Private Offshore Charter: 5-8 Hour Deep Sea Trip
Nothing beats the rush of heading offshore into deep blue water where the big fish live. This private charter with Bottoms Up Fishing Charters takes you 3-12 miles out to prime fishing grounds where kings, mahi, wahoo, and cobia are waiting. Captain Justin and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this is your ticket to some serious offshore action.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock. After a quick safety briefing and introductions, you'll head out to the fishing grounds. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee and get your game face on while Captain Justin scans the water for signs of life. Once you hit the fishing zone, it's go time. The crew sets up multiple lines, gets the bait ready, and starts working the water. You'll cover different depths and structures throughout the day, from trolling the deeper water for pelagics to dropping down on structure for bottom fish. The boat can handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, so everyone gets plenty of rod time without feeling crowded. All your tackle, bait, and gear is provided – just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
Captain Justin runs a tight ship when it comes to technique. The crew sets up a spread of trolling rigs with different lures and baits to cover the water column effectively. You'll see everything from high-speed wahoo rigs to slow-trolled live bait for kings and cobia. When the bite slows on the troll, they'll switch it up with some bottom fishing over structure. The boat carries quality conventional reels spooled with heavy line – these offshore species don't mess around, and neither does the gear. The crew knows when to run and gun versus when to sit on a productive spot, and they're not afraid to move if the action dies. Irish chum gets deployed to bring the fish up when conditions are right, and it's proven effective for drawing in the mahi and other pelagics.
Customer Stories
"On the fish early, action of kings and mahi. The crew was very chill with the inexperienced. Great time! Justin and Jarred worked hard thank you. The Irish chum worked well!" - Hugo
"Captain Justin and his mate were absolutely great! They had us on mahi pretty quickly as we made our way offshore. Ended up with a total of 7 mahi before the storms drove us back towards port. We stopped before going in and did some bottom fishing that also went great! Ended up bringing in 5 short cobia (nice size on the fish, just not big enough to keep), a nurse shark, several trigger fish, some lane snapper, blue runners and some other randoms (soap fish!). The trip was for my 12 year old son's birthday and we could not have asked for a better trip. Absolutely would recommend!" - Justin
"Captain Justin is extremely knowledgeable. We encountered fish consistently throughout the entire day, culminating in the exciting experience of bringing an 8ft Shark to the boat before releasing it. It was a truly memorable day, and I plan on booking again very soon." - David
Top Catches This Season
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing in these waters. These silver bullets can show up anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds, and they'll test your drag system when they make their signature runs. Kings are most active during the warmer months and love structure like wrecks and ledges. They're aggressive predators that hit fast, so keep your rod tip up and be ready for action. The fight is what makes kings special – they're fast, strong, and never give up easy.
Grey Triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're tough fighters with attitude to spare. These bottom dwellers hang around structure and have jaws that can crush shellfish, so don't put your fingers anywhere near their mouth. Triggers typically run 2-5 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. They're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Peak season runs through fall when they're fattening up for winter.
Mahi Mahi are the poster fish for offshore fishing – bright gold and green colors that light up when they're fighting. These acrobatic fighters love to jump and put on a show, making them a favorite with anglers of all ages. Mahi school up around floating debris and weed lines, and when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They hit hard on trolled baits and are fantastic eating. Most mahi run 10-30 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and a serious attitude problem. Wahoo typically range from 20-60 pounds and are prized for their incredible white meat that's sashimi-grade when fresh. They're notorious for cutting through wire leaders, so the crew runs heavy tackle when targeting these beasts. The strike is violent and the fight is fast – blink and you might miss it.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the offshore scene, often cruising near the surface like brown submarines. These curious fish will follow the boat and check out anything that looks interesting. Cobia can get huge – 30 to 80 pounds isn't uncommon – but they fight with power rather than speed. They're excellent table fare and a blast to catch on lighter tackle. Spring and fall are prime time for cobia as they move through the area during their migrations.