5.0(4 Reviews)6 Hr Offshore Reef Trip with AA Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Fishing
6hour offshore reef fishing at 1520 miles from shoreBottom and topwater fishing at depths reaching 120 feetEncounter bull sharks, rays, and diverse marine wildlife
Picture yourself battling a big cobia 20 miles out while bull sharks cruise the reef below and rays glide through the crystal blue water. That's exactly what you'll get on this 6-hour offshore adventure with Captain Sonny and the AA Fishing Charter crew. We're talking serious reef fishing in 120 feet of water, where the action ranges from rod-bending bottom fish to explosive topwater strikes. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the deep reefs where the big boys live and the scenery is world-class. With only 3 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with fish.
We'll meet you bright and early at Mulligan's restaurant parking lot – just look for the white gate on the left side and follow the dock all the way to slip #36. The slip numbers are clearly marked, so you can't miss us. Once we're loaded up and heading out, it's a solid run to reach our fishing grounds 15-20 miles offshore. The ride gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the coastline fade into the horizon. When we hit the reef, you're looking at depths up to 120 feet where the water is gin-clear and the marine life is off the charts. We'll work both bottom structure for grouper and snapper, then switch it up with topwater action when the conditions are right. The reef ecosystem here is alive – you'll see everything from massive bull sharks patrolling the edges to graceful rays cruising the sand patches between coral heads.
Bottom fishing these deep reefs requires heavy tackle and the right approach. We're talking 50-80 pound gear with circle hooks and enough weight to get down fast in the current. For the bottom bite, we'll use live bait when we can get it, plus fresh cut bait that the reef fish can't resist. The key is getting your bait to the fish before the sharks find it – and trust me, they're always around. When we switch to topwater, we'll break out the spinning gear and work the water column with plugs, jigs, and live bait under corks. The cobia and sailfish love to cruise these reefs, and when they show up, it's all hands on deck. Captain Sonny knows these spots like the back of his hand, so we'll be fishing the productive edges and drop-offs where the current brings in the bait and the predators follow.
"God times, great people. Sonny knows whats he's doing just book your trip!" - Kyle "God times, great people. Sonny knows whats he's doing just book your trip!" - Kyle "Repeated experience with Sonny and his charters. Another great adventure. Highly recommend." - anthony "Captain sonny was an excite guide to and amazing beautiful day off offshore fishing in Sebastian. A true local expert with immense knowledge of the area and fishing grounds. Exciting and fun through our. Highly recommend!" - John
Cobia are the crown jewel of these offshore reefs, and for good reason. These bronze bulldogs can push 40-50 pounds and fight like nothing else in these waters. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you that heart-stopping moment before they either take the bait or spook. Spring through fall is prime time for cobia, when they're cruising the reefs looking for crabs and smaller fish. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute you're bottom fishing for grouper, the next you're scrambling for the spinning rod because a massive cobia just appeared at the surface.
Black grouper are the reef's heavyweight champions, and landing one from 120 feet is a battle you won't forget. These bruisers hole up in the deepest parts of the reef structure, and when you hook one, your first job is stopping them from getting back to their rocky hideout. They can hit 30-40 pounds on these reefs, and their initial run will test your tackle and your technique. The best bite usually happens during the warmer months when they're most active, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. There's nothing quite like feeling that thump-thump of a big black grouper inhaling your bait.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the grouper, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These scrappy fighters are reef residents that you can count on for steady action when the bigger fish are being picky. They hit hard for their size and are always willing to bite, making them perfect for keeping the rods bent while you're waiting for something bigger to show up. They're also excellent table fare, so they're always welcome in the cooler.
Grey snapper are the opportunists of the reef, and they'll test your skills with their finicky feeding habits and sharp teeth. These silver speedsters can appear in schools or as lone wolves, and they require a delicate touch with lighter leaders and smaller hooks. When you find a school of good-sized greys, the action can be fast and furious. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first sign of a bite.
Atlantic sailfish are the wildcards that can turn any reef trip into something special. These offshore speedsters cruise the reef edges looking for baitfish, and when one shows up, everything else takes a backseat. Seeing that dorsal fin cutting through the surface will get your heart racing every time. They're most common during the cooler months when the water temperature drops and the bait moves closer to the reefs. Hooking a sailfish on 20-mile reef is fishing at its finest – the jumps, the runs, and the pure athleticism of these fish make them a customer favorite.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ultimate offshore prize - pure speed and acrobatics wrapped in metallic blue. These billfish average 40-60 pounds and stretch 6-8 feet long. We find them hunting in 100+ feet along current breaks and temperature changes. Winter months bring the best action when they migrate through our waters chasing baitfish. The fight is what dreams are made of - multiple jumps, long runs, and tail-walking displays. They're catch and release, so it's all about the experience. When we spot one, I'll troll a teaser to get them fired up, then pitch a live bait or fly. Key tip: don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out, or they'll throw the hook on those spectacular jumps.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reef trips, typically running 10-30 pounds with occasional monsters hitting 50+. These olive-colored bruisers with dark blotches live around our offshore structure in 60-120 feet. They're ambush predators that use their massive mouths to vacuum up anything that gets too close. Summer months are best when they're most active on the reefs. What guests love is the initial power - once hooked, they make one serious run for the rocks. The meat is outstanding too, firm and mild. Here's the key: when you feel that thump, don't hesitate. Crank hard immediately to get their head up before they can dive back into the structure and break you off.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable reef dwellers that make great action for the whole family. Most run 1-3 pounds, though we catch some chunky 5-pounders around the deeper structure. They live right on the bottom around our wrecks and reefs in 60-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. These fish are scrappy fighters that dive hard when hooked, and they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're not too picky about bait either. The trick is to fish right on the bottom but reel up just a foot or two once you hit - keeps your rig from getting snagged while staying in the strike zone where these bottom huggers feed.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most exciting sight fishing targets. These dark brown, shark-like fish average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+. You'll usually spot them cruising just under the surface around our reef structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is solid and steady, not flashy but determined. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. My tip: when you see one, don't rush the presentation. They spook easy but if you drop a bucktail jig ahead of them and work it slow, they'll usually commit.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are some of the smartest fish we target. They average 2-4 pounds but can surprise you with 8-10 pounders around deeper structure. These greyish-red fish with the distinctive eye stripe love our reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 40-100 feet. They're most active at night and during low light periods. What makes them challenging is their wariness - they'll inspect your bait forever before committing. The reward is excellent eating with white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My advice: use the lightest leader you can get away with and let your bait sit still. They're opportunistic ambush feeders, so too much movement will spook them right off.
5.0 out of 5.0God times, great people. Sonny knows whats he's doing just book your trip!
God times, great people. Sonny knows whats he's doing just book your trip!
Repeated experience with Sonny and his charters. Another great adventure. Highly recommend.
anthony sandora, Than it was a pleasure fishing with you guys again. I look forward to the next trip
Captain sonny was an excite guide to and amazing beautiful day off offshore fishing in Sebastian. A true local expert with immense...
Sebastian, FL