Private Wreck Fishing Charter - 3 Hours
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 3hour fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guestsThree flexible departure times available throughout the dayAll fishing equipment and gear provided by charter company
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure that puts you right on the action? The Jig is Up Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want - access to productive wreck sites where the big fish hang out. This private 3-hour trip is perfect for small groups who want to target quality species without dealing with crowded party boats. With flexible departure times at 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, or 4:00 PM, you can pick the window that works best for your schedule and fishing preferences.
Your captain knows these nearshore wrecks like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're after trophy fish. The beauty of wreck fishing is that these underwater structures act like fish magnets - they create the perfect habitat for baitfish, which naturally draws in the predators you want to catch. You'll be working water that consistently produces, not just hoping for the best on random bottom. The 3-hour window gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what's biting. Since this is a private charter for up to 4 anglers, you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without rushing to accommodate a bunch of strangers.
Wreck fishing requires a different approach than your typical bottom fishing or trolling trip. Your captain provides all the necessary equipment, including heavy-duty rods and reels capable of handling the powerful runs these fish are known for. You'll primarily be vertical jigging and dropping baits right to the structure, which means precision boat positioning is crucial. The captain uses GPS and fish finder technology to put you directly over the most productive parts of each wreck. Expect to work with circle hooks, heavy sinkers to cut through the current, and both live and cut baits depending on what's working that day. When a big tuna or snapper hits near a wreck, you need gear that can handle the fight and the structure - that's why the provided tackle is specifically chosen for this type of fishing.
The target species list reads like a who's who of premier gamefish, and each one brings its own excitement to the table. Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the wreck scene - these 15-30 pound speedsters hit hard and fight even harder. They're most active during the warmer months and love to cruise the edges of wrecks looking for easy meals. What makes them special is their incredible stamina; they'll take you on multiple runs before coming to the boat. Atlantic Bonito might be smaller cousins to the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - these fish are pure energy and perfect for anglers who love nonstop action. They school up around wrecks and when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on.
Bigeye Tuna represent the holy grail of wreck fishing here. These deep-water giants can push 100+ pounds and prefer the deeper wrecks where the water stays cooler. They're notorious for their powerful, sustained runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. Night fishing or early morning trips often produce the best Bigeye action. Bluefin Tuna are the most prized catch you can hook on these wrecks - these fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide fights that anglers talk about for years. They're seasonal visitors but when they're around, every drop could be the fish of a lifetime.
Red Snapper bring a different kind of satisfaction to wreck fishing. While they don't make the blazing runs of the tuna species, these bottom dwellers are incredibly strong for their size and excellent table fare. They use the wreck structure to their advantage during the fight, trying to wrap your line around any obstruction they can find. The bigger snappers, often called "genuine red snapper" by locals, can reach 20+ pounds and require patience and skill to extract from their wreck home.
This private wreck fishing charter delivers exactly what experienced anglers want - access to proven fishing grounds with the flexibility to fish your way. The 3-hour timeframe keeps things focused and productive while the private boat setup means you're not competing with other anglers for space at the rail. Whether you're after the screaming runs of tuna species or the bulldogging fights of big snapper, these nearshore wrecks consistently deliver world-class fishing opportunities. The Jig is Up Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and this trip represents some of the best fishing value you'll find. Book your preferred departure time now - the wrecks are waiting and the fish are biting.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are bottom dwellers that grow from pink juveniles to bright red adults averaging 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though they can reach 35+ pounds. You'll find them on structure in 30-620 feet of water along rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks where they like to hide. They prefer water temps between 50-70°F, making late spring through early fall prime season. What makes them popular is they're scrappy fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, plus the meat is sweet and mild - perfect for grilling or frying. They're true warriors that'll test your drag. Live pinfish or cigar minnows work best, but fresh squid and shrimp produce too. The trick is getting your bait right to the bottom where they live, and be ready for that initial run toward structure. Keep steady pressure to turn them away from the rocks.
Sarda SardaThese silver speedsters are built like torpedoes and can hit 40 mph when they're running. You'll typically catch bonito in the 5-12 pound range, though they can push 18. They're mackerel family but look like small tuna with those distinct black stripes along their sides. Find them in coastal Atlantic waters where they school by the hundreds, often feeding on the surface - look for diving birds to spot the action. They prefer water temps in the 60s but can handle the 50s. Spring through fall offers the best fishing when baitfish are thick. Once you locate a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw. Pro tip: when it's windy, go with metal lures to cut through the chop. On calmer days, soft plastics stay in the strike zone longer.
Thunnus ObesusBigeye are built for deep water hunting with those massive eyes and can reach 400+ pounds, though most catches run 50-150 pounds. They dive deeper than other tunas, often to 800 feet, thanks to specialized blood that carries more oxygen. You'll find them in warm temperate waters around underwater structure and drop-offs. Summer months offer prime spawning season fishing, but they bite year-round in the right conditions. What sets them apart is that rich, fatty meat - it's some of the most valuable tuna on the market. They're strong fighters that make deep runs when hooked. Best fishing happens at dawn and dusk when they move up in the water column. Here's what works: troll dark-colored lures in the 8-10 inch range just before sunset. Their big eyes are sensitive to light, so they feed more aggressively in dim conditions.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna you'll find, typically running 15-30 pounds and maxing out around 39 inches. They're fierce fighters that'll give you solid runs despite their size. These fish love warm waters above 68°F and school up near the continental shelf, making fall through spring our prime time here. What makes them special is that golden lateral stripe that fades once they're landed - it's beautiful when fresh. The meat is top-notch for sushi or grilling. Best bite happens early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding. Here's the trick: scale down your tackle with fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. Their eyesight is sharp, so they'll spook from heavy gear. Live pilchards work great for chum to draw them close.
Thunnus ThynnusThe king of tuna species, bluefin are massive fish that average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, but can reach twice that size. They're built like living torpedoes with that distinctive blue-black back and silver belly. These are highly migratory fish found from Newfoundland down to the Gulf of Mexico, preferring both cold and warm waters thanks to their unique warm-blooded nature. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most active. What makes them legendary is the fight - expect fast surface runs and deep dives that'll test your heaviest tackle. The meat is world-class, especially for sushi. They feed heavily on mackerel, herring, and squid. Best technique is trolling with natural baits like herring or using cedar plugs. Here's the key: fish early morning or evening when they bite most aggressively, and always use outriggers to cover more water.
Fort Walton Beach, FL