8-Hour Private Offshore Trip – Jacksonville, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day 8-hour private offshore fishing adventure for four guests.Target King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Grouper, and various shark species.Captain Chad customizes trips based on seasonal conditions and locations.
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Captain Chad's 8-hour private charter aboard his 27' Polar center console is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a full commitment to finding fish in Jacksonville's deeper waters. With twin 200HP Yamaha engines pushing you out to the best spots, you'll have the range and time to hit multiple areas where the big fish live. The boat's equipped with everything you need: GPS, radar, fishfinder, and even a head for those long days on the water. Plus, all your gear and licenses are covered, so you just show up ready to fish.
Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp – Captain Chad doesn't mess around when it comes to getting on the fish early. The 27' Polar is built for offshore work, giving you stability and comfort even when the seas get bumpy. With space for up to 4 anglers (5 max), everyone gets plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Captain Chad tailors every trip based on what's biting and where they're biting, which means you're not stuck fishing the same spots every trip. One day you might be trolling for kings along the ledges, the next you could be bottom fishing for snapper and grouper around structure. The variety keeps things interesting, and with 8 hours to work with, you've got time to try different techniques and chase whatever's hot.
Offshore fishing around Jacksonville means adapting to conditions and species, and Captain Chad's got the experience to put you on fish using the right methods. When targeting pelagics like King Mackerel and Sailfish, expect to troll with live bait or lures along temperature breaks and structure. For bottom species like Red Snapper and Grouper, you'll be dropping baits to rocky ledges and artificial reefs using heavy tackle to muscle fish up from deep water. The boat's fishfinder is crucial for locating structure and bait schools, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, from light spinning gear for Spanish Mackerel to heavy conventional setups for Amberjack and sharks. Captain Chad knows when to switch techniques based on conditions – if the bite's slow on the bottom, he might move shallow for Cobia or switch to trolling for kings.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the offshore scene, and Jacksonville's waters hold some serious fish. These powerful fighters typically hang around wrecks and ledges in 80-120 feet of water, especially during cooler months from fall through early spring. When you hook into a big AJ, expect a battle – they'll dive straight for structure and test your drag system. Most fish run 20-50 pounds, but the big ones can push 60-70 pounds and make your arms burn.
Cobia are one of the most exciting species to target because they're visual hunters you can actually see coming. Spring and fall migrations bring schools of these brown sharks (as locals call them) through Jacksonville waters. They love following rays and sharks, and Captain Chad knows how to spot the signs. Cobia are curious fish that will come right up to the boat, making for some exciting sight fishing. Most fish range 20-40 pounds, with occasional monsters over 50.
Red Snapper season is always a big draw, and for good reason – these fish are delicious and put up a solid fight. They live around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. The key is getting your bait down fast before the sharks and other species beat you to it. Jacksonville's snapper typically run 3-10 pounds, with the occasional doormat pushing 15-20 pounds. The season is limited, so when it's open, these trips book fast.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their King cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and action. These speedsters are perfect for light tackle fishing, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're most active during warmer months and love to chase small bait around structure. Spanish Mackerel are also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, making them a favorite with families.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Jacksonville. These acrobatic billfish show up year-round but peak during winter months when they migrate south. Nothing beats watching a sailfish light up and dance across the surface on the end of your line. Most fish are released, making this a true sport fishing experience. Captain Chad knows the techniques for raising sails, from slow-trolling live bait to pulling teasers that bring fish up from the depths.
An 8-hour offshore charter with Captain Chad gives you the best shot at experiencing Jacksonville's world-class fishing. With free cancellation up to 14 days out, you can book with confidence knowing weather won't leave you stuck. The combination of Captain Chad's local knowledge, quality equipment, and extended time on the water makes this a customer favorite for serious anglers. Whether you're after a variety pack of species or targeting something specific, this trip delivers the offshore experience you're looking for. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
This 27-foot Polar center console cuts through Jacksonville's offshore waters with twin 200HP Yamaha engines, hitting speeds up to 40 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with GPS, radar, and fishfinder to locate your next trophy. The live bait well keeps your bait lively while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. With room for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of space to fight King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Grouper, and whatever else is biting in these productive waters. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, and Captain Chad knows exactly where to find the fish based on season and conditions. Whether you're targeting Sailfish in blue water or bottom fishing for Amberjack, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate trophy fish, averaging 50-80 pounds with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. We target them in 80-300 feet of water along current breaks and temperature lines. Winter months from December through March are prime time when they move closer to our coast. What draws anglers is the spectacular fight - these fish are incredibly fast and will jump, dive, and run like nothing else in the ocean. Most are released for conservation. The secret to success is trolling with live bait or rigged ballyhoo at varying depths. When one comes up behind the bait, don't pull it away - let the fish eat. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't overpower them. Their bills are delicate, so let them run when they want to.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that average 20-40 pounds and look like brown sharks at first glance. They're loners, not schooling fish, so we sight-fish for them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-60 feet. Spring migration from April through June is prime time here off Jacksonville when they move north to spawn. What guests love is the visual excitement - seeing these big fish cruise near the surface before casting to them. They fight hard and make great table fare with white, flaky meat. Here's my go-to tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live eel well ahead of where it's swimming. Let it sink, then work it naturally. Cobia are curious and will often follow the bait before striking.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruiser fish average 30-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds, making them one of the strongest fighters you'll hook offshore. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-150 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What makes amberjack special is that raw power - they'll test your arms and your drag system. The meat is excellent when prepared right, firm and flaky. One trick I always share: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They love to dive into structure, so work them away from the bottom quickly. Heavy tackle and circle hooks with live bait work best, but they'll hit big jigs too.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. We target them around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is that perfect combination of strong fights and outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They'll test your skills by diving for cover when hooked. My best advice: use fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid, and fish right on the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap bite, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a bit first, then set firm. Circle hooks help land more fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-3 pounds and put up fights way above their weight class. We find schools of them in 15-40 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and over grass flats. Spring through fall is peak season, especially when baitfish are thick. What makes them popular is their speed and acrobatics - they'll make screaming runs and jump repeatedly. Plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. These fish move in large schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. Here's my tip: small silver spoons and jigs work great, but keep your retrieve fast. Spanish mackerel want moving targets, and if you slow down too much, they'll lose interest quickly.
Jacksonville