Schmidt Happens Fishing 

4.9
(91 reviews)
 
State licensed
 3 South Front Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, United States–

Schmidt Happens Fishing 

Fernandina Beach, FL, United States
–
26 ft
4
4.9
(91 reviews)

Captain Bryce Schmidt has fished the waters surrounding Florida his entire life. He is very keen on sharing this experience with other people as they’re both passionate anglers and involved in making sure your trips with them are as fun and exciting as possible.

Climb aboard the 26’ Cobia center console, powered by twin 150HP Yamaha outboard engines. The vessel is capable of holding 4 anglers at the same time comfortably. It’s capable of developing a maximum cruising speed of up to 52 knots, allowing you to get to the fishing grounds in no time. It comes equipped with outriggers for trolling, as well as a full suite of electronics for finding the fish.

You will go after a very mixed batch of species on this charter, ensuring every trip is different and more memorable than the last one. Amberjack, Black Drum, Redfish, Cobia, Tarpon, sharks, and other exciting prey are targeted. The techniques used will mainly be bottom fishing and trolling.

All of the equipment required is provided by the charter, quality-recognized brands such as Penn and Shimano. Live bait is provided for the customers at no additional price on the trips. Schmidt Happens Fishing is a child-friendly charter and while there is no minimum age for children, Captain Bryce recommends that they be 3 years or older. They provide vests in all sizes, as well as all required safety items as per Coast Guard standards.

Captain Bryce Schmidt has fished the waters surrounding Florida his entire life. He is very keen on sharing this experience with other people as they’re both passionate anglers and involved in making sure your trips with them are as fun and exciting as possible.

Climb aboard the 26’ Cobia center console, powered by twin 150HP Yamaha outboard engines. The vessel is capable of holding 4 anglers at the same time comfortably. It’s capable of developing a maximum cruising speed of up to 52 knots, allowing you to get to the fishing grounds in no time. It comes equipped with outriggers for trolling, as well as a full suite of electronics for finding the fish.

You will go after a very mixed batch of species on this charter, ensuring every trip is different and more memorable than the last one. Amberjack, Black Drum, Redfish, Cobia, Tarpon, sharks, and other exciting prey are targeted. The techniques used will mainly be bottom fishing and trolling.

All of the equipment required is provided by the charter, quality-recognized brands such as Penn and Shimano. Live bait is provided for the customers at no additional price on the trips. Schmidt Happens Fishing is a child-friendly charter and while there is no minimum age for children, Captain Bryce recommends that they be 3 years or older. They provide vests in all sizes, as well as all required safety items as per Coast Guard standards.

Bryce Schmidt
Captain
Bryce Schmidt
12 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
2 Hour Trip – Kids Fishing
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Kingfish (Southern)
US $350
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip - Inshore AM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Black Drum
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $650
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Half Day Trip - Nearshore PM
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Tarpon
Black Drum
Redfish
Shark (Blacktip)
US $650
Entire boat: 2 people
6 hour Trip - Inshore/Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Seabass (Black)
Black Drum
+1
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 3 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
91 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (106)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
87%
Caught fish

Reviews (91)

  • Jared Thomas
    Jared Thomas
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time on the water

    6 hour Trip - Inshore/Offshore on January 24, 2026 • 3 adults

    Took my friend and his Dad for a small bachelor party and we were not dissapointed! We must’ve caught a few hundred fish and managed to land a decent number of keepers. Would recommend to anyone looking for a charter in the Fernandina Beach area

  • Cordaryl Whitehead
    Cordaryl Whitehead
    Repeat angler
    us
    Alabama, US
    Member since 2024
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome

    Half Day Trip - Inshore AM on March 15, 2026 • 2 adults

    Worth every dollar. Definitely rebooking.

  • Neily Ruiz
    Neily Ruiz
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    My kids had such a great time

    2 Hour Trip – Kids Fishing on August 10, 2024 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Highly Recommend! My youngest son LOVES fishing and his favorite sea animal is "sharks". This was a last minute surprise for him. He had never been on a boat and he had zero idea of the surprise. Cpt. Bryce was so awesome at acommodating us given the short notice. He taught him a knot, gave him fishing advices, answered all of our questions and helped him all of the way as you can see. My son's first ever time in a boat, first big fish ever and "it was a Shark". He got to see one and be close to it. I can't express how happy we are with this adventure. We will never forget that day. Cpt Bryce, THANK YOU! Im sure you will hear from us again.

