Located along the Northeast Florida coast, Jacksonville offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to go deep-sea fishing. Whether you are looking for a serious deep-sea fishing adventure or a casual cruise that will let you fish while also looking for dolphins, whales and other marine life, Jacksonville can give you the fishing trip that's right for you.
Bigger Charter Lines
There are two major deep-sea fishing operations located in Jacksonville that each have been operating for over 25 years. King Neptune Deep Sea Fishing operates the Majesty fishing vessel and features deep-sea excursions each day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Majesty boasts family-friendly features, such as special rods which are lighter and easier to use for young fishermen. Meanwhile, the Mayport Princess has been operational for over 30 years and features a new 65-foot party boat, with high cruising speed and clean restroom facilities. The Mayport Princess also operates every day and suggests you book in advance.
Smaller Charter Lines
Jacksonville has several independent charter lines that offer deep-sea fishing excursions. Team Buck Rogers Charter Fishing operates several excursions out of Jacksonville and boasts a wide array of fish catches, including snapper, grouper, amberjack, bull redfish and dolphin sightseeing. Backwater Fishing Adventures is operated by Captain David Bories and offers a Jacksonville deep-sea fishing excursion with a private tour guide feel. Backwater Fishing Adventures will also accommodate your deep-sea requests for half-day, full-day and night charters, as well as fishing expeditions for trout, redfish, flounder and dolphins, osprey and manatee sightseeing.
Boat and Equipment Features
The Majesty at King Neptune Deep Sea Fishing is licensed for 100 passengers, but limited to 45 anglers and features high quality speed reels on 7-foot rods. The Majesty is equipped with heat and air-conditioned cabins and clean restrooms.
The Mayport Princess is a 65-foot vessel that can go 30 to 40 miles offshore. It features air-conditioned cabins, spotless facilities and the latest electronic equipment.
The charter lines at Team Buck Rogers and Backwater Fishing can hold three to seven anglers. The benefit of the smaller charter lines is the one-on-one help from an experienced guide.
Fish
Many of the same fish are found year-round, including a variety of snapper, triggerfish, cobia, kingfish, sea bass, amberjack and grouper. Both King Neptune Deep Sea Fishing and the Mayport Princess offer fish cleaning services and guests are allowed to keep the fish within the legal size and bag limits.
What to Bring
Since deep-sea fishing can be a very windy experience off the coast of Jacksonville, make sure to bring a hooded sweatshirt or windbreaker. Also, it is a good idea to protect yourself with sunscreen and sunglasses. And be sure to bring a cooler equipped with ice, soda and lunch. It is also a good idea to bring a towel to wipe your hands after handling the bait.
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