Full-Day Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing targeting kingfish and amberjack speciesBottom fishing opportunities for redfish, sea bass, and triggerfishAll equipment provided for 3-guest private charter experience
When you're looking for the real deal in Fernandina Beach fishing, this 7-hour private charter with Schmidt Happens delivers everything serious anglers want. You'll head offshore into prime waters where kingfish patrol the thermoclines and amberjack stack up on structure. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish with enough time to work multiple spots and techniques. The Atlantic waters off Fernandina Beach hold some of Florida's best fishing, and this charter gives you the time to really explore what's out there.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how it should be when you're serious about fishing. We'll launch from Fernandina Beach and make our way to productive offshore grounds where the continental shelf creates the perfect conditions for pelagic species. The morning hours are prime time for trolling kingfish, and we'll set up a spread that covers different depths and speeds. As the day progresses, we'll switch tactics and hit some bottom structure for amberjack and other reef species. This private charter accommodates up to 3 anglers, which means you're not fighting for rod time or prime fishing spots. Every piece of tackle is provided, from the heavy trolling rigs to the bottom fishing setups, so you can focus on what matters most - hooking fish.
We run a mixed bag of techniques that match what the fish are doing throughout the day. Trolling is where we start, pulling a spread of planers, wire line, and surface baits at different speeds to cover the water column. The key is reading the water temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate. When we locate schools on the fish finder or mark good bottom structure, we'll anchor up and drop down with live bait or heavy jigs. Bottom fishing here requires serious tackle - we're talking 60-80 pound class gear because amberjack don't mess around when they want to head back to their holes. Circle hooks and heavy leaders are standard, especially when targeting larger species that can cut through lighter tackle without breaking a sweat.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Fernandina Beach fishing, and while you might think of them as inshore targets, the bigger bulls often cruise offshore structure during certain tides. These fish average 15-30 pounds and fight with that signature head-shaking power that makes your drag sing. Fall and winter months produce the largest specimens, and they're particularly active during moving water. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, giving you multiple ways to target them.
Sea bass might not be the glamour species, but they're incredibly reliable and absolutely delicious on the table. These bottom dwellers stack up on hard structure and artificial reefs, typically running 1-3 pounds with occasional larger specimens. They bite year-round but peak during cooler months when they school heavily. The action can be fast and furious when you locate a good school, with multiple hookups being common.
Yellowtail amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world, and Fernandina Beach waters produce some real bruisers. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can easily exceed 60 pounds when conditions are right. They live around wrecks and hard bottom, and when hooked, they make powerful runs straight back toward structure. Spring and summer offer the most consistent action, though they're catchable year-round. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back - pure strength and determination.
Ocean triggerfish are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters, pound for pound as tough as anything that swims. They average 3-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using their compressed bodies to leverage against your tackle. Summer and fall are peak seasons, and they're particularly active around artificial reefs and wrecks. Their unique appearance and excellent table fare make them a favorite target species.
Northern kingfish are the speed demons of this fishery, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag system and your arms. These fish typically range from 15-30 pounds, with larger specimens possible during peak seasons. They're most active during warmer months and respond well to both trolled baits and live bait fishing around temperature breaks. The initial run when you hook a king is something every angler should experience - pure acceleration that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds.
This 7-hour private charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. You're getting access to prime offshore fishing grounds, professional-grade tackle, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. The variety of species and techniques keeps things interesting from start to finish, whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to step up your offshore game. With space limited to just 3 anglers, every trip maintains that personalized attention that makes private charters worth the investment. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - they're out there right now, and Schmidt Happens has the experience to put you on them.
Our 2006 24-foot Triton center console is your ticket to productive offshore waters around Fernandina Beach. Powered by a reliable 225HP Yamaha outboard, this fishing machine cuts through coastal swells at speeds up to 52 knots, getting you to the prime fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable during those long bottom fishing sessions. The spacious center console layout gives you and up to 2 other anglers plenty of room to work the rails while trolling for kingfish or fighting stubborn amberjack off the bottom. Equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those early morning runs in low visibility, and a quality fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, this boat puts you right where the redfish, black drum, and sea bass are holding. Built tough for Florida's offshore conditions, the Triton handles rough seas with confidence while providing a stable platform for landing your catch.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are scrappy little fighters that patrol the sandy bottoms in 10-30 feet of water around Fernandina Beach. These bronze-colored fish typically run 10-14 inches but don't let their size fool you - they fight harder than fish twice their size. Late summer into fall is peak season when they move closer to shore to feed. What guests enjoy about kingfish is their surprising strength and the fact they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They're bottom feeders with a single barbel under their chin that helps them locate food. My best tip: use small hooks with fresh clam or bloodworm, and fish right on the sandy bottom. Feel for that subtle tap-tap bite - they're gentle biters but hook up solid once you set it.
Canthidermis SufflamenTriggerfish are the quirky characters of our offshore waters, usually found around reefs and wrecks in 35-100 feet. These gray, disc-shaped fish average 12-18 inches and have an attitude bigger than their size suggests. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active around structure. What makes triggerfish fun to target is their unique behavior - they'll charge at anything that threatens their territory and have a knack for stealing bait with their small, powerful mouths. They're also surprisingly good eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's the trick: use small #4 or #6 circle hooks with tiny pieces of squid. They'll nibble first before committing, so be patient and don't set the hook too early, or you'll just pull the bait away from them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most popular targets here in the shallow waters around Fernandina Beach. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and around dock pilings in 2-4 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're feeding heavily. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight - they'll make long runs and dig hard when hooked. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, mild white meat. My go-to tip: use live shrimp under a popping cork around moving water during a falling tide. Watch for their backs breaking the surface as they feed in skinny water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid bottom fish that live around hard structure in 30-80 feet of water off Fernandina Beach. These dark, stocky fish average 12-16 inches and put up a scrappy fight for their size. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges year-round, but spring and fall produce the most consistent action. What guests love about sea bass is they're aggressive biters and make great table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: use small hooks with squid or cut bait, and fish right on the bottom. When you feel that first tap, set the hook quick - they'll steal your bait otherwise.
Seriola LalandiAmberjack are the bulldogs of the deep water around Fernandina Beach. These powerful fish typically run 15-40 pounds and will test your arms with their bulldogging runs straight down to the bottom. You'll find them around wrecks and structure in 60-150 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. What makes amberjack fishing exciting is their incredible strength - they'll take you straight to the bottom and make you work for every inch of line. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. My key tip: use heavy tackle and live bait like blue runners or pinfish. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure, or they'll cut you off every time.
Fernandina Beach, FL