  • Chris Carson
    Chris Carson
    Repeat angler
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    A must do fishing trip

    6 hour Trip - Inshore/Offshore on June 19, 2025 • 2 adults

    Cpt. Bryce is a great guide. Lots of local fishing knowledge. He put us on the fish at every spot. We had a great time trading funny life stories all while reeling in tons of big fish. If you want to go fishing with someone that has a ton of knowledge and also feels like a fishing buddy you have known your whole life, Cpt Bryce is your guide. We will be back on his boat hopefully very soon.

  • Matt Vaughn
    Matt Vaughn
    Repeat angler
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Had a good good time!

    Half Day Trip - Inshore AM on July 15, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Conditions weren’t great, but Capt Bryce was awesome! He was determined to find my boys some fish and finally put us on some after fighting wind coming with a weather system off the coast. We caught a few big rays and a couple of sharks. Would highly recommend and will definitely reach back out on our next vacation.

  • Bryan Long
    Bryan Long
    Repeat angler
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2021
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day with Captain Bryce

    Half Day Trip - Inshore AM on August 11, 2023 • 2 adults

    Amazing experience. Started morning out casting out with many schools of tarpon around surfacing and below us. . Became obvious they weren’t interested in our selection of bait. Bryce then moved and kept working it. Had a nice one on with different bait and technique but quickly snapped line when it jumped. Needless to say became worried, was that my only chance. Saw other boats hook ‘em. We did get 3 small sharks. He then raced off to get “fresher” live bait with his seine. Few minutes later, hooked a beauty. 1 hour fight, many “runs” I had my hands on this girl. 160 lbs 6.5 foot. What an awesome experience. Thanks Bryce for your help

  • Ryan Trevett
    Ryan Trevett
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Day on the Water with the Kids

    2 Hour Trip – Kids Fishing on July 19, 2024 • 3 adults

    Captain Bryce took my family out on a 3 hour charter and we caught redfish and sharks. Bryce was very patient with the kids and answered all of their questions. We even happened to see 2 wild horses on the shore of Cumberland Island. I’d highly recommend booking a charter with Captain Bryce and look forward to a follow up trip later this year.

  • Scot Kollman
    Scot Kollman
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Birthday Bash with Family

    Half Day Trip - Inshore AM on July 12, 2024 • 4 adults

    We feel pretty amazing getting to go fishing on my birthday weekend getaway. Also the only day to catch and keep red snappers!! Caught our limit and then ate one at a local stop,( Delicious). It was the first time for my boys going as well 13 and 8 and they loved it as well.

  • Josh Flowers
    Josh Flowers
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Bucket list come true

    Half Day Trip - Nearshore PM on March 14, 2024 • 3 adults

    Look if your looking to catch big fish and have an amazing time with a great captain than captain Bryce is the man all around great guy and an amazing fisherman so y’all book him up you won’t be disappointed

  • William Phillips
    William Phillips
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    (Good) Schmidt Did Happen!

    Half Day Trip - Inshore AM on June 28, 2023 • 3 adults

    Absolutely top notch experience! Captain Schmidt led me and my sons on an exciting fishing adventure off Cumberland Island. He knows these waters well, and it was a treat getting to know him and learning from him. Any visit to the Fernandina Beach area should include some time on the raging main with Bryce!

FAQs about Schmidt Happens Fishing

Schmidt Happens Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group - 2 Hour Trip – Kids Fishing (2 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Half Day Trip - Inshore AM (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip - Nearshore PM (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 6 hour Trip - Inshore/Offshore (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Schmidt Happens Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Radar
Trips booked with Schmidt Happens Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn and Shimano)
  • Live bait (According to season and species we are targeting live bait is used often and no extra charge)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (We clean all caught fish at the dock and bag them for our clients )
  • Fishing license (We cover all of our clients fishing license needs on our trips)
Schmidt Happens Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (We fish in the Bell and Jolly River and the intercoastal waterway )
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (3-15 miles offshore generally )
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Schmidt Happens Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Schmidt Happens Fishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bonnethead)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Bryce Schmidt
Bryce Schmidt
Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States
6 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
91 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since January 2018
Captain Bryce Schmidt has been fishing the waters of north Florida all of their lives. They strive to provide the best fishing or eco-cruise trip possible. With local knowledge obtained over years of fishing, and quality gear we make sure your day on the water is a great experience. Bait, tackle, rods and reels, and ice provided. You only need to bring what you will want to eat and drink, and don't forget your sunscreen!
Bryce Schmidt
Bryce Schmidt
Fully verified
6
reports
91
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Captain Bryce Schmidt has been fishing the waters of north Florida all of their lives. They strive to provide the best fishing or eco-cruise trip possible. With local knowledge obtained over years of fishing, and quality gear we make sure your day on the water is a great experience. Bait, tackle, rods and reels, and ice provided. You only need to bring what you will want to eat and drink, and don't forget your sunscreen!

