Top-Rated Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: September 22, 2025
Fishing

Port Orange, FL
$275 - $3,200 price range
Updated Date: September 29, 2025

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with this 6-hour private fishing charter out of Jacksonville. You'll hit both nearshore and offshore spots, giving you a shot at a wide range of species. We're talking beeliners, kingfish, cobia, mutton snapper, mahi mahi, wahoo, redfish, and even sharks. The boat's set up with quality bait, ice, and tackle, so you just need to focus on the fishing. We've got room for up to 6 people, and your fishing licenses are covered. Stay hydrated with the bottled water we provide. At the end of the day, the mate can clean up to 5 fish per person for you. It's a full day of fishing without any hassle – just show up ready to reel 'em in. Remember, the mate works hard to make your trip great, so a tip is always appreciated if you're happy with the service.

Top-Rated Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Charter

Reels and Fins

Six anglers fishing in Jacksonville, Florida

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Red Snapper & Kingfish • Port Orange fishing charter

Jacksonville's Ultimate Offshore Fishing Adventure

Get ready to feel the thrill of the open ocean on this 6-hour private charter out of Jacksonville. We're talking serious fishing action that'll have you and your crew hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced team at Gambler Fishing Charters knows how to put you on the fish. We'll cruise beyond the breakers to where the big boys play, giving you a shot at some of the most sought-after gamefish in these parts.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average day on the pond, folks. We're hitting both nearshore and offshore spots, so you'll get a taste of everything Jacksonville's waters have to offer. We provide all the quality bait, ice, and tackle you need to land the big ones. And don't worry about bringing your fishing license – we've got that covered in your trip rate. Our crew will be right there with you, showing you the ropes and helping you reel in the catch of a day. We keep it chill with up to 6 guests, so there's plenty of elbow room for everyone to get their lines in the water.

Top Catches This Season

Jacksonville's offshore waters are teeming with a variety of prized catches. We're talking about hard-fighting kingfish that'll make your reel sing, tasty beeliners perfect for the dinner table, and the occasional cobia that'll give you a run for your money. If we're lucky, we might even tangle with some high-flying mahi mahi or a toothy shark that'll get your heart racing. And let's not forget about those beautiful mutton snappers – they're like underwater gold in these parts. Our crew knows exactly where these fish like to hang out, and we'll use every trick in the book to get them biting.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – it's about the whole package. We keep you hydrated with bottled water on board, 'cause trust me, you'll work up a sweat reeling in these monsters. And when the day's done, our mate will clean up to 5 fish per person for you. That's dinner sorted for the next few nights! If you've had an especially good day and want more cleaned, no worries – we can handle that for a small extra fee. Just remember, if the crew's been working hard for you all day, a little tip goes a long way in showing your appreciation.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi, or as we like to call 'em, dorado, are the acrobats of the sea. These colorful beauties are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're fast growers and can reach up to 30 pounds in their first year. Spring through fall is prime time for mahi, and there's nothing quite like the rush of seeing a school light up the water with their electric blue and gold colors.

Cobia are the bruisers of the nearshore waters. These brown bombers can grow over 100 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms feeling like jelly. They're curious fish, often following rays, sharks, or even our boat. Late spring and early summer is when they really start to show up, and landing one of these bad boys is a trophy-worthy accomplishment.

Red Snapper might be the tastiest fish in the sea, and they're a staple of offshore fishing here. These ruby-red beauties hang around reefs and structures, and when you hook one, be ready for a battle. They've got a knack for diving back into their hidey-holes, so quick reflexes and a strong arm are key. The season's limited, but when it's on, it's on fire.

Mutton Snapper are the sneaky cousins of the red snapper. They're a bit more finicky and require some finesse to catch, but boy, are they worth it. These pink-hued fish can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their delicious, flaky white meat. You'll find them hanging around reefs and ledges, and they're active year-round in our warm Florida waters.

