Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the water with Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters in Jacksonville, FL. This 8-hour trip is perfect for serious anglers looking to max out their time on the boat and fill the cooler with some impressive catches. We'll cruise along the beautiful beaches, chasing after big game fish like tarpon and kingfish, and maybe even take a breather on a sandbar if you need to recharge. It's a long day, but trust me, the time flies when you're reeling in one fish after another.
We'll kick things off early, meeting at the dock just as the sun's coming up. After a quick safety rundown, we'll head out to where the fish are biting. This full-day trip gives us plenty of time to try different spots and techniques. We might start inshore, working the flats for redfish, then run out to deeper water for some trolling action. The beauty of having 8 hours is we can really follow where the fish are leading us. And don't worry about getting worn out - if you need a break, we can always pull up to a sandbar for a bit of R&R before getting back to the action.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. For inshore fishing, we might do some sight casting or use live bait to entice redfish and jacks. When we head out for the bigger game fish, we'll likely do some trolling with lures or live bait. I'll bring all the gear you need - top-notch rods, reels, and tackle. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks, as meals aren't included. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen - a full day on the water can be tough on your skin if you're not prepared.
Jacksonville's waters are teeming with fish year-round, but some of our top targets for this full-day trip include tarpon, king mackerel, redfish, crevalle jack, and cobia. The tarpon fishing has been on fire lately, with some real monsters being hooked. We've also been seeing a lot of kingfish, which always put up a great fight. Redfish are a staple in these parts, and they've been biting well in the backwaters. The jacks and cobia tend to show up as we move into warmer weather, adding even more variety to our potential catch list.
Tarpon: Known as the "silver king," tarpon are the ultimate game fish. These prehistoric-looking beasts can grow over 6 feet long and put up a spectacular aerial show when hooked. They typically show up in Jacksonville waters from late spring through fall. Landing one of these giants is a real feather in any angler's cap.
King Mackerel: Also called "kingfish," these speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for their blistering runs and can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. We usually target them by trolling with live bait or lures. The best time for kingfish is during their spring and fall migrations, but we can find them offshore throughout the summer too.
Redfish: A favorite among local anglers, redfish are hard-fighting and great eating. They hang out in the shallow flats and around structures like oyster bars. We often sight-fish for them, which is exciting as you can see the fish before you cast. They're available year-round, but the fall "bull red" run is particularly epic.
Crevalle Jack: These bruisers are pure muscle and will test your stamina. They're often found in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more. Jacks are most active in the warmer months and can be caught using a variety of methods, from topwater lures to live bait.
Cobia: These curious fish are often spotted near the surface and around structures like buoys or even sharks. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare. Cobia typically show up in Jacksonville waters in the spring and stick around through the summer. Landing one of these on light tackle is a real thrill.
Folks choose this full-day trip because it gives them the best shot at a variety of fish. With 8 hours on the water, we've got time to really explore and find where the fish are biting. Plus, there's something special about spending a whole day on the boat - you really get into the rhythm of fishing and often catch your biggest fish later in the day when other charters have already headed in. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like that feeling of coming back to the dock with a cooler full of fish and a day's worth of stories to tell.
If you're looking for a full day of fishing action in Jacksonville, this is the trip for you. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, I'll make sure you have a great time and hopefully land some impressive catches. We've got room for up to 4 guests, so grab your fishing buddies and let's hit the water. Don't wait too long to book, though - these full-day trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give Bell & Anchor Fishing Charters a call today and let's get you out on the water for an unforgettable day of fishing in Jacksonville!
Cobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks. These brown bulldogs can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 foot depths. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate through. Anglers prize cobia for their strong fights and excellent eating quality. Sight fishing is popular - look for them swimming near the surface. Live eels or large jigs are top baits. Here's a pro tip: when you spot one, cast well ahead of it and let the bait sink. Cobia are curious and will often investigate. Once hooked, be ready for some powerful runs. Landing a big cobe is a true trophy!
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the ocean. These aggressive fighters average 3-5 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them both inshore and offshore, often around structure or busting bait on the surface. Summer and fall are prime seasons. Jacks aren't known for their eating quality, but anglers love them for their relentless fights - pound for pound, few fish pull harder. Watch for birds diving on bait to locate feeding schools. Topwater lures or fast-retrieved jigs work great. Here's a local secret: the smell of watermelon sometimes signals a nearby jack school. Strange but true! Be ready for an arm-wrenching battle when you hook one of these bruisers.
King mackerel, or kingfish, are speed demons of the ocean. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them in depths of 40-150 feet, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. Kings migrate through our waters spring through fall, with peak season in summer. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the go-to method. Anglers love targeting kings for their blistering runs and tasty fillets. When you hook one, let it run to tire itself out before reeling. Pro tip: use wire leaders, as their razor-sharp teeth will slice through monofilament. Nothing beats the excitement of a king smoking your reel!
Redfish are a Jacksonville staple, popular year-round. These copper-colored beauties with their signature tail spots typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, but can reach 40+ pounds offshore. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near structure in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up. Anglers love reds for their strong fights and excellent table fare. Sight fishing for tailing reds in the shallows is a blast. Try gold spoons or soft plastics, but live shrimp is hard to beat. My top tip: look for pushed water or "nervous" bait fish to locate a school. Once you find 'em, you're in for some fun!
Tarpon are one of the most exciting gamefish you'll find in Jacksonville. These silver kings can reach over 6 feet long and 100+ pounds, known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting spirit. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up into freshwater rivers. Spring and summer are prime tarpon seasons here. Anglers love targeting them for the thrilling fights and photo ops, though we practice catch-and-release to protect the population. When hooking one, keep your rod tip up and be ready for those spectacular leaps. A local trick is to use live mullet or crabs - tarpon can't resist 'em. Just be patient and hang on tight when that silver flash erupts!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150