5.0(1 Reviews)Jacksonville Offshore Fishing with Sweet Lips
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore charter targeting kingfish, cobia, and sailfishAccommodates four anglers with option to add two moreProfessional guided fishing experience with Sweet Lips Charters
Captain Chris and the Sweet Lips Fishing Charters crew know exactly where the fish are biting off Jacksonville's coast. This half-day offshore adventure puts you right in the action, targeting some of Florida's most sought-after game fish without eating up your entire day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family for their first taste of deep-sea fishing, this trip delivers the perfect mix of excitement and accessibility that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your morning starts early at the marina, where Captain Chris will get you rigged and ready before heading out to the productive waters off Jacksonville. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about getting into the blue water where the big pelagic species roam. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, though you can squeeze in six if your group needs the extra spots. Don't worry about gear – everything's provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the conditions and fish patterns to put you on the most productive spots. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of species that includes kingfish, cobia, grouper, and if you're really lucky, a sailfish might crash the party. The half-day format works perfectly for families or anyone who wants to experience offshore fishing without committing to a full day on the water.
Captain Chris runs a combination of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For the pelagic species like kings and cobia, you'll be pulling a spread of lures and live baits at different depths and distances behind the boat. The crew sets up a proper trolling pattern with planers, downriggers, and surface baits to cover the water column effectively. When it's time to target grouper, you'll anchor up over structure and drop down heavy tackle with fresh cut bait. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels matched to appropriate rods for each technique. If you're new to offshore fishing, don't sweat it – the crew will coach you through fighting techniques, proper drag settings, and how to work a fish without getting spooled. They'll also show you how to read the sonar and understand what you're seeing on the bottom machine, which adds another layer of education to your trip.
"We had the absolute best time yesterday Deep Sea fishing w Captain Chris. He was so kind and so helpful with all the kids questions and they caught some awesome fish! Would recommend his trip over and over again! Thanks do much for an amazing first experience. Here's a few pictures of just a few of the ones we caught!" - Jessica
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of Jacksonville's offshore scene, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers love hanging around structure in 60-120 feet of water, and they put up a serious fight once hooked. Gags typically run 15-25 pounds in these waters, with some bruisers pushing 30-plus during peak season from October through March. What makes them so exciting is their initial run toward the bottom when hooked – they'll try to cut you off on the rocks or wrap you around structure. The meat quality is outstanding, making them a favorite for both the fight and the table.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Jacksonville's offshore fishing, and encountering one is something you'll never forget. These acrobatic billfish show up from late fall through early spring, typically running 6-8 feet long and weighing 40-70 pounds. When a sail hits your trolled bait, the water explodes as they greyhound across the surface, tail-walking and putting on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. Most captains practice catch and release with sailfish, making for great photos and conservation-minded fishing.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call the big ones, are Jacksonville's premier trolling target. These silver bullets patrol the offshore waters year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations. Kings ranging from 15-40 pounds are common, with occasional giants topping 50 pounds. They're notorious for their blistering initial runs, often taking 100-200 yards of line in seconds. The key to success is having sharp hooks and properly set drags – kings have soft mouths and will throw the hook if you horse them.
Barracuda might not be everyone's target species, but they're always entertaining when they show up. These toothy predators are aggressive strike artists that'll demolish a trolled lure or live bait with explosive hits. Jacksonville's cuda typically run 10-25 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're also fantastic table fare when prepared properly, despite what some anglers might tell you. Kids especially love barracuda because they're relatively easy to catch and have that prehistoric look with their impressive teeth.
Cobia are the wild cards of Jacksonville offshore fishing – you never know when one might appear, but when they do, it's game on. These brown sharks (as they're often mistaken for) cruise near the surface around structure, boats, and rays. Cobia in these waters typically range from 25-45 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 60-plus. They're curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pumping. The fight is powerful and sustained, making them a favorite among serious anglers.
Sweet Lips Fishing Charters has built a solid reputation in Jacksonville's competitive charter scene by consistently putting clients on fish while maintaining a professional, family-friendly atmosphere. Captain Chris's knowledge of local waters and seasonal patterns gives you the best shot at a successful trip, whether you're after dinner or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing.
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard our well-equipped motorboat built for Jacksonville's offshore waters. This beauty comes loaded with everything you need for a successful half-day charter - GPS to get us to the hotspots, fish finder to locate the action below, and a spacious ice box to keep your catch fresh. The onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water instead of heading back to shore. We're targeting the big offshore players that cruise these Florida waters - Kingfish, Cobia, Redfish, Grouper, and if we're lucky, some acrobatic Sailfish. The boat comfortably handles 4 anglers with room to add 2 more if your crew wants to join the action. She's built to handle the offshore conditions while keeping you comfortable as we hunt down these migratory species. Perfect setup for both seasoned anglers and those looking to experience what Jacksonville's offshore fishing scene has to offer.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, built like torpedoes with that signature sail-fin folded back. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, cruising the surface waters from 30-65 feet deep. They're most active during winter months when they follow the warmer currents through our area. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and tailwalk like nothing else out here. Plus they can hit 30+ mph when they want to. The fight is pure adrenaline with long runs and multiple jumps. Most folks release them, but the experience is worth every minute. Here's the key: when they take your bait, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them run first, then work them in slowly. They'll shake that hook if you rush it.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the wolves of the flats - long, lean, and built for speed. These toothy predators typically run 2-4 feet long around here, lurking in shallow water near grass beds and structure. They hunt by sight, so clear water days are your best bet year-round. What makes them a blast is their aggression - they'll slam lures with zero hesitation and can hit 35 mph in short bursts. The fight is all about quick runs and head shakes, plus they'll jump if you're lucky. They're decent eating too, though most folks target them for the sport. These fish are attracted to anything shiny, so silver spoons and flashy lures work great. Here's my trick: keep your retrieve fast and erratic. Barracuda lose interest in slow-moving baits, but they can't resist something that looks like it's trying to escape.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - brown, shark-looking fish that can really throw their weight around. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ when conditions are right. You'll spot them cruising just under the surface around reefs, wrecks, and even floating debris in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through in good numbers. What guests love is they're sight fishing - you can actually see these fish before you cast. The fight is strong and steady, not flashy but they'll test your drag for sure. Plus the meat is top-shelf, firm and mild like a cross between grouper and mahi. Best tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where they're swimming and work it back slowly. They spook easy, so don't drop it right on their head.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper aren't the prettiest fish in the sea, but they're solid fighters that'll test your gear. These gray, marbled fish average around 20 inches, though bigger ones can hit 50+ pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 40-100 feet of water. They love hanging near the bottom where they can ambush crabs and smaller fish. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What makes them fun is the immediate battle - once hooked, they dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets that grill up perfect. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any slack, or they'll disappear into a hole faster than you can blink.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the most popular fish we target on these trips. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, but we've seen them over 60. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, following baitfish along the temperature breaks and structure. Spring through fall is prime time when they're migrating through our waters chasing schools of sardines and blue runners. What makes them special is pure speed - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost anything else out here. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for the grill or blackened. They're also great for beginners since they hit hard and fight clean. My go-to trick: use two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
5.0 out of 5.0We had the absolute best time yesterday Deep Sea fishing w Captain Chris. He was so kind and so helpful with all the kids question...
Jacksonville, FL