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Sunset Inshore Fishing Trip in Fernandina Beach
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Fernandina Beach, FL
- $350 - $2,400 price range
- Updated Date: August 13, 2025
Summary
Captain Tony Peeples offers a laid-back 2-hour evening trip that's perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking to mix light fishing with beautiful scenery. You'll head out from Fernandina Beach on a roomy 31-foot boat that comfortably fits up to 6 people. Depending on the season, you might catch Redfish, Black Drum, or Jack Crevalle in the calm inshore waters. But there's no pressure - you can also just relax and enjoy the sunset cruise if you prefer. All the fishing gear and licenses are provided, so you don't need to bring anything except some drinks and snacks if you want. It's a great way to get out on the water, try your hand at fishing, and soak in the coastal views without any fuss. Just keep in mind that deposits aren't refundable if you need to cancel.
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Sunset Fishing Views
Massive Black Drum iced down ❄️🐟
Epic Mahi Mahi weigh-in 🏆🐟
Powerful Redfish offshore 💥🐟
Chunky Black Drum success 🐟
Solid Red Snapper dockside ⚓🐟
Bold Red Snapper offshore 🔴🐟
Proud Grouper catch on Southern Style ⚓🐟
Exciting Redfish catch with the kids 🎣👨👧👦
Sleek offshore-ready ride 🚤
Colorful Mahi catch for the kids 🎣🌈
Massive Black Drum iced down ❄️🐟
Epic Mahi Mahi weigh-in 🏆🐟
Powerful Redfish offshore 💥🐟
Chunky Black Drum success 🐟
Solid Red Snapper dockside ⚓🐟
Bold Red Snapper offshore 🔴🐟
Proud Grouper catch on Southern Style ⚓🐟
Exciting Redfish catch with the kids 🎣👨👧👦
Sleek offshore-ready ride 🚤
Colorful Mahi catch for the kids 🎣🌈
Massive Black Drum iced down ❄️🐟
Epic Mahi Mahi weigh-in 🏆🐟
Powerful Redfish offshore 💥🐟
Chunky Black Drum success 🐟
Sunset Fishing & Sightseeing in Fernandina Beach
Ready for a laid-back evening on the water? Captain Tony Peeples knows just the spot. This 2-hour trip with Southern Sport Fishing Charters is perfect for folks who want to wet a line without the pressure of a hardcore fishing day. We'll cruise the calm inshore waters around Fernandina Beach, giving you a chance to cast for some fish, soak in the scenery, or just kick back as the sun dips below the horizon. It's the kind of easy-going trip that'll have you feeling like a local in no time.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard our roomy 31-footer, and we'll set out for some prime inshore spots. This trip's all about flexibility - want to focus on fishing? We'll put you on some spots where Redfish, Black Drum, and Jack Crevalle like to hang out. More interested in taking in the sights? No problem. We'll cruise along, pointing out landmarks and maybe catching a glimpse of some dolphins if we're lucky. And if you just want to relax? Grab a seat, crack open a cold one (BYOB), and enjoy the ride. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for families, friend groups, or even a casual date night. Don't sweat the gear - we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need, plus the fishing licenses are covered.
Casting & Cruising 101
Even if you've never held a fishing rod before, you'll fit right in on this trip. We keep things simple with light tackle fishing - perfect for beginners or anyone who doesn't want to wrestle with heavy gear. We might do some drift fishing, where we let the boat move naturally with the current while we drop lines in likely spots. Or we could try some cast and retrieve, tossing lures near structure where fish like to hide. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what might bite - could be a hard-fighting redfish or a chunky black drum. And hey, if the fish aren't cooperating, we'll just enjoy the ride and maybe catch a stunning sunset instead.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the inshore world. They've got a distinctive "drumming" sound they make, and they put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them around oyster beds and bridge pilings. They're here year-round, but spring and fall can be especially good.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are a blast when they're running. They're more of a nearshore species, so we might encounter them if we venture a bit further out. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Late spring through fall is prime time for kings.
Mahi Mahi: While we're primarily inshore, sometimes these colorful acrobats venture closer to shore, especially around floating debris. If we're lucky enough to spot some, get ready for a show - they're known for their wild jumps and beautiful electric blue and green colors. Summer is your best bet for mahi.
Crevalle Jack: These guys are pure muscle. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, you might find a bunch. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.
