Florida Offshore Fishing for Mahi, Wahoo & Game Fish
When you're ready to leave the shallow water crowds behind and chase some serious pelagic action, this 8-hour offshore charter with Above & Below Adventures is exactly what you need. We're talking about the real deal here – deep blue water where the big boys live, and species that'll test your drag system like nothing you've ever hooked nearshore. Florida's offshore waters are legendary for a reason, and this trip puts you right in the middle of the action targeting three of the most sought-after game fish in these waters: lightning-fast Wahoo, acrobatic Mahi, and bruiser Black Grouper that'll make your arms burn.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical half-day bay trip – we're heading out to where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the GPS numbers start looking serious. The 8-hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots, adjust our game plan based on conditions, and really dial in on what's biting. With a max of 6 anglers, you're not going to be fighting for rod time or elbow room at the rail. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you rigged and ready before we even clear the inlet. Expect to cover some serious ground as we hunt structure, temperature breaks, and current edges where these pelagic predators set up to ambush baitfish. The Gulf Stream influence here creates perfect conditions for the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
We're running a proven spread that's been putting fish in the boat consistently – a mix of high-speed trolling for Wahoo and conventional speeds for Mahi and everything else that wants to eat. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait, from 30-pound class spinning gear for the smaller Mahi up to 50-pound conventional setups for the big Wahoo that'll scream line off your reel before you even know what hit. We're talking ballyhoo, cedar plugs, diving lures, and whatever else is working on any given day. The captain's constantly reading the water, adjusting the spread, and positioning us on the most productive structure. You'll learn why certain lures work better at different speeds, how to read the sonar for bait concentrations, and what those subtle rod tip movements mean when you're watching six lines in the water.
Top Catches This Season
The Wahoo bite has been absolutely lights-out, especially when we can find those temperature breaks in 150-300 feet of water. These fish are pure rocket fuel – hitting trolled baits at 40+ mph and making blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Most of our Wahoo are running 20-40 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish that'll really test your technique. The Mahi fishing has been world-class too, with good numbers of schoolies mixed in with some real slammer bulls and cows. When we find a good Mahi school, it's often game-on for hours as these fish travel in groups and stay aggressive. The Black Grouper fishing on the offshore structure has been producing some real doormat-sized fish that'll head straight for the rocks the second they feel the hook. These bottom dwellers require a completely different approach – heavy tackle, perfect boat positioning, and the muscle to turn them before they cut you off.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Wahoo are the speed demons of Florida's offshore waters, and for good reason. These fish can hit 60 mph in short bursts and have teeth like razors, which is why we run wire leaders and keep our reflexes sharp. Peak Wahoo season runs from November through March when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore, but we catch them year-round in deeper water. What makes them so special isn't just the speed – it's the combination of power, unpredictability, and incredible table fare. A good Wahoo will make multiple long runs, often jumping and tail-walking like a billfish. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely perfect on the grill or blackened in a pan.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the pelagic world, and Florida's offshore waters host some of the best Mahi fishing on the planet. These fish are most active from April through July, though we see them almost year-round following the warm water. What sets Mahi apart is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. The bulls (males) develop that distinctive square head and can push 50+ pounds, while the females typically run smaller but are just as feisty. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, which means sustainable fishing and consistent action. Plus, few fish taste better than fresh Mahi – firm, sweet, and perfect for everything from fish tacos to grilled fillets.
Black Grouper are the bulldozers of the offshore structure, and hooking into a big one is like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom. These fish live around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 80-200 feet of water, and they use every bit of that structure to their advantage. Prime time for Black Grouper is May through August, though the bite stays consistent most of the year. What makes them so challenging is their ability to immediately head for the rocks when hooked – you've got maybe 10-15 seconds to turn their head before they cut your line on the structure. The payoff is worth it though – Black Grouper are among the best eating fish in Florida waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation you can think of.
Time to Book Your Spot
This is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in