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Bonito Fishing Charters In Jacksonville

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters Near Jacksonville, Fl

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Fishing in Jacksonville

Deep Sea, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Offshore Fishing

NEW
25 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Fishing in Jacksonville

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

4 Hour Offshore- 24' Pair Custom

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
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Fishing in Jacksonville

Deep Sea, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Summer Time Offshore Fishing

NEW
25 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Fishing in St. Augustine

Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Light Tackle Nearshore Trip

NEW
20 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in St. Augustine

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Extended Day Adventure

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People $$$

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Other Trips in Jacksonville

Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
trip description for Jacksonville nearshore/ Offshore in Jacksonville

Hop on board with Captain Bill and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the tides! Nearshore and offshore Jacksonville is a great spot to target some of the biggest fish Florida has to offer. On this 6 to 8-hour trip, Captain Bill will take you off the coast of Jacksonville where you can expect to target Black Seabass, Flounder, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon in the nearshore, or target some bigger game like or Mahi Mahi, Vermilion Snapper, Cobia, Gray Triggerfish, and Redfish a little bit farther offshore. Captain Bill is a knowledgable guide who is sure to put you where the fish are biting! To attract these picture-worthy fish you'll be using a variety of fishing techniques such as light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing, jigging. Captain Bill is happy to demonstrate proper fundamentals for these techniques. Captain Bill fishes aboard a 25’ Contender 24S center console, with a capacity for six people. Powered by a 300 HP Yamaha engine, this vessel is sure to get you to where the fish are biting in a hurry. It even has an on-board bathroom! Captain Bill will provide all rods, reels, tackle and bait. These family-friendly trips can host up to 6 people, so make sure you bring some good company! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Nearshore/ Offshore

100% (3)
25 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
trip description for Jacksonville Inshore Fishing in Jacksonville

Hop on board with Captain Bill and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the flats! The Jacksonville inshore is the perfect spot to catch some big fish without a long offshore excursion. On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Bill will take you close-by off the coast of Jacksonville where you can expect to target Black Seabass, Flounder, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon. Captain Bill is a knowledgable guide who is sure to put you where the fish are biting! Captain Bill will take you exploring Jacksonville's inshore waterways such as the St John's River and the nearshore areas of the ocean. To attract these picture-worthy fish you'll be using light tackle and artificial lures. Captain Bill is happy to demonstrate proper fundamentals for these techniques. Captain Bill fishes aboard a 25’ Contender 24S center console, with a capacity for six people. Powered by a 300 HP Yamaha engine, this vessel is sure to get you to where the fish are biting in a hurry. It even has an on-board bathroom! Captain Bill will provide all rods, reels, tackle and bait. These family-friendly trips can host up to 6 people, so make sure you bring some good company! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Inshore Fishing

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Jacksonville Beach
Fishing in Jacksonville Beach
Fishing in Jacksonville Beach
trip description for Jacksonville Flats on Light Tackle in Jacksonville Beach

Hop on board with Captain David and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the flats! The clear water in the Jacksonville inshore makes it the perfect spot to do some fly and light-tackle fishing. On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain David will take you close-by off the coast of Jacksonville beach where you can expect to target Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. Captain David has been guiding anglers in Florida for over 20 years now, so get ready to catch some fish! To attract these picture-worthy fish you'll be using a lightweight rod to cast exactly where the fish are swimming. Captain David is happy to demonstrate proper fly-fishing fundamentals to newcomers, or to provide experienced fly fishers with some expert tips. If you opt for light tackle, David will get you set up with the perfect bait or lure for your target species! Captain David fishes aboard a 19' Bay Craft skiff boat, equipped with a Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor, and an Ice Box to store your catches. A large casting area at the front of the boat makes it perfect for some uninterrupted casts. This vessel is sure to get you where you need to be in the Jacksonville inshores. Captain David will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need is a valid Florida fishing license as well as any food or drinks you might need. Come aboard and catch some fish! Read More

Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Jacksonville Beach

Jacksonville Flats On Light Tackle

NEW
19 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
trip description for Full Day or Half-day Inshore Trip in Jacksonville

