5.0(1 Reviews)4-Hour Private Offshore Trip – Jacksonville, FL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour private offshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesFast 27' Polar boat equipped with twin engines and electronicsEarly morning departure with catch preparation at local restaurants
If you're looking for a solid half-day offshore fishing adventure that gets you back to shore before the afternoon heat kicks in, this 4-hour private charter with Team Buck Rogers is exactly what you need. Captain Matt runs a tight ship on his 27-foot Polar center console, and those twin 200HP Yamaha engines will have you cutting through the Atlantic swells in no time. We're talking about productive waters just off Jacksonville's coast, where the Gulf Stream brings in serious pelagic action and the local structure holds everything from monster bull sharks to screaming sailfish runs.
Your day starts bright and early at 7:00 AM – yeah, I know it's early, but trust me, that's when the fish are feeding and before the boat traffic gets crazy. The Polar 27 is set up exactly how you'd want an offshore rig: GPS and radar for navigation, quality fishfinder to mark bait and structure, plus a live well that keeps your baits frisky. There's an ice box to keep your catch fresh, and yes, there's a head onboard (though fair warning – it's pretty basic). You'll have room for up to 4 anglers comfortably, with space for one more if needed. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – we can slow troll live bait for the big pelagics like kings and sailfish, or if the shrimp boats are working nearby, we'll slide over there and drop baits for some serious shark action. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether they're suspended in the water column or cruising the bottom structure.
The game plan changes based on conditions and what's biting, but here's the typical setup. For the pelagic species, we're talking slow trolling with live bait – usually pilchards, blue runners, or whatever we can catch fresh that morning. The key is keeping those baits swimming naturally while covering water at the right speed. We'll run multiple lines at different depths, using downriggers or weighted rigs to get baits where the fish are holding. When the shrimp boats are working offshore, that's when things get interesting for shark fishing. These commercial boats create a feeding frenzy – between the discarded bycatch and the disturbed bottom, it's like ringing the dinner bell for blacktips, blacknose, and those massive bull sharks that'll test your drag system. We'll anchor up or drift nearby and drop fresh cut bait or live offerings right into the action. The boat's fishfinder is crucial here – it shows us bait balls, structure, and often the predators lurking underneath.
"We had an awesome time with Captain Matt on our first deep sea fishing trip out of Jacksonville! He was knowledgeable, patient, and made sure we had a great experience from start to finish. The fishing was exciting, the weather was perfect, and we couldn't have asked for a better introduction to deep sea fishing. Just a heads-up for anyone booking the same boat; if nature calls, be ready to use the bucket!" - Amerigo
Great Barracuda are the water wolves of Jacksonville's offshore scene, and they're absolutely addictive to catch. These toothy predators typically run 15-40 pounds in our waters, though the occasional monster can push 50-plus. They're visual hunters that love shiny spoons and fast-moving baits, often striking with explosive surface attacks that'll get your heart pumping. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb above 75 degrees. What makes cuda fishing so exciting is their unpredictability – they might follow a bait for 100 yards before deciding to crush it, or slam it the second it hits the water. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you need a solid wire leader, and once hooked, they'll jump, run, and generally try to destroy everything in sight.
Cobia are like the bulldogs of the offshore world – stocky, powerful, and absolutely relentless once they grab your bait. These brown sharks (that's what old-timers call them, though they're not sharks at all) average 20-40 pounds off Jacksonville, with spring and fall migrations bringing the best action. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, making sight fishing possible on calm days. Cobia love live eels, crabs, and large baitfish, and they're notorious for their dogged fights that test both angler endurance and tackle. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of hanging around structure, wrecks, and even rays cruising the surface.
Bull Sharks are the ultimate test of your tackle and nerves, and Jacksonville's offshore waters hold some true giants. These apex predators can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds, with females being significantly larger than males. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months when shrimp boats provide easy feeding opportunities. Bulls are incredibly powerful fighters that combine brute strength with surprising speed – they'll make long runs, then suddenly turn and charge straight back at the boat. What sets them apart from other sharks is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat large baits. They're also one of the few sharks that can handle both salt and fresh water, occasionally pushing into the St. Johns River system.
