8 Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting Red Snapper and AmberjackProfessional equipment, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedMaximum 4 guests on stable 2023 CHawk vessel
Picture this: you're out on the Atlantic at dawn, coffee in hand, watching the sun paint the water gold while you're heading to some of the most productive fishing grounds off the coast. That's what you get with Jettie Rocks Fishing Charters' full-day offshore trip. This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a serious 8-hour commitment that puts you on fish that most weekend warriors never see. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on reefs and wrecks where the big boys hang out. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler or someone ready to step up their fishing game, this trip delivers the goods.
The alarm goes off early for this one – we're talking about a 7am departure from 81 Dunlawton Ave, but trust me, it's worth every lost minute of sleep. The 2023 C-Hawk is built for comfort and fishing, accommodating up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. This boat handles the Atlantic swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're dropping baits to the bottom or working the trolling spread. The captain adjusts the game plan based on what Mother Nature throws at us – some days we're hitting the deep wrecks for amberjack and red snapper, other days we're trolling the blue water for kings and cobia. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility. We've got time to move around, try different spots, and really dial in what's biting. You'll cover serious ground, sometimes running 20-30 miles offshore to reach those honey holes that produce trophy fish. Pack your snacks and drinks because we're staying out there until the fish tell us to quit.
This is where the rubber meets the road – or should I say, where the hook meets the fish. We run a combination of bottom fishing and trolling that covers all the bases. When we're working the reefs and wrecks, you're looking at heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh bait. We're talking about 50-80 pound class rods that can muscle up big amberjack and grouper from 100+ feet of water. The captain provides all the gear, from the rods and reels down to the terminal tackle and bait. For the trolling action, we'll have a spread of live baits and artificials working behind the boat as we cover water between spots. The key is reading the water and the fish finder – those marks on the screen translate to bent rods and screaming reels. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots. Every piece of equipment is tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever swims in these waters. The boat's electronics package includes GPS, fish finders, and all the navigation gear needed to put you on productive water safely.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of offshore bottom fishing here, and for good reason. These crimson beauties typically run 5-15 pounds, with the occasional doormat pushing 20-plus. They're structure-oriented fish that live on reefs and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Red snapper season varies, but when it's open, these fish are aggressive and fun to catch. They fight hard on the way up, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – once you find a school, you can often catch them one after another until your arms give out.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These silver bullets can stretch 20-40 inches and weigh anywhere from 10-30 pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly October through April, when they migrate through our waters. Kings are ambush predators that crush trolled baits and artificials, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. The fight is spectacular – they make blistering runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds.
Cobia are the bruisers that show up when you least expect them. These brown sharks (that's what some folks call them, though they're not sharks at all) can reach 30-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you don't get with other species. Cobia are most common in spring and fall, and they're notorious for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights. They're also fantastic eating – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as they're often called, are the clever ones in the bunch. They're smaller than their red cousins, typically running 1-5 pounds, but they make up for size with attitude. These fish are notorious bait thieves with excellent eyesight and suspicious nature. They require finesse and patience, but when you hook one, they fight disproportionately hard for their size. They're year-round residents on our reefs and make excellent table fare.
Lane snapper are the workhorses of the reef, providing steady action when the bigger fish are being picky. These colorful little snappers rarely exceed 2 pounds, but they're aggressive biters that keep the rods bent. They travel in schools and compete with each other for bait, making for fast-paced fishing. Lane snapper are perfect for anglers who enjoy constant action, and they're excellent for fish tacos or whole fried fish.
Look, there's a reason serious anglers keep coming back to Jettie Rocks Fishing
Step aboard our brand-new 2023 23' C-Hawk and head out to the productive offshore waters of the Atlantic. This solid fishing platform runs on a reliable 150hp Suzuki that'll get you to those distant reefs and wrecks where the big fish live. Built for stability and comfort, she handles the ocean swells like a champ while you're working lines for Red Snapper, Amberjack, Kingfish, and whatever else is biting. We've got her rigged with professional-grade GPS and all the fishing gear you need for serious bottom fishing and trolling. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want to fill the cooler on a full 8-hour adventure. Whether we're drifting structure or running between spots, this boat gives you the range and reliability to make the most of your time on the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their single dorsal fin throws people off every time. These fish are loners, usually found cruising solo around our offshore structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're spawning and more active near the surface. What makes them special is the fight and the food - they'll give you a solid battle and the meat is firm, white, and tastes fantastic. Adults average 20-40 pounds, but we've caught them over 50 pounds on occasion. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat. These fish love bucktail jigs worked around reefs and wrecks. My go-to tip: when you spot one cruising, don't cast directly at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet and work your jig slowly back toward the fish. They'll usually turn and follow it before striking.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, also called Mangrove Snappers, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but out on our offshore reefs, we catch them up to 20 pounds. These copper-red fish love structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 40-150 feet of water. They're most active at night and during low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes them special is that white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also notorious for being picky eaters and will inspect your bait carefully before committing. My tip: use a 4/0 circle hook with live shrimp, but hook it through the tail, not the head. Let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just a foot or two. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - let them run with it a second before setting the hook. These fish are worth the wait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll make your drag scream. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds during peak season. We find them trolling the offshore waters from spring through fall, usually in 60-150 feet around temperature breaks and current lines. They're migratory fish that follow bait schools, so timing matters - late spring and early fall are prime time when they're moving along our coast. What guests love is that initial run when you hook one - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is excellent, though it's got a higher oil content that some folks love. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your bait - one in the nose, one trailing. Kings often hit the back half of the bait, so that stinger hook saves the day more times than you'd think.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are those pretty pink fish with yellow stripes that show up as a bonus while we're targeting other species. They typically run 12-16 inches and 2-4 pounds, making them perfect for lighter tackle fun. You'll find them around the same reefs as other snappers, usually in 70-200 feet of water, but they're less spooky than their bigger cousins. Spring through fall is prime time, especially March through September when they're spawning and more aggressive. What folks enjoy is how willing they are to bite - they're not as finicky as other snappers, so they're great for keeping kids and beginners engaged. The meat is excellent, just smaller portions. They'll hit shrimp, squid, and cut bait readily. Pro tip: when you're bottom fishing for bigger stuff and getting picked at by smaller fish, there's a good chance it's Lane Snappers. Use smaller hooks and lighter leaders - they've got smaller mouths but they'll still put up a scrappy fight.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the holy grail of bottom fishing - bright red, hard fighting, and excellent eating. These trophy fish live on offshore reefs and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, where they can grow over 20 pounds and live 20+ years. The season typically runs summer months when regulations allow, and they're worth every effort to target. What guests love is the solid fight they put up and that sweet, mild white meat that's restaurant-quality. They average 3-8 pounds on our trips, but the big ones are out there. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so you'll find them tight to the bottom around hard cover. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work best, but live pinfish will get the biggest ones. Here's the key: use enough weight to stay on bottom in the current, and when you feel that thump, don't horse them up. They'll head straight for the rocks to cut you off, so keep steady pressure and work them up gradually.
Port Orange, FL