5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Reef And Wreck Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting reef and wreck zonesSuitable for all experience levels including families with childrenConsistent catches of Snapper, Grouper, and surprise species
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that actually puts fish in the boat? Captain Ricky and the crew at Big Buford Sportfishing know exactly where to find them off West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach. This 4-hour afternoon charter targets productive reef and wreck sites that consistently hold fish, making it perfect whether you're a first-timer or you've been fishing these waters for years. We're talking real fishing here – not just a boat ride with rods out. You'll head to proven spots where Snapper, Grouper, and other tasty species hang out, and you'll have enough time to work multiple locations without feeling rushed. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so it's great for families, couples, or small groups of friends who want to spend quality time on the water.
This isn't one of those cattle boat operations where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. With only 6 spots available, everyone gets personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to fish properly. The trip launches from Riviera Beach, putting you within easy reach of some fantastic nearshore reefs and artificial wrecks that attract baitfish – and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking for an easy meal. The afternoon timing works perfectly because you'll hit these spots right when the fish are most active. The crew provides all the tackle you'll need, from bottom rigs for reef fishing to whatever specialized setups work best for the conditions that day. They'll also help with everything from baiting hooks to netting fish, so even if you've never held a fishing rod before, you'll be catching fish right alongside the experienced anglers. The boat is set up specifically for this type of fishing, with plenty of rod holders, a good fish box, and all the safety gear you'd expect from a professional operation.
Reef and wreck fishing requires a different approach than trolling or live bait fishing, and that's where Captain Ricky's local knowledge really pays off. Most of the fishing happens with medium to heavy tackle using bottom rigs – think circle hooks with sinkers heavy enough to get down quickly and stay put in the current. The crew will set you up with fresh bait like sardines, ballyhoo, or squid depending on what's working best. When you're fishing structure like reefs and wrecks, presentation is everything. You want your bait right in the strike zone where fish are feeding, not drifting off into open water. The captain uses GPS to position the boat perfectly over productive spots, then uses the drift or holds position with the engines depending on conditions. You'll learn to feel the difference between your sinker hitting bottom, a fish picking up the bait, and that telltale head-shaking that means it's time to set the hook. The crew knows exactly how much drag to set for different species and will coach you through fighting fish properly so you land more than you lose.
"Captain Ricky and Ali did an incredible job and we caught a ton of fish, just on a half day trip! Will definitely be booking future trips and would highly recommend them!" - Jeff
"We enjoyed our trip with this amazing captain who really knows the area and how to hook on to plenty of fish" - Felix
"Took some young kids out and they had us on fish immediately. We had a blast. Crew was awesome, boat was perfect. Couldn't ask for a better trip." - Erik
Mahi Mahi are the rockstars of offshore fishing, but they do venture into nearshore waters, especially around floating debris or weed lines near the reefs. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and fight all the way to the boat. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters and they're absolutely delicious on the table. They're most active during warmer months and love bright, flashy baits. When you hook into a bull mahi, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to targeting them. The smaller schoolies are just as fun on lighter tackle.
Cobia are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These brown sharks, as locals sometimes call them, can grow massive – we're talking 30-50 pound fish that will test your tackle and your endurance. They cruise around wrecks and reefs looking for crabs and small fish, and when they decide they want your bait, they usually commit completely. Cobia are curious fish that will sometimes follow the boat, giving you a shot at sight-fishing if conditions are right. Spring and fall are prime time for big cobia, and they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat.
Mutton Snapper are the prize fish of South Florida reef fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloring and yellow fins are smart, finicky, and absolutely delicious. Most muttons run 3-8 pounds, but the occasional monster over 10 pounds will remind you why they're so respected. They require finesse – light leaders, fresh bait, and patience. Muttons are most active at dawn and dusk, but afternoon fishing can be productive over the right structure. When you hook a nice mutton, play it carefully because they're notorious for finding ways to cut you off in the rocks.
