5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Grouper And Snapper Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Six-hour afternoon charter targeting grouper, snapper, and mahi mahiAll fishing gear and tackle provided by experienced Captain RickyAccommodates up to six guests with sunset coastal views included
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without burning your whole day? Captain Ricky's half-day charter out of Riviera Beach hits that sweet spot perfectly. This isn't your typical rushed four-hour trip – you get a full six hours from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to work the best spots and watch the sun drop over the Florida coast. Whether you're bringing the family or just want to load the cooler with fresh fillets, this charter consistently delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Ricky runs a tight ship that can handle up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families or small groups who want personalized attention. The afternoon departure time means you'll hit prime feeding windows when grouper and snapper are actively hunting. You'll spend your time working structure and reefs where these bottom dwellers love to hang out, then transition to different techniques as conditions change throughout the evening. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, tackle, and lures – everything matched to the species you're targeting. No need to worry about bringing your own gear or wondering if it's the right setup. Captain Ricky knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on what's working best that day. The sunset bonus is just icing on the cake, giving you some beautiful photo opportunities between fish.
This charter focuses primarily on bottom fishing techniques that produce consistent results for grouper and snapper. You'll be dropping baits to structure in 60-120 feet of water, using circle hooks and sinkers heavy enough to get down fast and stay put in the current. Captain Ricky typically runs a mix of live and cut baits – whatever's working best that day. The key is reading the bottom finder, positioning over the right spots, and knowing when to move if the bite slows down. Don't worry if you're new to bottom fishing; the captain will walk you through proper technique, from setting the hook to fighting fish off the bottom before they can duck back into their holes. For the more experienced anglers, there's usually opportunity to try different presentations or even some trolling if conditions allow and you want to mix things up.
"We went fishing with three adults and two young anglers, 6 and 8. Captain Ricky was punctual and well-prepared, and we quickly identified a great game plan to target eater snappers primarily to get have good catching activity… and catch we did. We got probably 75+ fish and kept the best sized fish, 19 in total. The technique was manageable for non-anglers and really entertaining and fun. We counted at least 8 species and later, after Captain Ricky filleted all the fish for us, had plenty for tacos and ceviche for lunch and some for the freezer. This is the most catching we have ever done on a charter and we've been on a bunch. We will definitely reach out to Captain Ricky again next time we are in town." - Dan
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the crown jewel of any charter when they show up. These brilliant gold and green speedsters typically run in small schools around floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, though you can find them year-round in South Florida waters. What makes mahi special isn't just their incredible colors – they're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. When you hook into one, expect a fight full of jumps and long runs that'll get your heart pumping.
Cobia are the gentle giants that always surprise first-time anglers with their size and power. These brown sharks-lookalikes can push 40-50 pounds and provide one of the strongest fights you'll experience on this type of charter. They're curious fish that often cruise near the surface around structure, sometimes following the boat for a closer look. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia, when they're moving through on their annual migration. The meat is excellent – firm, white, and mild-flavored, often compared to shark but without the ammonia concerns.
Mutton Snapper are the prize of the snapper family, with their distinctive red coloring and forked tail making them easy to identify. These fish are smart and finicky, requiring precise presentations and quality baits to consistently catch. They typically hold in 40-100 feet of water around hard bottom and structure. What makes mutton snapper special is their incredible table quality – firm, sweet meat that's considered among the best eating fish in Florida waters. They're also challenging to catch consistently, making each one a real trophy.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of the reef, capable of reaching several hundred pounds. While they're protected and must be released immediately, hooking into one is an experience you'll never forget. These massive fish provide an incredible fight, often taking anglers into their backing before they can gain any ground. They're ambush predators that lurk in caves and under ledges, using their massive mouths to vacuum up anything that gets too close. Seeing one of these prehistoric-looking fish come up from the depths is worth the trip alone.
Blackfin Tuna add speed and excitement to any charter, typically running in small schools and feeding aggressively when conditions are right. These smaller tunas rarely exceed 30 pounds but make up for size with pure speed and endurance. They're often caught while trolling or when found feeding on bait schools near the surface. The meat is darker than other species but incredibly flavorful, perfect for searing or making sashimi if you're into that. Fall and winter months tend to be most productive for blackfin tuna in this area.
This 35-foot center console motorboat is your ticket to prime grouper and snapper territory off Riviera Beach. Built for serious fishing, she's equipped with GPS to mark your hotspots, radar for safety, VHF radio for marine communications, and a quality fish finder to locate structure where the big ones hang out. The spacious center console design gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. Your experienced first mate handles the gear and helps land your catch while you focus on putting dinner in the cooler. The open layout makes it easy to move around when that grouper tries to head for the rocks, and there's enough deck space for everyone to fish comfortably during this productive afternoon charter.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest of the tunas but pack serious punch for their size. These silver bullets typically run 10-25 pounds and are built for speed. They school up in deeper water, usually 100+ feet, around drop-offs and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is peak season when water temps drop into the 70s. What makes them exciting? Pure speed and endurance - they'll scream drag and test your arms. The meat is outstanding too - dark, rich, and perfect for searing or sashimi. They're sharp-eyed fish that spook easily, so we scale down our tackle - 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging and chunking work best, especially with live pilchards for chum. Pro tip: when you find them, work fast - schools move quickly, and the bite window can be short. Keep your hooks sharp and your drag smooth.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the reef - dark brown, shark-looking fish that average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+. They cruise solo around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-70 feet, especially during spring migration and summer months. What makes them a blast to target? They're sight-fishing opportunities and absolute bulldogs once hooked. The meat rivals any fish in these waters - firm, white, and tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Spring is prime time when they're moving through for spawning. We typically spot them just under the surface around structure or current breaks. Bucktail jigs work great, but honestly, color doesn't matter much. Here's the trick: when you see one, get that jig down quickly and keep it moving - they're curious but won't wait around long to decide.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the ultimate photo opportunity - we're talking fish that can reach 200-400+ pounds and grow up to 8 feet long. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in shallow water, usually 20-100 feet deep. Remember, these are catch-and-release only by law, but what a rush when you hook one. That first pull will test everything you've got - they're incredibly strong but usually tire quickly. Year-round fishing, but summer months seem most productive. The fight is short but intense, and getting photos with one of these prehistoric-looking fish makes for lifetime memories. We use heavy tackle - 50-80 wide reels with serious drag. Fresh bait like big crabs or whole fish works best. Key tip: anchor close enough to get them interested but far enough to pull them away from structure before they dive back and break you off on the rocks.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are pure excitement on the line. Mahi typically run 15-29 pounds around here, but we've seen them hit 40+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-300 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? That lightning-fast color show as they fight - flashing gold, blue, and green before fading once boated. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and sweet. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash trolled ballyhoo or small lures skipped on the surface. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for others - mahi often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the pretty ones - olive to pinkish with those distinctive blue lines around their eyes. They typically run 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can push 15+ pounds and really test your drag. You'll find them around reefs and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet, though the bigger fish often hang deeper. They're year-round residents, but late spring through summer gives us the most consistent action. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters for their size and absolutely delicious table fare. These fish are smart though - they'll inspect your bait closely, so fresh is key. We use knocker rigs with light weights to keep the bait natural. The secret is letting your bait drift in the current and being patient. When you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, get ready for a solid fight.
5.0 out of 5.0We went fishing with three adults and two young anglers, 6 and 8. Captain Ricky was punctual and well-prepared, and we quickly id...
Riviera Beach