Full-Day Offshore Fishing in Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting kingfish and amberjackAll equipment provided for up to 3 guestsBottom fishing and trolling techniques included
When you're looking for serious offshore action near Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach delivers the goods. This 7-hour private charter with Schmidt Happens puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing waters. We're talking about a full day where you'll work both the blue water for pelagics and drop down to structure for bottom dwellers. With room for up to 3 anglers, you get that intimate fishing experience where everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from your captain.
Your day starts early – that's just how offshore fishing works. We'll head out past the inlet and into the Atlantic, where the real fishing begins. This isn't a half-day rush job; seven hours gives us time to properly work different areas and techniques. You'll spend time trolling the deeper waters where kingfish cruise, then we'll anchor up on productive bottom structure for amberjack, redfish, and whatever else is biting. The boat comes loaded with all the tackle you need, from trolling rigs to bottom fishing setups. Your captain knows these waters inside and out – where the fish stack up, what they're eating, and how to put you on them. Weather and fish behavior dictate our exact game plan, but flexibility is what separates good fishing days from great ones.
We run a mixed bag approach that keeps things interesting all day long. Trolling is where we'll pick up those kingfish – we'll pull a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind the boat as we work productive edges and temperature breaks. When we find the right structure, we switch gears to bottom fishing. This means dropping heavy jigs and cut bait down to reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom where amberjack, sea bass, and triggerfish hang out. The tackle is sized right for what we're targeting – medium to heavy spinning gear for most situations, with wire leaders when kings are around. Your captain handles the boat positioning and gives you the rundown on techniques, but you're doing the fishing. That's the whole point.
Redfish are the local celebrities around Fernandina Beach, and these copper-colored fighters put up a serious battle. They average 20 to 35 pounds out here, with bigger bulls always a possibility. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, and they'll eat everything from live bait to jigs. What makes them special is that fighting power – they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to test your drag system. When you hook a slot red, you know you're connected to something that won't give up easy.
Sea Bass are the steady producers when you need to put fish in the box. These chunky bottom dwellers stack up on reefs and hard bottom, usually in the 12 to 18 inch range. They're not the flashiest fish in the ocean, but they're excellent eating and always willing to bite. Peak season runs from late spring into early fall, and they'll hammer cut bait, squid, and small jigs. Bass fishing is where you learn to feel the bottom and work structure – skills that make you a better all-around angler.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bruisers of the bunch, with fish over 40 pounds common on the deeper reefs. These fish test your tackle and your back muscles in equal measure. Summer months bring the best amberjack fishing, when they school up on offshore structure. They'll eat live bait, heavy jigs, and anything else that looks like an easy meal. The fight is all about power – they'll make long runs and try to wrap you around whatever structure they can find. Landing a big amberjack is a team effort between angler and captain.
Ocean Triggerfish might look funny, but they're serious business on light tackle. These plate-shaped fish have mouths full of sharp teeth and attitudes to match. They average 2 to 5 pounds and are excellent table fare when prepared right. Triggerfish are most active during warmer months and will test your patience with their bait-stealing abilities. They're the fish that keep you honest – you need sharp hooks, quick reflexes, and a sense of humor when they're around.
Northern Kingfish are the speed demons of this offshore mix, capable of blistering runs that'll smoke your reel if the drag isn't set right. These silver bullets range from 15 to 30 pounds typically, with larger fish always possible. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they cruise the offshore waters looking for baitfish schools. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. The fight is all about that first run – if you can turn them, you've got a good shot at getting them to the boat. Fresh king on the grill is hard to beat.
This 7-hour offshore adventure gives you the full Fernandina Beach fishing experience without the crowd. You're getting a private charter with a captain who knows where the fish live and how to put you on them. The tackle's provided, the spots are proven, and the only thing left is for you to show up ready to fish. Whether you're after that trophy amberjack photo or just want to load the cooler with good eating fish, this trip delivers both options. The offshore waters around Fernandina Beach produce year-round, and Schmidt Happens has the local knowledge to make it happen. Don't wait for the perfect day – book your charter and let's go find out what's biting.
Our 24-foot Triton center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing around Fernandina Beach. This 2006 build packs a reliable 225HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting speeds up to 52 knots when you need to chase the bite. Perfect for small groups of up to 3 anglers who want personalized attention on the water. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting kingfish, amberjack, redfish, and bottom dwellers. GPS keeps us on the productive spots, radar handles those foggy morning runs, and the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the fish hang out. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether we're trolling the offshore waters for kings or dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper, this boat handles it all. The stable platform makes it easy to land those bigger amberjack and drum that put up a serious fight. With all tackle and equipment included, just bring yourself and get ready for some quality fishing time on the Atlantic.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are scrappy little bottom feeders that punch above their weight class. Most run 10-14 inches and rarely exceed 2 pounds, but they fight like much bigger fish. You'll find them in sandy and rocky bottoms near shore, especially around jetties and inlet mouths. Late summer into fall brings the best surf and near-shore action. Despite their small size, guests love them for their tenacious fight and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're perfect for light tackle fun and great for kids learning to fish. Here's what works: use small hooks with bloodworms or fresh clam pieces, and fish right on the bottom. That little barbel under their chin helps them hunt by smell, so fresh bait makes all the difference.
Canthidermis SufflamenTriggerfish are quirky little fighters that add variety to our bottom fishing. Running 10-18 inches, these gray, football-shaped fish have tiny mouths but big attitudes. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 35-100 feet, often hovering just above structure. Spring through fall produces steady action. What guests enjoy is their unpredictable nature - they'll nibble bait, then suddenly commit with a solid thump. They're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat that's prized in restaurants. Their small mouths and sharp teeth make them tricky to hook consistently. My trick: use tiny #4 or #6 circle hooks with small pieces of squid strip. Let them play with the bait a bit before setting the hook - they often need a second bite to get it right.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of our most reliable targets in the shallow waters around Fernandina. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-30 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 just 2-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures, plus they're fantastic on the table with mild, flaky meat. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your spoon or live shrimp about 10 feet ahead and let it settle naturally. They spook easy, so patience pays off.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid bottom dwellers that hang around hard structure in 30-80 feet of water. These dark, chunky fish average 1-2 pounds but can reach 6-7 pounds on good days. They love wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Best fishing runs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely delicious - restaurants pay top dollar for fresh sea bass. They're also great for families since they bite consistently once you find a school. Here's the trick: use a light jig tipped with squid or clam, and keep it moving just off the bottom. They'll often hit on the drop, so stay ready.
Seriola LalandiAmberjack are the bulldogs of our offshore trips - powerful fish that'll test your arms and tackle. Most run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly around wrecks and reefs in 60-150 feet. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall bring the best action when bait schools are thick. What makes them special is that initial run - pure power that'll surprise first-timers. The meat is excellent, especially smaller fish under 30 pounds. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and even topwater plugs. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll wrap you around anything they can find, so fight them away from the wreck initially, then work them up slowly.
Fernandina Beach, FL