Extended Full Day Offshore Fishing - Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended offshore fishing targets Mahi, Grouper, and Red Snapper31foot vessel accommodates up to six guests comfortablyAll equipment, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included
When you're serious about putting fish in the boat, Captain Tony Peeples knows exactly what waters to hit off Fernandina Beach. This extended full day charter isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about maximizing your time on the water with Southern Style Sport Fishing Charters aboard a spacious 31-foot vessel. With room for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated offshore adventure targets the deep-water species that make Northeast Florida fishing legendary. From hard-fighting Mahi Mahi to bottom-dwelling Grouper, you'll have the time and opportunity to work multiple spots and techniques throughout the day.
Captain Tony runs a no-nonsense operation that focuses on results. Your extended full day starts early, giving you the advantage of hitting prime fishing grounds when the bite is hot. The 31-foot boat provides plenty of room to move around, store your catch, and stay comfortable during the longer trip offshore. Unlike shorter charters that rush you back to the dock, this extended format lets you really work an area when the fish are cooperative. You'll cover more water, try different depths, and have the flexibility to chase the action wherever it leads. All your gear is handled - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are included, so you can focus entirely on the fishing. The boat's layout accommodates multiple fishing styles, whether you're trolling for pelagics or dropping bottom rigs for grouper.
Captain Tony switches up tactics based on conditions and target species throughout the day. Trolling is the go-to method for covering water and locating schools of Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel. You'll pull spreads of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures at varying depths to trigger strikes from roaming pelagics. When bottom fishing for Grouper and Red Snapper, heavy tackle comes into play with circle hooks and cut bait to get down deep and stay connected to structure-oriented fish. Live bait fishing is another weapon in the arsenal, especially effective for Cobia that cruise near the surface around structure. The extended time offshore means you can dedicate serious effort to each technique instead of rushing through spots. Captain Tony reads the water and adjusts accordingly - if the trolling bite slows down, you'll anchor up on productive bottom structure or work live bait around floating debris where Cobia and Jacks patrol.
Black Drum are the bulldozers of the nearshore waters around Fernandina Beach. These powerful bottom feeders can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds common in local waters. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, when they move into shallower waters to feed on crabs and shellfish around structure. What makes Black Drum so appealing to anglers is their stubborn, steady fight - they don't jump or make long runs, but they use their broad sides and heavy weight to test your drag and endurance. The meat is excellent eating in smaller fish, while the larger specimens make for great photos before release.
King Mackerel are the speed demons that get your heart pumping when they slam a trolled bait. These toothy predators can reach lengths over 40 inches and weights exceeding 30 pounds in Northeast Florida waters. Kings are most active during warmer months from late spring through fall, when they follow baitfish along the continental shelf. What anglers love about King Mackerel is their explosive initial run and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. The key to consistent King Mackerel success is covering water with fast trolling speeds and wire leaders to prevent bite-offs.
Mahi Mahi represent the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Fernandina Beach. These vibrant, acrobatic fish provide non-stop action when you locate a school, often with multiple hookups that keep the entire boat busy. Mahi typically range from 10-30 pounds in local waters, with occasional bull dolphins exceeding 40 pounds. They're most abundant during summer months when warm Gulf Stream waters push closer to shore, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Anglers prize Mahi for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked and their exceptional table quality. The key is finding the right water temperature and structure - once you locate one Mahi, there are usually more in the area.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with pure fighting power. These muscular fish are built like linebackers and fight with relentless determination from the moment they're hooked. Jacks are year-round residents in Fernandina Beach waters, often found in large schools around structure or chasing baitfish in open water. What makes Crevalle Jack fishing so addictive is their willingness to eat almost any bait or lure and their ability to test your tackle to its limits. While not typically kept for the table, they provide outstanding sport fishing action that leaves anglers with sore arms and big smiles.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise Fernandina Beach waters like underwater sharks. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish can exceed 50 pounds and 5 feet in length, making them one of the most sought-after species in Northeast Florida. Cobia are most active during warmer months when they move inshore to spawn, often found following rays, around buoys, or near floating objects. What makes Cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often approach the boat for a close look, giving anglers opportunities for sight fishing with live bait or large jigs. The fight is steady and powerful, and the meat is considered among the best eating of any saltwater species, with a texture similar to shark but much milder flavor.
Captain Tony's extende
Step aboard the "Over Under," a serious 31-foot fishing machine that'll get you to the best offshore spots around Fernandina Beach. Twin Suzuki outboards provide the muscle to reach those productive deep-water grounds where Mahi, Grouper, and Red Snapper are waiting. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work without getting tangled up, while the shaded seating area offers a break from the Florida sun between bites. Modern fish finder technology helps locate the fish, GPS keeps you on the numbers, and radar ensures safe navigation in changing conditions. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore sessions. The toilet means no cutting trips short, and plenty of rod holders keep your spread organized when trolling for Mahi or bottom fishing structure for Grouper. Captain Tony has this boat dialed in for extended offshore trips where time on the water translates to more shots at keeper fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavy hitters of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bulls pushing 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use their crushing jaws to feast on crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target around Fernandina's inshore waters. What makes them fun is the pure strength - they'll test your drag and make long runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a Carolina rig and keep it on the bottom - these fish feed by feel and smell, so let them pick it up before setting the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These solitary hunters average 20-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, making them one of our most sought-after offshore species. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water, with spring being prime time during their spawning migration. What guests love is both the fight and the food - cobia are strong, stubborn fighters and some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. Since they're loners, it's mostly sight fishing when you spot one cruising near the surface. Best advice: use a bucktail jig and work it slowly near structure. These curious fish will often follow the boat, so be patient and ready.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the ocean - pure muscle that'll test both your tackle and your arms. These brassy-colored fighters average 3-5 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds, and they're found both inshore around grass flats and offshore near structure. They school up year-round, but warmer months bring the best surface action. What makes them special is their relentless fight - they'll make powerful runs and never give up until they're in the boat. Look for diving birds as your best indicator since jacks push baitfish to the surface. They're not great table fare, but they're fantastic sport fish. My go-to technique: cast a silver spoon or topwater plug past the school and retrieve it fast - these aggressive predators love the chase and rarely miss a moving target.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you one of the fastest runs you've ever experienced offshore. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when conditions are right. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools. Spring through fall are peak seasons when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll scream drag off your reel and make multiple long runs. The meat is good eating when fresh, though bigger fish can be a bit oily. Here's the key: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface to trigger strikes from these aggressive predators.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see offshore, with brilliant gold, green, and blue that changes right before your eyes. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and live in the upper water column around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks. We target them year-round in deeper offshore waters, but spring through fall brings the best action when water temps are warmest. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water because mahi travel in schools. That first fish will often bring his buddies right to the boat for multiple hookups.
Fernandina Beach, FL