Hop on board with Captain Don and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the Florida Atlantic! The Jacksonville inshore is the perfect spot to catch some of the beautiful fish that Florida is known for without a long offshore excursion. On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Don will take you to the inshore waters of Jacksonville to waterways such as the St. John's River, where you can expect to target a wide selection of fish including Flounder, Red Snapper, Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and Tripletail. To attract these picture-worthy fish you'll be using a variety of techniques including bottom fishing, heavy tackle, light tackle and trolling. Just let Captain Don know what you want to catch and he'll get you set up with the best technique! On this trip you'll be fishing aboard a 21’ Hewes bay boat with a capacity for 4 people. Powered by a 225 HP Yamaha engine, this vessel is maneuverable in the inshores and is sure to get you to where the fish are biting. It comes with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, a Wireless Trolling Motor, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Don will also clean any keepers for no additional cost! Captain Don will provide all rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice and beverages. All you need is your sunglasses, hat and sunscreen, and any snacks you might need. Catch some keepers with Captain Don! Read More

Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Full Day Or Half-day Inshore Trip

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 3 People $$
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
trip description for Inshore / Backwater Light Tackle in Jacksonville

Your adventure begins within the beautiful extensive network of bays, spartina islands and tidal creeks that permeate the region. Roaming these waters are three of the state’s most sought-after game fish, redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder available year-round. With over 30 years of experience fishing the waters of Jacksonville, St Augustine, Amelia Island and Fernandina, Captain Ron is one of the best light tackle inshore and backwater fishing guides you can ask for when hitting these waters. From custom catered trips to expert advice, Captain Ron is there to ensure you have a fantastic exploring this beautiful estuary and go home with memories to last lifetime! All charters include: fishing licenses, bait, tackle, and a cooler with ice and bottled water. Captain Ron recommends you bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, any food or drink you would like to keep in the cooler, and proper clothing depending on the season. Captain Ron will arrange to meet you at a boat ramp convenient to your location. Located in Jacksonville and surrounding area’s. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Inshore / Backwater Light Tackle

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 3 People $
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Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
trip description for Epic Jacksonville Jetty Trip (**up to 6 hrs) in Jacksonville

********6 HOUR TRIPS ARE ''UP TO 6 HOURS'', MAX. 4 PERSONS. YOU CAN FISH LESS IF DESIRED*********** ''Jetties'', are man-made piles of car sized granite boulder built in a pyramid shape off the bottom, of the Ocean, coming off of the beach, for over a mile. This massive underwater structures are designed to break waves, protect the inlet. Which coincidentally provides perfect habitat for a wide variety of fish species. If you're looking to catch a fish 365 DAYS A YEAR, the jetties off of Jacksonville, FL are a perfect place to do so, aboard Capt. Dave's boat aptly named; the JETTYWOLF. ********6 HOUR TRIPS ARE ''UP TO 6 HOURS'', MAX. 4 PERSONS. YOU CAN FISH LESS IF DESIRED*********** CHILDREN OVER 10 years old ONLY. Read More

Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Epic Jacksonville Jetty Trip (**up To 6 Hrs)

NEW
26 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
trip description for Authentic Local Inshore Experience in St. Augustine

If your looking for local knowledge and insider secrets on what the hottest bite is around St. Augustine, you've come to the right place. Fishing the St. Augustine and Palm Coast area flats provides some of the best fishing in Northeast Florida. Whether you're fishing with live bait or sight fishing with artificials you will have a great time targeting many species like Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Black Drum, Flounder and many others. You will be fishing from Captain AJ's 18' Mako Flats powered by a 90hp Yamaha with a crazy shallow draft that allows him to get you up shallow where the fish like to hang out. The fish like this shallow water because predators are usually too big to mess with them. Thus you often find happy fish willing to whack your bait. Happy fish = Happy you! All ages and experience levels are welcome; Captain AJ is a pro when it comes to catering his trips to your experience level. Whether you’re kicking back to capture the scenery or reeling in your next big catch, Captain AJ puts in the extra effort to make sure you have an outstanding time out on the water. Beyond secret spots, helpful tips, and lots of laughs, Captain AJ supplies everything else could you need for a successful inshore adventure. He supplies all bait, tackle, gear, fishing license and ice water. All you need to bring is appropriate clothing for Florida's climate and polarized glasses. AJ also encourages you to bring any snacks and drinks you'd like to enjoy on the boat as well. Since Captain AJ aims to keep Florida beautiful, a percentage of the proceeds from each charter is donated to his non-profit company, Florida Republic. Florida Republic partners with conservation groups like Keepers of the Coast and Florida Wildlife Corridor to protect and preserve our Florida ecosystems. To learn more or get involved ask Captain AJ about it while out on the boat, he would love to fill you in! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Authentic Local Inshore Experience

