Our Boats and Captains
Meet the Big Fin Charters crew
Big Fin Charters is run by Captain Michael Foster, a third generation captain from an Amelia Island family of commercial fishermen. Captain Michael has 19 years of charter fishing experience, 15 of them as a captain, and he has spent his whole life learning the jetties, rivers and offshore grounds around Fernandina Beach.
Captain Ty has been running trips for Big Fin Charters for 8 years. Between the two of them, our guests get captains who know where the fish are feeding this week, not just this season.
We run two boats out of downtown Fernandina Beach, so you can pick the trip and the boat that fit your group, your schedule and your budget.
Big Fin Charters: 30 ft Parker
Our flagship is a 2020 Parker 30 ft walkaround powered by twin 200 HP Yamaha four stroke outboards. It takes up to 6 guests and is the boat we use for most offshore trips and larger groups.
- Toilet on board
- GPS, fishfinder and radar
- Live bait well and outriggers for trolling
- Penn and Shimano rods and reels, plus a first mate on board
Rates for the whole boat, up to 6 guests:
| Trip | Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore charter (AM or PM) | 3 hours | $550 |
| Half day jetty trip (AM or PM) | 4 hours | $650 |
| 3/4 day jetty trip (AM or PM) | 6 hours | $1,000 |
| 3/4 day offshore trip (AM or PM) | 6 hours | $1,000 |
| Full day offshore trip | 8 hours | $1,350 |
| Extended full day trip | 10 hours | $1,800 |
| Full day split charter (seasonal, Aug 1 to May 1) | 11 hours | $600 per person |
The full day split charter is a shared offshore trip for anglers who want a long day on the water without booking the whole boat.
Big Fin Charters II: 25 ft Parker
Our second boat is a 25 ft Parker cuddy cabin with a single 250 HP Yamaha. Originally built in 1996, it was fully restored in 2026. It is a great fit for inshore, river and jetty trips, families and smaller groups.
- GPS and fishfinder
- Live bait well and downriggers
- Cuddy cabin for a little shade and storage
Rates for the whole boat, up to 4 guests (a fifth guest can join for $50):
| Trip | Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Inshore trip | 2 hours | $375 |
| Nearshore trip | 3 hours | $500 |
| Jetty trip | 4 hours | $600 |
| 6 hour trip | 6 hours | $950 |
| 8 hour trip | 8 hours | $1,250 |
Rates are the current FishingBooker rates as of November 2026 and can change. Your booking confirmation shows the final price. Check open dates and book online.
What every trip includes
- Fishing licenses for everyone on board
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Live bait and lures
- Cleaning and filleting your catch at the end of the trip
Bring your own snacks and drinks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and clothes for the weather. New to charters? Read our guide to your first fishing charter.
Booking and policies
Both boats book through FishingBooker. You can pay in full online, or pay a 10% deposit online and the balance to the captain on the day of your trip in cash or by card (card payments of the balance carry a 3% fee). Trips can be cancelled or changed for free up to 7 days before your date.
Not sure which boat or trip is right for you? Call Captain Michael at (904) 753-3848, or compare our jetty fishing, inshore and family trips and offshore fishing pages.
Guests rate us 4.9 out of 5 from 389 reviews for Big Fin Charters and 5.0 from 44 reviews for Big Fin Charters II on FishingBooker (November 2026).
Frequently asked questions
Which boat should I book?
Book Big Fin Charters, our 30 ft Parker, for offshore trips or groups of up to 6. Book Big Fin Charters II, our 25 ft Parker, for shorter inshore, river and jetty trips with up to 4 guests, or 5 with the extra guest fee.
Who will be my captain?
Trips are run by Captain Michael Foster, who has 19 years of charter fishing experience, or by Captain Ty, who has fished for Big Fin Charters for 8 years.
Is fish cleaning included?
Yes. Cleaning and filleting your catch is included on both boats, so you can take your fish home ready to cook.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or change your trip for free up to 7 days before your date. Later cancellations and no shows forfeit the amount paid.
What is a split charter?
A split charter is a seasonal shared offshore trip on Big Fin Charters, priced per person, for anglers who want a full day offshore without booking the whole boat. It runs from August 1 to May 1.
Pick your boat and your date online, or call Captain Michael at (904) 753-3848 and he will help you choose the right trip.