8-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter - Palm Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure in Palm Bay watersTarget tarpon, snapper, grouper and mixed speciesSmall group experience with maximum three guests
When you're looking for a full day on the water that delivers both quantity and quality, this 8-hour offshore charter out of Palm Bay hits the sweet spot. Captain and crew from Freedom Runner Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're dead set on one trophy species or want to load up the cooler with a mixed bag. With space for up to 3 anglers, you get that personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Eight hours gives you the real deal - enough time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics when the bite slows down, and really dial in what's working. The Indian River Lagoon system and nearby offshore waters around Palm Bay offer incredible diversity, from backcountry flats to deeper structure where the big boys hang out. You might start the morning working live bait around docks and bridges, then move offshore to vertical jig some structure, or spend time sight fishing in the shallows depending on conditions and what you're targeting. The beauty of a full day is flexibility - if the snook are firing in the morning, you can stay on them. If the tarpon show up in the afternoon, you've got time to chase them down.
The captain comes equipped with everything you need, from light spinning gear for snook and snapper to heavy tackle for goliath grouper and tarpon. Live bait is king out here - pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are staples that produce consistently. You'll also throw artificials like jigs, plugs, and soft plastics depending on what's happening. Structure fishing is huge in this area, so expect to work docks, bridges, reefs, and wrecks where fish stack up. The boat's equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and navigate to productive spots efficiently. Whether you're a seasoned angler or newer to saltwater fishing, the crew will match the approach to your skill level and preferences. They'll teach you the local techniques that work best for each species, from proper snook presentation around mangroves to fighting big tarpon on appropriate tackle.
Snook are the bread and butter around Palm Bay, and for good reason. These ambush predators love the countless docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines throughout the area. They're most active during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk, but can be caught throughout the day in deeper structure. What makes snook so addictive is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and use every piece of structure to their advantage. Spring through fall offers the best action, with larger breeding-class fish moving into the area during warmer months.
Grey snapper might not get the glamour of other species, but they're absolute table fare champions and fight harder than their size suggests. These reef dwellers are found around any type of structure - bridges, docks, artificial reefs, and natural bottom. They're smart fish that require finesse, especially the bigger ones. The key is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish grab it, and being ready for that distinctive snapper thump. Year-round residents, they're always a reliable target when other species aren't cooperating.
Goliath grouper represent the ultimate test of angler and tackle. These massive fish, which can exceed 400 pounds, inhabit wrecks, bridges, and deep structure throughout the area. While they must be released, the experience of hooking into one of these giants is unforgettable. They don't run like other fish - instead, they use their massive bulk and the structure to their advantage, often heading straight back to their hole. Summer months offer the best opportunities when these prehistoric-looking fish are most active and feeding aggressively.
Tarpon fishing around Palm Bay offers world-class opportunities, especially during their annual migrations. These silver kings are the ultimate gamefish - massive, acrobatic, and powerful. Spring and early summer bring the best action as schools of tarpon move through the area. They're often found rolling on the surface, giving away their location. The fight is legendary - multiple jumps, long runs, and the stamina to battle for over an hour. Even smaller tarpon in the 50-80 pound range provide incredible action on appropriate tackle.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can show up anywhere and anytime. These curious fish are often found around structure, following rays, or cruising the flats. What makes cobia special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their powerful fight. They're excellent table fare and year-round residents, though spring and fall tend to produce the most consistent action. Their inquisitive nature often leads to exciting visual fishing opportunities when you can see them coming to your bait.
An 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Palm Bay's waters have to offer. Whether you're after that photo-worthy tarpon, a cooler full of snapper, or the challenge of a goliath grouper, this trip provides the time and expertise to make it happen. The small group size ensures personalized attention and maximizes everyone's fishing time. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - some of the best fishing happens when you least expect it, and Freedom Runner Fishing Charters has the local knowledge to put you on fish regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way.
Jump aboard this well-equipped motorboat for a full day of fishing the waters around Palm Bay. Built for offshore adventures, she's loaded with everything you need to put fish in the cooler. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking your targets, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the action is happening. GPS navigation ensures we can hit the productive spots and get you back safely. The spacious ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the day, whether you're targeting specific species like tarpon and grouper or looking to mix it up with snapper and whatever else is biting. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat gives you room to fight fish without getting tangled up. From trolling the blue water to bottom fishing structure, she handles offshore conditions with ease. Ready to spend 8 hours on the water chasing whatever is hungry out there.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone or in small groups, typically running 30-60 pounds with some pushing 80+. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-70 feet of water, often cruising just under the surface. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, plus summer around offshore structure. What makes cobia great is they're aggressive fighters and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat if you spot them first. We usually sight fish them with bucktail jigs or live bait. Key tip: when you see one, don't get excited and make a bunch of noise. Cobia are easily spooked, so approach quietly and make that first cast count - you usually only get one good shot.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs, reaching 6+ feet and several hundred pounds. These massive fish hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the experience is unforgettable. Summer months give you the best shot when they're more active. What makes them special is that raw power - the initial run will test your tackle and your grip on the rod. They're not aggressive toward people, just curious, but that first pull is something else. You'll need heavy gear and strong drag because they'll try to get back to their structure immediately. My advice: anchor close enough to the reef to get their attention, but far enough to have a fighting chance of turning them before they break you off in the rocks.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, or mangrove snappers as we call them locally, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, but you can find 4-5 pounders around deeper structure. Look for them around docks, mangroves, and rocky areas where they can ambush prey. They're most active at night and during cooler months, though we catch them year-round. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are cautious and the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp works great. Pro tip: once you drop your bait, resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it sit still near the bottom and wait for them to commit - too much action will spook these clever fish.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier game fish, with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. Most run 1-3 feet, but they can push 4+ feet in the right conditions. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where fresh and salt water mix - they love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is that explosive strike and the way they'll jump and run for cover. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head away from structure fast - they'll head straight back to the mangroves to cut you off if you give them the chance.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 80-100 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish cruise our flats, bridges, and deeper channels from spring through fall, with peak season May through August. What makes tarpon fishing special isn't the eating - we release them all - but those aerial shows. When hooked, they'll jump 6-8 feet out of the water and can swim 35 mph. The fight is legendary, combining power with acrobatics that'll wear you out. We target them with live bait like mullet and crabs around structure, or sight fish the shallow flats. Here's what I tell every tarpon angler: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give them slack, or they'll throw the hook on you every time.
Palm Bay, FL