Jacksonville King Mackerel Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour nearshore kingfishing adventure in Jacksonville watersProfessional techniques taught for trophy King Mackerel fishingSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 anglers
Looking for some serious action on the water? This 6-hour nearshore kingfishing trip out of Jacksonville puts you right where the kings are feeding. You'll work the productive waters off Northeast Florida with Captain and crew from Recess Sport Fishing, who know exactly where these toothy predators like to hang out. With space for up to 3 anglers, this trip gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to targeting kings, you'll have the time and guidance to dial in the techniques that consistently put fish in the boat around here.
Your day starts early at the Jacksonville marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on the game plan. The nearshore waters off Jacksonville are prime king mackerel territory, especially around the artificial reefs and structure that hold baitfish. You'll typically run 8-15 miles offshore to hit the best spots, depending on where the fish have been biting lately. The boat comes rigged with everything you need - downriggers, planer boards, and all the terminal tackle. Your captain will set the spread and get you fishing, but don't expect to just sit back and watch. Kings are aggressive fighters, and when one hits, you better be ready. The bite can turn on fast out here, so stay alert and keep your drag set right. Between the coaching from the crew and 6 solid hours on the water, you'll walk away knowing how to target these fish like a local.
King mackerel fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right bait at the right speed. Your captain will set up a trolling spread using a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures. Slow trolling with live pogies or blue runners is deadly when the kings are finicky, while pulling spoons and diving plugs lets you cover more ground when fish are scattered. The key is matching your presentation to the conditions - water temperature, current, and bait activity all play a role. You'll learn to read the electronics, watch for bird activity, and spot the subtle signs that scream "fish here." Wire leaders are a must with kings since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. The crew will show you proper rigging techniques and help you understand why certain setups work better in different situations. By the end of the trip, you'll have the knowledge to set your own spread and target kings on your own.
King mackerel are the main target on this trip, and for good reason - they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. These silver bullets can reach speeds over 40 mph and aren't shy about showing off their aerial acrobatics when hooked. Jacksonville's nearshore waters produce kings year-round, but the best action typically happens from April through October when water temperatures climb and baitfish move in thick. Most fish you'll encounter run 15-30 pounds, though the waters off Jacksonville regularly produce 40-pounders and the occasional 50+ pound smoker king. What makes targeting kings so addictive is their aggressive nature - when they hit, there's no question about it. The initial run will test your drag and your arms, while their tendency to jump and tail-walk keeps you on edge throughout the fight. Kings also travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll often find more. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm white fillets that are perfect on the grill or blackened in a cast iron skillet.
This top-rated charter gives you everything you need for a successful day chasing Jacksonville's best king mackerel. Six hours is the sweet spot for nearshore fishing - long enough to really dial in the bite and put multiple fish in the boat, but not so long that you're exhausted by the end. The small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of chances to get on the rod. Recess Sport Fishing has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching proper techniques, making this trip perfect for anyone looking to up their king mackerel game. Remember to bring your fishing license, sunscreen, and plenty of water - the Florida sun can be brutal out on the open water. The remaining balance is due in cash or Venmo, so come prepared. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season when the kings are thick and everyone wants to get in on the action.
Your platform for this 6-hour kingfish hunt is a well-equipped motorboat designed for nearshore action off Jacksonville's coast. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position you silently over prime king mackerel territory without spooking these hard-fighting fish. GPS navigation keeps you on productive fishing grounds while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below - crucial for targeting kings that cruise the deeper water columns. This boat handles the choppy nearshore waters where Jacksonville's best kingfish action happens, from the jetties out to the offshore structure. With space for 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines and battle these muscular predators when they strike. The captain knows exactly where kings patrol these waters and will put you on fish using proven techniques - from slow-trolling live bait to working the thermoclines where baitfish concentrate. Perfect setup for learning king mackerel tactics while having shots at that trophy fish.
Jacksonville, FL