Step into a day of fishing with Southern Sport Fishing Charters, a family-run operation based in Fernandina Beach, Florida, where good vibes and years of on-the-water experience come together. At the helm is Captain Tony Peeples, a seasoned local who knows these waters like the back of his hand. With a calm, friendly approach and a genuine passion for helping others enjoy fishing, Tony leads with both knowledge and heart. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or have your own favorite knot for every rig, you’re in good hands with this crew. Guests often return year after year—not just for the fish, but for the way they're treated like family from the moment they step aboard. Captain Tony offers a variety of trips tailored to your comfort level and fishing goals. You can stick close to shore and work the jetties, ease through the inshore channels, or run offshore to chase bigger action. Target species include Redfish, Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Barracuda, Cobia, Seabass, and Black Drum. Whether you’re hoping to land a personal best or just enjoy some relaxing time with loved ones, they’ll make sure the trip suits your style. Your trip takes place aboard a 31’ Twin Vee catamaran, equipped with twin 300 HP Suzuki engines and built for both speed and stability. With a cruising speed of 20 knots and room for up to 6 guests, this vessel offers a smooth ride and plenty of space. Onboard amenities include a clean, private toilet, an ice box for drinks and snacks, a live bait tank to keep things lively, and an anchoring system to hold position over productive fishing grounds. The layout is open and comfortable, making it easy to move around whether you're casting lines or relaxing between bites. If you’re looking for a relaxing, productive day on the water with a captain who keeps things real and easygoing, Southern Sport Fishing Charters with Captain Tony Peeples is a top choice in Fernandina Beach. Rods, reels, tackle, bait, and licenses are all included—just bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and sense of adventure. At the end of your trip, your catch will be cleaned and filleted so you can enjoy the freshest dinner in town. Book your day now and let Captain Tony show you why folks keep coming back. From first casts to final fillets, every moment is designed to be simple, memorable, and fun.

 What’s Biting Offshore
Wahoo & Grouper: Wahoo are showing up well about 60 miles offshore. Grouper season opened May 1, and the bite has been consistent. Troll deep-diving lures in blue water for Wahoo, and hit reefs and ledges for Grouper.

Vermillion Snapper (Beeliners): These are biting steadily on offshore structures. Amberjack are also active and putting up a good fight.

Red Grouper: The bite has slowed a bit, but anglers are still landing a few nice ones on each trip.



Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park - Nassau, FL

 What’s Biting Offshore

EPSG:4269

A lone black drum fish caught while fishing in Fernandina Beach

A lone black drum fish caught by an angler in Fernandina Beach

6 sheepshead fish caught while fishing in FL

Black drum fish caught in Fernandina Beach, Florida

Majestic Atlantic sailfish caught in Fernandina Beach during fishing trip

Two anglers with a great catch of two fish in Fernandina Beach

Angler reeling in a 20-inch fish at Fernandina Beach

2 people fishing for a single large fish in FL

Fishing in the beautiful Fernandina Beach

Explore Fernandina Fishing with Captain Tony!

Experience the best of coastal angling with Southern Sport Fishing Charters in Fernandina Beach—where every trip is packed with local knowledge, big catches, and unforgettable memories. Book your adventure today and fish Florida’s top waters with Captain Tony Peeples! 🎣

Southern Sport Fishing Charters is a locally owned and operated charter service based in Fernandina Beach, Florida, led by Captain Tony Peeples. With decades of experience fishing the waters around Amelia Island and the Atlantic Coast, Captain Tony offers deep local knowledge and a laid-back, professional approach to every trip. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, Southern Sport Fishing provides custom charters designed to meet your goals, from inshore Redfish hunts to offshore Mahi and Grouper runs. The boat comfortably accommodates up to six guests, making it a great choice for families, friends, or small groups looking for a personalized day on the water. Specializing in targeting species like Redfish, Black Drum, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, and Jack Crevalle, Southern Sport Fishing offers a range of inshore, nearshore, jetty, and offshore trips to match every interest and skill level. Captain Tony is known for his patience with kids, clear instruction, and a deep respect for local fishing traditions. Departing from Fernandina Beach, each trip includes all required gear, licenses, and expert guidance to help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're casting close to the jetties or heading farther out for bigger fish, you'll be fishing with a captain who knows these waters and enjoys helping others experience them firsthand.