NEW
23 ft 1 - 3 People $
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A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
trip description for Full Day Trip - 31' Contender in St. Augustine

The world is your oyster when you book a full-day trip with Captain Ricky down in North East Florida. You can head up to 45 miles offshore aboard his 31' Contender for some pelagic trolling, or bottom fishing! You never know what your gonna haul up from the depths when you get offshore in the Atlantic of course, but some typical catches Captain Ricky expects include Red, Mangrove and Mutton Snapper, Grouper, Bee-liners, Triggerfish, and Mahi in the summer months. With a full open bow, there is plenty of room for your entire crew to fish comfortably and to store extra coolers. Powered by twin Honda 250’s we get you to the fishing areas quickly and smoothly. He offers plenty of options to suit every need and provides all the necessary equipment to make your experience phenomenal. All he recommends you bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, weather-appropriate gear, and some bags/coolers to bring home your catch after he's cleaned it for you! Captain Ricky's trips are for anglers of all ages and levels so whether you're a seasoned pro or a new beginner, Captain Ricky will put his 25+ years off-shore fishing experience to work for you! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Full Day Trip - 31' Contender

NEW
31 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
trip description for Deep Water Bottom Fishing in St. Augustine

If you’re looking for the softest, driest riding center console boat for your St. Augustine fishing charter, you’ve found it! Head out with Captain Scott to experience world-class fishing in first-class style. Scott is dedicated to providing you with an exciting, fun, safe, and comfortable trip filled with unforgettable memories. One trip with him and you’ll be hooked! **8 Hour Trips:** you’ll typically fish various live bottom areas, wrecks, and reefs located 25 - 40 miles from shore. Commonly caught species include Snapper, Triggerfish, Kingfish, Porgies, Grouper, Sea Bass, Cobia, and more. **10 Hour Trips:** The extra time allows Captain Scott to take you out further to fish deeper water in the 40-50 mile range, where he likes to target Grouper, Tuna, Mahi, Snapper, Triggerfish, Porgies, African Pompano, Cobia, Amberjack and more. Prices include fuel, ice, bait, rods/reels, tackle, fishing licenses, and fish cleaning at the end of your trip. You only need to bring your food and drinks. No matter which duration you choose, Captain Scott's 27-ft Center Console built by top-tier custom builder, Southport. Thanks to its incredible hull design and 9’6” beam (full foot wider than most boats under 32-ft), it’s the softest riding, driest, and roomiest boat in its class. She’s powered by twin 250hp Yamaha 4-stroke engines (think quiet, and no oil or gas smell like 2-strokes and diesels) that push her along at 55+ mph. Yes, she is easy on the eyes, but the greater beauty is found in how she handles the open ocean. Why Choose Captain Scott? Let us count the reason: 1. More Fishing Time His 27' Southport cruises at 30-35 knots, getting you on the fish fast. Thanks to his Rhodan GPS trolling motor, he can anchorlessly keep the boat stationary with the click of a button, and can easily move spots if the bite is cold, wasting no time at all. His high-res CMOR Mapping chip has helped us amass hundreds of great spots. 2. Family Friendly As a father of two young children who love to fish, Capt. Scott knows how to keep kids having fun and catching fish all day long. A primary reason Scott chose his 27’ Southport was to ensure his own kids feel safe and comfortable when going offshore with him. 3. Comfort In addition to the boat’s soft, dry ride, you’ll be spoiled by his e-Sea Rider bean bag chairs and Sea-Deck cushioned floors whether you’re sitting or standing. The massive 11 ft. T-top provides tons of shade, and the step-down bathroom (head) has 6’ of stand-up clearance. 4. Flexibility While it is always the captain’s call regarding whether sea conditions are safe enough, it’s important that you enjoy your fishing charter. If conditions are “safe” but rough, Captain Scott will find a better day to take you or issue a refund. He watches the forecast closely and communicates early, often, and clearly. 5. Exceeding Safety Standards Captain Scotts #1 priority is safety. In addition to all Coast Guard required safety gear, his boat is equipped with a 6-man Coastal Commander life raft, Furuno radar, an EPIRB, 2 Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), 3 VHF radios (1 handheld) with GPS and Distress buttons. 6. High-Quality Gear Like his boat, his fishing gear is of the highest quality as well. From the Star Rods and Shimano & Penn reels, down to Yo-Zuri fluorocarbon leaders and Mustad circle hooks - everything on his boat is top-notch. Scott spares no expense to ensure your adventure is amazing. So what are you waiting for? Pick your date and book now! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Deep Water Bottom Fishing

