Extended Half Day Fishing Trip – Fernandina Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended half-day trip targets redfish, cobia, and black drumCaptain Tony provides all equipment, tackle, and fishing licenses includedAccommodates up to six guests on 31-foot charter boat
Captain Tony Peeples knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This 3/4 day trip gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really get after it without burning your whole day. We're talking about productive jetty and nearshore waters where redfish, cobia, and other top targets cruise year-round. With everything included from tackle to licenses, you just show up ready to fish.
You'll be fishing from a solid 31-foot boat that handles these waters beautifully and gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work. Captain Tony's got this trip dialed in – he knows exactly where to find fish based on tide, season, and what's been biting lately. The jetties here are absolute fish magnets, holding everything from drum to jacks, while the nearshore waters open up opportunities for cobia and other cruising species. The extended half-day format is perfect because it gives you time to hit multiple spots without the commitment of a full day. You'll have quality time to really work an area when the bite gets hot, plus the flexibility to move around and find where the action is happening.
All your gear is covered – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Captain Tony runs quality equipment that's perfectly matched to these waters and target species. You'll be using everything from live bait presentations around structure to casting artificials when fish are actively feeding. The jetty fishing here is all about reading the current and getting your bait in the strike zone where these fish ambush prey. For the nearshore work, expect sight fishing opportunities when conditions are right – there's nothing quite like watching a big cobia cruise up to your bait. The captain will adjust techniques based on what's working that day, whether it's bottom fishing for drum or working the water column for jacks and other species.
Black drum are absolute workhorses in these waters, and Fernandina Beach consistently produces some impressive fish. These bruisers love the jetty structure and oyster bars, typically running 15-40 pounds with occasional giants pushing 50-plus. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall really turn them on. What makes drum so appealing is their bulldogging fight – they'll use every ounce of that weight to test your drag and your arms. King mackerel show up when the water warms, usually from late spring through fall, and they bring serious speed and aerial acrobatics to the table. These fish will absolutely scream drag and put on a show, especially the larger females that can push 20-30 pounds. Mahi mahi are the wild cards – when they show up nearshore, usually in warmer months, they bring incredible colors and non-stop action that gets everyone on the boat fired up.
Crevalle jacks are the muscle cars of the inshore world, and Fernandina's waters hold some serious fish. These guys will bend your rod in half and fight like they're twice their size. They school up and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Cobia are the prize catch that keeps anglers coming back – these brown sharks (as locals call them) cruise the nearshore waters and jetties, especially in spring and summer. A good cobia will give you everything: power, endurance, and serious table fare. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat, making for some exciting visual fishing opportunities.
This extended half-day format has become a customer favorite because it hits the sweet spot – enough time to really fish without taking over your entire day. Captain Tony's local knowledge and quality equipment setup make this a top-rated option for both experienced anglers and families looking to get into some good fish. The variety of species available keeps things interesting, and the jetty and nearshore combo gives you the best shot at consistent action. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. With only 6 spots available per trip, these dates fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Fernandina Beach has such a solid reputation among serious anglers.
The "Over Under" is your ticket to serious fishing action off Fernandina Beach. This 31-foot fishing machine runs on twin Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the productive waters where redfish, cobia, and black drum are waiting. Captain Tony knows these jetties and nearshore spots like the back of his hand, and this boat gives him everything he needs to put you on fish - GPS to mark the hotspots, fish finder to locate the action, and radar when visibility gets sketchy. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work without tangling lines, while the shaded seating area offers relief when the Florida sun gets intense. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a head for convenience during longer battles with big fish. The electronics package means less time searching and more time with bent rods.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are big, powerful fish that can run anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, though some monsters hit 90 pounds. They're part of the drum family and get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spawning season in spring when they school up and are easier to find. You'll catch them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and near creek mouths in 30 feet of water or less. These fish have crushing jaws built for eating crabs and shellfish, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating - the meat's much better than the big, tough old-timers. Pro tip: when you feel that heavy, steady pull instead of a dramatic fight, you've probably hooked into a nice drum. Fish your bait right on the bottom where they feed.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary brown sharks lookalikes that can reach 100 pounds, making them one of our most prized catches. They're usually found alone around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May offers peak action when they move through our area to spawn. These fish are sight-fishing targets - you'll often see them cruising just under the surface. What makes them special is their incredible table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Bucktail jigs in any color work great, but don't be afraid to throw live bait. Pro tip: once you spot one, kill the engine and drift quietly - they spook easily but will often circle back if you're patient.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the ocean - pure muscle that'll give you a workout on medium tackle. These brassy-colored fighters average 3-5 pounds but can reach 60 pounds. They school up around structure, grass flats, and jetties where they corner baitfish. You'll know when you've found them - look for diving birds as the jacks push prey to the surface. They're aggressive year-round but really fire up in warmer months. What makes them fun is their bullying nature and non-stop fight - they'll pull drag until they're in the boat. While not the best eating, they're perfect for catch-and-release action when other species are slow. Silver spoons and fast-moving lures work best. Local trick: if you smell something like watermelon on the water, you're near a feeding school. Cast past the school and reel fast - they love the chase.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average around 30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds. They're speed demons that'll test your drag and make smoking runs when hooked. We find them in 40 to 150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action when they're moving through our area in schools. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and explosive strikes that make for exciting fishing. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. They hit fast-moving baits, so we troll with live bait or spoons to trigger strikes. Local tip: always use a wire leader - those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface to mimic their favorite prey, flying fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with their brilliant gold and green colors that change like a light show when they're brought boatside. They average 15-29 pounds and are found around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. These fish don't live long but grow fast, making them aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits hard. Spring through fall gives us the best shots at them when water temperatures warm up. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run like crazy. The meat is fantastic, mild and sweet with firm white flesh that grills perfectly. They travel in small schools, so when you hook one, keep fishing the area. Pro tip: look for frigate birds working debris piles - where you see birds diving, there's usually mahi underneath feeding.
Fernandina Beach, FL