Deep Sea Fishing Jacksonville FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting premium sportfish speciesVenture up to 50 miles offshore for Wahoo, Mahi, and TunaAccommodates 4 anglers with option to expand to 6 guests
When you're ready to leave the nearshore crowds behind and chase the big boys, this 12-hour deep sea adventure with Sweet Lips Fishing Charters is your ticket to some serious offshore action. We're talking about pushing 50 miles out into the Atlantic, where the water runs deep blue and the fish get bigger, stronger, and a whole lot more aggressive. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going where the real sportfish live, and trust me, they're hungry.
Your day starts early, and I mean early. We'll be firing up the engines before sunrise because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. The run offshore takes some time, but that's part of the deal when you're chasing world-class gamefish. As we head out, you'll watch the coastline shrink behind us while the water color changes from that murky green inshore stuff to the crystal-clear blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. The base price covers four anglers, but if you've got a bigger crew, we can squeeze up to six people total for a small extra fee. Fair warning though – bring your own grub and drinks because we're not providing meals on this trip. Pack plenty of water, some sandwiches, and whatever snacks keep you going because 12 hours on the water works up an appetite.
Out here in the deep water, trolling is king. We'll be running multiple lines at different depths and speeds, covering serious ground to find where the fish are stacked up. The boat comes rigged with heavy-duty tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait – and when I say heavy, I mean the kind of gear that makes inshore setups look like toys. We're talking 50-80 pound test line, big reels with serious drag systems, and rods built to bend without breaking when a 40-pound wahoo decides to make a run. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the temperature breaks, current edges, and structure that hold fish. Some days we're working the edge of the Gulf Stream, other times we're hitting offshore reefs and drop-offs. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling us. Live bait, dead bait, lures – we'll throw whatever's working that day.
Mahi mahi are hands-down one of the most exciting fish you'll tangle with out here. These guys are pure muscle wrapped in electric colors – bright gold, green, and blue that'll make your camera work overtime. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. Mahi hit hard and fight harder, with jumps that'll leave you wondering how something that heavy got that high out of the water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when you find floating debris or weed lines where they like to hang out. What makes them special? They're beautiful, they fight like crazy, and they taste even better on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it instantly. The initial run will melt line off your reel before you can blink, and that's when the real fight begins. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude, making them one of the most respected catches out here. They're year-round residents in these waters, but fall and winter tend to produce the bigger fish. The thrill comes from that explosive strike and the knowledge that you're battling one of the ocean's ultimate predators.
Bluefin tuna are the heavy hitters that separate casual anglers from serious sportfishermen. These fish are pure power – thick, muscled, and built for long fights that'll test your endurance as much as your tackle. When a bluefin decides to sound, heading for the depths with unstoppable determination, you'll understand why they're considered the ultimate offshore prize. Winter months bring them closer to our waters, and hooking one is like grabbing onto a submarine. The combination of size, strength, and stamina makes every bluefin a fish of a lifetime.
Atlantic sailfish bring the acrobatics that make offshore fishing legendary. These guys don't just fight – they put on a show, with jumps, tail walks, and aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for their phones. Sailfish are fast, smart, and stubborn, often throwing the hook just when you think you've got them beat. They're most active during the cooler months, and sight-fishing for them when they're up on the surface is as good as it gets. The real magic happens when you see that distinctive sail cutting through the water, knowing you're about to tangle with one of the ocean's most athletic fish.
This deep sea adventure isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to step up your fishing game and target some of Florida's top sportfish, Sweet Lips Fishing Charters delivers the real deal. Twelve hours offshore, up to 50 miles out, chasing wahoo, mahi, tuna, and sailfish – it doesn't get much better than this. The captain knows these waters, the boat can handle the run, and the fish are out there waiting. Sure, it's a long day, and yeah, you'll need to bring your own food, but that's a small price to pay for the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Don't sleep on this one – the best trips fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Hit the deep blue waters off Jacksonville in this well-equipped sportfishing boat built for serious offshore action. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need to track down wahoo, mahi, and tuna up to 50 miles out - including a fish finder to locate the hotspots and GPS to get you there safely. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during those long 12-hour battles, while the head means you can stay focused on the fishing without cutting trips short. Perfect for crews of 4 anglers who want to test their skills against Florida's top gamefish in the Gulf Stream's productive waters. The boat handles the offshore swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform to fight those big pelagics when they hit your spread.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure magic - that massive dorsal fin and acrobatic fight make them every angler's dream target. These blue-gray speedsters average 7.5 feet and 50 pounds, hunting in 30-65 feet near the surface. Winter months bring the best action off Jacksonville as they migrate through warmer waters. What makes sailfish special is the show - they'll jump, dive, and tail-walk like no other fish. They change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks during the fight. The meat is decent, but most folks release these beauties. Here's the key: when one shows up behind your bait, don't set the hook too early. Let them eat, then get ready for the ride of your life as they try to throw that hook.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate test of angler and tackle - these torpedo-shaped giants average 550 pounds but can top 1,400. We target them in deep water 200+ feet, often around temperature breaks and current edges. April through June is spawning season in the Gulf, bringing excellent opportunities. What draws anglers is the legendary fight - long powerful runs, deep dives, and battles that can last hours. The meat is prized worldwide, especially for sashimi. Be ready with heavy tackle and a fighting belt because these fish don't quit. My tip: morning and evening bites are strongest, and once you find a school, work fast with live bait or chunk baits. Note: these are federally managed, so permits and reporting are required.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of my favorite fish to target because they put on a show both in the water and on the boat. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds and light up like a rainbow when hooked - blues, greens, and golds that fade once they're boated. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in 100-600 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time here off Jacksonville. They hit hard and jump like crazy, making for great action for the whole family. Plus, the meat is sweet and firm - perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your baits in the water. Where there's one mahi, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 60 mph and striking baits like lightning. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet but can reach over 8 feet and pack serious muscle. We find them in open water from 50-200 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. July through November is peak season off Jacksonville, especially during cooler fronts. What makes wahoo special is that bone-jarring strike and blistering first run that'll test your drag system. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - some say it's the best eating fish in the ocean. My advice: troll fast with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. When that reel screams, hold on tight.
Jacksonville, FL