FISHING ITINERARY: Day on a Deep Sea Fishing Charter

There is noting more exciting than catching a big fish while on the deep blue sea. In Jacksonville, there are many ways to get in the water and reel in a big one. If you have a whole day to enjoy at sea then let us show you the best way to get your fishing on!

GET A BOAT:
The first step is booking a fishing charter. You’re on vacation so allow someone else to handle the hard parts of your adventure. Most charters come equipped with not only an adventurous day at sea, but the licenses, equipment and knowledge of the best fishing spots. Some charters even provide light snacks and beverages for your day at sea. You will likely be instructed to meet your chartered boat at one of our two ocean access marinas. Their locations provide quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

MARINAS:

1. Morning Star Marina located in Atlantic Beach, at the mouth of the St. Johns River

2. Beach Marine located in Jacksonville Beach are most commonly used for ocean access.

WHAT TO CATCH:
During the Fall, you can find an abundance of Barracuda, Red Fish, Grouper, Bass, Mackerel, Cobia and Snapper. For all other times of the year, this calendar will let you know when to catch what.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Morning: Get there early and bring snacks.
• You may want to get a motion sickness patch or pill the day before.
• Wear comfortable clothing and don't forget the sunblock and a hat, you are in Florida!
• Charter staff will set the lines for you and help you identify the signs of a bite.
• Have Fun!

FISHING RULES:
Now don’t forget the Florida Fishing rules, if you decide to fish without a professional. Some basic regulations are:

• You must obtain a recreational saltwater fishing license
• Organisms must be landed and kept alive
• A continuously circulating live well, aeration or oxygenation system of adequate size to maintain these organisms in a healthy condition
• Allowable Gear: hand-held net, drop net, rod, barrier net, slurp gun (use of quinaldine is prohibited)*
• Bag Limit: 20 organisms per person per day; only 5 of any one species allowed within the 20-organism bag limit
• Possession Limit: 2-day possession limit, 40 total organisms, no more than 10 of any one species allowed
• Allowable substrate: see species specifications in table
• Closed areas: Some closed areas exist**
• Sale of recreational caught marine life organisms is prohibited
• Regulations also apply in federal waters

PHOTO OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN:
In deep sea fishing you must rely on the picture to say a thousand words because you can't always keep your fish. If it's not the right size or season you must throw it back into the sea. Disappointing (We know!),

DINNER:
Don’t fret, if you really had prepared your taste buds for fresh caught seafood, there is a Safe Harbor Seafood restaurant at both ocean access marinas. The location at Morning Star Marina even has a full market where you can shop for fresh local seafood as well.