Half Day Jetty Fishing - Redfish & Black Drum
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday jetty fishing targeting redfish and black drum31foot boat accommodates up to six guests comfortablyAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses included
Looking for some solid jetty action without burning a whole day? Captain Tony Peeples runs one of the top-rated half day fishing trips out of Fernandina Beach, and he knows exactly where the fish stack up along these productive jetties. His 31-foot boat handles the Atlantic swells like a dream, and with room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect whether you're bringing the family or a small crew of fishing buddies. The jetties here create serious structure that holds everything from hefty redfish to chunky black drum, plus whatever else decides to crash the party.
Captain Tony's got this jetty fishing game dialed in. You'll launch from Fernandina Beach and head straight to the rock piles where the current creates feeding zones that fish can't resist. The trip runs about four hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots without feeling rushed. The 31-footer rides smooth and stable, so even if you're not the most experienced angler, you'll feel comfortable casting and fighting fish. Tony provides all the tackle, bait, and licenses - you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew knows these waters inside and out, and they're always willing to help whether you're trying to perfect your bottom fishing technique or just need someone to net your catch.
Jetty fishing is all about reading the structure and current. Captain Tony positions the boat where the rocks create eddies and slack water - that's where predators ambush baitfish. You'll primarily be bottom fishing with circle hooks and natural baits like shrimp, cut bait, and live pinfish when available. The key is keeping your bait near the rocks without getting hung up, which takes some finesse. The crew will show you how to feel the bottom, work the current, and detect those subtle bites that jetty fish are famous for. When the bite is hot, you might switch to lighter tackle for more sport, but generally you'll want enough backbone to pull fish away from the rocks. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools, but most of the action happens right against the jetty structure where smaller fish hide and bigger predators hunt.
Black drum are the bread and butter of jetty fishing around Fernandina Beach. These copper-colored bruisers love cruising the rock piles, using their pharyngeal teeth to crunch crabs and shellfish right off the jetty walls. They typically run 15-30 pounds here, though bigger bulls show up during their spring spawning runs. Black drum fight with pure power - no fancy jumps, just heavy head shakes and determined runs toward the rocks. They bite best on incoming tides when fresh bait gets pushed against the structure.
Redfish are the crowd favorites, and for good reason. These bronze beauties patrol the jetties year-round, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. Fernandina reds typically range from keeper-sized 18-inchers up to oversized bulls pushing 40-plus inches. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait hard, and once hooked, they make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The jetty reds tend to be fat and healthy from feeding on the abundant baitfish and crustaceans around the rocks.
King mackerel show up when conditions are right, usually during warmer months when baitfish are thick around the jetties. These speed demons can hit 20-40 pounds and are absolutely explosive when they grab your bait. They're sight feeders that respond to both live bait and trolled artificials. When the kings are around, the action gets fast and furious - just make sure your drag is smooth because they'll make screaming runs that can empty a reel in seconds.
Mahi mahi are the bonus fish that make jetty trips special. When Gulf Stream conditions push these colorful fighters close to shore, they sometimes show up around floating debris near the jetties. They're relatively rare catches on jetty trips, but when one shows up, it's pure gold. Mahi hit hard, jump like crazy, and their electric colors make them phenomenal photo opportunities. They typically range 10-25 pounds in these waters.
Cobia are another exciting possibility, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These brown sharks with attitude cruise the jetties looking for easy meals, and they're not shy about crushing a well-presented bait. Cobia fight with surprising power for their size, making long runs and stubborn head-down battles. They typically range 20-40 pounds around Fernandina's jetties and are excellent table fare.
This jetty fishing trip delivers exactly what you want - consistent action, variety, and the chance at some real quality fish without spending all day on the water. Captain Tony's local knowledge and customer-favorite approach means you're getting a world-class fishing experience with a guide who genuinely cares about putting you on fish. The half-day format is perfect for families with kids, anglers who want to test the waters before booking longer trips, or anyone who just wants some solid jetty action. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so once you book, you're committed - but based on the quality of fishing around these jetties, that's a commitment you won't regret making.
The "Over Under" is a serious fishing machine built for targeting redfish, black drum, and whatever else is biting around Fernandina Beach's productive jetties. This 31-foot vessel runs on dependable twin Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fish and back without missing a beat. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work their lines without tangling up, while the shaded seating area provides a break from the Florida sun between hookups. Captain Tony relies on top-notch fish finders and GPS to locate the best structure where drum and reds like to hang out. The boat's loaded with rod holders, an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a head for longer trips. VHF radio and radar keep you connected and safe, whether you're working the jetty rocks or venturing into deeper water when conditions allow.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are powerhouse fighters that can range from keeper-sized 5-pounders to bruising 30+ pound bulls. These dark-backed fish love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 3-15 feet of water, using their crusher jaws to crunch crabs and shellfish all day. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and that distinctive drumming sound they make underwater. The smaller ones (under 15 lbs) make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook right away - let them chew on that crab bait for a few seconds since they like to crush their food before swallowing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the offshore world - big, brown, and built for power. These loners average 30-60 pounds and can easily top 80+ pounds when you find a good one. They cruise around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet of water, often just under the surface looking like sharks at first glance. Spring migration and summer months offer the best opportunities when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them special is that incredible fight and world-class table fare - firm, almost steak-like meat that's perfect for grilling. Since they're solitary fish, each one is a trophy. My advice: when you spot one, get a bucktail jig or live bait down to them quickly but don't spook them - they're curious but cautious. Once hooked, be ready for a long, strong fight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag and your nerves. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths along drop-offs and structure, hunting baitfish with razor-sharp teeth. Summer and fall bring the best action when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What guests love most is the screaming runs - these fish can strip line faster than almost anything else out here. They're also fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat perfect for the grill. One thing I always tell folks: use a wire leader or heavy mono shock tippet because those teeth will slice through regular line like butter. When you see that first run, just hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked, jumping and tail-walking like no other. You'll find them in deeper water around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, typically 20+ miles offshore. Spring through fall brings the best shots when they follow the warm water north. What guests really love is the nonstop action - where there's one mahi, there's usually more. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water because the school will often stick around. And always look for frigate birds working floating debris - that's where the mahi hide.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-30 inches around the jetties, with that signature black spot near the tail that fools predators. They love shallow water from 2-8 feet, hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and structure where they can ambush crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, but they bite year-round in our waters. What makes them special is their stubborn, head-shaking fight and excellent table quality - firm, flaky meat with a mild flavor. Plus, they're not too spooky, making them perfect for families and newer anglers. My go-to tip: when working the shallows, look for nervous water or that telltale copper flash. A well-placed shrimp or soft plastic near structure usually seals the deal.
Fernandina Beach, FL