6 Hour St. Croix Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targeting Mahi, Tuna, and WahooTrolling and run-and-gun techniques for maximum fish coverageAll tackle, licenses, and equipment included for six guests
Get ready for a full day chasing pelagic species in some of the Caribbean's most productive offshore waters. This 6-hour charter with Down South Charters puts you right in the action zone where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish roam. Starting at 7:00 AM, you'll have plenty of daylight to work different depths, follow bait schools, and adapt your approach as conditions change throughout the day.
Your morning starts with a quick run to the fishing grounds, where the captain will set up a spread of lures and baits designed to attract multiple species. St. Croix's offshore waters are known for their diversity, and this trip takes full advantage of that. You'll spend time trolling the drop-offs where Mahi congregate around floating debris, then shift to areas where Wahoo patrol the edges of the continental shelf. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is the flexibility – if the bite is hot in one spot, you can stay and capitalize. If it's slow, you have time to move and try different techniques. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so there's room for everyone to get in on the action without feeling crowded. All your gear is provided, from heavy trolling rods to lighter spinning setups, plus a full selection of lures, baits, and terminal tackle.
The captain uses a mix of trolling and run-and-gun techniques to keep you on fish all day. Trolling involves pulling a spread of lures at varying distances behind the boat, targeting species like Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo that hunt in open water. You'll typically run 4-6 lines with different lure types – ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, diving plugs, and flashy spoons that mimic baitfish. When the GPS shows structure or bait schools, the captain switches to a run-and-gun approach, positioning the boat to cast or drift live baits to specific targets. This technique works especially well for King Mackerel and Barracuda, which often relate to bottom structure even in deeper water. The boat carries a variety of live and dead baits, including ballyhoo, pilchards, and occasionally live blue runners when available. Circle hooks are standard for most presentations, reducing gut-hooking and improving release survival for fish you want to let go.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of St. Croix offshore fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to 40-pound smokers. These aggressive predators respond well to both trolled baits and live bait presentations around structure. They're most active during the cooler months but can be caught year-round, especially in the early morning hours when baitfish are moving. Blue Marlin and White Marlin cruise these waters, particularly during the spring and early summer months when the water temperature hits that sweet spot between 78-82 degrees. While Marlin aren't guaranteed, St. Croix's proximity to deep water means you're always fishing in billfish territory. Most captains practice catch and release for these magnificent fish. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are probably the most reliable offshore target, especially around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure that attracts baitfish. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Their acrobatic fights and excellent table fare make them a customer favorite. Great Barracuda are abundant in these waters and provide exciting action on lighter tackle. These ambush predators often follow other hooked fish to the boat, giving you multiple opportunities throughout the day.
A 6-hour offshore charter gives you the best shot at experiencing the full range of what St. Croix fishing has to offer. The extended time on the water means your captain can adjust strategies, follow the fish, and maximize your opportunities without feeling rushed. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or a group wanting to sample everything these waters have to offer, this trip delivers the variety and flexibility that makes for memorable fishing. The early start gets you to the grounds when fish are most active, and the included gear and licensing means you can focus on fishing instead of logistics. Book your spot with Down South Charters and get ready for a day of world-class Caribbean offshore fishing that showcases why St. Croix is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the Virgin Islands.
Your fishing platform for St. Croix's offshore waters is a purpose-built 36' Yellowfin center console that means business. Triple Mercury 300s push this boat fast to the productive grounds where mahi, tuna, and wahoo cruise the blue water. The open deck layout gives your crew of 6 plenty of room to work lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Modern fish finder tech helps locate the action while GPS keeps you on the hot spots. When the bite heats up, there's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour hunt. The multimedia system keeps things lively between hookups. Whether you're trolling the drop-offs or running and gunning structure, this center console handles St. Croix's offshore conditions with the speed and stability serious anglers need to make the most of their time on the water.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate offshore prize around St. Croix - pure power wrapped in cobalt blue. Females can hit 200+ pounds while males stay smaller around 80-120 pounds. They roam the deep blue water beyond 1000 feet, following warm currents and baitfish. Peak season runs May through September when water temps climb into the 80s. What draws anglers is the raw power and acrobatic jumps - nothing compares to watching a marlin clear the water six feet high. They're strong fighters but tire quicker than you'd expect due to their size. The meat is decent but most get released for conservation. Best technique is trolling large lures or rigged ballyhoo around 8-10 knots. Here's the key: when a marlin shows up behind your spread, resist the urge to change speed. Let the fish decide when to eat - patience pays off with these apex predators.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the silver bullets of St. Croix waters - long, lean predators that hit like lightning. Most run 3-4 feet and 10-25 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters over 40 pounds. They patrol shallow reefs and drop-offs from 20-100 feet, often lurking around structure. You'll find them year-round, but they're most active during warmer months. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and initial run - they'll smoke line faster than you can react. Their razor teeth make them tricky to land, so we always use heavy wire leaders. The fight is intense but short-lived since they burn energy quickly. Most anglers target them for sport rather than food due to ciguatera risk. My tip: when trolling, use bright, flashy lures that catch sunlight. Barracuda hunt by sight and can't resist something shiny moving fast through their territory.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are built for speed and put up a serious fight around St. Croix. These silver rockets typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen some push 60+ pounds. They cruise the offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. What makes them special is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish out here. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's great grilled. Best action is usually spring through fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. My tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Kings love to smash ballyhoo or small tunas that look like they're trying to get airborne. Once hooked, stay tight - they'll jump and thrash like crazy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are probably the most colorful fish you'll see in St. Croix waters - gold, green, and electric blue that changes right before your eyes. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure from 100-1000 feet deep. Peak season is spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily. What guests love most is the combination of great fight, stunning colors, and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're aggressive feeders and often travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. My trick: once you hook one, keep a second rod ready with a small jig. The commotion often brings others to the surface, and you can sight-cast to them for multiple hookups.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller, scrappier cousins of Blue Marlin but pound-for-pound some of the best fighters in St. Croix waters. They typically run 40-80 pounds and cruise the deep blue beyond 600 feet. Best fishing is late spring through summer in 78-82 degree water around underwater canyons and current breaks. What makes them special is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly and fight harder than fish twice their size. They're also more cooperative than Blues, often staying around the boat longer. Most get released since they're a protected species. The key difference from other billfish is their rounded dorsal fin and spotted pattern. My advice: when trolling for whites, watch the water behind your spread carefully. They'll often follow baits for a long time before striking, and you might see that electric blue dorsal fin cutting the surface.
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