Private Stuart Spearfishing for Pelagic Species
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private spearfishing targeting wahoo, mahi, bonito, and tuna offshoreExpert guide provides safety support and technique instruction includedFive to eight hour trips accommodate all experience levels
When you're ready to take your spearfishing game to the next level, there's nothing quite like targeting pelagics in Stuart's deep blue waters. This private guided trip puts you right in the action with wahoo, mahi, blackfin tuna, Atlantic bonito, and king mackerel – the kind of fish that'll test your skills and give you stories to tell for years. Whether you're new to spearfishing or you've been doing it for decades, our local guides know exactly where these fish hang out and how to get you within range. You'll spend 5 to 8 hours offshore, breathing underwater in some of the clearest water Florida has to offer, with nothing but your skill and a spear between you and world-class pelagic species.
We're talking about a completely different beast when you're spearfishing for pelagics versus reef fish. This isn't about crawling around coral heads – you're out in the blue water column where visibility can stretch for 100+ feet and the fish are fast, smart, and powerful. Your guide will position the boat over structure, weedlines, or current breaks where these species congregate. The water depth typically ranges from 80 to 200+ feet, so you'll need to be comfortable with deeper freediving or we can work with you to build those skills during the trip. Most of our pelagic action happens in that 30-80 foot range in the water column, so you're not necessarily diving to the bottom. The boat stays close for safety and to help you track schools when they move through. With a max capacity of 4 spearfishers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work without crowding each other out.
Spearfishing pelagics requires a completely different approach than reef hunting. We're talking about fish that can hit 40+ mph and have incredible eyesight, so stealth and positioning become everything. Your guide will teach you how to read the water – looking for color changes, debris lines, bird activity, and bait schools that signal where the big fish are feeding. Most shots happen while drift diving, letting the current carry you along structure or through feeding zones. We provide all the gear you need, including spearguns appropriate for these larger, faster fish. Polespears won't cut it out here – you need the range and power of a proper gun. The key is learning to anticipate where these fish are going rather than where they've been. Mahi and wahoo especially have this habit of making wide circles, so patience and positioning often matter more than being the fastest swimmer.
Blackfin Tuna are probably the most consistent targets we see year-round in Stuart waters. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds and travel in schools, often mixed with bonito or small yellowfin. They're incredibly fast but curious enough that a patient spearfisher can get good shots. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when water temperatures drop into the mid-70s. What makes blackfins special is their predictable behavior – they'll often circle back if you don't spook them on the first pass.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the group, capable of hitting 40+ mph when they want to. These fish range from 15-50+ pounds in our area and are most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. Kings patrol the edges of reefs and structures, hunting for baitfish. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth, so shot placement is critical – you want to hit them hard and fast. The best part about kings is they often travel in small groups, so one good fish usually means there are more around.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than their tuna cousins, typically running 5-15 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and speed. These fish school heavily during their peak season from October through March, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Bonito are perfect for newer spearfishers because they're forgiving – they'll often give you multiple shot opportunities and their schooling behavior means plenty of chances to practice.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are hands down the most exciting pelagics to spear. These fish are pure eye candy with their electric colors, and they put on an amazing show underwater. Mahi typically range from 10-40+ pounds in our waters and are most abundant during the warmer months. They're incredibly curious fish that will often approach divers, but they're also smart enough to stay just out of range. The trick with mahi is finding floating debris or weedlines where they congregate. Once you locate a school, the action can be fantastic.
Wahoo Fish are the ultimate prize for pelagic spearfishers. These fish are pure speed and power, often exceeding 30+ pounds with some specimens pushing 60-80 pounds. Wahoo are most active during the cooler months from November through March, and they're typically found around deep structure and current breaks. What makes wahoo so special is their unpredictable nature – they might ignore you completely or come charging in for a close look. When you connect with a good wahoo, you know you've accomplished something special.
This top-rated private spearfishing experience gives you access to some of the best pelagic hunting on the East Coast, with expert guides who know these waters like the back of their hand. The combination of year-round fishable conditions, diverse species, and crystal-clear water makes Stuart a world-class destination for serious spearfishers. Your guide provides all the safety support, local knowledge, and technique coaching you need to make the most of your time underwater. Whether you're looking to land your first pelagic or add to an already impressive collection, this trip delivers the kind of blue water action that keeps spear
This Tidewater Center Console is built for serious offshore fishing adventures in Stuart's productive waters. With room for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need to chase pelagic species like wahoo, mahi, and blackfin tuna. The fish finder helps locate schools in the blue water, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots. Communication is covered with the VHF radio, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore runs. After battling fish in the Florida sun, the onboard shower lets you rinse off the salt spray. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to move around when the action heats up, whether you're working lines or handling spears. Built tough for the demands of offshore fishing, this boat handles the open water conditions you'll encounter while targeting these powerful gamefish.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are speed demons that hit 40 mph and school up in big numbers when they're feeding. They average 5-12 pounds with that classic tuna shape but more compressed. You'll spot them in mid-water column, usually 20-100 feet, chasing bait near the surface. The cool thing about bonito is they swim with their dorsal fins up like little sharks, and when they're feeding, seabirds give away their location. Best fishing is during their fall and spring migrations when water temps are in the 60s. While they're not great table fare here in Florida, they put up a fantastic fight and are perfect for beginners to practice on since they're aggressive. Pro tip: once you find a feeding school, almost any lure or bait works - they're not picky when they're in feeding mode.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds out here off Stuart. They're beautiful fish with that distinctive golden lateral line that fades once they're out of the water. You'll find them in schools around 40-150 feet, often mixed with skipjacks. They're most active during fall, winter, and spring when water temps are in the high 60s to mid 70s. What makes them special for spearfishing is their speed and wariness - they've got sharp eyesight so you need to be stealthy. The meat is excellent, much better than people give it credit for. My tip: when you spot a school, don't chase them. Get ahead of their path and wait - they'll usually circle back through the area.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them locally, are serious gamefish that'll test your skills. They typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real bruisers over 50. You'll find them from 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. The bigger fish tend to move inshore during cooler months. What guests love about kings is their blazing speed - they can hit 40+ mph and make drag-screaming runs. The meat is good eating if handled right, though it's got higher oil content than some prefer. Here's a local trick: when you're hunting kings, look for bait schools and diving birds. Kings will often be working the edges of the action, and they've got razor-sharp teeth so approach with caution and use a proper leader.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are probably the most beautiful fish we target, with those electric blues and golds that light up underwater. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in blue water, usually in the top 100 feet. They're most active here from spring through fall when water temps hit the upper 70s. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. The key to finding mahi is looking for anything floating - logs, sargassum patches, even trash. Here's my tip: when you hook one, keep the others in the school excited by leaving your hooked fish in the water while others take shots.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ultimate speed machine, capable of 60 mph and built like underwater rockets. These fish typically run 30-80 pounds with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern. You'll find them in open blue water from 50-200 feet, often around floating debris or structure. Peak season here is July through November when they're most abundant. What draws people to wahoo is the combination of incredible speed, vicious strikes, and some of the best table fare in the ocean - the meat is white, flaky, and delicious. They're solitary hunters with razor-sharp teeth and incredible eyesight. Here's the key: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential because they'll cut through anything else. When one hits, hang on - that first run will test your gear and your nerves.
Stuart, FL