Fernandina Beach Fishing Charter Photo Gallery

Captain Tony Peeples is a lifelong local of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and the proud owner and operator of Southern Sport Fishing Charters. With decades of experience fishing the waters off Amelia Island, Captain Tony brings unmatched local insight, a strong connection to the tides and seasons, and a reputation for delivering safe, enjoyable trips for anglers of all ages. His calm, friendly approach makes him especially popular with families and first-timers, while his technical knowledge keeps seasoned anglers coming back for more. Whether you’re booking a relaxing inshore trip or a full-blown offshore excursion, you’ll find Tony is the kind of guide who knows how to put you on fish and make it fun along the way. Southern Sport Fishing Charters has been built from the ground up by Captain Tony’s dedication to excellent service, honest fishing, and meaningful client experiences. Over the years, the business has grown from a local favorite into one of the top-rated family-friendly fishing charters in Fernandina Beach. Known for his ability to read the water and adapt to conditions, Captain Tony has guided countless anglers to memorable catches. With a focus on both education and adventure, his trips provide a balance of hands-on fishing and coastal discovery. Whether you’re visiting from nearby or booking from out of state, his knowledge of local waters—including jetties, creeks, and deep-sea ledges—ensures you’ll get the full Florida fishing experience. Captain Tony specializes in both inshore and deep sea fishing charters, targeting species such as Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, and Grouper. He brings expert knowledge of bait presentation, tide timing, and seasonal fish behavior, making him a trusted source for productive outings. While his business is rooted in fun and accessibility, Tony also prioritizes sustainability and conservation, practicing responsible catch methods and educating guests on local fishery management. His commitment to safe and inclusive trips makes him a standout among Florida fishing guides, especially for those seeking reliable Palm Beach-style charter quality right in Fernandina Beach. Trips with Southern Sport Fishing Charters take place aboard a 31 ft center console fishing boat equipped to handle just about anything Florida waters can throw your way. The boat comfortably fits up to 6 guests and is powered by dual engines capable of reaching speeds up to 35 knots, allowing for smooth transitions between inshore spots and offshore fishing grounds. Onboard, you’ll find modern navigation and fishing technology including GPS and a fish finder to ensure every trip is efficient and focused. The vessel also features a clean private head (bathroom), live well, and is set up to comfortably accommodate families and older guests, making it a versatile option for a wide variety of charters. Whether you're heading out for Redfish in the backwaters or chasing Mahi offshore, the boat's layout and gear are fully dialed in for comfort, speed, and success.

Things To Do

Common Questions: <h3>What types of fishing trips do you offer?</h3>Southern Sport Fishing Charters offers inshore, nearshore, jetty, and offshore fishing trips out of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Trips range from 2-hour beginner outings to full-day deep sea adventures, targeting species like Redfish, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and more. <h3>How much does a fishing charter cost in Fernandina Beach?</h3>Trip prices vary based on the duration and type of trip. For example, a 2-hour beginner or sightseeing trip is ideal for families, while full-day offshore charters are priced for more experienced anglers. You can find full pricing on our <a href="#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trips &amp; Rates</a> page. <h3>What is included in my trip?</h3>All trips include rods, reels, bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and expert guidance from Captain Tony Peeples. You'll be fishing aboard a clean and comfortable 31 ft boat with all the gear you need—no extra rental fees or licenses required. <h3>What do I need to bring for my trip?</h3>We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, drinks (non-alcoholic), and weather-appropriate clothing. A cooler is provided for your catch, and the captain will clean and fillet your fish after the trip. <h3>What species do you target on each trip?</h3>Depending on the season and location, we target species such as Redfish, Black Drum, Jack Crevalle, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Snapper, and Grouper. Inshore trips are great for Redfish and Drum, while offshore adventures focus on Snapper, Mahi, and more. <h3>Are fishing licenses included?</h3>Yes! Fishing licenses for all passengers are fully covered under Southern Sport Fishing Charters. No need to purchase anything beforehand—just show up and fish. <h3>How many people can come on a trip?</h3>Our 31 ft boat accommodates up to 6 guests per trip. This makes it ideal for families, small groups, or friends looking to enjoy a personalized and professional fishing experience. <h3>Can kids join the fishing trip?</h3>Absolutely! We offer 2-hour and half-day trips that are perfect for young anglers. Captain Tony is known for his patience, clear instruction, and focus on making the trip fun and stress-free for families. <h3>What if I need to cancel my trip?</h3>We understand plans change. However, please note that booking deposits are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, we recommend contacting us at least 14 days in advance to see what options may be available. <h3>Where do we meet for the trip?</h3>All trips with Southern Sport Fishing Charters depart from 1 South Front Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. This location is conveniently situated at the marina in historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Once your trip is booked, you’ll receive full directions and details for where to park and meet Captain Tony.

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park - Nassau, FL Fishing Report on 12th Jun, 2025

AUTHOR

Tony Peeples

NOTES

What’s Biting Offshore

Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park - Nassau, FL

Southern Sport Fishing Charters Available Trips

Navigate