Reef And Wreck Fishing Charters On Riviera Beach
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Target productive reefs and wrecks near West Palm Beach watersFamily-friendly trips accommodate up to 5 guests comfortablyFlexible booking with 24-hour advance cancellation policy available
When you're looking for consistent action and quality fish in South Florida waters, the nearshore reefs and wrecks off Riviera Beach deliver every time. These productive grounds sit just minutes from the inlet, where structure holds everything from hard-fighting cobia to table-fare snappers. Captain Buford knows these spots like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting guests on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a weekend warrior chasing your next personal best, this charter adapts to your crew's skill level and goals.
Your day starts at the Riviera Beach Marina, where you'll meet Captain Buford and get the rundown on tackle, safety, and the game plan. The boat handles up to five anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at the action. These nearshore waters are perfect for families because the rides are shorter and the seas are typically calmer than offshore trips. You'll be fishing structure that ranges from natural coral reefs to artificial wrecks, each holding different species depending on the season and conditions. The captain reads the water and adjusts throughout the day, moving spots when needed to keep lines tight. Bring your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't provided, but focus on staying hydrated and having backup sunscreen.
Reef and wreck fishing requires specific approaches, and Captain Buford has the right gear for each situation. You'll be using medium to heavy spinning tackle and conventional reels loaded with enough line to handle structure fishing. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and natural baits like sardines, pilchards, and squid works great for snapper, grouper, and other reef dwellers. When targeting pelagics like mahi and blackfin tuna, the setup switches to trolling spread with diving plugs, feathers, and ballyhoo. The key to wreck fishing is getting your bait down quickly before the current pushes you off the spot, then being ready for that initial hard run when a fish hits. Captain Buford will coach you through the fight, especially when dealing with larger species that want to head straight back to the structure.
Mahi mahi are the crowd-pleasers on these trips, known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights. These fast-growing fish average 10-25 pounds in these waters, with larger bulls possible during peak season from spring through fall. They're attracted to floating debris and structure, making the wrecks prime hunting grounds. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat various baits and their excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the reef, with their brown coloration and shark-like appearance fooling many first-time anglers. These fish range from 20-50 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters that test your endurance. They're most active during warmer months and often cruise near the surface around structure. Cobia are curious fish that will follow hooked fish to the boat, giving multiple anglers shots at the school. Their mild, crab-like flavor makes them a favorite for blackening or frying.
Mutton snapper represent some of the best eating fish in Florida waters, with their distinctive red coloration and challenging fight. These reef dwellers average 5-15 pounds and require finesse fishing with lighter leaders and natural baits. They're year-round residents but bite best during moving tides. Mutton snappers are notoriously finicky, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers who appreciate the technical challenge of getting them to bite.
Goliath grouper are the gentle giants of the reef, with fish reaching several hundred pounds in these protected waters. While you must release these magnificent fish immediately, the experience of hooking one is something you'll never forget. Their massive size and raw power will test every piece of tackle, and watching one of these prehistoric-looking fish swim away healthy is always a highlight. They're most active during summer months and prefer deeper structure.
Blackfin tuna bring speed and endurance to the mix, with their dark backs and distinctive yellow finlets making them easy to identify. These smaller tunas typically weigh 10-25 pounds but fight much larger than their size suggests. They school around structure and respond well to both trolling and live bait fishing. Blackfin are excellent sashimi fish when properly handled, with deep red meat that's prized by sushi lovers and home cooks alike.
Captain Buford's reef and wreck charters offer the perfect balance of action, accessibility, and variety that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The 24-hour refund policy takes the stress out of weather concerns, while the flexible scheduling works around your vacation plans. These nearshore waters produce fish year-round, with each season bringing different species and opportunities. Whether you're after dinner for the family or bragging rights at the marina, these productive grounds deliver consistently. The combination of experienced guidance, quality equipment, and prime fishing locations makes this charter a smart choice for your Riviera Beach fishing adventure. Contact Big Buford Sportfishing today to secure your dates and get ready for some of the best reef fishing the Palm Beach area has to offer.
Step aboard our well-equipped 35-foot center console motorboat, your ticket to the productive fishing waters off Riviera Beach. This spacious vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS navigation, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate those reef and wreck hotspots where the fish are biting. Our experienced First Mate knows these waters inside and out, guiding you to the best spots where snapper, grouper, and other prized species gather around the underwater structures. The roomy center console design gives everyone plenty of space to fight fish and move around safely, while our modern electronics ensure we're always heading to the most productive areas. Perfect for families, beginners, or seasoned anglers looking to fill the cooler with fresh catch from some of South Florida's most reliable fishing grounds.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are fast-moving school fish that typically run 10-25 pounds, perfect for light tackle action. These dark-bodied speedsters cruise our nearshore waters from 50-200 feet, often mixing with skipjacks and bonitos. Fall through spring gives us the most consistent bite when they're thick in our area following bait schools. What anglers love about blackfins is the combination of speed and stamina - they'll make screaming runs and fight to the bitter end. Plus, they're fantastic sashimi-grade fish with rich, red meat that's perfect for the table. The key is scaling down your tackle since they're line-shy. I recommend 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards works best - just be ready for that lightning-fast bite.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of our nearshore waters, averaging 30-50 pounds with some monsters pushing 100. These dark brown fish cruise our reefs and wrecks in 30-80 feet, often mistaken for sharks until you see that distinctive flat head. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving north along our coast. What guests love about cobia is the raw power - they'll make strong runs and test your drag like few other fish. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that tastes similar to shark or swordfish. Since cobia are often solitary and spooky, here's my go-to tip: use a bucktail jig in the 4-8 ounce range and work it slowly near the bottom around structure. Color doesn't matter much - it's all about that natural presentation.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - true monsters that can reach 300-500 pounds and live over 50 years. These protected fish hang around our wrecks and reef ledges in 20-100 feet, and they're not shy about investigating divers or anglers. You'll find them year-round, but summer brings the best action when they're more active in the warmer water. What makes targeting goliaths special is the sheer power - that first run will test every piece of your gear and probably your back too. Remember, these are catch-and-release only, but the experience is unforgettable. You'll need heavy tackle - 80-pound class gear minimum with 20/0 circle hooks. Here's the secret: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough to pull them away before they cut you off on the reef.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter off Riviera Beach. Running 15-30 pounds on average, they're absolutely stunning underwater with their electric blues and greens, then put on a wild color show once boated. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 30-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're moving through our area. What makes mahi special is the combination - they fight hard, look amazing, and eat even better with that firm, sweet white meat. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more, so have another rod ready to capitalize on the bite.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of our most prized reef fish, typically running 3-8 pounds with the occasional 15+ pounder showing up. You'll recognize them by that pinkish-olive color and the distinctive blue lines around their eyes. They hang around our reefs and wrecks in 20-100 feet, often in small groups picking at the sandy edges. Year-round fishing is good, but summer months when the water's warm really turn them on. What makes muttons special is they're smart fighters that'll test your skills, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key to success is fresh bait on light tackle. Use a knocker rig with just enough weight to get down, and let that bait drift naturally in the current.
Riviera Beach