5.0(1 Reviews)Jacksonville Fishing Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target redfish and grouper on 3/4 day offshore charterAccommodates 4 anglers with option to add 2 moreFocus on inshore native and migratory species fishing
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in Jacksonville, Sweet Lips Fishing Charters delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers talking long after they're back on dry land. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head in. We're talking about a solid 3/4 day adventure that gives you real time to work the waters and connect with some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer. You'll be targeting both the resident species that call these waters home year-round and the seasonal migrants that show up when conditions are just right.
This top-rated charter accommodates up to 4 anglers as standard, but if you've got a bigger crew itching to get out there, we can bump it up to 6 with a small add-on fee. The beauty of a 3/4 day trip is the flexibility it gives you to really work different areas and techniques. We'll start by reading the conditions – water temperature, current breaks, bait movement – then adjust our game plan accordingly. Some days that means hitting the nearshore reefs first thing in the morning, other times we're making a longer run to find the temperature breaks where the pelagics are stacked up. The extended time on the water means we're not rushed, and if one spot isn't producing, we've got plenty of time to relocate and find where the fish are feeding.
Offshore fishing around Jacksonville means being ready to switch gears depending on what we're targeting. For the bottom dwellers like grouper, we'll be dropping heavy jigs and live bait down to structure in 60-120 feet of water. The key is getting your bait down fast through the smaller fish and right to where those big gags are holding. When we're after the pelagics like kings and mahi, we'll be trolling a spread of lures and rigged baits, covering water until we find the schools or floating debris that holds fish. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle, but if you've got your lucky rod or favorite reels, bring them along. We'll have a good selection of jigs, sinkers, and terminal tackle, plus we'll pick up live bait when conditions call for it. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on techniques that match the day's conditions and target species.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore bottom fishing, and Jacksonville's rocky ledges and artificial reefs hold some real slabs. These fish are smart – they've seen plenty of baits over the years – so presentation matters. Gags typically run 5-20 pounds in our area, with the occasional 30+ pounder that'll test your drag and your back. They're most active during the cooler months from October through April when they're feeding heavily before and after their spawn. What makes gag grouper so satisfying to catch is the fight – they'll head straight for the rocks when hooked, and you've got to turn them quick or risk getting cut off on the structure.
King Mackerel show up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations, typically from April through June and again in September through November. These speedsters are pure adrenaline – when a 20-30 pound king hits a trolled bait, you'll know it immediately. They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics, often jumping multiple times before you get them to the boat. Kings are also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're some of the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound that you'll encounter. These guys have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, and they'll use every bit of that strength when hooked. They're most abundant during the summer months and are known for their aggressive feeding behavior. Don't let their size fool you – a 3-4 pound triggerfish will give you a workout on medium tackle.
Redfish are the inshore superstars that occasionally venture into our offshore waters, especially around the nearshore reefs and structure. These copper-colored bruisers are famous for their bulldogging fights and their ability to make long, powerful runs. Jacksonville's resident reds typically range from 20-40 inches, with the bigger fish often found in small schools around structure. They're year-round residents but are most active during the warmer months when they're feeding heavily on crabs and baitfish.
Mahi Mahi are the wild cards of our offshore trips – when they're here, they're here in numbers, but timing and conditions have to align. These colorful speedsters are typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks during the warmer months from May through September. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite and their spectacular colors when first brought aboard. They're also world-class table fare, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for ceviche or simply grilled with some lime and seasoning.
A 3/4 day offshore charter with Sweet Lips Fishing Charters gives you the time and opportunity to experience the best of Jacksonville's fishing scene. Whether you're after the challenge of outsmarting a big gag grouper or the adrenaline rush of a screaming king mackerel, this trip delivers the goods. The extended time on the water means more opportunities, more techniques, and more chances to put together that trip you'll be bragging about for years. With no meals included, you'll want to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the action-packed day. The memories you'll make and the fish stories you'll have are worth their weight in gold. Don't let another season slip by – book your Jacksonville offshore adventure today and get ready to experience some of the best fishing the Atlantic coast has to offer.
Your ride for this Jacksonville offshore adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious fishing action. She's rigged with a GPS navigation system to get you to the hotspots and a fish finder that'll help you locate those redfish and grouper hiding in the depths. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you're out there pulling in the big ones. When nature calls, there's a clean toilet so you don't have to cut your fishing short. This boat comfortably handles 4 anglers with room to move around when you're fighting fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this setup gives you everything needed for a productive day targeting both native species and whatever's migrating through. Whether you're after that trophy grouper or a mess of redfish, this boat puts you in position to make it happen.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 40-180 feet of water. The bigger fish typically hang deeper. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish and mullet, plus cut squid or crab. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that powerful run they make straight for the rocks once hooked - you've got to lock down that drag and keep them out of structure. They're excellent eating with firm white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit - gags like to mouth the bait before fully committing.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that average 12-17 inches but can reach 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 20-180 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost any bait and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're excellent table fare with sweet, firm white meat. These fish have a unique defense mechanism where they wedge into crevices using their trigger-like dorsal spine. They're notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth and small mouths. Pro tip: use small hooks with chunks of squid about an inch wide. Drop it near other fish like snapper - triggers get competitive and will rush in to steal the bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These migratory fish typically run 15-30 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds when the big ones move through. We target them in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're chasing baitfish offshore. They hit live bait hard - mullet and blue runners work great - plus spoons and diving plugs. What guests love is that blistering first run and the acrobatic jumps. The meat is excellent grilled, though watch the mercury with the big ones. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Local tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love to smash a bait that looks like a fleeing flying fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter offshore, averaging 15-30 pounds with that stunning gold and blue coloration. We find them in open water around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges, typically in 100+ feet. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're following the warm water north. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and change colors like a light show. The meat is top-notch with firm, sweet fillets perfect for grilling. These surface feeders love live ballyhoo and flying fish, plus trolled lures that skip across the waves. They often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep a few baits in the water - the rest of the school will often stick around feeding aggressively while you fight the first fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Jacksonville's signature inshore species, averaging 20-30 inches with those distinctive black spots near their tails. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings. They're here year-round, but fall and winter provide the most consistent action when they school up. What guests love is sight-fishing for them in skinny water - watching that copper back cruise the shallows gets the heart pumping. They hit topwater plugs with explosive strikes and make powerful runs on light tackle. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and artificial lures all work. Local tip: look for them tailing in shallow water during falling tides. Approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back into their path.
5.0 out of 5.0Great captain! Excellent experience!! Highly recommended
Jacksonville, FL