Goliath Grouper encounters are always memorable, even though these gentle giants must be released immediately due to conservation regulations. These massive fish – some over 200 pounds – live around wrecks and large reef formations where they vacuum up anything that looks like food. When a goliath grabs your bait, there's no mistaking it. Your rod doubles over and suddenly you're connected to something that feels like a submarine. The fight is more about determination than speed, and getting photos with these prehistoric-looking fish before release makes for stories you'll tell for years. Peak season runs through late summer and fall
Hit the productive waters off Riviera Beach aboard our well-equipped 35-foot center console that's built for serious fishing. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful reef and wreck adventure - GPS to get you to the hotspots, radar for safe navigation, VHF radio for communication, and a fish finder to locate where the Snapper and Grouper are hiding. Your experienced First Mate will help you work the lines and land your catch. The spacious center console design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to fish comfortably without getting tangled up. Perfect for targeting those productive reef structures and wreck sites where the fish stack up. Whether you're after dinner or just love the fight, this boat gets you to the action and back with your cooler full.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are our speed demons - smaller tunas that typically run 10-30 pounds but pack serious punch for their size. You'll find schools of them in our nearshore waters, especially during fall, winter, and spring months when they're most active around here. What makes blackfins fun is their fierce fighting ability and excellent sashimi-quality meat with that rich, red tuna flesh. They travel in schools and can provide fast action when you find them. These fish have sharp eyesight, so scaling down your tackle is crucial - use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. The best technique is vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards. When you hook up, be ready for multiple fish since they school tightly together.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our reef system - big, brown fish that average around 6 feet and can push 100 pounds. You'll spot them cruising solo near our wrecks and reefs in 30-70 feet of water, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through during spawning season. What guests love about cobia is the sight fishing aspect - you can actually see these fish swimming just under the surface. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that rivals any premium fish. The key to success is using bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range and being ready when you see one. Once hooked, they'll make strong runs toward structure, so keep steady pressure and lead them away from the reef.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese are the giants of our reefs - massive fish that can reach 8 feet and several hundred pounds, living around our shallow wrecks and coral structures. Important note: goliath grouper are protected and must be released immediately. What makes them special for anglers is the sheer power and the sight of these prehistoric-looking fish. You'll find them in 30-150 feet around heavy structure where they ambush prey. They're curious fish that will actually follow divers and investigate boats. The fight is intense but short - that first pull can literally drag you across the deck if you're not ready. We use heavy tackle with 80-pound gear and circle hooks. The key is anchoring close enough to draw them out but far enough to pull them away from structure before they break you off on the rocks.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are one of our most exciting catches, running 15-29 pounds on average with that famous color-changing light show when they hit the boat. You'll find them around floating debris and weed lines in our nearshore waters, especially during spring and summer months. What makes mahi special is their incredible fight - they're fast, strong swimmers that'll test your tackle. The meat is absolutely top-notch too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. Out here, we look for frigate birds working over floating debris - that's usually where the mahi are feeding. Pro tip: keep your bait skipping on the surface like a flying fish, and make sure your drag is set right because these fish can make serious runs.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of our prettiest catches with their olive-to-pink coloration and distinctive blue streaks around the face. Most run 15-20 inches, though the big ones can hit 30+ inches and really test your skills. You'll find them around our nearshore reefs and sandy areas in 80-200 feet, with the bigger fish preferring the deeper structure. They're notorious for being picky eaters, so fresh bait and light tackle are essential. What makes muttons special is their strong fight relative to other snappers - they'll make determined runs for the bottom. The meat is excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white flesh. My go-to technique is using a knocker rig with the freshest bait possible, letting it drift naturally in the current around the reef edges.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Ricky and Ali did an incredible job and we caught a ton of fish, just on a half day trip! Will definitely be booking fut...
We enjoyed our trip with this amazing captain who really knows the area and how to hook on to plenty of fish
Took some young kids out and they had us on fish immediately. We had a blast. Crew was awesome, boat was perfect. Couldn’t ask for...
Riviera Beach