5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Grouper And Snapper Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Sixhour 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
Picture this: it's 1 PM on a perfect South Florida afternoon, and you're headed out of Riviera Beach with Captain Ricky for six solid hours of bottom fishing. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a 3/4 day charter that gives you real time to work the reefs and wrecks where the big grouper and snapper hang out. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters, from hefty mutton snapper to massive goliath grouper, all while soaking up that famous Florida sunshine that turns golden as the day rolls on. With room for up to six anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough hands to work multiple lines and keeping things comfortable enough that everyone gets quality time with the rod.
Captain Ricky runs a tight ship when it comes to preparation – you'll find everything you need already rigged and ready to go. We're talking quality rods and reels spooled with the right test line for bottom fishing, a tackle box stocked with circle hooks, sinkers, and fresh bait that these fish can't resist. The boat heads out to proven spots where the bottom structure holds fish year-round, and you'll spend most of your time working depths between 60 and 120 feet where the good eating fish live. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – bottom fishing for grouper and snapper is about patience and feel more than technique, and Captain Ricky will have you dialed in within the first few drops. The afternoon start time means you'll avoid the morning crowds at the popular spots and get to watch the sun start its descent as you're pulling up dinner.
This charter focuses on vertical jigging and live bait fishing over structure, which is hands-down the most productive way to target grouper and snapper in these waters. You'll be working with circle hooks and enough weight to get down fast in the current, usually 4-8 ounces depending on conditions. Captain Ricky provides everything from the terminal tackle to fresh cut bait and live pinfish when they're available. The key here is feeling the bottom and keeping your bait just off the rocks and coral heads where these fish ambush their prey. You'll learn to recognize the difference between a grouper's headshake and a snapper's run, and how to work fish up from depth without letting them get back into the structure. The boat's fish finder and GPS take the guesswork out of finding productive water, so you can focus on working your presentation and setting the hook when something bites.
"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 are the wild cards of this charter – while you're primarily bottom fishing, these gorgeous fish often show up around the same structure that holds grouper and snapper. When they're here, usually spring through early fall, they travel in schools and put on an aerial show that'll get everyone on the boat excited. They're fast-growing fish that can reach 30-50 pounds, and their brilliant gold and green colors make them one of the most beautiful catches in these waters. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of staying with the boat once you hook the first one, giving everyone a shot at the action.
Cobia are the bruisers that'll test your drag system and your arms. These brown sharks of the reef world cruise structure looking for crabs and small fish, and when one grabs your bait, you know it immediately. They're curious fish that often come up to check out the boat, giving you a chance to sight-fish for them with live bait or jigs. Spring and fall are prime time for cobia in these waters, and a good-sized fish will go 40-60 pounds of pure muscle. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Mutton snapper represent the perfect intersection of challenge and reward in South Florida fishing. These smart fish require finesse – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and head straight for the rocks if you give them an inch. The good news is they're worth the effort, both for the fight and the dinner table. Muttons typically run 3-10 pounds around here, with the occasional teenager that'll really make you work. They're most active during summer months and are notorious for their last-second runs just when you think you've got them beat.
Goliath grouper are the giants of the reef – these massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and provide an unforgettable experience even though they're catch-and-release only. When you hook into a goliath, you're not fighting a fish so much as trying to convince a Volkswagen to swim up from the bottom. They're protected species, so the thrill is purely in the experience of connecting with one of the ocean's true monsters. These prehistoric-looking fish are most common in summer and early fall, and they have a habit of following hooked fish up from the depths.
Blackfin tuna add speed and excitement to any bottom fishing trip. These smaller cousins of the yellowf
Jump aboard our well-equipped 35-foot center console and get ready to chase grouper and snapper in the productive waters off Riviera Beach. This spacious motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need – GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for safety, VHF radio for communication, and a quality fish finder to locate schools holding near the bottom structure. Captain Ricky knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all your tackle, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. The roomy deck gives everyone plenty of space to work their rods without getting tangled up, whether you're dropping baits for monster grouper or working the reefs for tasty snapper. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to learn the ropes in some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family but pack serious punch. They run up to 39 inches and 46 pounds, with dark backs and that distinctive yellow stripe that fades when they die. These are schooling fish found in warm oceanic waters near the continental shelf. Fall, winter, and spring are prime time here in South Florida. What guests love is the fierce fight - they're built for speed and don't give up easy. Plus, the meat is outstanding, some of the best table fare around. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle. I recommend 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 to 6/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging and chunking work best, and live pilchards for chum will bring them right to the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are dark brown bruisers that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run smaller. People often mistake them for sharks because of that single dorsal fin. You'll spot them cruising shallow waters around 30 feet, near reefs, wrecks, and buoys during spring migration and spawning season. They're loners, not schoolers, so we sight-fish for them on the surface. What guests love is the strong, sustained fight they put up - no quick give-up with these fish. The meat is excellent too, firm and flavorful like their cousin the remora. My advice: use a bucktail jig in the 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does. Once hooked, they'll try to run straight back to structure, so keep steady pressure.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese are the giants of the grouper world - massive fish that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, living around shallow reefs and structures. They're protected so it's catch and release only, but what a fight! That first pull will nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. You'll find them in 150 feet or less around coral reefs, wrecks, and ledges. They're curious fish and will actually stalk divers. The experience is what guests love - hooking into something that can weigh more than you do. Use extra-heavy gear with 50-80 wide reels and 400-600 pound mono. My tip: anchor close enough to the structure to draw them out, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Coryphaena HippurusThese bright golden fish with electric blue-green backs are absolute stunners and fierce fighters. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87. You'll find them around floating debris and weedlines in warm surface waters, especially during spring and summer. What makes them special is that color show - they flash brilliant yellows, blues, and greens when hooked, then fade once landed. The fight is wild with lots of jumps and runs. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm, white, and mild-tasting. My tip: when trolling, make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. Mahi go crazy for that action and will come up hot. Use 30-50 pound tackle because they're strong swimmers that'll test your gear.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are beautiful pinkish fish with blue streaks around their eyes and can grow up to 20 inches, occasionally larger. You'll find them around reefs and sandy areas in 80-300 feet, with the best fishing usually between 130-230 feet. They're great fighters for their size - definitely stronger than most other snappers. The key is fresh bait and light sinkers to let it drift naturally. Adults prefer rocky or coral areas while juveniles hang in sandy spots with grass. What makes them special is that pink flash you see when bringing one up through clear water - that's when you know you've got a good one. Use a knocker rig and let your bait drift in the chum slick. Fresh bait is critical with these fish.
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