Full-Day Private Offshore Trip with Cape Horn
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing aboard 37foot Cape Horn vesselTarget multiple species including mackerel, cobia, and sharksAll gear, licenses, and equipment included for groups
Captain Chad knows these offshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking about a serious 8-hour commitment starting at first light, 7:00 AM sharp. The 37-foot Cape Horn center console is built for the big water, powered by triple 300HP Yamahas that'll get you to the honey holes fast and keep you fishing longer. With room for up to 4 anglers (6 max if you're feeling cozy), this top-rated charter gives you the space to work without bumping elbows. Whether the bite's happening on the reefs or around the wrecks, Captain Chad adjusts the game plan based on what's working that day.
You'll be fishing prime offshore structure – reefs and wrecks where the big boys hang out. The Cape Horn comes loaded with everything you need: GPS and radar for navigation, outriggers for proper trolling spread, fishfinder to mark the schools, and a live bait well to keep your offerings fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets us position perfectly over structure without spooking fish, and there's even a head onboard for those long days. Captain Chad switches between trolling and bottom fishing depending on conditions and what's biting. Early morning usually means trolling the edges for pelagics, then moving to structure for bottom species as the day heats up. All your tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are covered – just bring yourself, some snacks, and plenty of sunscreen.
The trolling spread runs four to six lines using the outriggers and flat lines, pulling everything from ballyhoo to diving plugs and spoons. Captain Chad adjusts the spread based on target species – wider patterns for kings and cobia, tighter for Spanish mackerel and false albacore. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're talking heavy tackle with circle hooks, using cut bait, live bait, or jigs depending on what's down there. The fishfinder shows the structure and marks fish, but reading the water conditions, current, and bait movement is what separates good days from great ones. The boat's ice box keeps your catch fresh, and Captain Chad handles all the rigging, re-baiting, and net work so you can focus on fighting fish.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of offshore trolling here, and these silver bullets can stretch the tape anywhere from 15 to 50+ pounds. They're most active during the warmer months when bait schools are thick on the surface. Kings hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. The fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, jumps, and that distinctive head-shaking that lets you know you've got a good one. Great Barracuda patrol the same waters and are absolute savages on light tackle. These toothy predators average 10-20 pounds but can push 30+, and they'll demolish anything shiny moving through their territory. Their acceleration is lightning-fast, and they're notorious for spectacular jumps and gill-rattling runs.
Cobia are the wild cards that make every trip interesting. These brown sharks (not actually sharks) cruise the surface around structure and can weigh anywhere from 20 to 60+ pounds. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you don't get with other species. When a big cobia eats, it's game on – they're bulldogs that use every ounce of their weight to fight. Yellowtail Amberjack live around the deeper wrecks and reefs, and these bruisers will test your tackle to the limit. AJ's in the 20-40 pound range are common, and they fight like they're twice their size, using the structure to try and break you off. Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other targets, but they're excellent eating and always willing to bite. These bottom dwellers are perfect for filling the cooler when the bigger fish aren't cooperating, and they're a blast on lighter tackle.
This world-class offshore experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. Captain Chad's reputation for putting clients on fish means his calendar fills quick, and the 4-angler limit keeps every trip intimate and productive. The 14-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility, but once you experience a full day of offshore action aboard the Cape Horn, you'll be planning your next trip before you hit the dock. The combination of Captain Chad's local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this a customer favorite that delivers trophy potential every time out. Don't wait until the last minute – the fish are biting, and your spot on this renowned charter is just a booking away.
Captain Chad's 37-foot "Cape Horn" center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing action. Built in 2017 and powered by triple 300HP Yamaha engines, this beast cruises smoothly at 40 knots to get you to the best reefs and wrecks fast. The boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably with all the gear you need - outriggers for trolling, fishfinder to locate the fish, live bait well, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. GPS and radar keep you on target and safe, while the onboard toilet and icebox mean you can stay out all day chasing kings, cobia, snapper, and whatever else is biting. Whether you're dropping lines on bottom structure or pulling baits through blue water, this setup is built for productive fishing trips.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are the bread and butter of wreck fishing - chunky, aggressive bottom dwellers that make great eating. Most run 1-4 pounds, though 8-pounders are possible around deeper structure. They love wrecks, rocky bottom, and pilings in less than 120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. What guests enjoy is the steady action - they're reliable biters and fight hard for their size until they break the surface. The meat's sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My tip: use a simple two-hook bottom rig with squid or cut fish. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait up, so don't be surprised if you see several around the boat when fighting one.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world - dark brown, shark-like fish that cruise solo around structure. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, living up to 12 years. You'll find them on reefs, wrecks, and buoys, usually in 30-70 feet of water, though they roam much deeper. Spring migration and spawning season (June-August) offers prime fishing when they move shallow. What guests love most is the sight-fishing - we spot them just under the surface before making the cast. They're also premium table fare with firm, white meat that's worth good money. My trick: throw a bucktail jig in any color, 4-8 ounces depending on depth. They're aggressive feeders and will hit almost anything, but jigs work best around structure.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's torpedo - sleek, aggressive, and built for speed. Most run 2-4 feet, but we see 6-footers that'll hit 35 mph in short bursts. They hang around reefs, wrecks, and structure from the surface down to about 30 feet, hunting in small packs or solo. Spring spawning season brings the best action, though they're active year-round in warmer water. Guests love them because they're visual hunters - you can often see them following your lure before they strike. The fight's intense but short-lived due to limited stamina. Pro tip: always use a landing net and gloves when bringing them aboard. Those razor teeth aren't just for show, and big ones will jump and try to bite right at the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of our most popular targets, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+. These speed demons cruise offshore reefs and wrecks in 40-150 feet of water, with bigger fish often found closer to shore around inlets. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they're fast as wahoo and will test your drag system. The meat's decent eating too, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. My go-to tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leader since they love hitting bait from behind. First hook in the nose, second hook trailing free near the tail. Kings have razor teeth, so that wire leader isn't optional.
Seriola LalandiAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - powerful, stubborn fighters that'll test your tackle and your back. Most run 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders show up regularly, and the record's over 200. They live around reefs, wrecks, and structure, feeding near bottom but roaming the water column. Summer months are prime time when warm water brings them shallow. What makes them special is the fight - they're fast, strong swimmers that'll drag you all over the wreck. The meat's excellent too, especially the smaller ones. Here's the key: don't horse them up too fast or they'll panic and dive deeper into the structure. Steady pressure works better, and always wear gloves when handling the line. Those long runs will burn your hands raw on braided line.
Jacksonville