Big Fin Charters 

4.9/5 (289 reviews)
 
State licensed
 South Front Street 1, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States

Northeast Florida is blessed with an absolutely fantastic fishing location: the bountiful Intracoastal Waterway makes for amazing inshore fishing while the Gulf Stream brings pelagic predators from the south. Smack dab in the middle of it is Captain Michael Foster and Big Fin Charters – ready to put you on the hottest bite near or far from the coast.

Capt. Michael invites you onboard his 29’ Parker. Bring 5 of your fishing partners, her center console layout allows for easy movement as you’re chasing the bite. And the bite you will chase, a lot, as Capt. Michael targets a wide range of exciting fish to catch. From the inshore all-stars like the Redfish, Sheepshead, and Blacktip Shark to the offshore beasts like Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, and Barracuda.

No matter if you’re a group of seasoned anglers looking to hook trophy fish to write home about or a family-friendly day out to get the kids interested in fishing, Big Fin Charters has a trip for you!

You can fish with live bait on this charter, it’s usually prepared before you arrive (though if you’re a fan of bait fishing the captain will happily accommodate you), always included in the price. You will be provided with high-quality equipment manufactured by Penn and Shimano, so you don’t lose that catch-of-a-lifetime to gear malfunction!

Fishing licenses are included, you just need to bring any snacks and drinks, as well as polarized sunglasses and adequate clothing. Don’t forget to bring a burning desire to do some excellent fishing!

Michael Foster

Captain

Michael Foster

14 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
Inshore fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
PM river trip (copy)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip - Jettie (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day Trip - Jetties (PM)

 In demand! Last booked: 6 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
US $650 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip - Jetty(AM)

 In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip - Jetties (PM)

 In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip May 31 - Oct 1
US $850 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (AM)

 In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago

FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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+1
US $950 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip May 1 - Oct 1
US $950 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip - Offshore
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,350 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Extended Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
10 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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+6
US $1,800 
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 11 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 289 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (490)

Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
+487

Angler rating

273
12
1
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

99%

Appropriate for children

98%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

92%

Showing 1 - 5 of 289 reviews
Timothy W.
Timothy W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Amazing Trip

VERIFIED

3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (PM) on June 18, 2025

Cpt. Mike and TJ met us at the dock and med us feel right at home from the moment we boarded the boat. Fishing equipment and boat were top notch in all respects! We were on fish almost immediately after arriving at the fishing area offshore! The entire day felt like we were out fishing with old friends! We ended up with about 100 lbs of fish after they cleaned and filleted them. Mike and TJ are Nassau county raised fishermen. They know the area and where to catch fish. They didn’t take us out with shrimp or squid and have us drop line on the bottom to catch trash fish !!! Found my new charter for sure!!!!

Cpt. Mike and TJ met us at the dock and med us feel right at home from the moment we boarded the boat. Fishing equipment and boat were top notch in all respects! We were on fish almost immediately after arriving at the fishing area offshore! The entire day felt like we were out fishing with old friends! We ended up with about 100 lbs of fish after they cleaned and filleted them. Mike and TJ are Nassau county raised fishermen. They know the area and where to catch fish. They didn’t take us out...  

Review media 0
 Timothy W. recommends Big Fin Charters
Michael Foster
Michael Foster (The Captain)
Replied on June 27, 2025
Thank you guys

Jay H.
Jay H.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Had a great experience

VERIFIED

Half Day Trip - Jetties (PM) on March 22, 2025

Took my son to do some near shore jetty fishing. Trip started with captain reaching out the day before to adjust the time for a more favorable tide which was appreciated as it can often effect the bite. Was prompt and ready to go when we arrived 10-15min early. Captain and mate were very personable easy to talk to and made every effort to catch some fish. The bite a bit on the slow slide but we did catch a nice sized black drum weighing around 12lbs. Never fault a charter for lack of fish biting as this is beyond their control. Fishing is fishing so you catch what you are lucky enough to catch. We caught a lot of whiting The boat is nice well maintained has a toilet if you need to use it which is not always present. I wouldn’t hesitate to book this charter again and do plan to go again later in the spring when we can go father out for different species. Many thanks captain for a good afternoon.

Took my son to do some near shore jetty fishing. Trip started with captain reaching out the day before to adjust the time for a more favorable tide which was appreciated as it can often effect the bite. Was prompt and ready to go when we arrived 10-15min early. Captain and mate were very personable easy to talk to and made every effort to catch some fish. The bite a bit on the slow slide but we did catch a nice sized black drum weighing around 12lbs. Never fault a charter for lack of fish...  