NEW
27 ft 1 - 4 People $$$
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
trip description for Offshore Adventure - 30’ Albemarle in St. Augustine

Launch with Captain Robby for a first-class Atlantic Coast fishing experience out of St. Augustine, FL! With over 20 years of experience guiding these North East Florida waters, Captain Robby will put all of his knowledge toward getting you on the fish safely and in style! After you get settled in, and Captain Robby cranks up the engines, you will motor out a couple of miles offshore to do some trolling, deep-sea dropping, and fish catching! Your targets can depend on how far offshore you go (and the time of year) but the focus is mainly on big game species, such as Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, and Wahoo. You can also go after Black Grouper, Amberjack, Sheepshead, Cobia, and many more. The longer the trip you run the more flexibility you will have in what species you'd like to pursue. You;ll be aboard a 30' Albemarle Express that accommodates up to 6 guests. This fishing machine has everything an angler needs for a great day on the water. She’s powered by twin 300 HP engines and features a fighting chair, trolling gear, a live bait tank, and top-of-the-line navigational electronics. To ensure everybody’s comfort throughout the day, the boat also has a private bathroom, a fully functioning galley, a bedroom, and an air-conditioned lounge area. You are welcome to get as involved as you would like with your adventure as well, whether you'd rather lounge until the reel starts screaming or if you want your hand on the rod the whole time, Captain Robby can make it happen! Beyond superior service and luxurious amenities, Captain Robby also provides top of the line rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water. He'll even clean and bag your fish for you to take home. Thus, all you need to bring are your favorite lunch, snack, and drink, your sun protection, maybe a towel, and your camera! Otherwise, Captain Robby will take care of the rest to make the most of your St. Augustine saltwater adventure! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Offshore Adventure - 30’ Albemarle

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
trip description for Extended Day Adventure in St. Augustine

If your looking to get some serious fishing done in St. Augustine, Captain Robby's extended day trips are for you! With over 20 years of experience guiding these North East Florida waters, Captain Robby will put all of his knowledge toward getting you on the fish safely and in style as you explore the open ocean. After you get settled in, and Captain Robby cranks up the engines, you will motor out a couple of miles offshore to do some trolling, deep-sea dropping, and fish catching! For these 10-12 hour trips the world is your oyster on board with Captain Robby and your targets depend on how far offshore you go but the focus is mainly on big game species, such as Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, and Wahoo. You can also go after Black Grouper, Amberjack, Sheepshead, Cobia, and many more. What also matters is that you get to keep the catch and the crew will clean it for you free of charge. You'll be aboard Captain Robby's 30' Albemarle Express, which can accommodate up to 6 guests. This fishing machine has everything an angler needs for a great day on the water. She’s powered by twin 300 HP engines and features a fighting chair, trolling gear, a live bait tank, and top-of-the-line navigational electronics. To ensure everybody’s comfort throughout the day, the boat also has a private bathroom, a fully functioning galley, a bedroom, and an air-conditioned lounge area. You are welcome to get as involved as you would like with your adventure as well, whether you'd rather lounge until the reel starts screaming or if you want your hand on the rod the whole time, Captain Robby can make it happen! Beyond superior service and luxurious amenities, Captain Robby also provides top of the line rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water. He'll even clean and bag your fish for you to take home. Thus, all you need to bring are your favorite lunch, snack, and drink, your sun protection, maybe a towel, and your camera! Otherwise, Captain Robby will take care of the rest to make the most of your St. Augustine saltwater adventure! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

Extended Day Adventure

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
Fishing in St. Augustine
trip description for St. Augustine Deep Sea Trip in St. Augustine

Get ready for a full fun-packed day of nonstop action explore the nearshore and offshore waters off St. Augustine with Captain Dalton! On this trip, you will be venturing out to the deeper water while staying within sight of the shoreline. While trolling, Mackerel is a big catch but you never know what species will get excited and come up to whack your bait! Captain Dalton will also show you how to hook into a myriad of Snapper and Grouper species while dropping your line onto the nearshore reefs. Captain Dalton will provide all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses for your adventure so all he recommends you bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, your weather-appropriate clothing, and some sunglasses. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Deep Sea Trip

