Extended Half Day Offshore Fishing in Fernandina
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended halfday trip targets redfish, cobia, and black drumCaptain Tony provides all equipment, tackle, and fishing licensesAccommodates up to six guests on 31foot charter boat
Looking for the perfect balance between a quick morning trip and a full-day commitment? Captain Tony Peeples has you covered with this extended half-day adventure that gives you serious fishing time without eating up your entire day. Launching from Fernandina Beach aboard a spacious 31-foot vessel, you'll spend quality hours working both the jetties and nearshore waters where the action really heats up. This trip hits that sweet spot for anglers who want to get into some solid fishing without the marathon session.
Captain Tony knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're a first-timer or someone who's been wetting lines for decades. The 31-footer handles beautifully in these conditions and gives your group of up to 6 plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. You'll start by hitting the productive jetty areas where structure holds baitfish, then move out to the nearshore zones where bigger predators cruise. The beauty of this extended format is that you're not rushed – there's time to work a spot properly, make moves when needed, and really dial in on what's biting. Everything's provided: quality rods and reels, fresh tackle, live and cut bait, plus your fishing licenses are handled. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready to bend some rods.
This isn't a one-trick operation – Captain Tony adapts his approach based on what's happening out there. Around the jetties, you'll work with bottom rigs and live bait to pull drum and reds from the structure. The boat carries both spinning and conventional setups, so you can fish the way you're comfortable. When targeting cobia, it's often sight-fishing with live bait or working them with jigs when they're cruising near the surface. For the jacks and other aggressive species, you might find yourself throwing artificials or working with cut bait depending on their mood. The captain reads the conditions – tide, wind, bait movement – and adjusts the game plan accordingly. That's the difference between a good trip and a great one. The tackle is maintained and ready to go, from circle hooks for the bottom fishing to the heavier gear needed when something big decides to make a run.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, and Fernandina's waters hold some real bulls. These fish can push 40-50 pounds and will test your drag system when they decide to make their move. Spring and fall are prime time, but you'll find them year-round around structure. What makes drum exciting isn't just their size – it's their stubborn fight. They don't jump or run like some species; they just put their head down and bulldoze. When you hook a big drum, you know you're in for a workout.
King Mackerel bring the speed and aggression that gets every angler's heart pumping. These fish are built for one thing: catching baitfish at high speed. When kings are around, the action can be fast and furious. They'll hit trolled baits, live offerings, or even well-presented artificials. Summer months are prime time, and once you hook one, get ready for blistering runs and aerial displays. A good king will test your reflexes and your tackle – they're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-quick strikes.
Mahi Mahi are the rainbow-colored prizes that every offshore angler dreams about. While they're more of a summer visitor to these waters, when conditions line up and you find floating debris or weed lines, mahi can provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. They're aggressive feeders, beautiful fish, and absolutely delicious on the table. Their aerial acrobatics when hooked make them a favorite for anglers and photographers alike.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll definitely win the fight-per-pound award. These brutes are pure muscle and attitude, hitting baits with authority and fighting like fish twice their size. They're year-round residents that school up and feed aggressively. Jacks are perfect for testing your tackle and your technique – they'll expose any weaknesses in your setup quickly. Many anglers specifically target jacks just for the fight they provide.
Cobia are the gentle giants that can make your entire trip memorable. These curious fish often cruise near the surface, making them perfect for sight-fishing opportunities. Spring brings the best cobia action as they move through during their spawning migration. A 30-40 pound cobia doesn't fight dirty – they just use raw power and endurance to test your skills. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take home dinner.
This extended half-day format has become a customer favorite for good reason – you get serious fishing time without committing your entire day to being on the water. Captain Tony's experience in these waters, combined with quality gear and a boat that can handle conditions, sets you up for success whether you're looking to check new species off your list or just enjoy some solid fishing action. The jetties and nearshore waters around Fernandina Beach consistently produce, and this trip gives you the time needed to work them properly. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so when you're ready to get out there, secure your dates. These productive waters and Captain Tony's local knowledge make this a top-rated choice for both visiting anglers and locals who want to experience some of the best fishing the area has to offer.
Captain Tony's "Over Under" is your ticket to productive waters around Fernandina Beach. This 31-foot fishing machine runs on dependable twin Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the jetties and nearshore grounds where redfish, cobia, and black drum are waiting. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work without getting tangled up, while the shaded seating keeps you comfortable during those long fights. Onboard electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar help locate fish and navigate safely, even when visibility drops. The boat comes loaded with an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a head for convenience on longer runs. Rod holders line the rails, and there's plenty of storage for tackle and gear. Whether you're working the jetty rocks for cobia or drifting the flats for reds, this well-equipped vessel handles both inshore and offshore fishing with ease.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish hang around oyster beds, shallow flats, and jetty structure where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action in 3-10 feet of water. They're not flashy fighters but they're bulldogs that'll test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut mullet on a circle hook, keep it on the bottom, and be patient. These fish are smart and will mouth the bait before committing, so let them take it and run before setting the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like brown sharks but with better table fare - dark, torpedo-shaped fish that average 20-50 pounds and can hit 80+. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and jetty structure in 20-60 feet, often cruising just under the surface. Spring migration from March through May offers the hottest action as they move through our waters. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, plus they're arguably the best eating fish in these waters - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They fight with bulldogging power and surprising speed for their size. The secret is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. When you spot one, cast well ahead and work that jig with sharp hops off the bottom. Color doesn't matter much, but movement does.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bullies of the flats - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that average 3-15 pounds but can reach 30+. You'll find schools working shallow water, jetties, and nearshore structure where they corner baitfish. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when bait is thick. What makes jack fishing exciting is the visual aspect - you'll see birds diving on schools and can sight-cast to feeding fish. They fight way above their weight class with powerful runs that'll burn your arms. While not prized table fare, they're perfect for catch-and-release action when other species are slow. Look for diving birds, then cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast. Jacks love the chase, so don't be afraid to really burn that lure back to the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your tackle and your reflexes. These silver missiles typically run 15-40 pounds around here, but 50+ pounders show up when conditions are right. We find them in 40-80 feet of water near structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, especially when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes kings special is that explosive initial run - they'll strip line like nothing else and put on aerial shows. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and two hooks when live bait fishing. Hook your bait through the nose with the first hook, let the second treble dangle near the tail. Kings love to bite the back end of baitfish, so this setup saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and green that puts on a light show when they're boated. These 15-30 pound fish are found around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temps climb. What guests love about mahi is their acrobatic fight - lots of jumps and long runs on light tackle. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled ballyhoo, live bait, or colorful lures. The trick is to keep one hooked fish in the water while you cast to the school - mahi are curious and will stick around to investigate their buddy in trouble, often leading to multiple hookups.
Fernandina Beach, FL