Private 6-Hour Offshore Trolling Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 6-hour offshore trolling adventure starting at 7:00 AMTarget trophy fish using multiple techniques and tackle optionsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Picture yourself cruising past the inshore waters at 7:00 AM, heading out to where the real action happens. This private 6-hour trip with The Jig is Up Charters gives you and up to three buddies exclusive access to some of the best offshore fishing around. We're talking about a full day targeting serious gamefish using techniques that actually work – no tourist trap nonsense here. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives and breathes saltwater fishing.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active. We'll motor out past the nearshore zones and hit the offshore grounds where the big boys hang out. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is we've got time to work different spots – maybe start on a wreck for some bottom fish, then move to blue water for trolling action. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly. Some days the fish are stacked on structure, other days they're cruising the open water following bait schools. The boat comes equipped with everything you need, from heavy tackle for the bruisers to light tackle for when you want to feel every headshake. Don't worry about bringing gear unless you've got favorites you can't live without.
We're not messing around with one-trick ponies here. This trip covers the full spectrum of offshore techniques because different fish require different approaches. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll pull a spread of lures and baits at varying depths to cover the water column. When we find structure like reefs or wrecks, we'll switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle to pull up snapper and amberjack. Jigging and popping come into play when we mark fish on the sonar or see surface action. The captain will have you drift fishing over productive bottom, and when the conditions are right, light tackle makes every fish feel like a monster. Each technique has its place, and knowing when to use what separates the pros from the amateurs. Your captain will coach you through it all, so even if you've never worked a vertical jig or pitched a popper, you'll be doing it like you've done it for years.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're absolute rockets when they hit your trolled bait. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 50 pounds or more. They've got razor-sharp teeth and zero quit in them. Spring through fall is prime time, and they'll test your drag system and your arms. What makes kings so addictive is their unpredictability – they might slam a surface bait or pick up a deep line, and when they do, hold on tight.
Mahi mahi are the acrobats that every angler dreams about. These common dolphinfish are pure eye candy with their electric colors and aerial displays. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for trolled ballyhoo and colorful lures. A good mahi will jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook with every leap. They're also fantastic table fare, which makes them a win-win catch.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the wreck sites, and they'll humble even experienced anglers. These fish are pure muscle, often weighing 30-60 pounds, and they use structure to their advantage. They'll try to wrap you around every piece of metal they can find. The best action typically happens during cooler months, and you'll need heavy tackle and a strong back. Amberjack are notorious for long, powerful runs followed by bulldogging fights that'll leave your arms burning.
Cobia are the curious ones that'll swim right up to the boat, giving you a perfect sight-fishing opportunity. These brown sharks look-alikes average 20-40 pounds and are surprisingly aggressive when they decide to eat. Spring and fall migrations offer the best shots, and they're often found around floating debris or following rays. Cobia have a habit of following hooked fish to the boat, giving you multiple chances if you're ready with a second rod.
Red snapper are the crowd favorites, and for good reason. They're beautiful fish with excellent table quality, and they fight harder than their size suggests. During open season, they stack up on reefs and wrecks in impressive numbers. A good red snapper will use every trick in the book – diving for structure, shaking its head, and making powerful runs toward the bottom. They're smart too, so fresh bait and sharp hooks are essential for consistent success.
This isn't your typical cattle boat charter where you're fighting for rail space and hoping the guy next to you knows how to handle a fish. With only four anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. The captain can focus on putting each angler on fish instead of managing a crowd. Six hours gives you real time to work different techniques and locations without feeling rushed. Whether you're looking to check species off your bucket list or just want to get away from the crowds and actually catch fish, this trip delivers. The Jig is Up Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and this private charter format is how they do it best. Book now and get ready to see why serious anglers keep coming back to fish these productive offshore waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique brown sharks look-alikes that average around 50 pounds and can hit 100+. They're usually solitary fish found around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30 feet or less, though they range to 300 feet. Spring migration and summer months offer prime fishing, especially during spawning season from June through August. Guests love sight-fishing for these curious fish that often cruise just under the surface. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's prized by restaurants. Cobia hit bucktail jigs, eels, and live bait aggressively. My best tip: when you spot one, make your first cast count - they're smart and spook easily, but if you put the bait right in front of them, they'll usually eat it.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are powerful bruisers that average 39 pounds but can reach 6 feet and much heavier. These bluish-grey fish with distinctive amber stripes are found around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structure. They're most active during spring spawning season from April to May when they move into shallower waters. Amberjack are notorious for their bulldogging fights - they'll dive straight for the bottom and test every ounce of your tackle. The meat is excellent, firm and white, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and plugs. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line because these fish will run straight back to structure and break you off if you can't turn them.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average around 30 pounds but can hit 90+. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. They're olive-colored with silver sides and have razor-sharp teeth similar to bluefish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. These speedsters put up incredible fights, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is firm and flavorful, though it's high in mercury. When using live bait, always rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose and a stinger hook in the back, since kings love to hit baits from behind. Trolling spoons and diving plugs work great too.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are spectacular fish that average 15-29 pounds with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs. They change colors like a light show when brought to the boat. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm offshore waters. They're surface dwellers that love chasing flying fish. Spring through fall provides the best fishing when water temps warm up. Guests love their acrobatic jumps and strong runs, plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, sweet white meat. They mature quickly but don't live long, so populations stay strong. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat nearby - mahi often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more waiting for your next cast.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are prized bottom dwellers that typically run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though they can reach 35+ pounds. These bright red fish with white bellies live around hard structure in 30-620 feet of water. May through October is prime time during spawning season when they're most active. Anglers love them for their scrappy fights and because they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or fried. They're true warriors that'll head straight for cover when hooked, so keep steady pressure. Use heavy weights to get fresh squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish down to the bottom where they feed. Quick tip: when you feel that telltale snapper bite, set the hook hard and start reeling immediately - hesitate and they'll wrap you around the structure.
Fort Walton Beach, FL