Top-Rated Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: September 22, 2025
Fishing

Myrtle Beach, SC
Updated Date: January 12, 2026

Summary

This 6-hour private charter takes your group of up to 4 people into Jacksonville's best fishing waters, targeting everything from kingfish and cobia nearshore to mahi and wahoo further out. Captain and crew provide all the gear, bait, ice, and even bottled water, plus your fishing licenses are included. You'll have shots at beeliners, mutton snapper, redfish, and sharks depending on conditions and what's biting. The mate will clean up to 5 fish per person for a small fee, so you can focus on fishing and head home with dinner ready to cook. Perfect mix of nearshore and offshore action in one trip.

Top-Rated Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Charter

Jacksonville Fishing Action

1 Spanish Mackerel fish caught on fishing tour in Jacksonville

Picturesque view of Jacksonville, Florida

Anglers fishing on the water in Jacksonville

Scenic view of Florida coastline during fishing trip

Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Charter

If you're looking for a solid day on the water that combines the best of both nearshore and offshore fishing, this 6-hour private charter out of Jacksonville delivers exactly that. Captain and crew at Gambler Fishing Charters LLC know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're after the hard-fighting kings close to shore or chasing mahi way out in the blue water. This isn't some cookie-cutter boat ride – it's a real fishing trip designed for up to 4 anglers who want to experience what makes Jacksonville one of Florida's top fishing destinations.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the game plan. The beauty of this 6-hour trip is the flexibility – depending on conditions, bait availability, and what's biting, you might start working the nearshore structure for cobia and mutton snapper before heading out to the deep water for mahi and wahoo. The crew provides all your tackle, fresh bait, and ice, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. They've got the licenses covered too, which is one less thing to worry about. Bottled water keeps everyone hydrated during those hot Jacksonville summers, and when you're fighting fish in 85-degree heat, you'll appreciate that thoughtful touch.

Trolling & Bottom Fishing

This charter runs a mix of techniques that keep things interesting all day long. When you're working the offshore waters, expect to see the spread go out – multiple lines trolling at different depths and speeds to cover water and find the bite. The crew knows how to read the water, watching for birds, debris lines, and temperature breaks that hold fish. For the bottom fishing action, you'll be dropping baits on structure and reefs where snapper and grouper hang out. The tackle is all top-shelf stuff, matched to the species you're targeting. Circle hooks for the bottom fish, wire leaders for the toothy critters, and the right drag settings to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew will walk you through everything and help you fight your fish properly.

Target Species You'll Hook

Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and Jacksonville's Gulf Stream proximity makes this area a mahi hotspot from spring through fall. These fish are pure excitement – they hit trolled baits hard, jump like crazy, and their bright gold and green colors are something to see. Most mahi here run 10 to 25 pounds, with bigger bulls showing up during peak season from May through August. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite – find a school, and you might boat a dozen fish before they move on.

Cobia are the bruisers of the nearshore game, and Jacksonville's waters produce some real tanks. These brown sharks (that's what old-timers call them) cruise the surface around buoys, wrecks, and structure, often in plain sight. A 40-pound cobia will test your tackle and your back – they pull like freight trains and don't give up easy. Spring and fall are prime time, when the big fish are moving through on their migrations. The crew loves sight-fishing for cobia because it's visual, exciting fishing that gets everyone on the boat involved.

Red snapper fishing here is as good as it gets when the season's open. These reef dwellers are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the table. Jacksonville's artificial reefs and natural bottom hold good populations of reds, and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. The crew knows the productive spots and how to present baits that these wary fish will eat. A 15-pound red snapper is a prize fish that'll make your trip memorable.

Mutton snapper are the sneaky good fish that many anglers overlook. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spot and red-tinged fins are common on Jacksonville's reefs and wrecks. They're excellent table fare and put up a respectable fight on appropriate tackle. Muttons are year-round residents here, making them a reliable target when other species are off the bite.

Northern kingfish (king mackerel) are speed demons that'll scream line off your reel faster than you can believe. Jacksonville's kings run from small schoolies to 40-pound smokers, and they're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and dead baits. The crew typically targets them with slow-trolled baits or live bait fishing around structure. Kings are excellent eating when prepared properly, and their fighting ability makes them a favorite target for many anglers.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated Jacksonville charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the mahi are thick and the weather's cooperating. The crew handles fish cleaning for up to 5 fish per person (small fee for additional cleaning), so you can head home with dinner ready for the freezer. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. The mate works hard all day keeping your lines in the water and helping you land fish – tips aren't required but they're definitely appreciated by these hardworking crew members. Whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first offshore trip, Gambler Fishing Charters LLC will put together a day on the water that shows you why Jacksonville fishing has such a stellar reputation along the East Coast.

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are the brown torpedoes of our nearshore waters, and they're built like submarines - long, dark, and powerful. Most run 20-50 pounds, but we see 60+ pounders regularly around Jacksonville. They hang around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet, though spring migration brings them shallow. April through June is peak season when they're moving through for spawning. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - we spot them cruising near the surface, then pitch live bait or jigs right to them. They're aggressive fighters that'll peel drag and dive for structure. Plus, they're phenomenal eating - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. Key tip: use a 4-8oz bucktail jig and don't be shy about getting close to the fish for an accurate cast.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi are some of the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time here in Jacksonville waters. What makes them special? That incredible color show they put on when hooked - flashing gold, blue, and green before fading once boated. They're strong swimmers that'll test your drag, plus the meat is fantastic - firm white flesh that's perfect grilled or blackened. My tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look around. Mahi often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area quickly with a second rod ready.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are the prettiest fish in the snapper family, with that distinctive pinkish-olive color and blue streaks around the eyes. They typically run 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up on the deeper reefs. You'll find them around live bottom, coral heads, and sandy areas near structure in 40-150 feet. They're year-round residents, but summer months produce the most consistent action. What sets muttons apart is their wariness - they're spookier than most snappers, so presentation matters. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The fight is classic snapper style, straight for the bottom when hooked. My advice: use the freshest bait possible and keep your sinker light. A knocker rig with live or fresh dead shrimp works best. When you see that pink flash coming up, that's your mutton.

Northern Kingfish

Northern kingfish are scrappy little fighters that punch way above their weight class. These bronze-colored bottom dwellers usually run 10-14 inches and weigh up to 2 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. You'll find them in shallow sandy and rocky areas, typically 10-30 feet deep along the coast. Late summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. They're part of the drum family and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. What guests enjoy is the challenge - kingfish are smart and require finesse. They use that little chin barbel to taste everything before committing. Light tackle is key since they've got small mouths. Best tip: use fresh clams, bloodworms, or small pieces of squid on a small hook. Fish right on the bottom and be patient.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and for good reason. These deep-water warriors average 2-8 pounds but can push 20+ on the right structure. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet around Jacksonville. Federal season typically runs summer months, though regulations change yearly. What makes them special is that classic snapper fight - they'll pull hard for the bottom the moment they feel steel. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf Stream, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation. They're smart too, so fresh bait and light leaders make a difference. Here's the trick: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it, count to three, then drive it home hard. They've got bony mouths.

Sitemap