8 HR Offshore Adventure with Ben O'fishal
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting dolphin, sailfish, and tunaReef and wreck fishing adventure accommodates six guestsProfessional sportfishing charter with all experience levels welcome
Looking for a full day of serious fishing action? This 8-hour offshore charter puts you right in the thick of it, targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish swimming. Captain Ben and his crew know exactly where to find the fish, whether that's working the reefs, hitting productive wrecks, or running out to the deep blue water where the big boys hang out. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives you plenty of space to fish without bumping elbows, and the captain's local knowledge means you'll be fishing the right spots at the right time.
Eight hours gives you the luxury of covering serious ground and really dialing in on what's biting. You'll start early to make the most of prime fishing conditions, and depending on what's hot that day, the captain might take you to structure-rich wrecks where snapper stack up, productive reefs that hold a mixed bag of species, or run offshore to troll for pelagics like mahi and sailfish. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility - if one spot isn't producing, you've got time to move and find the action. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle suited for everything from bottom fishing to trolling, and the crew knows how to put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler. Pack your own lunch and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish most of the day to worry much about eating.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore fishing techniques. When working the wrecks and reefs, you'll be dropping baits to the bottom using conventional tackle with enough backbone to pull fish away from structure. Think heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and fresh cut bait or live offerings when available. The trolling game is where things get really exciting - spread out a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and maybe some rigged squid to cover different depths and presentations. The captain will adjust trolling speed based on conditions and target species, typically running anywhere from 6 to 12 knots depending on what's working. When a sailfish crashes the spread or a mahi lights up one of the riggers, you'll know why anglers get addicted to this style of fishing. All rods and reels are provided, along with tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as they're also known, are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most exciting fish you'll encounter on this trip. These colorful fighters typically show up around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks, and when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're incredibly acrobatic, known for their spectacular jumps and bulldogging runs that'll test your drag system. Peak season varies by location, but these fish are generally most abundant during warmer months. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat just about anything - trolled baits, jigs, even flies if you're into that. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table, making them a perfect combination of sport and sustenance.
Red Snapper are the kings of bottom fishing, and for good reason. These reef dwellers are notorious for their hard initial run straight back toward structure, testing both your tackle and your technique. A quality red snapper will typically weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 20-plus. They're most active during certain times of the year when regulations allow targeting them, so timing your trip right is crucial. What anglers love about red snapper is the combination of great fight, beautiful fish, and incredible table fare. They're also smart - if you're not using the right bait presentation and keeping your line tight, they'll steal your offering and leave you wondering what happened.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that'll wake up everyone on the boat when they hit a trolled bait. These smaller members of the tuna family typically run 5 to 15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're known for long, sustained runs that'll have your reel screaming and your arms burning. Blackfins are often found around structure or temperature breaks, and they're suckers for small trolled baits fished at higher speeds. They're most active during specific seasons and are particularly exciting because they often travel in schools - hook one and you might just hook into several. Their dark red meat is prized by sushi lovers, and their aggressive strikes make them a favorite target for action-oriented anglers.
Atlantic Sailfish are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers, and for good reason. These bills are pure excitement from the moment they crash a trolled bait to their spectacular jumps and long runs. A typical sailfish will run anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds, with their signature dorsal fin fully extended when they're fired up. They're most commonly caught while trolling, often hitting ballyhoo or other rigged baits fished from the outriggers. What makes sailfish special is their aerial display - few things in fishing compare to watching a sail greyhound across the surface or launch itself completely out of the water. Many anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, making for great photos and even better memories. Peak sailfish action often coincides with cooler months when they're migrating, turning every trolled bait into a potential trophy opportunity.
A full-day offshore charter with Ben O'fishal Sportfishing gives you the complete package - experienced crew, quality tackle, and the time needed to really get after it. With only 6 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or that once-in-a-lifetime sailfish photo, this 8-hour adventure puts you in
Get ready to hit the deep waters aboard this beautifully restored 42-foot Morgan sportfishing vessel. Recently brought back to life in 2020, this classic fishing machine packs twin 325HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a steady 20 knots. Whether you're trolling for dolphin and sailfish or working the reefs for snapper and tuna, you'll have all the tools you need - GPS navigation, radar, and fish finder to locate those prize catches. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with a flybridge offering excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your drinks cold in the onboard refrigerator. With a multimedia system for those quieter moments and a head for convenience, this boat is set up for serious offshore fishing. The captain knows where the fish are biting, from productive wrecks to open water hot spots.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate gamefish experience - these magnificent billfish average 7.5 feet long and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. They cruise nearshore waters from 30-65 feet deep, preferring temps between 70-83°F. Winter months bring the best action as they migrate through following warm water. What makes sailfish legendary is their aerial show - they'll leap, tail-walk, and dive repeatedly during the fight. The speed and acrobatics are what guests remember forever. We practice catch-and-release to preserve this amazing fishery. Here's the secret: when trolling, slow down and let your baits swim naturally. Use bright pink and white or blue and white lures. When a sail shows up behind the boat, don't get excited - let it eat the bait completely before setting the hook. Patience pays off with these incredible fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds with that classic tuna body and distinctive black fins. They school up in warm offshore waters over 68°F, usually near the continental shelf edge. Peak season here is fall through spring when they move into our warmer coastal waters. What makes blackfins special is their fierce fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish out there. They're also top-shelf table fare, perfect for sashimi or searing. These fish have incredibly sharp eyesight, so here's the trick: scale down your tackle. Use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. When you find a school, try vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards. They can be finicky, but once you dial in the right presentation, you'll have steady action.
Coryphaena HippurusThese beautiful golden fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach 87 pounds. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in warm offshore waters. They're attracted to anything floating - sargassum, logs, even boats. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit 70°F+. What makes mahi special is their incredible color show - brilliant blues and greens that shift like a light display when hooked. They're strong fighters and make outstanding table fare with firm, mild flesh. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes open for others nearby. Mahi often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Make that bait skip on the surface like a flying fish - that's what really gets them fired up.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are true bottom dwellers that live around structure in 30-620 feet of water. These guys can grow up to 35 pounds, though most we catch run 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds. They hang tight to reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom where they ambush baitfish. Best fishing happens during their spawning season from May through October when they're more active. What guests love about snappers is the solid fight they put up - they'll head straight for cover and try to cut your line on the structure. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with that mild, nutty flavor that's perfect for any recipe. One key tip: use fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish, and get it right to the bottom. These fish have great eyesight, so downsize your hooks and leaders if the bite gets tough.
Marathon