Northern Kingfish, or kingfish as we call 'em, are the speed demons of the coast. These silvery torpedoes can zoom through the water at incredible speeds, making for some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. We often troll for these bad boys, and when one hits, hold on tight! Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them cruising our waters most of the year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching for some real offshore action, this is the trip for you. We've got the know-how, the gear, and the attitude to make sure you have a blast out there. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to feel the rush of battling big game fish, we've got you covered. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Give Gambler Fishing Charters a call and let's get you out on the water for a day you won't forget. Just a heads up – that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to the catch of a lifetime. See you on the boat!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your biceps. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. They migrate through our area from late spring to fall, with the best action in summer. Cobia are prized for their hard-fighting ability and excellent eating quality. When hooked, they make powerful runs and can be stubborn to bring to the boat. Sight-fishing for cruising cobia is a real thrill - scan the surface and cast a bucktail jig or live eel when you spot one. Here's a local trick: Cobia love to follow big rays and sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled for those too. Once you hook up, be ready for a battle. These fish will test your stamina, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fillets you'll ever grill.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch and eat. These colorful fish average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. You'll find them offshore near weedlines and floating debris, often in the company of frigate birds. Mahi are fast swimmers that put up an acrobatic fight when hooked. Late spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak season. Anglers love targeting them for their beautiful appearance, hard-fighting nature, and excellent table fare. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, skipping the bait on the surface to mimic flying fish. When you spot a school, cast a bucktail jig or live bait and hold on tight - they'll test your gear and your arms. Pro tip: Once you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others. Mahi travel in schools, so you might land several from the same spot.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are smart, strong, and delicious - a real triple threat for anglers. These olive-colored fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 30-180 feet of water, often near areas with good current flow. Spring and early summer are prime times, especially around the full moon when they gather to spawn. Muttons are prized for their hard fight and excellent eating quality. They're notorious bait stealers, so presentation is key. Use fresh bait like squid or cut fish, and keep your rig as natural as possible. Here's a local trick: Chum heavily to bring them up in the water column, then free-line a bait back in your slick. When you feel that telltale thump, get ready for a battle. Muttons will try to run you into the rocks, so you'll need to turn them quickly.

Northern Kingfish

Northern kingfish might be small, but they pack a punch for their size. These bronze-backed drum average 10-14 inches and rarely top 2 pounds. You'll find them in the surf zone and near piers, often in areas with sandy or rocky bottoms. Late summer is prime time when they congregate near shore. Anglers love targeting them for their scrappy fight and sweet, white meat. Light tackle makes even small kingfish feel like giants. Use small hooks baited with pieces of clam, bloodworm, or squid. Here's a local tip: Look for them in deeper holes or cuts in the surf, especially on incoming tides. When you feel a bite, give them a moment before setting the hook - kingfish can be nibblers. Once hooked, they'll put up a spirited fight on light gear. It's a great way to introduce kids or newbies to saltwater fishing.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are the crown jewels of bottom fishing. These tasty red beauties average 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 60-300 feet of water. Red snapper season is short but sweet, usually opening for a few weeks in summer. Anglers love them for their hard-fighting spirit and exceptional table fare. When you hook one, be ready - they'll try to dive back into structure and break you off. Fresh bait is key - try cigar minnows, squid, or live pinfish. Here's a pro tip: Use a fish finder to locate the schools, then drop your bait right on their heads. The biggest snapper often hang below the main school, so be patient and work different depths. Once you get them fired up, the action can be non-stop. Just remember to watch your limits - these fish are closely regulated.

About the Gambler Fishing Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 24

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 375

Get ready for an action-packed day of fishing off the Jacksonville coast! This 6-hour private charter takes you and up to 5 friends to prime spots for both nearshore and offshore angling. You'll have the chance to reel in a variety of prized catches like kingfish, cobia, snapper, mahi mahi, and more. All the essentials are provided - quality bait, ice, tackle, and even bottled water to keep you hydrated under the Florida sun. No need to worry about fishing licenses either, as they're included in your trip rate. The experienced mate will be on hand to assist and can clean up to 5 fish per person for you (with a small fee for additional cleaning). While not required, tips for the mate's hard work are always appreciated. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so gather your crew and get set for a memorable day on the water targeting Jacksonville's diverse marine life!

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