About
Schmidt Happens
Father & Son
Captain Eric and Captain Bryce Schmidt run Schmidt Happens Fishing Charters in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Combining local knowledge, quality equipment and a genuine love for fishing, Schmidt Happens Fishing always guarantees an incredible day on the water!
We are fully licensed, insured and hold all required safety items approved by the US Coast Guard.
Captain Bryce Schmidt
Captain Bryce Schmidt’s passion for fishing began before he could walk.
He has spent his entire life fishing off of Amelia Island and knows the water like his backyard.
Starting his career as a mate at the age of 14, Captain Bryce learned the ins-and-outs of charter fishing.
Pairing passion with knowledge, he strives to provide the best trips for his charters, with hope to share the joy that fishing gives him each day.
Captain Eric Schmidt
Captain Eric Schmidt has over 40 years of fishing experience as well as a wealth of knowledge of Northeast Florida. Nothing brings a bigger smile to his face than a day out on the boat.
After 20 years of saltwater fishing, he began to learn the world of freshwater fishing, as well - leading to greater insight of the realm of Florida fishing.
Seeing the pure love of fishing in his son Bryce fueled his own devotion to the sport even further.
Together they decided to make their dream a reality. After years of hands-on experience, they put pen to paper and went through Sea School together.
Both obtained their Official Captain’s License approved by the US Coast Guard. Captain Bryce also holds a Master Captain’s License.
Fishing Equipment
We value great quality and provide all necessary gear and equipment for our charters.
The Boat
Schmidt Happens Fishing Charters runs a 24’ Triton 240LTS bay boat. It’s a powerful and versatile rig, powered by a Yamaha 225 hp 4 stroke outboard. It is a “skinny water” boat able to handle 2 to 3 foot seas. Spacious enough for 4 anglers or up to 6 cruisers. All safety items are up to date and routinely checked
GEAR
All charters include bait, ice, PENN rod and reels and tackle. Food and beverages are not provided.
Local Fish
Redfish | Trout | DRUM | Red Snapper | & More
Northeast Florida is home to many species of fish. What you will catch is often dependent on the time of the year. This season, our charters have seen the highest number of Redfish and Tarpon bites.
Redfish are some of the most popular sport fish in Florida and we love to reel them in. Their name comes from the "drumming" sound they make during spawning and when taken out of the water. You can find redfish in a variety of areas. Juveniles inhabit rivers, bays, canals, tidal creeks, and passes in estuaries for up to four years. As adults, they usually move to nearshore or open ocean waters. Weighing up to 51 lbs, each angler can keep 2 per day.
Tarpon fishing is a blast. Tarpon fishing is a warm-weather sport in Fernandina and this summer has been one for the books. Tarpon are powerful fish that leap high into the air and put up a great fight. Weight up to 300 lbs, Tarpon are a catch and release fish in the US and are held in the water in order to keep them alive. Tarpon breathe in oxygen from the water using gills, but they can also utilize oxygen from air in the atmosphere, making them one of our favorite summer fish.