5.0(2 Reviews)Quick Cast Scenic View Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
2-hour evening fishing trip targeting Redfish and Black DrumSpacious 31ft vessel accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyAll gear and licenses provided for hassle-free experience
Captain Tony Peeples knows exactly what makes a perfect evening on the water around Fernandina Beach. This isn't your typical marathon fishing trip – it's a laid-back 2-hour adventure that combines light fishing with some of the best scenery Northeast Florida has to offer. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing experience, want to unwind after a long week, or you're visiting and looking for a taste of local angling, this trip hits all the right notes. You'll cruise calm inshore waters aboard a spacious 31-foot vessel with room for up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want to share the experience without feeling crowded.
This trip is all about flexibility and fun. Captain Tony operates out of Fernandina Beach and knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll adjust the plan based on what's biting and what you're hoping to get out of the experience. Some evenings you might spend more time casting lines targeting Redfish around oyster bars, while other trips lean more toward sightseeing as you watch the sun dip toward the horizon. The beauty of this 2-hour window is that there's no pressure – if the fish are cooperative, you'll wet some lines and hopefully put a few in the boat. If they're being stubborn, you can sit back and enjoy the ride while Captain Tony shares stories about the area. All your gear and fishing licenses are covered, so just bring yourself, maybe some drinks and snacks, and get ready to see why locals love these waters.
Captain Tony sets you up with light tackle that's perfect for the inshore species you'll be targeting. This isn't heavy offshore gear – we're talking about rods and reels that are comfortable for everyone in the group, including younger anglers who might be holding a fishing rod for the first time. The techniques are straightforward: live bait fishing around structure, casting toward likely spots where fish like to hang out, and maybe some light jigging if the conditions are right. Since you're staying in protected inshore waters, the ride stays smooth and comfortable. These calm areas around Fernandina Beach are ideal for this type of fishing because they hold good numbers of fish while keeping everyone comfortable on the boat. The 31-foot vessel gives everyone plenty of room to move around, cast without tangling lines, and just enjoy being on the water without feeling cramped.
"It rained the evening of our trip and the Captain was flexible and took us out the next morning. We enjoyed a two hour trip catching four drum fish in under an hour. We went to a second spot and caught additional fish, including a small shark." - Katie
"We went out fishing and sightseeing with Tony and it was a lot of fun. We were 5 of us including a friend's 4 yrs old kid. Tony was very knowledgeable about the area and showed us around. First time experience seeing wild horses in a national park. We also caught many fish even though it was a short trip. Tony made our experience very nice and memorable for everyone with the new places visited and the fish we caught." - Osman
Black Drum are one of the most reliable catches on these evening trips, especially around oyster bars and shallow flats where they love to root around for crabs and shellfish. These fish put up a solid fight on light tackle, and they're perfect for beginners because they don't make crazy runs or jump around – just steady, determined pulls that let you feel what you're working with. Most of the drum you'll catch run between 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones definitely live in these waters. Spring and fall are prime time for drum fishing, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the bunch when they show up. These fish are built for speed and will test your reflexes when they hit your bait. Kings typically move through these waters during their seasonal migrations, usually spring and fall, and when they're around, the action can be fast and furious. They're not always the target on a scenic evening trip, but when conditions line up and Captain Tony spots diving birds or bait schools, you might get a shot at one. Even a smaller king will give you a fight you won't forget on light tackle.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are some of the most beautiful fish you can catch in these waters. Their bright yellow and green colors are stunning when you get them to the boat, and they're known for putting on an aerial show with jumps and runs. Mahi are more common during the warmer months and are often found around floating debris or weed lines. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one for dinner. The challenge with mahi is that they can be here one day and gone the next, following bait schools and current changes.
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the inshore waters around Fernandina Beach. These fish might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. Jacks are aggressive predators that travel in schools and will hit almost anything you throw at them when they're feeding. They're especially fun on light tackle because they use their broad, flat sides to fight every inch of the way to the boat. You can find jacks year-round in these waters, but they're most active during the warmer months when baitfish are plentiful.
Cobia are the wildcards that can turn an ordinary evening into something special. These fish look almost shark-like with their brown coloration and broad heads, but they're actually fantastic game fish that will test your tackle and your skills. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you a chance to make a perfect cast. They're most common during the spring and summer months when water temperatures rise, and they often cruise shallow flats an
The "Over Under" is your ticket to some serious fishing action off Fernandina Beach. This 31-foot beauty runs on twin Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fish fast and back to dock smooth. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The boat's loaded with everything you need - GPS and fish finder to locate the honey holes, radar for those foggy mornings, and VHF radio to stay connected. Rod holders line the gunwales, and there's a solid icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The shaded seating area gives you a break from the Florida sun between bites. Whether you're chasing cobia in deeper water or working the inshore grass flats for reds and drum, this rig handles both with ease. The head keeps everyone comfortable on longer trips, and the spacious deck layout makes it perfect for families or mixed groups of experienced and rookie anglers.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats where they use their crushing jaws to feast on crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them before you see them - they make drumming sounds that give them their name. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning in shallow water. What makes them special is that pure power - they'll test your drag and give you a real workout. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. The bigger fish are usually cruising just outside the oyster bars in 3-6 feet of water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise like brown sharks but fight twice as hard. These chocolate-colored fish average 20-40 pounds and grow up to 6 feet long. They hang around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 10-60 feet of water, often swimming right at the surface. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they move through on their way to spawning grounds. What makes cobia special is they're curious - they'll actually swim up to the boat to investigate. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that rivals grouper. The key is sight fishing - look for that dark shadow cruising near structure. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. Be patient and let them inspect it before setting the hook.
Caranx HipposJack Crevalle are the bulldogs of the flats - built thick and ready to brawl. These brassy, golden fish typically run 3-5 pounds inshore but can reach 20+ pounds. They roam seagrass beds, sandy bays, and around any structure where they can ambush baitfish. Year-round residents that get more active in warmer months, especially when bait schools are thick. Look for diving birds - that's your signal that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. What guests love is their raw power and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them. They're not great table fare, but they'll bend your rod and test your tackle. Here's my trick: when you see them busting bait on top, cast past the school and retrieve fast with silver spoons or topwater plugs. They can't resist the commotion.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are built for speed and put on quite a show when hooked. These silver rockets typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds offshore. They patrol the 40-150 foot range, cruising edges and temperature breaks while hunting baitfish. Summer through early fall is peak season when they move through our waters chasing Spanish sardines and blue runners. What guests love is that blistering first run - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill or smoker. Here's the trick: when trolling, run a stinger rig with two hooks since kings often hit the tail of your bait first. Use a wire leader and keep your drag loose on the initial strike - let them run before you start applying pressure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll encounter, flashing gold, blue, and green before fading to silver once boated. These surface dwellers average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in warm offshore waters. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and change directions constantly. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with firm, white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, there's usually more nearby. Keep one hooked and in the water while others cast to the school - the splashing often keeps the rest around.
5.0 out of 5.0It rained the evening of our trip and the Captain was flexible and took us out the next morning. We enjoyed a two hour trip catchi...
We went out fishing and sightseeing with Tony and it was a lot of fun. We were 5 of us including a friend's 4 yrs old kid. Tony wa...
Fernandina Beach, FL