Cobia: These curious fish are sometimes called "crab eaters" or "ling." They're known for following large rays or sharks, so keep your eyes peeled. Cobia can grow big - 50+ pounds isn't uncommon. They've got a reputation for being unpredictable fighters, sometimes coming in easy, other times giving you the run of your life. Spring and early summer are typically the best times for cobia.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing these waters as the day winds down. The light gets soft, the water often calms, and you get a whole different perspective on Fernandina Beach. It's not just about what ends up on the end of your line - though that's always a bonus. It's about being out there, maybe seeing a pod of dolphins cruise by, watching osprey dive for their dinner, or just soaking in that "ain't life grand" feeling as the sky turns shades of pink and orange. Plus, with Captain Tony at the helm, you're in for some good stories and local knowledge that'll give you a real feel for this slice of Florida.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want a low-key evening with friends, or just need to unwind after a day of beach-going, this trip hits the spot. It's a chance to see Fernandina Beach from a different angle and maybe land a fish or two while you're at it. Remember, we provide all the gear and know-how - you just need to bring yourself, maybe some snacks, and a willingness to have a good time. Spots on these sunset trips tend to fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book. Give Southern Sport Fishing Charters a call and let's get you out on the water for a evening you won't forget. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and get ready for some smooth sailing and good times!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
The Black Drum is a stout, deep-bodied fish known for its dark, vertical stripes when young, which fade to a solid gray or black in adults. Commonly found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, they can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to over 50 pounds. Black Drum are bottom feeders, favoring crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, which they crush with their strong pharyngeal teeth. While smaller “puppy drum” are popular for their mild, sweet flavor, larger adults are often caught for sport rather than table fare.
Cobia
Cobia are real brutes of the ocean, often reaching 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in waters 30-70 feet deep. They're solitary fish, which makes targeting them a challenge - but that's half the fun. Spring is prime time as they migrate and spawn. Look for them just below the surface; sight fishing is the name of the game. These guys put up one heck of a fight and make excellent table fare to boot. Their firm, tasty meat is prized by anglers and chefs alike. When you're out there, try tossing a bucktail jig their way. The color doesn't matter much, but a 4-8 oz jig usually does the trick. Just remember, they can be stubborn, so patience is key. Nothing beats the thrill of hooking into one of these powerful fish - it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of inshore waters. These powerful fish typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach 30+. You'll find them busting bait schools in coastal waters year-round, but action peaks in summer and fall. Jacks love to chase fast-moving lures and put up a brutal fight on light tackle. Watch for birds diving or bait spraying on the surface - that's often jacks feeding. They're not known as great table fare, but the sheer power and aggression make them a blast to catch. Try working topwater plugs or metal jigs through feeding schools. A local secret is to look for jacks around diving pelicans - they often work the same bait balls. Be ready for explosive strikes and long, powerful runs. Pound for pound, few fish pull as hard as a big jack.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are the speedsters of our offshore waters. These sleek, toothy predators can top 50 pounds, though most run 10-30. Look for them from spring through fall anywhere from just off the beach to 20+ miles out. Kings hit trolled baits and lures at high speeds, often skyrocketing out of the water on the strike. They make blistering runs and taste great smoked or grilled. To target them, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A local trick is to use wire leaders - kings will slice through mono with their razor-sharp teeth. The bite can be feast or famine, but when it's on, multiple hookups are common. There's nothing quite like watching a big king smoke a surface bait and go airborne. Just hang on tight when they run!
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi, also known as Common Dolphinfish, are vibrant, fast-swimming fish recognized for their dazzling colors—golden on the sides with bright blues and greens along the back. Found in warm offshore waters, they are prized by anglers for their acrobatic fights and speed. Mahi Mahi typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, though larger catches are possible. They feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, making them a common target near floating debris or weed lines. Beyond the thrill of the catch, Mahi Mahi are a top choice for the table, offering firm, mild, and flavorful fillets.
About the Southern Sport Fishing Charter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzukis
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Picture yourself on a laid-back evening cruise around Fernandina Beach with Captain Tony Peeples. His 31-foot boat has plenty of room for you and up to 5 friends or family members to spread out and enjoy the ride. As you glide through the calm inshore waters, you can try your hand at some light fishing if you'd like. Depending on the season, you might reel in redfish, black drum, or jack crevalle. Don't worry about bringing any gear - Captain Tony provides everything you need, including fishing licenses. Of course, if you'd rather just kick back and take in the scenery as the sun goes down, that's fine too. It's your 2-hour trip, so you set the vibe. Feel free to pack some drinks and snacks to make it extra enjoyable. This easy-going outing is great for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a relaxing way to spend an evening on the water.
