Guided Trolling and Live Bait Charter
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Sixhour morning charter targets multiple offshore speciesLive bait fishing and trolling techniques in Palm Beach watersCaptainrecommended trip accommodates up to six guests
Looking for a solid day of fishing off the Palm Beach coast? This 6-hour morning charter with Big Buford Sportfishing delivers exactly what you're after. We're talking about a captain-recommended trip that runs from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, giving you prime fishing hours when the fish are most active. You'll be working the waters off Riviera Beach with a mix of trolling, live bait presentations, and deep dropping techniques. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so bring your crew or join other fishing enthusiasts for a morning that consistently produces results. At $1,050 for the charter, you're getting access to some of the best fishing grounds in South Florida.
This charter starts early for good reason – morning hours offer the best bite rates and calmer seas. You'll be targeting multiple species using proven techniques that work in these waters. The captain knows exactly where to find the fish based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Expect to cover some serious ground as we move between productive spots, adjusting our approach based on what's biting. The 6-hour window gives us plenty of time to work different areas without feeling rushed. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who lives for the next big fish, this trip accommodates all skill levels. The boat is equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you prefer. We'll handle the bait, tackle, and navigation while you focus on what matters most – landing fish.
We're running a combination approach that maximizes your chances at multiple species. Trolling lets us cover water efficiently while presenting lures at the right speed and depth for pelagic species like mahi and blackfin tuna. When we mark fish or hit productive structure, we'll switch to live bait fishing – nothing beats a lively sardine or pilchard for getting stubborn fish to bite. Deep dropping comes into play when we're working bottom structure for grouper and snapper. The captain will rig everything appropriately for the technique we're using, adjusting leader length, hook size, and weight based on conditions. You'll learn why certain presentations work better in specific situations, and experienced anglers will appreciate the attention to detail in our setups. The gear is maintained to handle everything from scrappy mutton snapper to hard-fighting cobia that can test your tackle and technique.
The Mahi Mahi bite has been particularly strong this season, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized dolphins to bulls pushing 20+ pounds. These fish are pure excitement – they hit hard, jump repeatedly, and put on a show that never gets old. The bright colors and acrobatic fights make them a favorite among photographers and first-time offshore anglers. Cobia have been showing up consistently around structure and floating debris, offering that classic bulldogging fight that tests your arms and drag system. Blackfin Tuna provide non-stop action when we locate schools – these fish are built for speed and endurance, making multiple hookups common when the bite is on. Mutton Snapper around local reefs have been cooperative, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. The possibility of hooking into a Goliath Grouper adds an element of anticipation to every bottom drop – these giants can exceed 200 pounds and provide a battle you'll remember for years.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here. These fish are most active during warmer months but can be found year-round in South Florida waters. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets for our trolling approach. What makes mahi special is their willingness to stay with hooked fish – land one, and there's often a school waiting nearby. Their vibrant colors and excellent table fare make them a top target for good reason. Cobia are the ultimate sight-fishing challenge when conditions allow. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving you shots at trophy-sized specimens. They're strong fighters that use their broad tails and muscular bodies to test your technique. Peak season runs from March through June, but they're around most of the year.
Blackfin Tuna school up in impressive numbers and provide some of the fastest action you'll experience. These fish rarely stop moving, even when hooked, and their stamina is legendary. They're excellent eating and perfect for sashimi when handled properly. The bite can happen any time of year, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. Mutton Snapper are the reef specialists – smart, finicky, and absolutely delicious. They require precise presentations and quality bait to consistently fool, making them a favorite among experienced anglers. Their fight is surprisingly strong for their size, and they're considered one of the best eating fish in Florida waters. Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate challenge – these protected giants must be released, but the experience of fighting a fish that can weigh more than you is something every serious angler should experience at least once.
This charter books up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons and weekends. The captain's reputation for finding fish and the trip's solid catch rate make it a customer favorite among both locals and visiting anglers. The 24-hour cancellation policy gives you flexibility if weather becomes a factor, but keep in mind that deposits become non-refundable after that window. Six hours on the water provides excellent value – you're getting a full morning of fishing without the fatigue that comes with longer trips. The early start means you'll be back at the dock by mid-afternoon, leaving time to clean your catch and enjoy the rest of your day. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, introducing someone to offshore fishing, or just need to get your fishing fix, this charter delivers the goods. Reserve your spot now and get ready for some world-class fishing in one of Florida's
This 35-foot center console is built for serious fishing off Riviera Beach. With room for six anglers, she's equipped with GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder to help you track down Blackfin Tuna, Mahi, and Cobia in Palm Beach waters. The spacious layout gives everyone room to work while trolling or dropping live bait. Your experienced first mate handles the details so you can focus on the fight. Whether you're casting for Mutton Snapper or battling a Goliath Grouper, this boat delivers the stability and performance you need for productive offshore fishing.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the speed demons of our offshore waters, typically running 10-25 pounds with dark backs and that distinctive gold stripe along their sides. These schooling fish cruise the continental shelf edges and blue water, usually in 200+ feet where the current is strongest. Fall through spring is peak season when they're most abundant off Palm Beach. What makes blackfins special is their blistering runs and excellent sashimi-quality meat - they're small but pack serious punch on lighter tackle. They're also great for beginners since they school up and bite aggressively when you find them. Pro tip: scale down your leaders to 30-pound fluorocarbon and use smaller circle hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy tackle in clear water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are fascinating fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their brown coloration and prominent dorsal fin. These solitary hunters typically run 30-60 pounds and can reach 6 feet, making them serious adversaries on medium-heavy tackle. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, though they cruise deeper offshore rigs too. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they move through our area. What guests love about cobia is their curiosity - they'll actually follow the boat and investigate baits, plus they're tremendous fighters and excellent eating with firm, white flesh. Here's a local trick: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and work it slowly - they rarely refuse that presentation.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs, capable of reaching 400+ pounds and 6+ feet long. These massive fish live around coral reefs, wrecks, and structure in relatively shallow water, typically 50-150 feet. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall tend to produce the most action when they're more active. What makes them special is the sheer adrenaline rush - that first pull will nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. Remember, these are protected fish, so it's strictly catch and release, but the experience is unforgettable. They're curious, unafraid, and incredibly powerful. My advice: use heavy gear (80+ pound class), circle hooks, and anchor close enough to the structure to draw them out, but far enough to have a fighting chance of keeping them off the bottom once hooked.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter off Riviera Beach. They average 15-29 pounds but can reach impressive sizes, and their brilliant blues and greens put on quite a light show when brought to the surface. Mahi typically hang around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most abundant in our waters. What makes them special is their aggressive strike, strong fight, and that spectacular color display. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. My tip: when trolling, make your baits skip on the surface like flying fish - mahi can't resist that action and will often come up in multiples.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are among the prettiest fish we target, with their pinkish-olive coloration and distinctive blue streaks around the face. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can push 30+ inches and really test your gear. They prefer sandy areas near reefs and structure in 80-200 feet of water, often hanging just outside the hard bottom in the sand pockets. Year-round fishing is good, but they really turn on during warmer months when they're more active. Anglers love muttons because they're smart, spooky fish that require finesse, and they make excellent table fare. They're also beautiful fighters that will head straight for the bottom when hooked. My go-to technique: use a knocker rig with fresh bait and minimal weight, letting it drift naturally in the current - presentation is everything with these guys.
Riviera Beach