Expert Guided Private Charter Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private charter accommodates up to 4 guests with flexible timingTarget nearshore reefs and wrecks using multiple fishing techniquesSuitable for all skill levels from beginners to experienced anglers
Looking for a personalized fishing adventure without the crowds? The Jig is Up Charters delivers exactly that with their top-rated private offshore trips. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, these flexible 4 to 6-hour charters are designed around what you want to catch and how you want to fish. With departure times at 7 AM or 1 PM for shorter trips, and early morning starts for the full 6-hour experience, you'll have prime fishing windows to work with. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want the captain's undivided attention and the freedom to fish at their own pace.
Your private charter kicks off with a quick briefing about the day's game plan. The captain will chat with you about what species you're hoping to target and adjust the trip based on current conditions and what's been biting lately. You'll head out to productive nearshore waters, reefs, and wrecks where the fish are holding. The beauty of a private trip is the flexibility – if the red snapper are crushing it on one reef, you can stay put. If the mahi are running offshore, you can make the move. No rushing, no compromising with other anglers who want to fish differently. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while sharing local knowledge about the area's hotspots. Expect to cover different types of structure throughout the day, from shallow reefs teeming with snapper to deeper wrecks where the big amberjack hang out.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to fishing methods. You'll spend time bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks, dropping baits down to where the grouper and snapper live. The captain will rig you up with appropriate weights and circle hooks, and show you how to feel the difference between a fish bite and getting hung up on structure. Jigging is a huge part of the program – working metal jigs and bucktails around structure to trigger aggressive strikes from amberjack and cobia. When conditions are right, you'll also do some trolling to cover water and find schools of mahi or king mackerel. Drift fishing comes into play when working edges and drop-offs, letting baits move naturally with the current. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks. The gear is quality stuff that can handle anything from 5-pound snappers to 50-pound kings without breaking a sweat.
King mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, often hitting trolled baits at 30+ mph and putting on spectacular jumping displays. These toothy predators typically run 15-40 pounds and are most active during spring and fall months when baitfish are thick. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run – they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any other fish in the Gulf. The key is keeping constant pressure while they jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook.
Mahi mahi are hands down the most colorful fish you'll encounter, flashing brilliant greens, yellows, and blues when they're fired up. Also called dolphinfish or dorado, these fast-growing pelagics love floating debris and weed lines. They're phenomenal table fare and put up a great fight for their size, typically running 5-25 pounds in these waters. The best part about mahi fishing is that where you find one, you'll usually find several, so be ready for multiple hookups when the school lights up.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to dive straight back toward structure when hooked. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and will test your endurance with long, grinding fights. They're most active around wrecks and deep reefs, especially during cooler months. Amberjack are notorious for diving into structure and breaking you off, so the fight becomes a tug-of-war from the moment you set the hook.
Cobia are the curious wanderers of the offshore world, often approaching the boat to investigate before deciding whether to eat. These brown sharks lookalikes can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 60 pounds isn't uncommon. They're sight-fishing targets that will eat live bait, jigs, or even topwater plugs when they're in the mood. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, and they're considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean.
Red snapper remain the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf, known for their excellent table quality and willingness to bite. These reef dwellers typically run 3-15 pounds and have a knack for finding the smallest piece of structure to wrap your line around. During open season, red snapper fishing can be fast and furious, with multiple fish coming over the rail in short order. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait presentation, making each hookup satisfying.
A private charter with The Jig is Up Charters gives you the personalized fishing experience that busy party boats just can't match. You'll learn techniques that work in these specific waters, get hands-on instruction from an experienced captain, and have the flexibility to focus on what interests you most. Whether you want to target trophy fish, fill the cooler with dinner, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this charter adapts to your goals. The 4-hour trips are perfect for half-day adventures, while the 6-hour option gives you time to really explore different areas and techniques. With all gear provided and expert guidance included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Book your private offshore charter today and experience world-class fishing without the crowds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world, typically cruising solo around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30 feet or less. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 30-40 pounds but can push 100. Spring migration and spawning season (June-August) brings the best action when they move shallow. What guests love is sight fishing - you'll actually see them cruising just under the surface. They're incredibly strong fighters and some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. The key is being ready when you spot one. Keep a bucktail jig rigged and ready to pitch. Color doesn't matter much - browns, whites, and chartreuse all work. Cast past them and work the jig back slowly. They're curious fish, so sometimes they'll follow before striking.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are the bullies of the reef, averaging 39 pounds but capable of reaching 100+. These powerful fish live around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structure in 50+ feet of water. Spring spawning season (April-May) offers the best action when they're most aggressive. What makes them special is their raw strength - they'll drag you into the structure if you're not careful. The meat is excellent table fare with a firm texture. Amberjacks aren't picky eaters, so live bait, jigs, and even flies work well. Here's the key: when you hook one, immediately turn their head away from the structure. Let them run toward open water first, then start applying pressure. Fight them hard and fast - the longer the battle, the more likely they'll find something to wrap your line around.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths of 40-150 feet around wrecks, reefs, and structure. They're most active when water temps hit 68-84°F, making spring through fall prime time. What makes them special is their blistering speed - they'll peel line off your reel like few other fish. The meat is firm and flavorful, though it's rich so a little goes a long way. For success, use a strong wire leader since they'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, let your bait skip on the surface - kings love to ambush from below and that splash drives them crazy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are the artists of the ocean with their brilliant gold, blue, and green colors that shift like a light show when hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they make up for it with incredible fights and acrobatic jumps. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in warm surface waters. They're most active during warmer months when water temps climb. What guests love is the combination of stunning beauty, aggressive strikes, and some of the best eating in the ocean - mild, sweet, and firm. My tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more. They often travel in schools, so where there's one mahi, there's usually several more waiting.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the prize of bottom fishing, typically running 1-2 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 35+ pounds. These beautiful red fish live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and most active. What makes them special is they're true fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, firm white meat. Most anglers bottom fish with live pinfish, cigar minnows, or fresh squid. Here's the trick: when you feel that thump, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and start moving, then drive the hook home hard. Once hooked, get them up and away from structure fast - they know every hiding spot down there.
Fort Walton Beach, FL