8-Hour Private Offshore Trip (AM) – Cape Horn Boat
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing aboard 37-foot Cape Horn center consoleTarget king mackerel, cobia, snapper, and sharks at reefsProfessional gear, licenses, and live bait included with captain
Captain Chad's got you covered for a serious day of offshore fishing aboard his 37-foot Cape Horn center console. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full 8 hours on the water starting at 7:00 AM sharp, giving you plenty of time to work the reefs and wrecks where the big fish hang out. With triple 300HP Yamaha engines pushing this beast, you'll cover serious ground to hit the prime fishing spots most boats can't reach. The Cape Horn handles rough water like a champ, so even when the seas kick up a bit, you'll stay comfortable and focused on what matters – putting fish in the box.
This top-rated charter accommodates up to 4 anglers (6 max), which means everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention from Captain Chad. The boat's loaded with everything you need: GPS and radar for finding structure, outriggers for spreading your trolling spread, a quality fishfinder to mark bottom fish, and a live bait well to keep your bait frisky. There's even a wireless trolling motor for those finicky situations where you need to position the boat just right. Captain Chad provides all the gear and takes care of your fishing licenses, so you can focus on the fishing. The season dictates our approach – some days we'll troll the blue water for pelagics, other days we'll anchor up on structure and drop baits to the bottom for grouper and snapper.
Captain Chad runs a proven trolling spread using the outriggers to cover maximum water. We'll pull a mix of spoons, diving plugs, and live baits depending on what's working. When the kings are running, nothing beats a slow-trolled live menhaden or blue runner behind a planer. For bottom fishing, we use circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get down quick in the current. The boat's fishfinder marks structure perfectly, and Captain Chad knows every wreck and reef like the back of his hand. The wireless trolling motor comes in handy when we're working structure – it lets us hold position without spooking fish with engine noise. All tackle is provided, from heavy spinning gear for bottom fish to trolling rods rigged and ready to go.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These silver missiles can stretch the tape anywhere from 15 to 40+ pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50. They're most active during the cooler months, typically October through March, when baitfish schools are thick. Kings hit hard and fast – one second you're watching your rod tip, the next it's bent double and line's screaming off the reel. Captain Chad targets them along temperature breaks and around structure where baitfish congregate. The fight is pure adrenaline, with long runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Great Barracuda bring serious attitude to every fight. These toothy predators average 10-20 pounds but can top 30, and they're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through wire leaders like butter. Barracuda are opportunistic hunters that patrol the reefs year-round, but they're most aggressive during warmer months. They'll absolutely destroy topwater lures and spoons, often hitting baits meant for other species. The initial run is lightning fast, followed by head-shaking jumps that can throw hooks if you're not careful. Captain Chad keeps heavy wire leaders ready because these fish don't mess around.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world, and landing one is like arm-wrestling a truck. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) can reach 30-50 pounds or more, with broad shoulders and stubborn attitudes. Spring and fall are prime time when they're cruising the surface around structure and following rays. Cobia are sight-fishing at its finest – you'll actually see them swimming near the surface before making your cast. They're curious fish that often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Once hooked, they dive straight for the bottom and use every ounce of their muscle to break you off on structure.
Yellowtail Amberjack, or AJs as we call them, are the ultimate test of angler endurance. These reef dwellers can top 50 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They live around wrecks and hard bottom in 80-150 feet of water, and once you hook one, the battle is far from over. AJs make powerful runs toward structure, trying to wrap your line around anything they can find. The key is stopping that initial run and keeping steady pressure. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round. Captain Chad positions the boat perfectly to give you the best chance at turning these brutes away from the wreck.
Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish on the reef, but they're definitely some of the tastiest. These bottom dwellers average 1-3 pounds with the occasional jumbo pushing 5-6 pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom, making them perfect targets when we're anchor fishing. Black sea bass are aggressive feeders that'll hit cut bait, squid, and small jigs. The season typically runs from May through August, and the daily bag limit fills up fast when you find a good school. They're excellent table fare with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
This world-class offshore fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are biting best. Captain Chad's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and his 37-foot Cape Horn is perfectly equipped for serious offshore fishing. With flexible cancellation up to 14 days out, you
Captain Chad's 37-foot "Cape Horn" center console is built for serious offshore fishing. This 2017 beauty runs on triple 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising smooth at 40 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers looking to target kings, cobia, snapper, and whatever else is biting out there. She's loaded with everything you need - GPS and radar for navigation, fishfinder to locate the action, outriggers for trolling, live bait well, and even a wireless trolling motor for those finicky fish. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure. Plus there's an onboard head for comfort. Whether you're hitting offshore reefs or bottom fishing the wrecks, this boat handles it all with space to fight fish and move around. Gear and licenses are included, so just bring yourself ready to fish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect starter fish for offshore newbies, but don't let that fool you - they're scrappy fighters with excellent table fare. Most run 1-3 pounds, though 5+ pounders lurk around deeper structure. They stack up on wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 40-120 feet, especially late spring through summer when they move inshore to spawn. What makes them popular is the steady action and sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that'll hit squid strips, jigs, or cut bait readily. The trick is finding the bigger males in deeper water - they hold tight to structure while the smaller females scatter. A simple two-hook rig with squid will keep you busy all day.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of offshore fishing - big, brown, and built for battle. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+, with that thick body and stubborn attitude. They love hanging around reefs, wrecks, and any structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're feeding heavy. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table fare - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're usually loners, so when you find one, work the area hard. My go-to trick is a bucktail jig in 4-8 ounces bounced near the bottom around structure. Don't worry about color - they'll eat anything that looks like a crab or small fish.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's missiles - all teeth and attitude wrapped in a silver torpedo. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones push 5-6 feet and pack serious power. They patrol near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall are your best bets when they're actively hunting. What guests love is that explosive strike and the wild jumps - they fight dirty and aren't afraid to show those razor teeth. The silvery flash makes them easy to spot, and they're curious enough to check out your boat. Pro tip: keep shiny jewelry in the tackle box - they're drawn to anything that flickers like an injured fish. Use a wire leader and be ready for that lightning-fast hit when it comes.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are what get people hooked on offshore fishing. These speed demons typically run 15-30 pounds, but we see 40-60 pounders that'll test your limits. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around our reefs and wrecks, especially during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like few fish can. The meat's excellent too, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Here's the key: use a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Kings love hitting the tail end of a bait, so that stinger hook back there saves the day. Spring through fall are prime time when they're moving through our waters following the bait schools.
Seriola LalandiAmberjack are pure muscle wrapped in yellow fins - they'll humble even experienced anglers. These bruisers commonly hit 20-40 pounds, with the occasional 60+ pounder that'll make you question your tackle choices. They stack up on deep reefs, wrecks, and ledges, usually in 60-200 feet of water. Year-round fishing, but cooler months often produce the biggest fish. What guests love is that initial dive toward structure - it's like hooking a freight train. The meat's solid too, great on the grill. Here's the deal: once hooked, don't let them get their head down and run to the rocks. Keep steady pressure and pump-and-wind. Heavy tackle isn't cheating with these fish - it's survival.
Jacksonville