Red Snapper represent the gold standard of bottom fishing, though seasons and regulations change frequently, so check current rules before your trip. When they're open, these crimson-colored fighters typically run 5-15 pounds in our area, though occasional doormat-sized fish push 20-plus. They hold tight to hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. Snapper have excellent eyesight and can be picky about baits, preferring fresh cut fish or live offerings. Their initial run toward structure
This 27' Polar center console cuts through Jacksonville's offshore waters with authority, powered by twin 200HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. Built for serious anglers targeting King Mackerel, Sailfish, and Bull Sharks in the productive waters off Florida's coast. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful morning trip - GPS and radar keep you on course, while the fishfinder helps locate those schools of bait fish. Live bait well keeps your offerings fresh for slow trolling, and there's plenty of ice box space for your catch and cold drinks. When nature calls, there's an onboard toilet so you don't miss a minute of fishing time. Perfect setup for up to 4 anglers who want to hit the offshore bite early and be back by lunch with coolers full of fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of our offshore trips - these blue-gray speedsters average 6-7 feet with that iconic sail fin stretched tall. We find them in the blue water from 100-300 feet, often following temperature breaks and current lines. Winter through early spring is peak season when they're thick off our coast during migration. What makes them legendary is the aerial display - they'll jump repeatedly, dancing across the surface in ways that'll give you goosebumps. Most guests release them for the next angler to enjoy this amazing fight. The key is slow-trolling live bait or rigged ballyhoo along the edge. When one comes up behind the bait, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Let them eat it, then come tight slowly - patience pays off with these magnificent fish.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks are the heavyweights we target behind the shrimp boats - thick-bodied bruisers that average 6-8 feet and can push 300+ pounds. These gray predators love the murky water and commotion the shrimp boats create, feeding on the discarded bycatch. They're here year-round but summer months are most productive when the fleet is active. What makes them special is the raw power - once hooked, they'll make long, determined runs that test your drag and endurance. While not table fare, the catch-and-release fight is something guests remember forever. The trick with bull sharks is using fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel, and don't be afraid to use big hooks - 8/0 or larger. Keep your drag smooth and let them tire themselves out rather than trying to muscle them in.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our favorite targets - these brown, shark-looking fish average 3-4 feet but can push 6 feet and 60+ pounds. They're typically loners cruising around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving north along our coast. What guests love is the combination of sight fishing opportunities and their bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. The key to landing them is patience during the fight. They'll make strong runs toward structure, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them. A local trick: if you see one following the boat, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slow.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the silver torpedoes of our offshore waters, typically running 3-5 feet and built for speed with their streamlined bodies. These apex predators cruise near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and edges where baitfish gather. They're curious by nature and will often follow the boat or check out shiny lures. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are warm. What makes them special is that explosive strike and their initial run - they'll hit 35 mph in short bursts but tire quickly. The fight is all about that first few minutes of pure adrenaline. Here's a local tip: when you see one following your lure, speed up rather than slow down. Their predator instincts kick in when they think prey is escaping, and that's usually when they'll commit to the bite.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the prize of our deep water fishing, averaging 2-4 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds around offshore structure. These bright red beauties live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water where they school up tight. Summer months give us the best bite when they're most active feeding. What guests love is the combination of steady action and outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for tonight's dinner. They're strong fighters that will head straight for cover when hooked, so you need to turn them quick. The secret is using enough weight to get down fast and staying tight to the bottom. Circle hooks with live pinfish or cut squid work best, and once you find them, you'll usually catch several from the same spot.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an awesome time with Captain Matt on our first deep sea fishing trip out of Jacksonville! He was knowledgeable, patient, an...
Jacksonville