Offshore Fishing Jacksonville Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
812 hour offshore fishing targeting premium species like MahiMahi and SailfishExpert crew guidance for both novice and experienced anglers aboard charterSmall group experience accommodating up to 3 guests in Jacksonville waters
Jacksonville's offshore waters hold some of Florida's best fishing, and HunkerDown Fishing knows exactly where to find the action. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking 8 to 12 hours of serious fishing in the deep blue, targeting everything from monster grouper to lightning-fast wahoo. With just three spots available, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one. Our crew has been working these waters for years, and they know every productive ledge, wreck, and drop-off where the big fish hang out.
When you step aboard with HunkerDown Fishing, you're joining a small crew that's serious about putting fish in the boat. The 8-12 hour window gives us time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. We'll start early to maximize our time on the water, heading out past the nearshore structure to where the continental shelf drops off and the real hunting begins. The boat is rigged with top-shelf electronics, so we can mark fish, read bottom structure, and stay on the productive areas. With only three anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized coaching from our experienced crew. No crowds, no fighting over spots – just quality fishing in some of the most productive waters off the East Coast.
Our approach depends on what's running and where we're finding the best action. For pelagics like wahoo, mahi, and tuna, we'll pull a spread of high-speed trolling lures, covering water until we hit a school or find birds working. The crew sets up a deadly pattern with different lures running at various distances – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that trigger aggressive strikes. When we're targeting bottom species like snapper and grouper, we'll anchor up or drift over productive reefs and ledges, dropping live bait or heavy jigs down to where these fish stack up. The crew provides all tackle, from the heavy conventional reels needed for deep dropping to the lighter spinning gear perfect for mahi and smaller tuna. They'll show you how to work the baits, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to fight these fish without losing them at the boat.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of ripping line off a reel faster than almost any fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped predators cruise Jacksonville's offshore waters year-round, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest specimens. When a wahoo hits a trolled bait, there's no mistaking it – the drag screams and the rod loads up hard. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing in these waters. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloration and ruby eyes gather around structure in 60-120 feet of water. Summer is prime time for red snapper, when federal and state seasons typically open. They're notorious for their strong initial run and stubborn fight all the way to the surface. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table than fresh red snapper fillets.
African pompano are one of the most underrated fighters in Jacksonville's offshore waters. These deep-bodied fish put up a battle that's way out of proportion to their size, using their broad profile to pull hard in the current. They're often caught while targeting other species around wrecks and reefs, making them a welcome surprise. Their unique appearance and strong fight make them a favorite photo opportunity.
Gag grouper are the bullies of the reef, using their powerful jaws and stocky build to muscle prey into submission. These fish are ambush predators that hang tight to structure, so getting them away from the reef quickly is crucial. Fall and winter months typically offer the best gag grouper action in Jacksonville's offshore waters. They're known for their ability to sound back to the bottom, so keeping steady pressure is key to landing these bruisers.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest of the tuna family targeting in these waters, but they make up for size with pure athleticism. These fish are built for speed and endurance, often found around temperature breaks and current edges. They'll hit both trolled baits and live offerings, and their fight combines long runs with aerial acrobatics. Blackfins are also fantastic eating – their rich, red meat is prized for sashimi and searing.
HunkerDown Fishing's offshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. With only three spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing action without the crowds you'll find on larger boats. Whether you're chasing your first wahoo or looking to add another grouper to your lifetime count, this crew knows how to make it happen. The 8-12 hour format gives us the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and really maximize your time on the water. Don't wait – book your spot today and get ready to experience Jacksonville offshore fishing at its finest.
Hit the deep waters off Jacksonville aboard this solid 32-foot center console that's built for serious offshore action. Twin 300HP Yamaha outboards push this 2020 rig up to 50 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast so you can spend more time with lines in the water. The spacious center console layout gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-12 hour trips targeting snapper, grouper, wahoo, and mahi. Fish finder and GPS help locate the hotspots, while radar keeps you safe when weather moves in. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. With a head on board and room for up to 6 anglers, this boat has everything you need for productive days chasing tuna and sailfish in Jacksonville's prime offshore waters.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are part of the jack family and real crowd-pleasers when we find them. These silver, disc-shaped fish typically run 10-20 pounds but can push 50+ pounds if you're lucky. They roam open water from 30-250 feet, often following schools of baitfish or hanging around structure. The younger ones have long trailing filaments that disappear as they grow. Spring through fall gives us the best shot at them when water temps are right. What makes pompano exciting is their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag for sure. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Since they're attracted to shiny, moving objects, bright jigs work great along with live bait. Keep your drag smooth because these fish can make sudden powerful runs that'll snap light line in a second.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smaller cousins in the tuna family but pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighters out there. These dark-backed speedsters typically run 10-30 pounds and love warm water over 68 degrees. You'll find them in open ocean from the surface down to 100 feet, often schooled up with skipjack tuna. Peak season runs fall through spring when they move closer to shore following baitfish. What guests love about blackfins is their incredible stamina and speed - they'll make long screaming runs that test your equipment. Plus, they're fantastic eating with red meat that's perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging works great, and don't be afraid to chum with live pilchards to bring them up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our most popular bottom dwellers, and for good reason. These mottled gray fish typically run 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds on the right spots. Adults love deep structure like wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom from 60-200 feet. They're ambush predators that'll inhale anything that swims by their hiding spot. Fall through spring is prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawning season. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight down into the rocks. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for grilling or frying. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks and cut bait like squid or live pinfish. The trick is keeping your drag locked tight when you set the hook - don't give them an inch or they'll dive into a hole and break you off.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing around here. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet but can push 35 pounds when you find the right spots. They hang out on hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges anywhere from 30-200 feet deep, with the bigger fish usually deeper. Best action happens May through October when they're spawning and feeding heavy. What guests love about snapper is they're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut your line on structure, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect however you cook it. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom with enough weight to stay put. Use circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish, and once you hook up, get their head turned and pull them away from cover fast.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. These silver bullets with blue stripes typically run 3-5 feet and love trolling at high speeds around 12-15 knots. You'll find them in open water from 30-200 feet, often near structure or temperature breaks. Peak season here runs July through November when they're migrating through. What makes wahoo special is their incredible fight - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-shelf eating, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for grilling. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to shake the hooks.
Jacksonville, FL