Shared Florida Kite Fishing for Sailfish & Tuna
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Shared kite fishing trip targeting sailfish and tuna offshorePremium equipment and live bait techniques provided by guides5 or 8 hour options suitable for all experience levels
South Florida's offshore waters are legendary for a reason – this is where serious anglers come to tangle with some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish. Our shared kite fishing trips put you right in the action, targeting sailfish, blackfin tuna, mahi, kingfish, and wahoo using techniques that have been perfected in these waters over decades. Whether you're new to kite fishing or you've been chasing bills for years, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you dreaming about your next cast long after you're back on dry land.
Picture this: you're 15 miles offshore in crystal blue water, kites flying high above the boat with live baits swimming naturally below. That's kite fishing at its finest, and it's exactly what you'll experience on this 5 or 8-hour adventure. We keep the boat small – just 4 anglers max – so everyone gets prime fishing time and personal attention from our guides. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused; you'll spend your day learning proven techniques while keeping your eyes peeled for that telltale dorsal fin cutting through the surface. Our captains know these waters like their own backyard, positioning the boat over structure and current breaks where pelagic species love to hunt. When the bite is on, things get busy fast – sailfish often travel in schools, and it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups happening at once. The guides handle all the technical stuff like kite management and bait presentation, letting you focus on what matters most: fighting fish.
Kite fishing might look complicated from the dock, but once you see it in action, the genius becomes clear. We fly specialized fishing kites that keep live baits – usually goggle eyes, pilchards, or blue runners – dancing right at the surface where predators can't resist them. The kite eliminates boat drift and keeps baits in the strike zone longer than any other method. Our setup includes top-quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 20-30 pound test, paired with rods that have the backbone to handle big fish but enough flexibility to enjoy the fight. If you prefer a more traditional approach, we've got premium conventional tackle ready to go for trolling or live bait fishing. The beauty of this trip is versatility – when kite conditions aren't perfect due to wind, we switch to other proven methods like slow trolling with circle hooks or fishing the edges with live bait. Our guides carry an arsenal of techniques, from using downriggers in deeper water to working the weed lines where mahi and wahoo patrol. All tackle, bait, and safety equipment is included, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe a cooler for your catch.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on aerial displays that'll have you whooping and hollering. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures push baitfish close to shore, bringing the sails with them. What makes catching sailfish so special isn't just their spectacular jumps – it's the way they test every aspect of your angling skills, from the initial hookset to managing long runs and keeping steady pressure during their famous gill-rattling head shakes. Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of the offshore scene, typically running 10-25 pounds of pure muscle. These fish are available year-round but really turn on during fall and winter months. Don't let their smaller size fool you – blackfins fight like they're twice their weight, making blistering runs and testing your drag system. They're also fantastic on the dinner table, making them a customer favorite for anglers who like to take home a meal.
Mahi mahi bring the color and chaos that makes offshore fishing addictive. These golden beauties average 10-30 pounds in our waters and are most abundant from spring through early fall. Mahi are aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, leading to those legendary multiple hookup scenarios where everyone on the boat is fighting fish at once. King mackerel, or kingfish as locals call them, are the speed demons of the bunch. These toothy predators can stretch over 40 inches and make screaming runs that'll test your reflexes and your drag. They're most active during warmer months and are notorious for their vicious strikes on both live bait and trolled offerings. Wahoo round out our target species list as the true speedsters of the deep. These torpedo-shaped fighters can hit 60+ mph and often take 100+ yards of line on their initial run. Wahoo are less predictable than our other targets but when you connect with one, especially a fish over 40 pounds, you'll understand why they're considered one of the ocean's premier gamefish.
