What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Fernandina Beach, Florida for the first time?

Fish live shrimp on a pink jig head along the jettie. Bump it slow on the bottom. If you aren’t picking them up, speed the retrieval up. Zero hits on mud minnows the whole day. We slammed plenty of slot trout!

I would recommend to anyone be prepared for motion of the ocean! Take motion sickness meds 12hrs before hand or better yet get the patches your doctor can prescribe! Most importantly go ready to have fun and be willing to catch anything! So much fun not going with a set expectation

It was still warm/hot out during the 1st week of October. Throw on some Bullfrog bugspray and sunscreen before you go. The gnats/can't seeums will tear you up before you leave the dock. You won't even realize it until a few hours later when you're scratching feverishly because you're both sunburnt and can see all the bumps where the buggers feasted on you.

In spite of the Covid 19 virus the people we encountered in Fernandina Beach were all friendly and helpful. The Marina was undergoing a major renovation but that didn't keep us from having a great time and catching some nice trout. If your going in the summer go early in the morning as it gets pretty hot later in the day. Captain Brian was very patient with our two teenage grandsons and we had a great trip. We hope to return in the fall when the reds are in full swing but anytime is a good time to take someone fishing. Especially a youngster. God bless you all Skip and Kristy Christie, Hawthorne, Fl

Fernandina is amazing! Be flexible and willing to adapt to changing conditions and always listen to your captain and follow his lead! The fishing here is outstanding but it’s never easy. You have to be willing to put in the hard work and adapt, however with a little persistence this place can bring the best day of fishing you have ever had!!

Check with the guide first if your an experienced fisherman. He will know when to come. and not to. We came at a tide event but he still knew where to go for fish I think he could dial in a perfect day if you called ahead and planned around that

The boat is very well stocked and the captain is very professional and prepared, bring anything extra you want to enjoy the trip. Pro tip from the captain - if you need Dramamine - take a dose the day before and at least 30 minutes before the trip.

We had great weather, but I'm probably not really qualified to answer this question. Our captain seemed to think we should've caught more fish but we went late in the day as the tide was going out. We were happy, and when we got back to the dock, there were lots of other dishes coming back who said they got less than us, so it's probably not the best season but we still had fun.

Fishing can be seasonal. If you want to fish for fun, then anytime is great. If you are fishing for specific fish species, then make sure you pick the right time of year for your best chance for success.

Definitely Sliders restaurant and grill for breakfast before the trip there's time to catch a nice sunrise before the trip. Definitely take your fresh caught cash to restaurant 251 they will prepare for you.

Do your homework, and except your limitations. Our Capt put us on some fun bottom fishing. I use a cane and have awful balance issues. He took us to places that weren't rough, made us fee very much.If not sure ask for Capt Keith. Boat was immaculate. And with 300hp he can get you where you want. Tight Lines to all.

Because of the weather, we couldn't go out and had to stay in the river. So I can only comment on the river fishing. We didn't catch anything that we could keep or eat so we came home empty handed. The locals say it's not the best time to fish. The kids wanted to catch sharks, which we did and that was very exciting.

The boat and Captain were great! The weather was not! The Captain took us to 4 or 5 sites and we caught 3 small whiting. It just wasn't a good day to be on the water...cold, windy and rainy, but it was still fun. The Captain cannot control the weather!

Get with Capt. Patrick for a great time. When I told him that I was wanting to fish for reds and trout he had no problem and made no hesitation on where to go. The weather was nice. A little cool in the morning but warmed up just enough to make it comfortable.

As with any fishing trip, several conditions must align with most out of human control. We were only in town for a short time so we were not able to be selective with our timing.

With the right guide you will catch fish! Choose wisely! A fancy looking boat doesn’t mean anything!!!

make sure you come well rested cause the fish are biting with big fin .my arms sore from all that reeling lol

I loved that the captain had everything you needed on the boat from rods, to bait to even refreshments. Great first time experience.

We went with Capt David last year And again this year And will again next time

Have lower expectations for how many you will catch. Quite a few were undersized but the captain will guide you.

Reach out to your captain when booking. Ask for day and time recommendations. The tides and weather have a big impact on your results.

It’s hit or miss, which is standard for fishing. Make sure to check tide conditions for when you plan to fish. This, obviously, can impact the species your after.

Absolutely. The Captain is very knowledgeable, patient and excited to share his passion with both new and experienced anglers.

Some Charters are flexible on the day they can bring you. It might be good to book the trip early in your stay and leave an option for a second opportunity later in the stay.

Absolutely! A three hour tour is perfect for families and Bart was communicative about upcoming weather and able to shift some times to accommodate for a calmer fishing experience for us.

We had a great time! Weren't able to boat a few big ones (line snapped!), but had a fun fight that lasted quite a bit.

First Timers - test your sea legs prior to booking an offshore trip. For kids, especially, the less time boating and the more time reeling, the more enjoyable the trip.

2 hour trip is perfect if you have little one, but for older kids to teens 2 hours may not be long enough.

Take a short trip to get the lay of the land, and if fish are biting and seas are calm, go for a longer trip

Hot days, so bring plenty of water and snacks. Anything to keep cool. Also sunscreen and chapstick.