NEW
57 ft 1 - 6 People $$$

Everything to Know About Booking a Jacksonville bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Jacksonville?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 5 bonito trips in Jacksonville, and the most popular trips in the area are Offshore Fishing guided by Jeremy, 4 Hour Offshore- 24' Pair Custom guided by Joe, and Summer Time Offshore Fishing guided by Jeremy.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly bonito guides / fishing lessons in Jacksonville? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Jacksonville.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Jacksonville?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for bonito in Jacksonville as well as nearshore fishing and jetty fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Jacksonville are live bait fishing, artificial lure fishing, and bottom fishing but heavy tackle fishing and trolling are popular as well.

How much do Jacksonville bonito fishing charters cost?

for bonito in Jacksonville prices can range anywhere from an affordable $600 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Jacksonville is $727. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Jacksonville is $1,260.

What month is best for bonito fishing in Jacksonville?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Jacksonville is spring, and most anglers book their trips 9 days in advance.

Do I need a Jacksonville fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito in Jacksonville?

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Jacksonville don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Jacksonville.

What is bonito fishing in Jacksonville all about?

Bonito, also known as false albacore, are a popular and fast-swimming species found in the waters off Jacksonville. These pelagic fish are prized for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, making them a favorite among anglers seeking an exhilarating challenge. Bonito can be found in nearshore and offshore waters, particularly in areas with strong currents and abundant baitfish. Their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to strike a variety of lures make them a thrilling target for anglers of all skill levels.

In Jacksonville, bonito can be targeted throughout the year, but they are most abundant during the spring and fall months. During these seasons, bonito migrate along the coast in search of warmer waters and prey, bringing them closer to the shore where they can be easily accessed by anglers. Bonito are often found in schools, feeding voraciously on baitfish such as anchovies, sardines, and menhaden. Anglers targeting bonito can locate these schools by searching for diving birds, surface disturbances, or baitfish activity, then casting lures or bait into the feeding frenzy.

Anglers targeting bonito in Jacksonville typically use a variety of techniques to entice strikes from these fast-moving fish. Trolling with diving plugs or feathered lures is a popular method for covering a large area and locating schools of bonito. Anglers can also cast metal spoons, jigs, or surface poppers into feeding frenzies or along current lines where bonito are likely to be hunting. Light spinning tackle or fly fishing gear can provide exciting battles with bonito, as these fish are known for their speed and agility. Overall, targeting bonito in Jacksonville offers anglers a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience in the vibrant marine environment of Florida's northeast coast.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito in Jacksonville?

In Jacksonville, bonito seasons align with their migration patterns and feeding habits, typically peaking during the spring and fall months. As the weather warms up in spring, bonito migrate along the coast in search of warmer waters and abundant prey, making them more accessible to anglers. During this time, anglers can expect to encounter schools of bonito feeding voraciously on baitfish such as anchovies, sardines, and menhaden. The fall season also sees an increase in bonito activity as they migrate back along the coast, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target these fast-swimming fish.

While bonito can be found in Jacksonville's waters year-round, they are most abundant during the spring and fall seasons. During these times, anglers can locate bonito by searching for diving birds, surface disturbances, or baitfish activity, indicating the presence of feeding schools. Additionally, anglers may find success targeting bonito along current lines, near offshore reefs, or around bait pods where these fish are likely to be hunting. By adjusting their fishing tactics and locations to match seasonal movements, anglers can increase their chances of encountering and catching bonito in Jacksonville's vibrant marine environment.

Winter and summer can also offer opportunities to target bonito in Jacksonville, although they may be less abundant during these seasons. During the winter months, bonito may migrate to warmer waters or deeper offshore areas, making them less accessible to anglers. In contrast, summer can see sporadic appearances of bonito in nearshore waters, particularly during periods of cooler water temperatures or increased baitfish activity. Overall, understanding the seasonal patterns of bonito can help anglers plan their fishing trips and maximize their chances of success in Jacksonville's coastal waters.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Jacksonville?

Fishing for bonito in Jacksonville requires anglers to employ specific techniques to entice strikes from these fast-swimming fish. One effective method is trolling, where anglers use small diving plugs or feathered lures behind a slow-moving boat to cover a large area and locate schools of bonito. By varying trolling speeds and depths, anglers can adjust their presentation to match the preferences of the fish and increase their chances of success. Trolling is particularly effective when targeting bonito along current lines, near offshore reefs, or around bait pods where these fish are likely to be hunting.

