With So Many Options, Which trip is for me?
North East Florida is such a diverse eco-system that presents so many options depending on time of year, preferences and weather. With winter air temperatures dipping into the 20s at their lowest and flirting with 100 degrees in the summer it can be hard to understand what the target species, location and overall expectation of a charter fishing trip can be. Typically winter winds keep us inshore and Summer temps can slow fishing inshore Into a complete halt. There is a ton of information here, please don’t get overwhelmed. It is just as easy to call me (904-770-0577) and I will line up times and discuss with you directly!
A 2025 NOAA study on charter trips in Florida stated nearly 90% of all charters that take place by Federally permitted vessels were 4 hours, also known as half day trips. It’s only suitable we talk about them first.
A half day Inshore you should have a low to moderate level of physical ability. Casting and finesse being much more important than strength on your average day. Staying flexible with timing is awesome as trends and tides change daily. Typically December to March it is so important to fish on the low tide, rarely are early mornings important for this and I prefer middle of the day tides that line up with the warmest part of the day. This speaks volumes for the Back Country Flats Boat trips. Offshore trips aren’t tide dependent but far more reliable weather wise between April and August. Typically a start between 6:30am and 8am is most appropriate but winter afternoon offshore trips when weather is good are a great vibe but don’t provide that much fish to take home if that’s the goal.
Half Day Inshore: Half Day Offshore:
Spring/Summer Targets: Spring/Summer Targets:
Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Redfish, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bonita,
Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Flounder, Black Drum, Trout. Red snapper, Sharks,
Winter/Fall Targets: Winter/Fall Targets:
Sheepshead, Redfish, Yellowmouth Trout, Red Snapper, Sharks, Black Seabass, Porgies
Speckled trout, Black Drum
What is the benefit of booking a 6 hour vs a 4 hour? A 6 hour is where things start to feel like a fishing trip vs a casual day. This allows us extra time to either
1) seek out an active school of fish on a slow day 3) Bottom fish if the trolling species are slow or live bait isn’t present
2) additional time to catch friskier live bait if bait fishing is tough 4) travel further offshore to get away from the crowds on a busy day
The 3/4 day trip is my recommendation for almost every one except trips involving Kids, Seniors or Folks who just don’t want to be in the sun to long. Fishing wise the timing works out almost perfect inshore and offshore. With similar options fish wise to the 4 hour it certainly opens the door to much better opportunity. You should have a moderate level of physical ability. These trips can provide sore arms and sunburnt faces. Following the same ride ideals as the half day trips is important in the winter but require early departures during warmer weather regardless of tide.
Half Day Inshore: 3/4 Day Offshore:
Spring/Summer Targets: Spring/Summer Targets:
Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, Ladyfish, Redfish, Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Bonita,Blackfin Tuna
Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Flounder, Black Drum, Trout. Red snapper, Sharks, Vermillion snapper, Triggerfish, Grouper
Mangrove Snapper, Sailfish
Winter/Fall Targets: Winter/Fall Targets:
Sheepshead, Redfish, Yellowmouth Trout, Red Snapper, Sharks, Black Seabass, Porgies, Vermillion
Speckled trout, Black Drum. Triggerfish
Full day trips are the mack daddy. Take all the time in the world to travel and hunt the right fish. Either inshore or offshore up to 40 miles from land. You should have a moderate to awesome physical ability to be on the water for a full 8 hours. It's as close to a for sure thing as you can buy in fishing that we will find something nice to pull on with the whole day to fish. Strength for pulling large fish off the bottom or reeling fast to keep the line tight while live bait trolling is a must. Inshore these trips can be spent with multiple techniques for multiple or the same species depending on the time of year, id only recommend an 8 hour inshore for those who really really want to be on the water! Targets are the same as the 6 hour with better odds.