8-Hour Private Offshore Trip – Drop Plan Boat
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing aboard 27foot center console boatTarget king mackerel, red snapper, grouper, and shark speciesAll fishing gear and licenses included for groups
Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this full-day offshore adventure. The 27-foot "Drop Plan" is a serious fishing machine – a Polar center console built for the long haul with twin 150HP Yamahas that'll get you to the productive water fast. We're talking about a proper offshore rig here, complete with GPS, radar, outriggers, and a fishfinder that'll help locate the structure and bait schools where the big fish hang out. This is your chance to get away from the weekend crowds and target some of the most sought-after species swimming in these waters.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing to get a few fish in the boat. Eight hours gives Captain Chad the flexibility to really work the water and adjust tactics based on what's biting. You'll start the day running to structure or drop-offs where the pelagics cruise, and depending on conditions, might work everything from live bait to trolling spreads. The boat's outriggers let you cover serious water when trolling for kings and sailfish, while the fishfinder keeps you dialed in on bottom structure for snapper and grouper. With a maximum of five anglers but really designed for four, there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The private head means comfort isn't an issue on these longer trips, and all your gear and licenses are handled – just show up ready to fish.
Captain Chad switches up techniques throughout the day based on what the fish are doing. Early morning often means trolling the drop-offs and structure with live bait or lures, targeting kings, sailfish, and cobia that patrol these areas looking for easy meals. The outriggers spread your baits wide, covering more water and preventing tangles when multiple fish hit. When it's time to work the bottom, you'll anchor up over reefs and ledges where red snapper, grouper, and amberjack stack up. Bottom fishing means heavier tackle and cut bait or live offerings – think sardines, squid, or whatever bait is running thick that day. Barracuda and sharks can show up anywhere, often when you least expect them, turning a routine drift into an adrenaline-pumping battle. The captain reads the water conditions, current, and fish activity to keep you in the action all day long.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and when they're around, nothing beats the sight of that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water. These fish average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for your camera between fighting the fish. Peak season typically runs during cooler months when baitfish schools are thick, and sailfish move through in good numbers. They're catch-and-release fish, so you get the fight and photos before sending them back to fight another day. King Mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore trips, running anywhere from schoolie 15-pounders to smoker kings pushing 40-50 pounds. They hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. Best action usually happens during spring and fall migrations when they're moving along the coast in big schools. Great Barracuda are the opportunists of the reef, hitting baits meant for other species with lightning speed. These silver bullets can reach 4-5 feet and make explosive runs when hooked. They're around year-round but seem most aggressive during warmer months when they're actively feeding on the reefs. Cobia are the wild cards – you might spot them cruising structure or following rays along the bottom. These brown bombers can weigh 30-60 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Spring brings the best cobia action when they're moving inshore to spawn. Red Snapper are the classic bottom dwellers, hanging around structure in 60-150 feet of water. They're smart fish that require finesse, but when you find a good school, the action can be non-stop. These tasty fish average 5-15 pounds with occasional doormat-sized specimens that'll make you work for every inch of line.
Captain Chad's 8-hour offshore trips book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This is hands-down one of the top-rated offshore experiences available, giving you the time and expertise needed to target multiple species in a single trip. The "Drop Plan" is equipped for serious fishing, and with all gear and licenses included, you're getting world-class fishing without the hassle of rigging tackle or dealing with regulations. Remember that weather can affect offshore trips, so the 14-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility if conditions don't cooperate. Groups of four fish most comfortably, but the boat can handle five if needed. Whether you're experienced anglers looking for your next personal best or newcomers wanting to experience what offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days disappear quickly, and you don't want to miss your shot at landing the fish of a lifetime with one of the area's most reliable captains.
The 27' "Drop Plan" Polar center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines push this rig up to 40 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to dock comfortable. Captain Chad has rigged her with everything you need – GPS and radar for navigation, quality fishfinder to mark structure and schools, outriggers for trolling spread, and a live bait well to keep your bait lively. The icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Plus there's a private 5-gallon bucket head onboard for convenience during those long offshore runs. Built tough for open water, she handles 4 anglers perfectly with room for tackle and fish boxes. Whether you're targeting kings on the troll, dropping bottom rigs for snapper and grouper, or sight-fishing for sharks and sailfish, this center console setup delivers the performance and fishability serious anglers expect.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the showoffs of offshore fishing - that massive dorsal fin isn't just for looks. These fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen them push over 100. They cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, hunting baitfish in small groups. Best action happens in warmer months when water temps hit 70-80°F. What makes them special isn't just their speed - it's the fight. They'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. The key is patience when they grab your bait. Let them run with it before setting the hook, because they like to mouth the bait first before committing. Use bright pink and white lures or live squid for best results.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the best eating fish we target, and they're usually loners cruising around structure. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll venture deeper to offshore rigs. Spring migration and spawning season from June through August gives us the hottest action. What makes them special is the combination - excellent table fare and a solid fight. They're curious fish, so sight fishing works great when they're near the surface. My go-to technique is a 4-8 oz bucktail jig worked near structure. Color doesn't matter much, but keep it moving - they like an active presentation.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the neighborhood bullies of the reef - curious, aggressive, and always looking for an easy meal. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They hang around reefs, wrecks, and structure in relatively shallow water, usually 30 feet or less. You'll find them year-round in warm waters, but spring brings the best action during spawning season. Guests love them because they're visual hunters - you can often see them following your lure before they strike. The fight is intense but short-lived. One thing to remember: use a landing net and gloves. Those razor teeth are no joke, and big ones will jump and try to bite when boatside.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and your patience. These guys typically run 20-40 pounds but can push over 90 for the big females. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season varies by location, but warmer months generally produce the best action when they're actively feeding on runners, sardines, and squid. What draws anglers is their blazing fast runs - they're almost as quick as wahoo. The meat's decent but it's really about the fight. Here's a pro tip: always use a double-hook rig with wire leader. Hook one through the nose of your live bait, second one in the back - kings love to hit from behind.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard for bottom fishing - excellent eating and a scrappy fight that'll surprise you. Most fish we catch run 3-8 pounds, but they can grow much larger in deeper water. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 50-200+ feet, with bigger fish typically found deeper. Season timing depends on regulations, but summer months are traditionally prime time. What guests love most is the combination of great action and fantastic table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. These fish are smart and will run straight for cover when hooked. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or live pinfish, and be ready to muscle them away from structure quickly once you set the hook.
Jacksonville