky. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you bleed them properly and get them on ice fast.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – pure muscle that'll test your back and your tackle. These bottom dwellers hang around wrecks and hard bottom in 60-120 feet of water, and once hooked, they head straight back to structure trying to break you off. Peak season is fall and winter when they're fattened up and aggressive. Amberjack in the 40-60 pound range are common, with trophy fish pushing 80 pounds or better. They're fantastic on the grill and one of the most underrated eating fish in these waters.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph and slicing through 80-pound test like it's sewing thread. These pelagic predators show up when conditions are right – usually cleaner blue water and strong current. They're notorious for making one incredible run that empties half your spool before you even know what hit. Best action typically comes during cooler months when baitfish concentrate, but Jacksonville's proximity to the Gulf Stream means wahoo can show up anytime. Landing a wahoo over 40 pounds is something most anglers remember for life.
This top-rated Jacksonville fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite's hot and weather's cooperating. Captain Robert's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and repeat customers know to book early. The 4-hour format is perfect for families, business trips, or anyone wanting serious fishing without burning a whole day. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're after your first tarpon or looking to add wahoo to your life list, this charter delivers the kind of fishing Jacksonville's famous for. Don't spend your Florida vacation wondering what you missed – get out there and bend some rods with a captain who knows how to find them.
Captain Robert's motorboat is your ticket to Jacksonville's best fishing grounds, equipped with everything needed for a successful 4-hour charter. The GPS navigation system gets you to the hottest spots quickly, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Barracuda, Tarpon, and Amberjack lurking beneath the surface. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast lines without getting tangled up with your fishing buddies. The boat features a convenient toilet so you can stay focused on the water longer instead of heading back to shore. Whether you're targeting offshore heavyweights like Wahoo or working the inshore flats, this well-maintained vessel handles Florida's waters with ease. Captain Robert provides all the quality gear and local knowledge you need - just pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, and get ready to bend some rods in Jacksonville's productive fishing waters.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of our waters - these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 35 mph when they're on the hunt. Most run 2-3 feet around here, but we see them up to 6 feet. You'll find them prowling shallow waters near mangroves, grass beds, and structure where baitfish gather. They're year-round residents, but the action really picks up in warmer months when bait is thick. What gets people hooked on barracuda fishing is the aggression - they'll slam lures with zero hesitation and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning strikes make every cast exciting. The meat's actually pretty good too - white, flaky, and mild when prepared right. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon. Those teeth will cut through regular line like butter, and you'll lose more fish than you land without proper protection.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - thick, powerful fish that'll test your arms and your drag system. These guys average 20-40 pounds but can push 100, with that distinctive amber stripe running down their blue-grey sides. You'll find them around offshore structure like wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is prime when they're most active. What makes amberjack a favorite is that raw pulling power - they'll drag you straight down to the bottom and make you work for every inch. Plus, the meat is excellent - firm, white, and perfect for grilling or blackening. They're not picky eaters either, hitting live bait, jigs, or plugs. Here's the key: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up gradually. Try to horse them and they'll find the nearest wreck to cut you off.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are the ultimate bucket list fish - watching a 6-foot tarpon launch 10 feet out of the water is something you'll never forget. Most of our tarpon run 80-100 pounds, though they can hit 280. They're built for acrobatics, hitting speeds up to 35 mph and using every jump to try shaking your hook. We find them in shallow coastal waters, especially around grass flats and channels during their migration through Jacksonville waters. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're moving through. What makes tarpon special isn't the meat - most folks release them - it's that raw power and those aerial shows. Here's a local trick: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps slack in the line and prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild leaps.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the sea - built for speed with that sleek, torpedo body and zebra stripes. These fish can hit 60 mph, making them one of the ocean's fastest predators. Most wahoo we catch run 3-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, though they can reach over 100. You'll find them in blue water, often around floating debris or temperature breaks in 100-400 feet. July through November is prime time here in Jacksonville waters. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run when hooked - nothing quite like it. The meat is top-shelf too - white, flaky, and sweet, perfect for fish tacos or grilling. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, which means delicious, and that says it all. My advice: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you get a strike, hang on - the first run is always a screamer.
Jacksonville, FL