Get ready for a action-packed 4 hours on the water with Fishbuster Charters! We're talking about some of the best fishing Jacksonville has to offer, both inshore and offshore. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to land that trophy catch or a first-timer eager to learn the ropes, Captain Robert's got you covered. We provide all the top-notch gear you'll need, so just bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and let's hit the waves. Fair warning: once you experience the thrill of hooking into a monster barracuda or seeing a tarpon leap clear out of the water, you might just be hooked for life!
Our trips are all about giving you the best shot at landing some real beauties. We use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. Might be trolling for wahoo offshore, or sight-casting to rolling tarpon inshore. Captain Robert's been doing this for years, so he knows all the local hotspots. We'll get you set up with everything from light tackle for inshore species to heavy-duty gear if we're chasing big game offshore. Don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's always happy to show you the ropes, from how to properly set the hook to the best way to handle your catch for a quick photo before release.
Folks love our trips because we keep things fun and laid-back, but we're serious about putting you on fish. It's not just about the catch, though - it's about the whole experience. You might see dolphins playing in our wake, or spot sea turtles cruising by. And there's nothing quite like watching the sun climb over the Atlantic as we head out in the morning. Plus, with a max of 4 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and time with a rod in your hands. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book!
Tarpon: These silver kings are the stuff of fishing legend. Growing up to 8 feet long and weighing in at 280 pounds, hooking into one of these monsters is like trying to stop a freight train. They're famous for their spectacular aerial displays - when a tarpon goes airborne, it's a sight you'll never forget. Best time to target them is late spring through summer when they're cruising our waters. Landing one of these beasts will give you bragging rights for years to come.
Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are one of the most exciting fish to catch. They'll hit lures and live bait with explosive force, often leaping clear out of the water in the process. These predators can grow up to 6 feet long, and they put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them year-round in our waters, but they're especially active in the warmer months. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Greater Amberjack: Locally known as "reef donkeys" for their bull-headed fighting style, amberjacks are the ultimate test of an angler's strength and stamina. These powerful fish live around offshore wrecks and reefs, and they can grow to over 100 pounds. When you hook one, be prepared for a grueling battle - they'll dive for the bottom and refuse to give an inch. But the fight is worth it, as they're also excellent table fare. Peak season is typically fall through spring.
Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, wahoo are your target. These streamlined predators are one of the fastest fish in the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're a prized catch not just for the thrill of the chase, but also for their delicious, mild-flavored meat. Wahoo tend to be loners, so hooking into one is always a special treat. While they can be caught year-round, your best bet is during the cooler months from fall to early spring. When a wahoo hits, hold on tight - their initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds!
So there you have it, folks - a world-class fishing experience right here in Jacksonville, Florida. Whether you're dreaming of battling a hard-fighting amberjack, feeling the incredible speed of a wahoo, or witnessing the acrobatics of a tarpon, we've got you covered. Remember, with only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't miss your chance to create some unforgettable memories on the water. Grab your buddies, pack some snacks, and let's go fishing! Book your trip with Fishbuster Charters today, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Just remember - once you experience fishing like this, don't blame us if you get hooked!
Barracuda are mean-looking predators with a mouthful of sharp teeth. They usually run 2-4 feet long around here. You'll spot them lurking near reefs, wrecks, and other structures in our inshore and nearshore waters. These ambush hunters are lightning-fast, able to hit 35 mph in short bursts. We catch them year-round, but summer's typically best. Folks love targeting 'cudas for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs. They're not considered good eating, so we practice catch-and-release. To hook one, try fast-retrieving a silver spoon or topwater plug - barracuda can't resist that flash. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. Keep your fingers away from the business end!
Greater amberjack are hard-fighting bruisers that'll test your strength. We find them around deep reefs and wrecks offshore, usually in 60-250 feet of water. They average 20-50 pounds but can top 100. Spring and fall are peak amberjack seasons here. Anglers love AJs for their relentless power - once hooked, they dive straight for the bottom and don't quit. The meat's good eating too. Live bait like blue runners works great, but big jigs can be effective. When you hook up, get ready for a battle. These fish will try to wrap you in the structure, so you've got to muscle them up quick. It's a workout, but landing a big amberjack is a real accomplishment.
Tarpon are giants of the inshore waters, growing up to 8 feet long and 280 pounds. These silver kings are famous for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. You'll find them in our coastal waters and estuaries, especially around structures like bridges and deep channels. Spring and summer are prime tarpon seasons here in Jacksonville. Anglers love targeting them for the intense fight - hooking one of these monsters will test your skills and endurance. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but artificial lures can be effective too. When you hook up, keep your rod tip high and be ready for some spectacular jumps. Just remember, these are catch-and-release only - we want to keep the population healthy for future anglers to enjoy.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and put on amazing aerial displays. We find them in our bluewater from spring through fall, often around temperature breaks and floating debris. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 100. Wahoo are prized for both their fight and their excellent table fare. To target them, we troll at high speeds with lures or rigged baits. When one hits, it's like hooking a freight train - get ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. My tip: use wire leaders, as wahoo's razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Landing one of these speedsters is always a thrill.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 49
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150