Half Day Trip – Jetties - Fernandina Beach, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting tarpon, sharks, and redfishAll gear, tackle, and bait provided by experienced guidesSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
If you're looking for some serious fishing action without burning a whole day, this half-day jetty trip out of Fernandina Beach is exactly what you need. Captain and crew at Top Hook Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about prime inshore fishing at its finest – think structure fishing around the jetties where the big boys love to hang out. You'll have four hours of pure fishing time, which is plenty to load up on some quality catches. The jetties here are famous for holding everything from slot redfish to monster tarpon, and when the conditions are right, you might just hook into the fish of a lifetime.
This trip is all about getting after it from the moment we leave the dock. The Fernandina Beach jetties create the perfect ambush points where baitfish get pushed around by the current, and that's exactly where we'll be setting up. You'll be fishing in 10-25 feet of water most of the time, working the rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks that these fish can't resist. The boat stays comfortable with just four anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of room to work and won't be bumping elbows when that big fish decides to make a run. Pack your own snacks and drinks because once we're on the fish, nobody wants to head back to shore early. The crew provides all your rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait – you just need to bring your A-game and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Jetty fishing is a whole different beast compared to open water fishing. We're working live bait around structure, which means precision casting and knowing how to read the current. The captain will set you up with everything from circle hooks for the bigger predators to lighter tackle when the trout are schooled up. Most of the time we're using live shrimp, finger mullet, or cut bait depending on what's working that day. You'll learn to work your bait along the rocks without getting hung up – it's all about letting the current do the work while keeping just enough tension to feel that bite. When we're targeting tarpon, we might switch to larger baits and heavier tackle because these silver kings don't mess around. The key is staying ready because bites can happen fast around the jetties, especially during moving water.
Black drum around Fernandina are absolute bruisers, especially during cooler months when they school up near the jetties. These fish can push 20-40 pounds and will test your drag system for sure. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, so we'll often fish them on the bottom with cut bait. What makes black drum so fun is their bulldogging fight – they don't jump but they'll pull steady and hard, making you work for every inch of line. Spring and fall are prime time for the bigger drum, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot limit.
Tarpon are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and Fernandina's jetties are one of the most consistent spots on the East Coast. These silver kings show up in late spring and stick around through early fall, with fish ranging from 50 to 150 pounds. What gets anglers hooked on tarpon isn't just their size – it's watching a six-foot fish launch completely out of the water when it realizes it's been hooked. They're catch-and-release only, but the photos and memories last forever. Best action usually happens during moving tides when baitfish get swept through the jetty cuts.
Sea trout might not be the biggest fish we catch, but they're definitely crowd pleasers. These spotted beauties are aggressive biters and put up a scrappy fight on lighter tackle. They school up around grass flats and sandy bottom near the jetties, especially during warmer months. Trout fishing is perfect for beginners because they bite readily and don't require super heavy tackle. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters – flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Redfish are probably the most popular target for inshore anglers, and for good reason. These bronze-backed fighters are built like footballs and fight twice as hard as their size suggests. Around Fernandina, we catch reds from schoolie size up to bull reds that'll spool you if you're not careful. They love structure fishing around the jetties, especially during falling tides when baitfish get pushed out. Redfish have this amazing habit of making long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're around year-round but peak action happens in fall when the big ones move shallow.
Crevalle jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the ocean. These yellow-tinted bruisers will bend your rod in half and fight until the very end. They travel in schools around the jetties, especially when baitfish are thick. Jacks are perfect for when you want to feel your drag get tested – they'll make multiple runs and keep you guessing. While most anglers release them, they're actually decent smoked or made into fish cakes.
This top-rated half-day jetty trip gives you everything you need for a world-class fishing experience without taking up your entire day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your fishing or a beginner wanting to experience what makes Fernandina Beach fishing so special, this trip delivers. The crew knows exactly where to find the fish, provides all the gear you need, and keeps group sizes small so everyone gets personal attention. With target species ranging from hard-fighting redfish to acrobatic tarpon, you're guaranteed to have stories to tell.
Ready to chase some serious fish around Fernandina Beach's jetties? This well-equipped motorboat gets you right where the action is, whether you're targeting feisty redfish in the shallows or hunting massive tarpon and sharks near the structure. The onboard fish finder keeps you on top of the hottest spots, while GPS navigation ensures smooth runs between productive areas. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those Florida heat waves. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to work the waters without bumping elbows when the bite gets hot. The captain provides all your rods, reels, tackle, and bait - you just bring your appetite for some real fishing and whatever snacks fuel your day on the water. Perfect setup for working both the deeper jetty waters and backing into the inshore flats when conditions call for it.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds around here, though we've seen some monsters push 50+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they can crush crabs and shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bulldogs when hooked, using that thick body to pull hard and steady. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom near structure, and don't be surprised when that rod doubles over - these fish don't give up easy.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of the flats - brassy-colored bruisers that average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can push 40+ pounds when you find the big schools. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often following baitfish. Look for diving birds - that's your best sign that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. These fish are pure aggression and will slam anything that moves fast. They're not great table fare, but the fight is what you're after - they pull like freight trains and never quit. Summer and fall bring the biggest schools through our area. Pro tip: when you see them busting bait, cast a silver spoon or topwater plug past the school and burn it back through - the faster the better with these guys.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore fish, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches and 3-8 pounds, though bull reds over 35 inches pack serious muscle. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. Reds are aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. They're also fantastic eating when kept in the slot. The fight is what hooks people - strong, stubborn runs that'll test your drag. Look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then make a quiet approach and accurate cast ahead of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful silver fish covered in black spots that typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs around structure in 2-8 feet of water. Best fishing happens during moving tides, especially early morning and evening. Winter months they school up in deeper holes. Trout are popular because they fight well for their size, hit a variety of lures, and make excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They're pretty fragile though, so handle with care if you're releasing them. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp or paddle tail slowly along the bottom near grass beds - the bite feels like a gentle thump, so stay ready to set the hook.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, typically running 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, though giants over 200 pounds show up regularly. These prehistoric fish love our shallow flats, channels, and around the jetties where baitfish gather. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through. What makes tarpon special is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. Most folks practice catch and release since the meat is bony and not great eating. These fish can live 50+ years, so that big girl you're fighting might be older than you. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - keeps the line slack so they can't use their weight to break off.
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