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Shark
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Tarpon
Tarpon
Amberjack
Amberjack
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Adult angler proudly holding a large redfish aboard a center-console boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Cordaryl W.
    Cordaryl W.
    Worth every dollar. Definitely rebooking.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Red Snapper while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Red Snapper
    Jared T.
    Jared T.
    Took my friend and his Dad for a small bachelor party and we were not dissapointed! We must’ve caught a few hundred fish and managed to land a decent number of keepers. Would recommend to anyone looking for a charter in the Fernandina Beach area
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a caught shark on a fishing boat, enjoying a day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Blacktip Shark
    Matt V.
    Matt V.
    Conditions weren’t great, but Capt Bryce was awesome! He was determined to find my boys some fish and finally put us on some after fighting wind coming with a weather system off the coast. We caught a few big rays and a couple of sharks. Would highly recommend and will definitely reach back out on our next vacation.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Cobia while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Chris C.
    Chris C.
    Cpt. Bryce is a great guide. Lots of local fishing knowledge. He put us on the fish at every spot. We had a great time trading funny life stories all while reeling in tons of big fish. If you want to go fishing with someone that has a ton of knowledge and also feels like a fishing buddy you have known your whole life, Cpt Bryce is your guide. We will be back on his boat hopefully very soon.
  • Two anglers, including a young girl, proudly displaying their catch of large Black Drum while fishing on a boat in a scenic waterway.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Black Drum
    Tim C.
    Tim C.
    The black drums came fast and furious! Best day of fishing ever. Thank You Captain Bryce!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Black Drum while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Non stop action this morning, clients doubled up until thier arms were tired
  • A family enjoying a day on the water, posing together on a boat with a scenic backdrop of the waterfront.
    Fish 1
    Bonnethead Shark
    Neily R.
    Neily R.
    Highly Recommend! My youngest son LOVES fishing and his favorite sea animal is "sharks". This was a last minute surprise for him. He had never been on a boat and he had zero idea of the surprise. Cpt. Bryce was so awesome at acommodating us given the short notice. He taught him a knot, gave him fishing advices, answered all of our questions and helped him all of the way as you can see. My son's first ever time in a boat, first big fish ever and "it was a Shark". He got to see one and be close to it. I can't express how happy we are with this adventure. We will never forget that day. Cpt Bryce, THANK YOU! Im sure you will hear from us again.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while aboard a boat in open waters, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Bryan C.
    Bryan C.
    Great day, great time.
  • A solitary horse walking along a sandy shore, with a backdrop of lush greenery and blue skies.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Ryan T.
    Ryan T.
    Captain Bryce took my family out on a 3 hour charter and we caught redfish and sharks. Bryce was very patient with the kids and answered all of their questions. We even happened to see 2 wild horses on the shore of Cumberland Island. I’d highly recommend booking a charter with Captain Bryce and look forward to a follow up trip later this year.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Red Snapper at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Scot K.
    Scot K.
    We feel pretty amazing getting to go fishing on my birthday weekend getaway. Also the only day to catch and keep red snappers!! Caught our limit and then ate one at a local stop,( Delicious). It was the first time for my boys going as well 13 and 8 and they loved it as well.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
2004
Restored in
2026
Boat manufacturer
Cobia
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
52 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Outriggers
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Penn and Shimano
Live bait
According to season and species we are targeting live bait is used often and no extra charge
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We clean all caught fish at the dock and bag them for our clients
Fishing license
We cover all of our clients fishing license needs on our trips

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
No minimum age, 3+ recommended
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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

What’s biting in Fernandina Beach right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Black DrumBlack Drum
CobiaCobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Schmidt Happens Fishing
Schmidt Happens Fishing
State licensed
4.9
(91)
26 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $650