Deep Sea Fishing Jacksonville Fl
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore adventure targeting premium sportfish speciesTravel up to 50 miles offshore for wahoo, mahi, tunaAccommodates 46 anglers with professional charter service
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase some serious gamefish, this 12-hour offshore adventure with Sweet Lips Fishing Charters is where the real action happens. We're talking about a proper blue water run—up to 50 miles out into the Atlantic where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish get bigger, stronger, and a whole lot more exciting. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you might catch a few snapper. This is heavy-action fishing for anglers who want to test their skills against Florida's most prized sportfish species.
Your day starts early—and I mean early. We're usually looking at a pre-dawn departure to maximize our time in the prime fishing zones. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee while watching the Jacksonville skyline fade behind us. As we cruise toward the Gulf Stream, you'll see the water color change from that murky inshore green to crystal clear blue. That's when you know you're entering wahoo and mahi territory. The base trip includes four anglers, but we can accommodate up to six if your crew wants to bring along a couple extra hands. Fair warning though—12 hours offshore is no joke. You'll want to come prepared with sunscreen, plenty of water, and maybe some seasickness meds if you're not sure about your sea legs. The weather out here can change fast, and even on calm days, you're dealing with ocean swells that'll remind you you're a long way from shore.
This type of fishing is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right speeds. We're running a spread of high-speed trolling lures—usually a mix of skirted baits, cedar plugs, and ballyhoo rigs. The key is varying your trolling speeds and depths to trigger different species. Wahoo love those fast-moving baits screaming across the surface, while mahi will often hit slower presentations near floating debris or weed lines. We're fishing with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test because when a big tuna decides to make a run, you need the stopping power. The rods are built for battle—short, stout, and designed to put maximum pressure on fish that can easily top 100 pounds. Don't worry if you've never handled this type of gear before. Part of what you're paying for is instruction on proper fighting techniques, how to work the drag, and when to pump and wind versus when to just hold on and let the fish tire itself out.
Mahi mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish you'll encounter out here. These guys are pure electricity when they hit a bait—they'll come up behind the lure, light up in those brilliant greens and yellows, then absolutely destroy whatever they're chasing. What makes mahi special around Jacksonville is that we get them in two distinct patterns. During spring and early summer, we see the smaller schoolies—2 to 8 pounders that travel in packs and will keep your rods bent all day. But it's those bull dolphins in the 15 to 30 pound range that really get your heart racing. They're ambush predators that love floating structure, so we're always scanning for weed lines, debris, and anything that looks out of place on the surface.
Wahoo fishing off Jacksonville is legendary, and for good reason. These fish are built like underwater missiles—long, sleek, and fast enough to strip line off your reel before you even realize what happened. A typical wahoo here runs anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, but we've seen fish push 60-plus that'll test every ounce of your fighting ability. What's crazy about wahoo is their strike—they hit so hard and fast that you barely have time to react. One second you're trolling along enjoying the ride, the next your rod is doubled over and line is screaming off the reel. They're also notorious for their razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders and handle them carefully at the boat.
Bluefin tuna represent the ultimate offshore challenge. These fish are pure muscle wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package, and they fight like nothing else in the ocean. The bluefin we target here typically range from 30 to 100 pounds, though bigger fish do show up, especially during the winter months when the water temperatures drop. What makes bluefin so special is their stamina—they'll make long, powerful runs that can last 20 minutes or more, testing both your endurance and your equipment. The meat quality on these fish is also world-class, which is why they're so highly prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen.
Atlantic sailfish bring a completely different element to offshore fishing here. While they might not have the raw power of a big tuna, they make up for it with spectacular aerial displays that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing for cameras. Sailfish are ambush predators that rely on their incredible speed and that distinctive sail-like dorsal fin to corral baitfish. When we're targeting sails, we're often using live bait or slow-trolled baits that mimic injured fish. The fight is pure athleticism—these fish will jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that makes every minute worth it, even if you're practicing catch and release.
Look, there's inshore fishing, and then there's this—true blue water fishing where every cast has the potential to connect you with a fish of a lifetime. This 12-hour offshore adventure isn't for everyone, but if you're serious about fishing and want to experience what Jacksonville's deep water has to offer, this is your trip. We're talking about fishing grounds that produce consistent action on world-class gamefish, professional-grade equipment, and the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. The summer months offer the most consistent
This offshore fishing machine is built for serious anglers ready to chase trophy fish in Jacksonville's deep waters. The motorboat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day 50 miles out - a reliable GPS system keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools of Wahoo, Mahi, and Tuna lurking below. The spacious ice box ensures your catch stays fresh during the long 12-hour haul, and the onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water instead of heading back to shore. Perfect for groups of 4 anglers who want to test their skills against Florida's top sportfish without compromising on comfort or fish-finding technology.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure adrenaline on a line - no other fish puts on an aerial show like these guys. They average 50-70 pounds and cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet, often following bait schools along current breaks and drop-offs. Winter months from December through March are magic time here off northeast Florida. What makes them legendary is that incredible fighting style - multiple jumps, long runs, and that massive sail flashing in the sun. Most folks release them since they're not great table fare, but the fight is what you're after anyway. Key technique: slow-troll live bait or pitch baits to raised fish. When one comes up behind your spread with that sail up, get ready for action. Don't set the hook too hard - let them take it and run before you tighten down.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate big game fish - pure muscle built for the long haul. These monsters average 200-400 pounds but can push 800+ pounds in our waters. They roam the deep blue from 200-1000+ feet, following baitfish along temperature breaks and underwater structure. Winter through spring is when we see them best off the shelf. What draws anglers is the raw power - imagine hooking into a freight train that can dive 3,000 feet. They're also prized for that rich, buttery meat that sushi lovers pay top dollar for. Fair warning: you need heavy tackle and serious patience. My advice is to chunk with fresh squid or mackerel and be ready for a marathon fight. These fish don't give up easy, but landing one is a lifetime memory that'll have you coming back for more.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll see out there - brilliant blues and golds that shift like a light show when they come up. These guys average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-500 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them here off Jacksonville. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll put on a show for sure. Plus, they're outstanding eating with that firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and work the area hard. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Look for frigate birds diving on bait - that's your sign to get lines in the water fast.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these silver bullets can hit 60 mph and will test your drag system for sure. Most run 20-50 pounds, but we've seen them push 80+ pounds out here. They cruise the blue water from 100-600 feet, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Fall and winter are prime time off Jacksonville when the water cools down. What gets people hooked is that blistering first run - nothing else strips line like a wahoo. They're also top-shelf eating with delicate, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the key: run your lures fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, let it run and don't fight the drag - they'll burn themselves out if you're patient.
Jacksonville, FL