Expert-Guided 6-Hour Nearshore Fishing Adventure

Reel in the Action: Full-Day Nearshore Fishing

Trip Overview

Get ready to feel that tug on your line! This 6-hour nearshore fishing charter is the perfect mix of open ocean thrills and calm water action. We'll hit up a bunch of different spots, giving you the best shot at landing a variety of fish. Whether you're after hard-fighting cobia or tasty bottom dwellers, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll switch up our tactics throughout the day, so you'll get to try your hand at casting, drifting, jigging, and live baiting. It's a great way to hone your skills or pick up some new tricks from the pros. With room for up to 5 anglers, it's ideal for a group of buddies or a family looking to make some lasting memories on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard our boat, you're in for a real treat. We'll start by cruising out to some of our favorite fishing grounds. The beauty of nearshore fishing is the variety - one minute we might be sight-casting to cobia cruising just below the surface, and the next we could be dropping lines for sheepshead around structure. We've got all the gear you'll need, from light tackle for Spanish mackerel to heavier setups for battling amberjack. Our experienced crew will be right there with you, offering tips on technique and helping you land that trophy catch. And don't worry if you're new to fishing - we love showing beginners the ropes and watching them reel in their first big one!

Techniques & Tactics

On this trip, we'll use a mix of fishing methods to maximize our chances of success. We might start off trolling for Spanish mackerel, dragging lures behind the boat to mimic their favorite baitfish. When we spot some structure, we'll switch to bottom fishing, using cut bait or live shrimp to entice grouper, snapper, or sheepshead. If the cobia are running, we'll break out the sight-casting gear and try to put a bait right in front of their noses. Jigging is another technique we love - it's a blast to feel that sudden strike as you work your lure up through the water column. And of course, there's nothing quite like watching your live bait get slammed by a big redfish or trout. We'll tailor our approach to the conditions on the day and what's biting, so you're sure to stay engaged and catching fish throughout the trip.

Customer Stories

"We met up with Capt Randy at 6am on a (really) hot day in late June 2025 for a 6 hour fishing trip. Based on the days conditions, Capt Randy recommended a run out to a reef for bottom fishing. We road about 45-50 mins out to the reef on a very calm ocean day. On our out to the reef, we spotted a sea turtle and got a cobia on a lucky cast. Capt Randy trained us on the reef fishing techniques and we caught many fish! Black Seabass, Triggerfish, and Sea Robin Fish. Many fish we had to toss back, but we did keep a handful. Wonderful day for a family of 4 (14yo, 16yo) on a six hour trip." - Andrew

"This was our first ever fishing trip and man was it one for the books! Captain Randy and Drake are A+. All 5 of us caught more fish than we ever have and raved about it all evening to our crew who didn't go. Definitely choose Riptide Charter for your next fishing adventure" - Courtney

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch and put up one heck of a fight. Kings can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 60 pounds, though most catches are in the 10-30 pound range. They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. We typically target them by trolling with live bait or artificial lures. The best time to catch kings is usually from late spring through fall when the water warms up and they move closer to shore. Landing a big king is always a highlight of any trip - they're great eating too!

Greater Amberjack: Buckle up for a workout when you hook into one of these bruisers! Amberjack are true powerhouses, known for their stamina and strength. They typically hang around wrecks and reefs in deeper water, so we'll often target them when we're bottom fishing or jigging. These fish can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, though a more typical catch might be in the 20-40 pound range. The fight with an amberjack is often compared to trying to reel in a freight train - it's an experience you won't forget!

Cobia: Also known as ling or lemonfish, cobia are one of the most sought-after gamefish in our waters. They're curious by nature and often swim right up to the boat, giving us a chance for some exciting sight-casting action. Cobia can grow to over 6 feet and 100 pounds, with even average-sized fish putting up an impressive fight. They're most common in our area from late spring through summer. Cobia have a reputation for being unpredictable fighters - one minute they're dogging it deep, the next they're thrashing at the surface. Landing a big cobia is always cause for celebration!

Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you - bluefish are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These toothy predators usually run in schools, so when we find them, the action can be fast and furious. Bluefish typically range from 2 to 20 pounds, with anything over 15 pounds considered a real trophy. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about any lure or bait you throw at them. We often target them by casting or trolling near the surface. The best part about bluefish? When they're biting, everyone on the boat gets in on the action!

Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're some of the tastiest! Black sea bass typically hang around structure like reefs and wrecks. They're fun to catch on light tackle and make for great eating. Most of the sea bass we catch are in the 1-3 pound range, though they can grow up to 8 pounds or more. We usually target them with bottom rigs baited with squid or cut fish. The great thing about sea bass is that when you find them, you often find a bunch - it's not uncommon to catch a good number of these delicious fish in a single stop.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a full day of nearshore fishing action that's hard to beat. From the rush of battling a big king mackerel to the satisfaction of filling the cooler with tasty sea bass, this trip offers a little bit of everything. Our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a great time, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line. With all the gear provided and plenty of room for up to 5 people, all you need to do is show up ready for some fun on the water. Don't let another fishing season pass you by - grab your friends or family and book your spot on this top-rated nearshore charter today. The fish are biting, and we can't wait to see you out there!