Jacksonville Offshore Fishing With Captain Bishop
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Captain Robbie Bishop leads bottom fishing trips targeting quality catches.All gear provided with fully licensed and insured charter experience.Multiple trip lengths available accommodating up to four guests maximum.
Ready to drop lines in some of Florida's most productive fishing waters? Captain Robbie Bishop and Fishbuster Charters know exactly where the fish are biting off Jacksonville's coast. These Atlantic waters hold some serious bottom fish, and whether you've got 4 hours or want to make it a full 8-hour adventure, you're going to leave with a cooler full of quality catches. We're talking Red Snapper, Black Grouper, Black Sea Bass, and those tricky Sheepshead that'll test your skills. Everything's included - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license is covered. Just bring your crew of up to 4 anglers and get ready for some real fishing action.
Captain Bishop runs a tight ship and knows these Jacksonville waters like the back of his hand. You'll head out to proven bottom fishing spots where the structure holds fish year-round. The Atlantic off Jacksonville offers incredible diversity - from nearshore reefs to deeper ledges where the big grouper hide. Your trip starts early to beat the crowds and hit the fish when they're most active. Captain Bishop provides all the heavy tackle you need for bottom fishing, plus he'll have you rigged up with circle hooks and the right bait to get bit. The boat's fully equipped with a fish box, so your catch stays fresh, and there's plenty of room for everyone to fish comfortably. Whether you pick the 4-hour trip for a quick morning bite or go all-out with 8 hours, you're fishing prime bottom structure the entire time.
This is all about getting your bait down to where the fish live. Captain Bishop uses traditional bottom fishing rigs with enough weight to hold bottom in the current. You'll be fishing with cut bait, live bait, and sometimes squid depending on what's working that day. The technique is straightforward but requires patience - drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump. When you feel a fish, don't jerk the rod. These circle hooks work best with steady pressure, so just reel down and keep tension. The captain will coach you through fighting each fish, especially those stubborn grouper that want to dive back into their holes. GPS and fish finder technology help locate the best structure, but it's Captain Bishop's local knowledge that puts you on the most productive spots. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle anything from 2-pound sea bass to 20-pound grouper.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing here, and Jacksonville's offshore waters produce some beautiful fish. These guys are smart and can be finicky, but when they're feeding, you'll know it. They hit hard and fight even harder, making long runs that'll test your drag. Red snapper are most active during summer and early fall, and they school up around structure in 60-120 feet of water. What makes them special is that perfect balance of fight and flavor - they're incredible on the table and give you a real battle getting them up from the deep.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of your trip, and these fish will surprise you with their power. They live around rocky bottom and ledges, often in 80+ feet of water. The moment you hook one, it's going to try to get back to its hole, so you need to turn its head fast. These fish can easily hit 15-20 pounds, and the bigger ones are absolute tanks. Fall and winter are prime time for black grouper, when they're feeding heavy before spawning season. The thrill is in that initial hookup - one second you're wondering if anything's down there, the next you're locked up with a fish that doesn't want to budge.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller, but don't underestimate these scrappy fighters. They're abundant around Jacksonville's reefs and wrecks, and they're always hungry. You'll typically find them in 40-80 feet of water, and they love structure. These fish are perfect for kids or novice anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Spring through fall is peak season, and you can often catch multiple sea bass on a single trip. They're also fantastic eating, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a fish fry.
Sheepshead are the trickiest fish you'll target, and that's exactly why experienced anglers love them. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait thieves. They hang around structure, especially areas with barnacles and oysters. The challenge is feeling their subtle bite - sheepshead don't slam the bait like snapper. Instead, they nibble and pick, so you need to stay alert and set the hook at the slightest tap. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead season when they move inshore to spawn. Landing a nice sheepshead is a badge of honor among bottom fishermen, and they're excellent on the dinner table too.
Captain Bishop and Fishbuster Charters deliver exactly what serious anglers want - productive fishing with professional service. These Jacksonville waters produce fish year-round, but the best trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Whether you choose 4, 6, or 8 hours, you're getting access to some of Florida's top-rated bottom fishing grounds with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The boat's fully licensed and insured, all gear is included, and you don't need to worry about fishing licenses. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Grab your crew, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready to fill the cooler with some of the Atlantic's best eating fish.
Captain Robbie's fishing boat is built for serious anglers ready to target Jacksonville's best bottom fish. This sturdy motorboat handles the Atlantic waters with ease, getting you to prime fishing spots where Snapper, Grouper, and Black Sea Bass are waiting. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures smooth runs to productive fishing grounds. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without crowding. The head keeps everyone comfortable during longer trips, whether you're out for 4 hours or making it a full 8-hour adventure. All fishing gear comes ready to go, so you can focus on what matters most - putting quality fish in the cooler and enjoying a great day on Florida's waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweight champions out here, typically running 10-30 pounds around our deeper wrecks and ledges. These olive-colored bruisers with dark blotches are ambush hunters that'll inhale anything near the bottom. Find them 80-300 feet deep depending on season - shallower in winter, deeper when it's warm. What makes them special is the incredible fight they put up once hooked. They'll try to pull you straight back to the rocks, testing every piece of your tackle. The meat's outstanding too - firm white fillets with a mild, sweet taste. Success comes down to heavy gear and quick action. Soon as you feel that thump, start cranking hard. Don't give them a chance to get their head down and run for cover or you'll be retying.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are crowd favorites that show up around every piece of structure we fish. Most run 1-4 pounds with chunky bodies and big appetites for squid, crabs, and small fish. You'll find them on wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom anywhere from 30-120 feet deep. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn - males turn bright blue and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They're scrappy fighters that make great eating with sweet, white meat. What's cool is they all start as females, then bigger ones change to males around 9-13 inches. Best technique is bouncing squid or cut bait right on bottom near structure. They hit hard and fast, so keep your drag tight and be ready to set the hook when you feel that thump.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of our deeper trips, usually found 60-200 feet down around wrecks and hard bottom. Most run 3-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders show up regularly. These bright red fish are true bottom dwellers that'll give you a serious fight once hooked - they'll head straight for cover to cut your line. Summer and fall offer the best chances, especially around our offshore structure. What guests love most is the combination of strong pulls and top-shelf eating - mild, sweet meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The key to landing big snappers is getting them up fast once hooked. Use heavy tackle and don't give them time to think - keep steady pressure and crank hard to pull them away from the rocks before they wrap you up.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the craftiest fish you'll encounter off Jacksonville. These gray and black striped "convict fish" typically run 1-8 pounds around dock pilings, bridges, and wrecks where they feed on barnacles and crabs. What makes them special? Those human-like teeth that can crush shellfish - and steal your bait if you're not quick. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to loosen hooks before committing. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're most active. The fight's solid but the real prize is the sweet, flaky meat that rivals any table fish. Pro tip: get your bait tight against structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - hesitate and they'll strip your hook clean.
Jacksonville, FL