6hr Offshore Fishing Charter - Jacksonville
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting king mackerel and cobiaAccommodates three anglers with options for additional guestsYearround nearshore fishing opportunities in Jacksonville waters
Jacksonville's nearshore waters are absolutely loaded with fish year-round, and this 6-hour charter puts you right in the action. HunkerDown Fishing knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll get you on the bite whether you're chasing screaming king mackerel runs or wrestling with heavyweight cobia. The boat's rigged for up to 3 anglers (though they can squeeze in 6 total for $50 per extra rod), giving you plenty of elbow room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies.
Your captain will fire up the engines before dawn and cruise out to the nearshore structure where the fish stack up. We're talking 15-40 feet of water over reefs, wrecks, and ledges that hold everything from snapper to sharks. The vibe is relaxed but focused – your guide will rig the rods, net your fish, and keep the cooler stocked with ice while you concentrate on putting fish in the boat. Six hours gives you serious time to work different spots and techniques, so don't be surprised if you're pulling on fish within the first hour. The nearshore game here is fast-paced, with schools moving through regularly, especially during peak seasons.
Your captain will switch up tactics based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Live bait is king out here – pilchards, blue runners, and mullet fished on the drift or anchored up over structure. When the kings are running, you'll troll spoons and live baits along the beach, watching for bird activity and bait schools. For bottom dwellers like snapper and seabass, it's all about dropping cut bait and chunks down to the hard bottom. The boat comes loaded with quality tackle, from spinning reels for lighter work to conventional setups that can handle bigger fish. Circle hooks are the name of the game for most species, and your guide will show you proper hookset technique if you're new to them.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of Jacksonville's nearshore scene. These silver bullets show up in big numbers from spring through fall, with the best action happening when water temps hit the mid-70s. Kings average 15-30 pounds here, but don't be shocked if you hook into a smoker pushing 40-plus. They're absolute rockets when hooked, making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. The fight is pure adrenaline – long screaming runs followed by aerial acrobatics that'll have you whooping and hollering.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of the nearshore waters, cruising solo or in small groups around structure and floating debris. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can stretch 4-5 feet and weigh 30-60 pounds, making them serious arm burners on medium tackle. Spring and early summer are prime time, when they're shallow and aggressive. Cobia are curious fish that'll often follow your bait right to the boat, giving you a heart-stopping visual before they decide to eat. When they do commit, hold on tight – they pull like freight trains and don't quit easily.
The shark action is absolutely wild, with blacktips, spinners, and bulls patrolling the nearshore waters. Blacktips put on the best show, jumping repeatedly when hooked and reaching speeds that'll make your reel sing. Most run 2-4 feet, perfect for catch-and-release fun that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Shark fishing is year-round here, but summer brings the most consistent action when the water's warm and baitfish are thick.
Large jacks – mainly almaco jacks and greater amberjack – are the bulldozers of the reef. These fish live on hard bottom and fight like they're trying to pull your arms off. Almaco jacks are smaller but scrappier, while the big AJs can push 40-60 pounds and test every knot on your rig. They're not pretty fish, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up heavy on the deeper reefs.
Seabass and snapper round out the mixed bag, providing steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky. Black seabass are chunky little fighters that love structure, while vermilion snapper (locally called mingos) school up in huge numbers. Both species are excellent table fare, so you'll actually have something to show for dinner besides sore arms and fish photos. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they move shallow.
This 6-hour nearshore charter hits the sweet spot between half-day trips that feel rushed and full-day expeditions that wear you out. You'll have time to work multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in on what's biting without feeling like you need a vacation from your fishing trip. Jacksonville's nearshore bite is consistent year-round, but each season brings different opportunities – spring cobia runs, summer king mackerel action, fall jack schools, and winter bottom fishing. Book your charter with HunkerDown Fishing and get ready to see why Jacksonville anglers never have to travel far to find world-class fishing.
Ready to target some serious fish off Jacksonville? Our 2020 32-foot center console is built for offshore action with twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 50 knots. This boat handles six anglers comfortably, though we recommend three for the best fishing experience. You'll have everything needed for a successful day on the water - GPS navigation and radar keep you on course, while the fish finder helps locate where the action is happening. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and there's a toilet for convenience during those long offshore runs. Jacksonville's waters offer year-round opportunities for King Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks, hefty Jacks, Seabass, and Snapper. Whether you're working the nearshore reefs or heading further offshore, this boat gets you there safely and comfortably. Additional anglers beyond the recommended three can join for $50 each, up to the six-person maximum capacity.
Jacksonville, FL