5.0(3 Reviews)12-Hour Swordfish & Trolling Adventure
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour private charter targets swordfish and premium pelagic speciesDeep-sea trolling expedition accommodates up to 6 guests offshoreProfessional crew provides equipment for trophy fish encounters
Captain Brett and 'Bout Time Charters are ready to take you on a serious deep-sea fishing mission that'll test your skills and fill your cooler. This 12-hour private charter targets some of the Gulf's most prized species - Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi. We're talking about a full day of fishing where you'll experience both high-speed trolling action and the patience-testing art of swordfishing. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives your group the chance to work together and create those fish stories you'll be telling for years.
You'll be heading out into the deep Gulf waters where the real fish live - we're not messing around with inshore stuff here. This is a 12-hour commitment, which means we've got time to cover serious ground and try multiple techniques. During daylight hours, expect to be trolling for pelagics like Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna. The boat will be rigged with outriggers and we'll be pulling a spread of lures at various depths to entice these speed demons. When the sun starts dropping, that's when the swordfish game begins. We'll be setting up deep drops with squid and other natural baits, working the structure where these broadbills cruise. The boat is equipped with all the heavy tackle you'll need, from 30-pound trolling setups to 80-pound swordfish rigs. Captain Brett knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's not afraid to run to where the fish are biting. You'll be working as a team - when someone's fighting a fish, others are clearing lines or getting the gaff ready. This isn't a sit-back-and-relax kind of trip; it's hands-on fishing at its finest.
The trolling game out here is all about covering water and reading the signs. We'll be running a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and high-speed lures behind the boat, typically cruising between 6-12 knots depending on conditions and target species. The captain will be watching the fish finder and looking for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity - all the classic signs that predator fish are feeding. When we hook up on a school of Mahi or find a Wahoo bite, we'll work that area hard until it dries up. For the swordfish portion, it's a completely different game. We're talking about dropping baits down 1,200-2,000 feet, using electric reels and heavy sinkers to get down to where these fish patrol. The waiting game can test your patience, but when a sword picks up your bait and starts that first screaming run, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over the country just for a shot at one. Captain Brett has the electronics and experience to find the productive bottom, and he's got the tackle knowledge to rig baits that get bit. You'll learn about reading the sonar, understanding current direction, and why bait presentation matters so much in deep water.
"Captain Brett was AWSOME and great day of fishing. Easy to find marina with very clean facilities." - Jeff. "We were looking for a boat and Captain that has the experience needed to fish the Gulf waters. Brett deserves a better than 5 star rating. We will be our first and only call when we want to go fishing in the Gulf waters again Thanks again Captain Brett, we have more good memories and stories to share with friends and family." - Carl Van. "We had a blast. We booked a graduation trip so my son and I could make a few more memories, and boy did we. Captain Brett knows his stuff. We fished and caught mingos, black snapper, trigger fish, amberjacks (yes, two of them although only one was keeping size), spanish mackrel, bait fish, and even sucker fish (by accident but we got it). We all worked together to have a good time. If he was taking a fish off a line, then we would bait our hooks. If he was baiting a hook, then we would get the fish off if we could. That means more line time in the water. To me going fishing means everyone works to achieve a good outcome. We seen several dolphins that are nice to look at, but I quickly learned ruin the fishing when they show up. We also seen a sea turtle while we were out. I was amazed when one of the other boats told Captain Brett about a red snapper that was floating and needed the air bladder popped. He did what he could to try to save that fish's life. Played 80s music during the trip, which I think he knows the words to all of them. It was a great experience with a lot of memories made. I will say to anyone going on trips like this, you should look at the captain as the guide and a helping hand, not your own personal butler. The experince is much more rewarding knowing you worked together instead of one person doing all the work and all you did was reel in the fishing line. Thanks Captain Brett for the awesome experience." - Joseph
Swordfish are the holy grail of deep-sea fishing, and the Gulf of Mexico holds some absolute giants. These prehistoric-looking predators can exceed 200 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and long, punishing fights. Peak swordfish action typically happens from May through October, with the best bite often occurring during the new moon phases when these fish move up in the water column to feed. What makes swords so special is their unpredictability - they might grab your bait immediately or circle it for an hour before committing. When you finally get one hooked, expect a battle that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the fish's size and attitude.
Yellowfin Tuna are pure muscle wrapped in
The Cape Horn Voyager is your ticket to serious offshore action in Pensacola waters. This 31-foot center console cuts through the Gulf like a knife with twin Suzuki 300HP engines pushing her to 44 knots when you need to cover water fast chasing tuna schools or reaching prime swordfish grounds. Built tough by Cape Horn in 2008 and updated with 2017 power, she's designed for the long haul whether you're trolling the edge or dropping baits deep. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those marathon 12-hour battles. Air conditioning means you can cool off between hookups, and the fish finder puts you right on top of the action. GPS and radar keep you safe and on course, while the wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. From yellowfin to wahoo to those bucket-list swordfish, this boat has everything you need to make it happen.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little cousins of the tuna family, but don't let their smaller size fool you - they fight way above their weight class. Most run up to 39 inches and 46 pounds with that beautiful dark back and distinctive yellow side stripe that fades when they die. They prefer warm Gulf waters over 68°F and hang around the continental shelf areas. Peak season here is fall through spring. What anglers love is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - the meat's fantastic fresh or canned. They school up with skipjack sometimes, creating fast action. My advice: scale down your tackle with 30 lb fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since they're sharp-eyed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf - golden sides with brilliant blues and greens that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds around here, though we've seen them bigger. They love floating debris and weedlines, often traveling in small schools. Best fishing is typically late spring through fall when water temps warm up. What makes them special is the combination - they fight hard with lots of jumps, they're absolutely gorgeous, and the meat is fantastic eating with that mild, sweet flavor. My tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deepwater challenge - these massive fish average 9 feet and 400 pounds, living in depths around 1,500 feet. They're nocturnal feeders that come up shallower at night, making our 12-hour trips perfect timing. What makes them legendary is the combination of size, power, and that distinctive flat sword. The meat is excellent eating, firm and meaty. We target them year-round in the Gulf, but peak spawning from April to September brings better action. The key is deep-dropping with heavy tackle and plenty of lights to attract squid, their favorite food. Use 80-120 lb line and be patient - when a sword takes your bait, you'll know it.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these fish can hit 60 mph and they'll test your drag system like nothing else. Most range 3-5 feet long with that distinctive blue back and silver sides marked with dark stripes. They cruise the open Gulf waters, usually in the top 60 feet, and we see them best during our cooler months. What guests love is that explosive strike when trolling - wahoo hit baits like freight trains. Plus, the meat is primo eating, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect grilled. Here's the key: always run wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - these torpedo-shaped fish average around 60 pounds but can push over 400. You'll find them in the top 300 feet of Gulf waters, and they're here year-round with peak action in warmer months. What draws people back is the sheer power - yellowfin are warm-blooded fish that pull like freight trains and can hit 50 mph. The meat quality is restaurant-grade, perfect for sushi or searing. They school up and feed aggressively, so when you find them, it's usually game on. Pro tip: when nothing's hitting your trolling spread but you're marking fish deep, pull in the lines and start vertical jigging - that often triggers the bite.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Brett was AWSOME and great day of fishing. Easy to find marina with very clean facilities.
We were looking for a boat and Captain that has the experience needed to fish the Gulf waters. Brett deserves a better than 5 star...
We had a blast. We booked a graduation trip so my son and I could make a few more memories, and boy did we. Captain Brett knows ...
Pensacola, FL