Deep Sea Fishing Charters Jacksonville FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8 or 10 hour offshore charters targeting Florida sportfishFishing locations 2050 miles offshore for deep sea speciesAccommodates 4 guests with option for 2 additional passengers
When you're ready to leave the inshore action behind and chase the real monsters of the Atlantic, Sweet Lips Fishing Charters has you covered. We're talking about the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping - heading 20 to 50 miles offshore where the big boys live. This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. Out here, you'll be targeting wahoo that'll scream line off your reel and sailfish that'll put on an aerial show you won't forget. Choose between 8 or 10-hour options depending on how deep you want to go and how much time you want to spend battling Florida's premier sportfish.
This charter is built for serious anglers who want to experience what Jacksonville's deep waters are all about. We'll head out before dawn, running hard to reach those productive honey holes where the big fish hunt. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, though we can squeeze in 6 if your crew wants to bring extra friends for a small additional fee. Don't expect any fancy meal service - we keep things simple so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the spots that consistently produce. Weather permitting, you'll be fishing structures, drop-offs, and current breaks that hold concentrations of pelagic species. The ride out can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on conditions and where the fish are biting, but trust me - it's worth every minute when you see that first wahoo come screaming up from the depths.
We run a combination of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's happening out there. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of high-speed lures for wahoo and slower presentations for sailfish. We're talking ballyhoo, diving plugs, and feathers rigged to cover different depths and speeds. When we find structure or marks on the bottom machine, we'll switch gears and drop down with heavy tackle to pull up whatever's down there. The gear is all provided - heavy conventional reels spooled with plenty of line because these fish will test your drag system. You'll be fishing with 50 to 80-pound class tackle, which might sound like overkill until you hook into a 60-pound wahoo or a lit-up sailfish. The captain will coach you through the fights, but be prepared to work for it. These aren't bay fish - they've got the entire Atlantic Ocean to run, and they'll use every bit of it. We adjust our tactics based on water temperature, current, and what we're marking on the fish finder, so every trip is different.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, and Jacksonville's offshore waters hold some serious fish. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and grow over 100 pounds, though most of what we catch runs 20 to 60 pounds. They're ambush hunters that love structure and current breaks, and when they hit a trolled bait, there's no mistaking it - they'll smoke line off the reel like nothing you've experienced. The best wahoo fishing typically runs from late fall through early spring when water temperatures cool down and baitfish concentrate along the shelf. What makes wahoo so special isn't just the initial run - they're also incredible table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Plus, they're just plain cool-looking fish with those razor-sharp teeth and sleek build.
Atlantic sailfish are the show-stoppers that bring people back trip after trip. These are true billfish - smaller cousins to marlin but every bit as spectacular when hooked. A typical sail runs 6 to 8 feet long and 40 to 60 pounds, and they'll jump, tail-walk, and generally tear up the surface when they're hooked. Jacksonville's sailfish bite peaks during the cooler months, especially December through March, when they migrate through our waters following bait schools. We practice catch and release for most sails since they're such incredible fighters and important to the ecosystem. The thrill is in the fight and the photos - watching a sailfish come completely out of the water with that massive dorsal fin spread is something every angler needs to experience at least once. They're smart fish too, so you'll need to stay focused and follow the captain's instructions to get them to the boat.
This is the kind of fishing that separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. If you're tired of catching the same old inshore species and want to test yourself against some real adversaries, this charter delivers. The combination of high-speed trolling action and the chance to battle genuine sportfish makes this a top-rated choice for visiting anglers and locals alike. Weather plays a bigger role in offshore fishing, so we'll work with you to find the right window when conditions allow us to fish comfortably and safely. The investment in an 8 or 10-hour trip pays off when you're fighting fish that most anglers only dream about. Sweet Lips Fishing Charters has built a reputation for finding fish and putting customers on them, and these deep water trips are where we really shine. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during prime sailfish season.
Head out into the deep blue waters off Jacksonville aboard our well-equipped sportfishing boat designed for serious offshore action. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need to track down Florida's legendary gamefish - a reliable fish finder to locate the best spots, GPS to navigate those prime honey holes 20-50 miles out, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh on the ride back. The onboard toilet means you can stay out longer chasing those monster fish without cutting trips short. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines whether you're trolling for pelagics or dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper. Choose your adventure with 8 or 10-hour options that give you real time to reach the productive offshore grounds where the big fish live. This boat handles the Gulf Stream swells like a champ, getting you to the action safely so you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the box.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - these magnificent billfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that massive dorsal fin they flash when hunting. They cruise the upper water column from 30-65 feet, following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Winter months bring the best action when they stack up offshore, though we see them year-round in our waters. What gets anglers hooked is the show - sailfish go airborne repeatedly, tail-walking and greyhounding across the surface in long, powerful runs. They hunt in packs, using teamwork to corral baitfish, which makes for fast action when you find them. Here's the trick: when teasing one up, let it get a good look at the bait before the hookset. They're notorious for short strikes, so patience pays off when they're being finicky.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph, making them one of the ocean's fastest predators. They typically run 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, with that distinctive blue back and zebra stripes that fade fast once boated. You'll find them in our deeper waters 20-50 miles out, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Peak season here runs July through November when they move through in good numbers. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast strike and blistering runs - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for the grill. One key tip: use wire leaders and troll fast at 12-15 knots. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, so don't cheap out on terminal tackle.
Jacksonville, FL