8-Hour Private Offshore Trip – Jacksonville, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday 8hour private offshore fishing charter for four guestsTarget King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Grouper, Sailfish and sharksAll gear, licenses and equipment included with experienced Captain Chad
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this full-day adventure with Team Buck Rogers Charters is exactly what you need. Captain Chad takes his 27' Polar center console out to the deep blue waters off Jacksonville, where the real action happens. With twin 200HP Yamaha engines, this boat gets you to the productive spots fast and keeps you there all day. You're looking at 8 solid hours on the water, departing at 7:00 AM when the bite is hot and the seas are typically calm. This isn't a cattle boat situation – you get up to 4 anglers max, so there's plenty of room to work and everyone gets their shots at the fish.
Captain Chad knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not just going to anchor up in one spot and hope for the best. This trip is all about covering ground and adapting to what the fish are doing that day. The boat comes loaded with GPS, radar, and top-notch fishfinders, so you're always fishing smart, not just hard. One minute you might be trolling for kings along a temperature break, the next you could be bottom fishing a productive wreck for snapper and grouper. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is you have time to try different techniques and hit multiple spots. When the afternoon bite picks up, you'll still be out there capitalizing on it while the half-day boats are already heading back to the dock. The Polar center console handles the offshore conditions like a champ, and with a head on board, you can stay comfortable all day without worrying about the basics.
Captain Chad switches up the approach based on what's biting and where they're holding. For the pelagic species like kings, Spanish mackerel, and sailfish, you'll be trolling with live bait, dead bait, and lures – whatever's working that day. The captain provides all the gear, and we're talking quality stuff that can handle these fish when they decide to make long runs. When you're targeting bottom fish like red snapper, grouper, and amberjack around structure, you'll be dropping baits on heavy tackle to get down fast and pull these bruisers up from the depths. Cobia fishing often means sight casting when these curious fish cruise up to check out the boat, and barracuda will smash just about anything that moves fast enough. Shark fishing typically involves putting out some serious bait and waiting for something with teeth to find it. The variety keeps things exciting, and Captain Chad reads the conditions to put you on the most active bite throughout the day.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and Jacksonville's offshore waters hold some serious fish. These guys typically run 20-50 pounds, with bigger bruisers always possible around the right structure. They hit hard and pull harder, taking long runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're aggressive feeders that'll crush live bait dropped down to wrecks and hard bottom. What makes them so popular is that initial strike – when an AJ decides your bait looks good, you'll know it immediately. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right, making them a favorite target for serious anglers.
Cobia are the curious giants that make offshore fishing so unpredictable and exciting. These brown sharks-looking fish cruise the surface and often swim right up to the boat to investigate. They average 20-40 pounds but can push much larger, and they're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails to great effect. Late spring through early fall is peak season off Jacksonville, and they're known for following rays and sharks. The sight fishing aspect makes them special – you actually see the fish before you cast, which adds a whole different level of excitement. Plus, cobia are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red Snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing, and when they're in season, everyone wants to get their hands on these beautiful fish. They typically run 3-8 pounds off Jacksonville, with occasional larger fish that'll really bend the rod. Summer is prime time when the season opens, and they school up around structure in 60-120 feet of water. What makes red snapper so sought after is the combination of a solid fight and incredible table fare – these fish are restaurant quality every single time. They're also smart, so it takes skill and the right presentation to consistently catch them, which makes each one feel earned.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure aggression and numbers. They hit trolled baits, cast lures, and live bait with equal enthusiasm, and when you find a school, you can catch them until your arms get tired. Spring and fall see the biggest concentrations off Jacksonville, and they're perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing or just having a blast catching fish after fish. They're also excellent smoked or grilled fresh, and their consistent availability makes them a reliable target when other species are being finicky.
Atlantic Sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing excitement, and Jacksonville's waters offer legitimate shots at these spectacular gamefish. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for the camera. Winter months typically provide the best sailfish action off northeast Florida, when the fish move through following baitfish migrations. What sets sailfish apart is their fighting style – they jump, they run, they tail-walk across the surface like no other fish. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, making the experience about the fight and the photos rather than the freezer. Landing a sailfish is a milestone for any angler, and these waters give you a real shot at checking that box.
Meet your fishing machine for the day – a 27' Polar center console that's built to get you offshore and onto the fish. Twin 200HP Yamaha engines push this baby up to 40 knots, so you'll spend more time fishing and less time running to the grounds. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: GPS to find the hotspots, radar for those early morning runs, and a fishfinder to locate where the fish are holding. Captain Chad knows these Jacksonville waters inside and out, targeting everything from King Mackerel and Red Snapper to Sailfish and Cobia depending on what's biting. The live bait well keeps your bait fresh, there's an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, and yes – there's even a toilet onboard. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. All gear and licenses are included, so just bring your appetite for some serious offshore action.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate offshore trophy - magnificent blue-grey billfish with that iconic sail dorsal fin. Most average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, but what they lack in weight they make up for in pure athleticism. They prefer the blue water beyond the continental shelf, typically 100+ feet deep where the Gulf Stream runs. Winter and spring are prime time off Jacksonville when they're following bait schools north. The fight is legendary - multiple jumps, long runs, and that sail flared out in full display. It's catch-and-release only, but the photos and memories last forever. Here's what works: slow-troll live bait or pitch baits to fish we raise behind the boat. When one lights up, get ready - they'll come in hot and the show begins immediately.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world - dark brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone or in small groups around our reefs and wrecks. They average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds, making them serious fighters with long, powerful runs. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water, often near structure or following rays and sharks. Spring through fall are prime times when they're moving through our area. What guests love most is sight-fishing for them - watching that dark shadow glide up to your bait is pure excitement. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. My secret: when you see one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by a few feet and let the bait settle naturally in their path.
Seriola dumeriliThese powerhouse fighters are built like torpedoes - bluish-grey with that signature amber stripe down their side. Most run 15-40 pounds, but we see plenty pushing 50+ pounds around Jacksonville's deeper reefs and wrecks. They love structure in 60-200 feet of water, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. What makes them special? Pure strength. When you hook one, it's going straight for the bottom trying to cut your line on whatever structure it can find. They're also excellent table fare if you want to keep a few smaller ones. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure - let them run initially, but don't give them slack or they'll wrap you around the reef every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that live around hard bottom and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Most average 2-8 pounds, but we regularly see 10-15 pounders that'll put a serious bend in your rod. They're year-round residents, but summer months are typically best when the season's open. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make strong runs toward structure trying to break you off, and that bright red color coming up from the depths is always exciting. Plus, there's no better fish on the dinner table. Here's my tip: use circle hooks and don't set the hook hard. Let them load up on the bait, then just start reeling. They'll hook themselves and you'll land more fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons with silver sides covered in yellow spots. They typically run 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure speed and action. You'll find them in schools from spring through fall, usually in 20-60 feet of water around structure or bait schools. They're some of the most fun fish to catch - fast strikes, quick runs, and they'll hit just about anything shiny you throw at them. Great light tackle action that keeps everyone busy, and they're tasty too when prepared right. The key is small, fast-moving lures. I like to troll small spoons or cast tiny jigs around feeding birds. Once you find a school, work it quick because they move fast and won't stick around long if you spook them.
Jacksonville