5.0(1 Reviews)Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Half-day offshore charter targets kingfish, cobia, and sailfishAccommodates four anglers with option to add two moreSweet Lips Fishing Charters operates from Jacksonville waters
Jacksonville's offshore waters are pure gold for serious anglers, and Sweet Lips Fishing Charters knows exactly where to find the action. Captain Chris runs top-rated half-day trips that put you right in the middle of some of Florida's best fishing grounds. We're talking about waters where kingfish cruise the thermoclines, cobia patrol the structure, and sailfish put on aerial shows that'll have you talking for years. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading out to where the big boys live, and trust me, they're hungry.
Your half-day adventure starts early, which is exactly when you want to be out there. The fish are most active in the morning hours, and Captain Chris times these trips perfectly to hit the prime bite windows. You'll be targeting offshore migratory species that follow the Gulf Stream currents and seasonal baitfish movements. The boat accommodates four anglers comfortably, but if you've got a bigger crew, we can squeeze in up to six for a small upcharge. The focus here is on covering productive water efficiently – we're not wasting time in dead zones. Captain Chris has been working these waters long enough to know where the fish stack up, and he's got the electronics to prove it. Expect to work depths ranging from 60 to 120 feet, targeting both structure and open water depending on what's biting best that day.
We run a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what species are most active. For the pelagics like kingfish and sailfish, we'll pull a spread of live baits, dead baits, and artificials at varying depths. The captain provides all tackle, which means you're fishing with gear that's perfectly matched to the target species – heavy enough to handle a big cobia, but sensitive enough to feel a sailfish pickup. When we're working structure for grouper, we switch to heavy bottom rigs with circle hooks and fresh cut bait. The boat's equipped with quality fishfinders and GPS, so we're not guessing where the fish are holding. Captain Chris reads the water like a book – he's watching for bait schools, temperature breaks, and current edges that concentrate gamefish. You'll learn why certain spots produce consistently and how seasonal patterns affect fish behavior in these waters.
"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 chunky bottom-dwellers average 15 to 25 pounds but can push much larger, especially around ledges and hard bottom in 80 to 100 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, when they move into shallower waters to spawn. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their initial run – they'll try to get back to their hole immediately after being hooked, so you've got to muscle them up fast. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Atlantic sailfish are Jacksonville's premier gamefish, and hooking one is like winning the offshore lottery. These speed demons average 6 to 8 feet long and 30 to 50 pounds, but their fighting ability far exceeds their weight class. Sailfish are most abundant from December through April when they migrate through Jacksonville's waters following baitfish schools. They're famous for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Most anglers practice catch and release with sailfish, making for great photos and fish stories. They typically feed in the top 40 feet of the water column, often near temperature breaks where warm Gulf Stream water meets cooler inshore water.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call the big ones, are Jacksonville's most reliable offshore species. These silver bullets range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds up to trophy kings pushing 40 pounds or more. Kings are present year-round but peak in spring and fall during their major migrations. They're aggressive predators that hit fast and run hard, making long screaming runs that test your drag system. What anglers love about kings is their predictability – when you find one, there are usually more around. They school up around structure and baitfish, and they're not particularly line-shy, so you can use heavier tackle without spooking them.
Barracuda might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute blast to catch and surprisingly good on the dinner table when prepared right. Jacksonville's cuda range from smaller fish around 5 pounds up to true monsters exceeding 20 pounds. They're ambush predators with explosive strikes that happen so fast you barely see them coming. Barracuda are present year-round in Jacksonville's offshore waters, but they're most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. They're known for their impressive jumps and their ability to cut through leaders with razor-sharp teeth. Many anglers target them specifically for their sport fishing value and their willingness to hit both live and artificial baits.
Cobia are the wildcards of Jacksonville offshore fishing – when they show up, everything else takes a backseat. These brown sharks, as they're sometimes called due to their appearance, can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds caught regularly in these waters. Cobia are most active from April through June during their spawning migration, when they cruise near the surface around structure and floating debris. What makes cobia special is their curious nature – they'll often follow the boat and investigate baits closely before committing. They're powerful fighters that make deep runs and circle the boat, testing both your
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped motorboat, designed to get you to the productive waters where Jacksonville's best gamefish roam. This boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a reliable GPS system to navigate to the hotspots, fish finder technology to locate schools beneath the surface, and an ice box to keep your catch fresh. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short for comfort breaks. Built for up to 4 anglers with room to add 2 more if your crew wants to expand, this vessel handles the offshore waters with ease. Whether you're targeting hard-fighting Kingfish, massive Cobia, or the acrobatic Sailfish that cruise these Atlantic waters, you'll have the platform you need to battle these species properly. The boat's setup gives everyone space to work their lines without getting tangled up, and the fish finder helps locate the structure and baitfish that draw in Grouper and Redfish. Perfect for half-day missions chasing Jacksonville's premier offshore species.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speedsters of our waters, averaging 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These metallic blue beauties cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, following warm currents and baitfish. Winter months are prime time here off Jacksonville when they migrate through in good numbers. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - they'll leap, dive, and tail-walk like no other fish. Their famous sail-like dorsal fin isn't just for looks either; they use it to corral baitfish. The meat's decent but most folks release them for the sport. Best technique is slow-trolling with live bait or bright lures in pink and white combinations. Here's the key: when you see that sail light up and change colors, get ready. Once they grab your bait, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out with all that jumping.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the silver bullets of our waters - torpedo-shaped predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long and love shallow areas around mangroves, grass flats, and reef edges. They hunt by sight, so clear water days are best for targeting them. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight on light tackle. They'll jump, tail-walk, and make blazing runs that test your drag. The meat's decent if you bleed them right away. Year-round fishing is good here, but warmer months see more activity. We use light spinning gear with 10-pound test and shiny spoons or tube lures that mimic their favorite baitfish. Pro tip: cast past where you see them and retrieve fast with erratic twitches. They're curious fish and will often follow your lure for a while before committing, so don't slow down until they strike.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that pack a serious punch - averaging 40-60 pounds with some pushing over 100. They're loners that cruise around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-80 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is peak season when they move through our area heading north. What makes them special is the combination of their hard fight and outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They're curious too, often swimming right up to the boat for a look. We typically sight-fish for them using bucktail jigs or live bait. The key is spotting their dark silhouette just under the surface. Here's what works: when you see one, get your bait in front of them quickly but don't drop it right on their head. Lead them a bit and let the jig sink naturally - they'll usually follow it down and grab it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that average around 20 inches, though we've seen them push 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These guys love structure - think offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 30-100 feet of water. They're not the prettiest fish with their mottled gray coloring, but they make up for it with their stubborn fight and excellent table fare. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What makes them fun is how they immediately try to drag your bait back to their rocky hideout - it's a tug-of-war from the start. Here's a local trick: once you hook one, keep your rod tip low and don't give them any slack. The second they feel pressure, they'll bolt for the nearest hole or ledge. Lock that reel down tight and horse them up quick, or you'll be retying your rig.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter on our half-day trips. They typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds. These olive-backed speedsters patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing baitfish along the coast. What makes them popular is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel faster than most fish. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. We usually troll spoons or use live bait on a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. Here's a tip from years of guiding: rig two hooks on your leader - one through the bait's nose and a trailing hook near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, and that second hook will save you from a lot of missed strikes.
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