Review media 0
 Jay H. recommends Big Fin Charters
Michael Foster
Michael Foster (The Captain)
Replied on March 28, 2025
Thank you guys

Kody K.
Kody K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Big Fin Charters

VERIFIED
NEW

Inshore fishing on July 23, 2025

This was one of the most enjoyable guided trips that I have taken. Mike and Ty are phenomenal guides! They are the utmost professionals with alot of expertise that they are willing to share. They were very personable and great with my daughter. We only had enough time for a short 3 hour trip but they got us on some King Mackerel, which was a great time. Will definitely be booking with them again!

This was one of the most enjoyable guided trips that I have taken. Mike and Ty are phenomenal guides! They are the utmost professionals with alot of expertise that they are willing to share. They were very personable and great with my daughter. We only had enough time for a short 3 hour trip but they got us on some King Mackerel, which was a great time. Will definitely be booking with them again!  

 Kody K. recommends Big Fin Charters

Beth K.
Beth K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Best crew ever!

VERIFIED
NEW

3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (AM) on June 30, 2025

This was our second trip with Big Fin and it never disappoints! Had a blast fishing with Michael and Ty! They were super knowledgeable and attentive and we really enjoyed the time spent on the water! They knew right where the fish were and put us on them every time! We had a vast array of fish from sea bass to snapper to shark, it was so much fun! Highly recommend booking with Big Fin!

This was our second trip with Big Fin and it never disappoints! Had a blast fishing with Michael and Ty! They were super knowledgeable and attentive and we really enjoyed the time spent on the water! They knew right where the fish were and put us on them every time! We had a vast array of fish from sea bass to snapper to shark, it was so much fun! Highly recommend booking with Big Fin!  

 Beth K. recommends Big Fin Charters
Michael Foster
Michael Foster (The Captain)
Replied on June 30, 2025
Thank you guys!

Nate K.
Nate K.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great outing with Big Fin!

VERIFIED
NEW

3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (AM) on June 26, 2025

Great outing with Capt. Michael. Got started early and got after it. Hooked a bunch but the sharks were plenty and we had a tough time beating them to the boat. Got some Kingfish and battled a 9ft bull shark for about 90 min and moved on. Overall good day - wish more were biting and less sharks. Would definitely go again with Captain Michael - gear guide and captain!

Great outing with Capt. Michael. Got started early and got after it. Hooked a bunch but the sharks were plenty and we had a tough time beating them to the boat. Got some Kingfish and battled a 9ft bull shark for about 90 min and moved on. Overall good day - wish more were biting and less sharks. Would definitely go again with Captain Michael - gear guide and captain!  

Review media 0
Review media 0
 Nate K. recommends Big Fin Charters
Michael Foster
Michael Foster (The Captain)
Replied on June 30, 2025
Thank you guys!

...

FAQs about Big Fin Charters

What are the trip rates for Big Fin Charters?

Big Fin Charters offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $500 per group - Inshore fishing (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group - PM river trip (copy) (3 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Half Day Trip - Jettie (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - Half Day Trip - Jetties (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - Jetties (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - Jetty(AM) (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (AM) (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - Offshore (PM) (6 hours)
  • US $1,350 per group - Full Day Trip - Offshore (8 hours)
  • US $1,800 per group - Extended Full Day Trip (10 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Big Fin Charters?

When you book a trip with Big Fin Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
  • Radar
What's included in the trip price with Big Fin Charters?

Trips booked with Big Fin Charters include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First Mate
  • Fishing License
What types of fishing does Big Fin Charters offer?

Big Fin Charters offers the following types of fishing:

  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does Big Fin Charters offer?

Big Fin Charters offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Big Fin Charters?

Top targeted fish species with Big Fin Charters include:

  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Michael Foster

Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States

3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
291 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since March 2015
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Captain Michael Foster has been fishing for over two decades now and guiding for more than a decade. He's a 3rd generation captain, proudly continuing the family tradition. His family are native to Amelia Island and especially connected to the waters around the island – they're commercial fishermen. With Capt. Michael, you get the benefit of more than a single lifetime spent fishing the local waters, at your disposal.

Our Team
Ty E.

Ty E.

Captain

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Tarpon
Tarpon

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Cabin cruisers
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
30 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Parker
Boat type
Walkaround

Engine model
Yamaha 4
Powered by
2 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing

Offshore Fishing

Reef Fishing

Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Drift Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

Outriggers

Ice Box

Radar

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

First Mate

Fishing License

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Fernandina Beach right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
11 people are looking at this charter.