Another productive technique for targeting bonito in Jacksonville is casting lures into feeding frenzies or along current lines where bonito are likely to be hunting. Metal spoons, jigs, and surface poppers are popular lures for enticing strikes from bonito, as they mimic the movement and appearance of baitfish. Anglers can cast these lures into schools of feeding bonito or areas with visible surface disturbances, then retrieve them quickly and erratically to provoke strikes. Light spinning tackle or fly fishing gear can provide anglers with exciting battles with bonito, as these fish are known for their speed and agility.

Drifting over offshore reefs and ledges is also a productive technique for targeting bonito in Jacksonville's coastal waters. Anglers can drift with the current while presenting live bait or vertical jigs to cruising bonito. Anchovies, sardines, and menhaden are popular bait choices for targeting bonito, as they closely resemble the natural prey of these fish. By drifting over productive areas and varying their presentation, anglers can increase their chances of encountering and catching bonito in Jacksonville's vibrant marine environment.

What other species are popular in Jacksonville?

Aside from bonito, Jacksonville offers anglers a diverse array of other species to target throughout the year. One prized catch among local fishermen is the red snapper, known for its vibrant coloration and delicious taste. These fish inhabit the offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges along the Jacksonville coast, providing anglers with thrilling battles and rewarding catches. Whether bottom fishing with live bait or jigging with artificial lures, anglers can find red snapper year-round in Jacksonville's diverse marine habitats, offering endless opportunities for exciting fishing adventures.

Another popular species to pursue in Jacksonville is the king mackerel, also known as kingfish, which thrives in the area's nearshore waters and around offshore structures. These fast-swimming fish are known for their powerful runs and aggressive strikes, making them a favorite among both recreational and sport fishermen. Anglers targeting king mackerel can use a variety of techniques, including trolling with live bait or artificial lures, to entice strikes from these formidable predators. With their impressive size and strength, king mackerel provide anglers with memorable fishing experiences and the chance to reel in some impressive catches while exploring Jacksonville's vibrant marine environment.

For those seeking inshore adventures, Jacksonville offers opportunities to target species such as redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. These fish can be found in the area's estuaries, flats, and tidal creeks, providing anglers with exciting opportunities for sight casting and shallow-water fishing. Whether using live bait, artificial lures, or fly fishing techniques, anglers can enjoy the thrill of targeting these popular inshore species while exploring Jacksonville's scenic coastal waters.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Bill was a great guy very knowledgeable and a pleasant to be around

    Matthew S. with Bill P. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Frank is awesome. Boat was spacious and adequate. Asked for sheepshead, left with nine. Great job.

    Rod J. with Frank C. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Ron, made light of some difficult fishing conditions to ensure that i went home with a huge smile on my face after a really decent haul of a great variety of fish. He was flexible, charming and a delight to spend a day with - a day i shall treasure for some time to come.

    Marcus B. with Ron S. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding fishing trip and adventure with Captain Bill. Celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary, I decided to book a deep-sea fishing trip while visiting our daughter in Jacksonville Florida. Captain Bill's sense of humor, people skills, combined with his professional knowledge and experience as a Captain and fishing guide made this trip/experience a great success and one we will always cherish. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a down-to-earth Captain that is fun an a expert in his craft.

    Larry J. with Bill P. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time and frank is a nice guy and good Captain. Will definitely be going again soon!!

    Mike V. with Frank C. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great fishing trip.

    Paul with Bill P. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Don is truly a 5 star fishing guide. He's a better guy. I've been fishing for over 50 years, and as I hoped, Captain Don showed me several ticks and trips I'd never seen. No matter your experience level, he has something to help. We had a great day on the water, and had a great conversation. Darn fish just kept bugging us though.

    Dan D. with Don T. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with captain frank. Due to the storms that rolled in weeks prior to our trip and a nor' easter, we had to make due with the areas we had available to fish. The booking process was very easy and we enjoyed our time on the water.

    Magan J. with Frank C. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our 6-hour in-shore fishing trip with Captain Billy was such a great time! He's definitely done his fair share of charters and we were lucky enough to catch quite a few fish. He followed all sizing restrictions and made sure we were on fish at every spot we went to. After, he showed us the proper way to clean fish. We will most definitely do another charter with him in the future.

    Ileana W. with Bill P. of Jacksonville, Florida

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