Private Offshore Reef & Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore fishing targeting snapper, grouper, and trophy fishAll equipment, bait, fuel, and licenses included for groupsSix to eight hour trips exploring depths up to 300 feet
Picture this: you're 15 miles off the Florida coast, the sun's just breaking the horizon, and you're getting ready to drop lines on some of the most productive fishing grounds in the state. That's exactly what you'll get with our private 6-8 hour offshore charter targeting the best reef and wreck structure along Florida's legendary waters. We're talking depths from 40 feet all the way down to 300 feet, where the big boys hang out and the action never stops. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going where the fish live, and we're staying long enough to make it count.
When you step aboard with Coastal Runners, you're getting the full offshore experience without any of the hassle. We've got everything dialed in – fuel, fresh bait, chum to get the fish fired up, ice to keep your catch fresh, and all the tackle you'll need to battle whatever comes up from the depths. Your fishing license is covered too, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. This setup handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, which means everyone gets plenty of room to work and no crowded rails when the bite heats up. You just need to bring your food, drinks, and sunblock – we'll handle the rest. The beauty of a private charter is we can adjust the game plan based on what's biting and what you want to target. Snapper and grouper are the bread and butter out here, but don't be surprised when we hook into some bonus fish that'll really get your heart pumping.
Florida's offshore structure is where the magic happens, and we know these spots like the back of our hands. We're fishing natural reefs, artificial reefs, and some legendary wrecks that have been producing fish for decades. The technique varies based on depth and current – in the shallower stuff around 40-80 feet, we're typically using lighter tackle and working the structure with precision. As we move deeper into that 150-300 foot range, the gear gets beefier and the fish get bigger. We'll be bottom fishing with everything from live bait to cut bait, depending on what's working. The current plays a huge role out here, so we'll often drift fish when conditions are right, letting the boat move naturally while we work different sections of structure. When the fish are aggressive, you'll know it – that rod tip will load up and you'll be fighting fish that know how to use the structure to their advantage.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewels of offshore fishing, and Florida waters serve up some beauties. These fish are pure energy – when you hook one, expect aerial displays and blazing runs that'll test your tackle and your skills. They're most active during the warmer months, typically from April through October, though we see them year-round in deeper water. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive feeding behavior around floating structure and weed lines. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Most mahi we catch range from 10-25 pounds, but don't be shocked if we hook into a bull that pushes 40 pounds or more.
Great Barracuda are the apex predators of the reef, and they'll give you a fight you won't forget. These toothy speedsters can hit 40+ pounds and they know how to use their size and power. Barracuda are year-round residents, but they're most active during the cooler months when they move into shallower reef areas to feed. What's wild about cuda fishing is the strike – they hit with such violence that you'll think you snagged the bottom, until that bottom starts peeling drag and taking you for a ride. They're also ambush predators, so they'll often follow a hooked fish up from the depths before crushing it near the surface.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world, and catching one is like arm wrestling a truck. These fish cruise the reefs and wrecks looking for an easy meal, and they're notorious for their stubborn fighting style. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia, especially around the spawning season when they move inshore to the deeper reefs. They're curious fish too – it's not uncommon to see them following the boat or checking out other hooked fish. Most cobia we encounter range from 20-40 pounds, but Florida produces some true giants that can push 60 pounds or more.
Black Grouper are the kings of the reef, and landing a big one is what offshore fishing dreams are made of. These bottom dwellers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – we're talking fish that can easily hit 50-100 pounds in the right spots. They're structure-oriented fish that know every cave and crevice on the reef, which makes them both predictable and challenging to catch. Black grouper are most active during the cooler months, and they're known for their powerful runs straight back to the bottom when hooked. The fight is all about leverage and patience – rush a big grouper and it'll find a hole to break you off in.
Spanish Mackerel might be the smaller cousins in this lineup, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding. These fish are speed demons that travel in large schools, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're most active during the spring and fall migrations, but we see them year-round in Florida waters. What makes Spanish mackerel so fun is their willingness to hit just about anything – live bait, cut bait, or artificials. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps.
This is offshore fishing at its finest – private boat, productive waters, and enough time
This restored 2022 Mako 25' walkaround is your ticket to Florida's best offshore fishing grounds. Powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 35 knots, she'll get you to those productive 40-300 foot depths where the snappers, groupers, and bottom fish hang out. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers without feeling cramped when everyone's fighting fish at once. She's loaded with everything you need for a successful day - fish finder to locate those schools, GPS to mark your hot spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The onboard head means no rushing back to shore, and the multimedia system keeps spirits up during travel time. The walkaround design gives everyone room to move around and work their lines without tangling up. Whether you're targeting trophy grouper in deeper water or working the reefs for mixed bags of snapper and whatever else decides to bite, this boat handles Florida's offshore conditions with ease. Perfect for serious fishing without the hassles.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of reaching monster sizes over 100 pounds. These olive-gray bruisers with dark blotches live around wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30-300 feet - shallow in winter, deeper in summer. Cold weather months (November-March) are prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What draws anglers? The raw power - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight down to the rocks. Plus, the meat is fantastic - mild, firm, and perfect for any cooking method. These ambush predators don't nibble - when you feel that thump, set the hook immediately and crank hard to get them off the bottom before they break you off in the structure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the reef - dark brown, shark-looking fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+. You'll spot them cruising solo around wrecks, reefs, and structures from 30-300 feet, often just under the surface. Spring migration (March-May) is prime time when they move through Florida waters to spawn. What makes cobia a favorite? They're sight-fishing targets that eat well and fight like trucks once hooked. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. They're curious fish that'll follow the boat, giving you multiple chances. My tip: use a heavy bucktail jig and don't get excited when you see one - they spook easily. Make your first cast count because you might not get a second shot.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver bullets are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. Running 2-4 feet on average but capable of hitting 6 feet and 100+ pounds, barracuda are built for speed - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 40-200 feet, especially near the surface. They're active year-round in Florida, but spring and fall are hottest. What hooks anglers? That explosive strike and the wild fight that follows - though they tire quickly, so work fast. They're curious fish attracted to shiny lures and movement. Here's the trick: use a wire leader and don't wear anything reflective in the boat - they're attracted to flash and might come checking you out instead of your bait.
Coryphaena HippurusThese beauties are what dreams are made of - brilliant gold and electric blue colors that put on a light show when you hook one. Most run 15-29 pounds, but they can hit 80+ if you're lucky. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, or any structure from 40-300 feet. Spring through fall are prime time in Florida waters. What makes mahi special? They fight like crazy, jumping and running, plus they're absolutely delicious - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The color change as you reel them in is something you'll never forget. Pro tip: when you find one, stick around - they often travel in small groups, so where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the speed demons of our waters - sleek, silver fish with yellow spots that travel in massive schools and fight way above their 1-3 pound weight class. You'll find them from the surface down to about 80 feet around structures, reefs, and open water. They're most active in warmer months (April-October) and often show up in huge numbers. What makes them special? Pure action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish of screaming runs and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect smoked or grilled. The trick is speed - use small, fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs and keep them moving. Once the school shows up, don't stop casting until they move on.
Miami