This shared kite fishing adventure represents the best value in South Florida offshore fishing. You're getting access to world-class fishing grounds, expert guidance, and top-tier equipment at a fraction of what a private charter costs. Our guides eat, sleep, and breathe this fishery – they know when the fish are biting, where they're holding, and how to adjust techniques based on conditions. The 4-angler limit ensures everyone gets quality fishing time and personal instruction, whether you're learning to work a kite for the first time or fine-tuning your billfish techniques. With both 5 and 8-hour options available, you can choose the trip length that fits your schedule and budget. The longer trips obviously give you more shots at trophy fish and allow us to cover more water, but even the half-day adventures can produce outstanding fishing when conditions align. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – South Florida's reputation for world-class offshore fishing means our calendar fills up fast, especially during prime sailfish season.
The Tidewater Center Console is built for serious offshore fishing in South Florida's blue waters. This well-equipped boat handles the ride out to sailfish and tuna grounds with ease, keeping your group of 4 comfortable during long kite fishing sessions. The onboard fish finder helps locate baitfish schools and structure where pelagic species hunt, while the GPS keeps you positioned perfectly over productive spots. When the kites are up and live baits are swimming, you'll appreciate the spacious deck layout for fighting fish and the icebox keeping your catch fresh. The VHF radio maintains contact with other boats sharing fishing intel, and after battling sailfish in the heat, that freshwater shower feels pretty good. Whether you're new to kite fishing or chasing your next citation sailfish, this center console gives you the stable platform needed for South Florida's offshore action.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but it's not just their size that gets anglers fired up - it's watching that massive dorsal sail light up in electric blues and purples as they tail-walk across the surface. We target them in 80-200 feet of water along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months from December through March are prime time when they migrate through in big numbers. They're built for speed, hitting 30+ mph, and they'll use every bit of it to try shaking your hook. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties for the next angler. Here's a local secret: when you see a sail "lit up" behind the bait, don't pull it away - let that fish eat. They often tease the bait first before committing to the bite.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds, but they pack a serious punch for their size. These fish are pure muscle and will test your endurance with long, strong runs. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and temperature breaks, especially during fall through spring when they're most active in our area. They school up with skipjack and other pelagics, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. The meat is outstanding - firm, red, and perfect for sashimi or grilling. What really sets them apart is their incredible eyesight, so we scale down to lighter fluorocarbon leaders. My tip: when you see that distinctive golden stripe light up during the fight, you know you've got a good one hooked. They're fast growers but short-lived, so they fight like their life depends on it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them locally, are speed demons that'll test both your tackle and your reflexes. These fish commonly run 20-40 pounds, with the occasional brute pushing 60-plus. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and along the reef line. Fall through spring gives us the best action when they move inshore to feed. What makes kings special is their blistering initial run - they'll peel off 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. The fight stays strong right to the boat. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat that grills perfectly. Just watch the mercury levels if you're keeping a bunch. Pro tip: always use a wire leader with kings - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono or fluoro like butter. Two-hook rigs work great since they often bite the tail end of live bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - their electric blues, greens, and golds literally change colors during the fight like a living light show. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds but can push 50-plus. We hunt them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water, usually 200+ feet deep. They're surface dwellers that love structure, even if it's just a piece of floating wood. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. Mahi are aggressive feeders and strong fighters that'll jump and run hard. The bonus? They're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. When you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for more since they often travel in small schools. Local trick: once you boat one mahi, immediately get another bait back out there - the school usually sticks around for a few more shots.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the ocean, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These sleek predators typically run 30-60 pounds but can exceed 100. We target them in 100-300 feet of blue water along drop-offs and current edges, particularly around floating debris. July through November gives us our best shot at them in South Florida waters. What makes wahoo special is that explosive first run - they'll scream off 200 yards of line in seconds, and their razor teeth can slice through leaders like paper. The fight stays intense right to the boat. They're also premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's prized by restaurants. Wahoo are typically loners or travel in small groups of 2-3 fish. Here's the key to landing them: use a short wire leader, troll fast at 12-15 knots, and keep your drag tight enough to set the hook on that lightning-fast strike.
Stuart, FL