Private Half Day Fishing Trip (AM or PM)
Picture this: you and up to three of your fishing buddies have the entire boat to yourselves for four solid hours of offshore fishing. No crowded decks, no strangers hogging the best spots, just you, your crew, and some of the best fishing waters around. Finway Sportfishing's 39-foot custom sportfish boat is built for one thing – putting you on fish. Whether you're an early bird who loves the morning bite from 8 AM to noon, or you prefer the afternoon action from 1 PM to 5 PM, this private charter gives you the flexibility to fish your way.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Haime and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put that knowledge to work for you. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where everyone does the same thing. Depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding, you might find yourself trolling the blue water for pelagics, working over a productive reef, or dropping baits around structure-loaded wrecks. The 39-footer handles offshore conditions like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a hot sailfish or grinding up a big amberjack from the bottom. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. All you need to bring is yourself, some snacks if you want them, and maybe a cooler with drinks. The boat's got plenty of shade when you need a break, and the crew will be right there to help with everything from rigging baits to gaffing your catch.
Techniques That Get Results
These guys don't mess around when it comes to fishing techniques. Depending on conditions and what species are active, you might try your hand at kite fishing – a deadly technique for getting live baits away from the boat and keeping them swimming naturally on the surface. It's pure magic watching a sailfish crash a goggle-eye that's dancing 100 feet behind the boat. Trolling is another bread-and-butter method here, perfect for covering water and finding schools of mahi or putting you in front of a screaming wahoo. When you're working structure, jigging can be dynamite for amberjack and other bottom dwellers, while traditional bottom fishing with cut bait or live offerings will load the cooler with snapper and other reef species. The crew switches techniques based on what's working, and they're always happy to teach you the finer points of each method. Whether you're a seasoned angler or still learning the ropes, they'll make sure you're using the right approach for the conditions.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Haime and Ben are a bunch of studs. Everything you could want from a captain and crew. Great guys with all the fishing knowledge. They understand that a successful trip is about catching fish AND being treated well. Highly recommend." - Jake
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline – when one lights up behind a kite bait or trolled offering, you'll see colors that seem impossible in nature. Sailfish average 6-8 feet long and can peel line off your reel faster than you thought possible. The best action typically happens during the cooler months when they're migrating through, but resident fish can be caught year-round. What makes them special isn't just their incredible jumps and runs, but the fact that most are released to fight another day. There's something deeply satisfying about watching a sail swim away after an epic battle.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are the perfect mix of size and fight. These torpedo-shaped predators can range from schoolie fish around 10-15 pounds up to monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. Kings are fantastic table fare when handled properly, and they're aggressive feeders that will slam trolled baits, live offerings, or even jigs. They're most active during the warmer months, but you can find them almost year-round in deeper water. The bite is often fast and furious – one minute you're trolling along, the next you've got three rods bent over with screaming kings.
Mahi Mahi are hands-down one of the most exciting fish in the ocean. These brilliant gold and green beauties are as beautiful as they are delicious, and they're notorious for their acrobatic fights. Mahi typically show up around floating debris, weed lines, or current edges, and where you find one, you'll often find a whole school. They range from smaller "chicken" mahi around 5-10 pounds up to hefty bulls that can push 30 pounds or more. Spring through fall is prime time, but they can show up whenever conditions are right. The key is finding the right water – that deep blue offshore water where the current breaks and the bait congregates.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 50+ mph and stripping hundreds of yards of line in seconds. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight like they're rocket-powered. Most wahoo here run 15-40 pounds, though the occasional monster can top 60 pounds. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. Wahoo can be caught year-round, but fall and winter typically offer the best opportunities. They often hit trolled baits at high speed, so make sure your drag is set properly – these fish don't give you time to adjust once they're hooked.
Bull Shark encounters add an element of raw power to any fishing trip. These apex predators are pure muscle and attitude, capable of making incredibly long, powerful runs that will test both your tackle and your endurance. Bulls can range from smaller fish around 50-100 pounds up to true giants pushing 300 pounds or more. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from