Private Charter Fishing - Your Perfect Day
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private charter trips available in 4, 5, or 6-hour optionsTarget nearshore reefs and wrecks using multiple fishing techniquesAccommodates up to 4 guests with flexible morning departure times
Picture this: you and up to three friends have the boat all to yourselves, captain setting course based on what you want to catch and how long you want to stay out there. That's exactly what you get with The Jig is Up Charters. Whether you're looking to squeeze in a quick 4-hour morning session before lunch or commit to a full 6-hour adventure, we've got the flexibility to make it happen. This isn't some cookie-cutter fishing trip where you're packed in with strangers - it's your boat, your crew, your day on the water.
Your day starts with flexible departure times that actually work with real life. Morning trips kick off at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. If you're not a sunrise person, no worries - 1:00 PM departures are available for 4 and 5-hour trips. The 6-hour option is strictly a morning affair, giving you maximum time to hit multiple spots and really dial in where the fish are biting. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with just your small group aboard, he can pivot quickly when the action heats up somewhere else. You'll cover nearshore waters where the bottom structure holds plenty of surprises, plus reef systems and offshore wrecks that act like underwater magnets for gamefish. The vibe is relaxed but focused - we're here to put fish in the boat, and with a private charter, there's no rush to rotate spots or accommodate different skill levels in your group.
We run the full playbook out here, switching techniques based on conditions and what's biting. Bottom fishing is bread and butter around the reefs and wrecks - we'll anchor up over structure and drop baits down where snapper and amberjack like to hang out. When we're covering ground looking for pelagic species, trolling lets us pull lures through prime water while scanning for birds and bait schools. Jigging is where things get really hands-on - working vertical jigs around structure takes some technique, but when a big cobia or amberjack grabs one, you'll feel every head shake on the way up. Drift fishing is perfect when there's a good current running; we'll let the boat drift naturally while presenting baits at different depths. The captain reads conditions and adjusts throughout the day, so you might start bottom fishing at dawn, switch to trolling as the sun comes up, then finish with some jigging around a productive wreck. All gear is provided, but if you've got lucky rods or favorite tackle, bring them along.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're exactly why trolling was invented. These fish hit like freight trains and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. Kings are most active during warmer months and love structure edges where bait concentrates. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps and long runs - it's pure adrenaline from hookup to boat. They're also fantastic table fare, especially when prepared fresh.
Mahi Mahi bring the flash and the fight that make them a customer favorite. These fish are stunning to look at with their electric colors, and they fight like they're angry about being hooked. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. They're acrobatic fighters that'll jump repeatedly, and their firm white meat is restaurant-quality. Peak season varies, but when they're around, they make every trip memorable.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their power and the structure below to try and break you off. These fish are built for one thing: pulling hard. They'll head straight for the bottom when hooked, testing your ability to turn them before they reach their rocky hideouts. Amberjack are year-round residents around wrecks and reefs, making them reliable targets when other species are scarce. They're not flashy fighters, just pure muscle that'll leave your arms burning.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make an ordinary day legendary. These fish are curious and will often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you don't get with most species. They're strong fighters that use their broad tails to generate serious pulling power. Cobia are seasonal visitors but worth targeting when they're around - they're excellent eating and provide that perfect balance of power and finesse in the fight.
Red Snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing, combining excellent table fare with enough fight to keep things interesting. These fish are structure-oriented and can be finicky, requiring precise presentations and quality bait. When the season's open and regulations allow, snapper fishing is hard to beat. They're smart fish that will test your patience, but landing a nice red snapper is always satisfying. Their flaky white meat is the reason many anglers started fishing in the first place.
This is exactly the kind of fishing trip that sells out during prime season - private boat, experienced captain, and the flexibility to fish your way. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, want to introduce family to offshore fishing, or just need a day away from everything, this charter delivers. With departure times that work around your schedule and trip lengths from 4 to 6 hours, you can find the perfect fit. The small group size means personalized attention and the ability to target species that interest your crew most. Book now and get ready for the kind of fishing day you'll be talking about for years.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - their dark brown bodies and single dorsal fin fool people all the time. These solitary hunters average around 30-50 pounds but can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll spot them cruising shallow waters near reefs, wrecks, and structure, usually alone and often right at the surface. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawn from June through August. What guests love is the sight fishing - seeing that big brown shape cruising and making the perfect cast. They fight hard and the meat is outstanding, firm and sweet. Bucktail jigs work great, but don't overthink the color. The secret is getting that jig right in front of their nose - they're curious fish but won't chase far, so accuracy beats everything.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pound for pound some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with. These bruisers average around 39 pounds but can hit 6 feet and fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them on wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water year-round, with spring being prime time during their spawn from April through May. What makes them special is that raw power - they'll drag you straight back to the bottom and test every knot you tied. The meat is excellent, firm and white, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Heavy tackle is a must - 50-pound line minimum. Live bait works best, but don't overlook vertical jigging with heavy metals. Here's the key: once you hook up, turn up that drag and keep steady pressure to pull them away from the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These silver bullets average 30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and structure where they hunt baitfish. They're most active during warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is that blazing speed - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and put up one heck of a fight. The meat is rich and flavorful, though it's got higher mercury content. For the best shot at hooking up, use a two-hook rig with wire leader since kings love to bite the back half of your bait. Live bait like blue runners work great, but don't overlook trolling spoons and large artificials.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter, flashing brilliant gold and green colors that change like a light show when they're brought to the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach 87 pounds. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and any structure in warm water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're feeding actively near the surface. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild-tasting. Look for birds working over floating objects since mahi often hang underneath. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep others in the school interested by leaving the hooked fish in the water while you cast to its buddies.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - those bright red fish that make everyone smile when they hit the deck. Most run 2-10 pounds, but they can push 35+ pounds and live over 20 years on deep structure. You'll find them on reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet of water. Season varies by regulations, but summer months are typically when you can target them. What guests love is that classic snapper fight - they pull hard and try to get back to the rocks, plus the meat is absolutely fantastic with that sweet, nutty flavor. Fresh squid and cigar minnows are go-to baits, but live pinfish will get you the biggest ones. Key tip: use enough weight to stay on bottom and be ready to pull them up quickly once hooked - they'll wrap you up in the structure if you give them half a chance.
Fort Walton Beach, FL