5.0(4 Reviews)6 Hr Offshore Reef Trip with AA Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Fishing
Six-hour offshore reef fishing adventure 15-20 miles outTarget depths up to 120 feet with bottom and topwater techniquesEncounter bull sharks, rays, and diverse marine life while fishing
Ready to get some serious line time on the deep reefs? Captain Sonny's 6-hour offshore adventure takes you 15-20 miles out where the real action happens. We're talking about fishing depths up to 120 feet on structure that holds everything from aggressive cobia to heavyweight grouper. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to where the big fish live, and trust me, they're hungry. 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 dinner.
We'll push off from slip #36 at Mulligans and make the run out to the reef systems that have been producing consistent action all season. Once we hit our marks, you're looking at both bottom fishing and topwater opportunities depending on what's moving through. The reef structure creates an underwater highway for pelagic species while holding resident bottom dwellers year-round. Don't be surprised when you see bull sharks cruising the edges or massive rays gliding over the structure – this ecosystem is alive with activity. Captain Sonny knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while giving you front-row seats to some of the most impressive marine life you'll encounter offshore. The 6-hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what's biting.
We'll be running a mix of bottom rigs and topwater setups depending on conditions and target species. For the bottom bite, we're talking heavy sinkers and circle hooks to get down fast and stay in the strike zone. Live bait works magic on these reefs – nothing beats a frisky pinfish or grunt when cobia are cruising. When the action moves up in the water column, we'll switch to lighter tackle and work the mid-water zone where sailfish and other pelagics patrol. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod setup, bring it along. These reefs can be snaggy, so don't worry about losing a few rigs – it's all part of the game when you're fishing structure this productive. We'll anchor up on the best spots and drift fish others, letting the current and Captain Sonny's local knowledge guide our strategy.
"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 reef trips, and for good reason. These bronze bullets can push 40+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface around structure, making them perfect targets for sight fishing when conditions are right. Spring through fall offers the best cobia action, with peak season running April through June. When you hook into one of these fish, get ready for multiple runs and that signature head-shaking that'll test your drag system. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters.
Black grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef, and landing one is always a battle worth bragging about. These fish can live over 30 years and grow to impressive sizes, with 20-30 pounders being common catches on our deeper reefs. They're ambush predators that use the structure to their advantage, so expect a fight that starts immediately when you set the hook. Grouper season runs May through December, with summer months producing the most consistent action. Their flaky white meat makes them a favorite among anglers who love bringing dinner home from their fishing trips.
Black sea bass might be smaller than their grouper cousins, but don't let size fool you – these fish are scrappy fighters that often surprise anglers with their tenacity. They school around structure and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, perfect for lighter tackle and great for anglers of all skill levels. They're year-round residents on our reefs, though they're most active during warmer months. Black sea bass are excellent eating and often save the day when larger species aren't cooperating.
Grey snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are some of the smartest fish you'll encounter on these reefs. They require finesse and patience, often testing an angler's skill with their cautious feeding behavior. These fish can live over 20 years and grow surprisingly large, with 5-10 pound fish being trophy catches. They're most active at dawn, dusk, and during overcast conditions. When you do connect with a good grey snapper, expect sharp runs toward the structure and an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They're also among the best eating fish in these waters.
Atlantic sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing excitement, and our reefs often hold these magnificent gamefish during their seasonal migrations. Winter months typically offer the best sailfish action, though they can show up year-round when conditions align. These fish are pure adrenaline – from the moment they grab your bait to their signature tail-walking displays, every second is electric. Most sailfish are released to fight another day, but the photos and memories last a lifetime. When the sails are around, everything else takes a backseat to these ocean athletes.
This 6-hour reef adventure with Captain Sonny delivers everything serious anglers want from an offshore trip – proven fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and the chance at multiple species that'll test
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of the offshore world. These stunning blue-silver fish with the massive dorsal sail average 7-8 feet and 50-60 pounds, but what they lack in bulk they make up for in pure adrenaline. They cruise the surface waters down to about 60 feet, hunting schools of bait fish. Winter through spring is prime time when they move through our area following the warm water. What guests love is the show - these fish go absolutely ballistic when hooked, jumping, tail-walking, and peeling line like nothing else. They hunt in packs too, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The fight is everything with sailfish - most folks release them since the meat's not great. Here's my tip: when one lights up and starts bill-slapping your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them eat it properly first, then hang on tight.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the deep reef. These olive-gray giants with dark blotches typically run 10-30 pounds, but the monsters can hit 100+. They hang around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-300 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. Winter through spring is prime time when they move shallower to spawn. What guests love is the raw power - once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to their hole and break you off on the rocks. The meat is phenomenal too, firm and mild, perfect for grilling. They're not picky eaters - live bait, dead bait, whatever you drop down there. Here's the key: soon as you feel that thump, don't hesitate. Clamp down on that drag and horse them up immediately. Give them even two seconds to think about it, and they'll bury you in the rocks every time.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the workhorses of our reef trips. These chunky, dark fish with white-spotted fins usually run 1-4 pounds, but the big males can push 8 pounds and sport that distinctive hump on their heads. They love structure - wrecks, rocks, ledges - anything in 60-120 feet where they can ambush crabs and small fish. Late spring through fall is best when they gather near shore. What's cool is they're all born female, then the bigger ones turn male as they mature. They fight harder than their size suggests and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also pretty cooperative - where you catch one, there's usually more. My tip: use a two-hook rig with squid or clam, and work it right on the bottom. Soon as you feel that tap, set the hook quick - they'll suck in your bait and spit it out just as fast if you hesitate.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the reef - these brown, shark-looking fish cruise solo and can hit 100 pounds. Most we catch run 30-50 pounds, but they fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-120 feet, especially during spring migration when they move through our waters. They're curious fish that'll often come right up to the boat to investigate. What makes them special is that firm, white meat - some say it's better than grouper. Plus, they're sight fishers a lot of the time, so you can actually see your target before you cast. Pro tip: when you hook one near structure, don't let them get their head down. Point that rod tip up and use heavy drag right from the start, or they'll wrap you around the nearest piling and snap you off in seconds.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are some of the smartest fish on the reef. These copper-red beauties with the dark eye stripe typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, but out on the deep structure we fish, they can push 10-15 pounds. They love any kind of cover - wrecks, ledges, rocks - in 40-120 feet. Night fishing is prime time since they're more active in the dark, but we catch plenty during the day too. What makes them special is that white, flaky meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also one of the wariest fish out there - they'll inspect your bait like a scientist before committing. My advice: use the smallest hook you can get away with, keep your bait natural, and when you feel that subtle pickup, don't jerk. Just start reeling steady pressure. These fish will drop your bait at the first sign of trouble.
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