Offshore Reefs & Wrecks-Palm Bay, Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing targeting redfish, snook, and grouper speciesSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximumProfessional guide service explores Palm Bay reef systems
Looking to get away from the crowded nearshore spots and put your angling skills to the test? Freedom Runner Fishing Charters' offshore reef and wreck trips out of Palm Bay deliver exactly what serious fishermen are after. You'll head out into the deeper Atlantic waters where the real action happens – those underwater structures that hold everything from hefty snook to monster goliath grouper. With only 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with tangled lines from a packed boat. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your arms burn and your drag sing.
This isn't your typical inshore trip where you're sight fishing in skinny water. We're talking about heading offshore to structure that's been producing fish for decades – artificial reefs, natural ledges, and shipwrecks that create perfect ambush points for predatory fish. The ride out gives you time to rig up and talk strategy with the captain, who'll adjust the game plan based on current conditions, water temp, and what's been biting lately. Palm Bay's location puts you in striking distance of some seriously productive offshore structure without burning half your fuel getting there. The boat's rigged with quality electronics to mark fish and navigate to the hot spots, plus all the safety gear you'd expect for offshore work. You'll be fishing in anywhere from 60 to 120 feet of water, depending on what species we're targeting that day.
Most of your fishing will be vertical – dropping baits down to the structure and working them in the strike zone. We're talking about heavy tackle here, because when you hook into a goliath grouper or a big snook around structure, you need the backbone to turn them before they cut you off. Live bait is king on these trips – pilchards, pinfish, and grunts work magic when presented right. Cut bait gets plenty of attention too, especially for the snappers and grouper that cruise these wrecks. The crew will have you rigged with circle hooks and enough weight to get down in the current. Don't be surprised if you're fishing multiple rods – one with live bait free-lined near the structure, another with cut bait on the bottom. When the bite's on, you might find yourself doubled up with fish pulling in opposite directions. The key is reading the electronics, understanding how fish relate to structure, and being ready when that rod tip starts dancing.
Snook are the crown jewel of this fishery, and these offshore fish fight completely different than their inshore cousins. Out here, they have room to run and they use every inch of it. These fish average 24-32 inches but don't let that fool you – a 28-inch snook in 80 feet of water will test your tackle and your patience. Best bite usually happens during the warmer months when they move offshore to spawn, typically May through September. What makes snook so special is their intelligence and fight – they'll use structure to try and break you off, then make blazing runs toward open water. Grey snapper are the bread and butter of these reefs, schooling up in impressive numbers around the best structure. These fish are smart and spooky, requiring finesse presentations despite the deeper water. They average 2-4 pounds but the bigger fish push 8-10 pounds and provide fantastic table fare.
Goliath grouper are the true monsters of these waters – fish that can exceed 300 pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime. While you can't keep them, the experience of hooking into one of these giants is something you'll never forget. They hit hard and head straight for the structure, using their massive bulk and powerful tail to try and wedge themselves into the reef. Summer flounder patrol the sandy areas around the structure, ambushing baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and provide excellent eating when you find the right spots. Redfish show up around the deeper reefs throughout the year, particularly the bigger bull reds that cruise these offshore waters. These fish provide sustained, powerful runs and are absolutely gorgeous when they come boatside.
This offshore reef and wreck fishing represents some of the best angling opportunities in the Palm Bay area. You're getting access to proven fish-holding structure, experienced guidance from local captains who know every ledge and wreck, and the chance to battle species that most anglers only dream about. With the small group size, you'll get personalized attention and the best shot at landing fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps you coming back. The reefs and wrecks off Palm Bay have been producing trophy fish for generations, and Freedom Runner Fishing Charters has the local knowledge to put you on them. Don't wait around watching other people's fish photos on social media – book your spot and get out there where the big ones live.
This well-equipped motorboat puts you right where the big fish are lurking around Palm Bay's offshore reefs and wrecks. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools while GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots. A wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over structure without spooking wary redfish and snook. The spacious deck comfortably fits up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight trophy goliath grouper. Fresh ice keeps your catch cold while you target grey snapper and flounder around the underwater ledges. Whether you're casting live bait or dropping heavy tackle down to the wrecks, this boat handles the offshore conditions with ease. Perfect for serious anglers who want to get away from the crowds and into productive waters where anything might grab your line.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - absolute monsters that can reach 400-800 pounds and 6+ feet long. These prehistoric-looking fish live around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 60-150 feet of water. They're most active during summer and fall months when water temps are warmest. What makes them special is the sheer power and size - hooking one is like being tied to a freight train. That first run will test every piece of your gear and your grip on the rod. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the experience is unforgettable. These fish aren't spooky at all - they're curious and will often approach the boat. My advice: use heavy tackle (80-100 lb class), big circle hooks (20/0), and fresh dead baits like jack or ladyfish. When you hook up, keep maximum pressure to pull them off the bottom before they get back to their hole and break you off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are smart, scrappy fish that'll test your skills. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds around our reefs and wrecks, though offshore structures can hold some real monsters up to 15-20 pounds. They hang around any kind of cover - rocks, docks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 20-80 feet of water. These guys are active year-round but fish best during warmer months when they're more aggressive. What guests love is their fight-to-size ratio and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also nocturnal feeders, so low-light conditions often produce the best action. Here's the key: use a 4/0 circle hook with live shrimp, hook it through the tail, and let it sink naturally to the bottom. No fancy jigging needed - they're opportunistic and will grab it when they feel confident.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of Florida's most sought-after species, and they put up a fight that'll leave you grinning. Most of our fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, with their distinctive black spots and copper-bronze sides making them easy to identify. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near structure in 2-6 feet of water. They're active year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're feeding aggressively. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll use their broad tail to pull drag and test your gear. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. These fish aren't particularly line-shy, so don't be afraid to use adequate tackle. My go-to setup is live shrimp under a popping cork, but they'll also crush topwater plugs and soft plastics. Watch for "tailing" fish in shallow water - that's when their tails stick up as they root around for crabs and shrimp.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most prized gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-sided fighters typically run 15-24 inches in our waters, though we occasionally hook into trophy specimens pushing 30+ inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in 2-10 feet of water, especially where fresh and saltwater mix. They're most active during warmer months, particularly around dawn and dusk. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to break free. The meat is phenomenal too, white and flaky with a mild flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you hook one near structure, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head away from cover quickly. They love to dart back into the mangroves and cut you off.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise - flatfish that blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms in 15-60 feet of water. They typically run 15-20 inches and 2-4 pounds, though we catch some nice "doormat" fish up to 8-10 pounds on the deeper wrecks and ledges. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. What guests enjoy is their unique appearance and excellent eating - sweet, mild, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also fun to catch because they hit hard and make strong runs along the bottom. These ambush predators lie buried in the sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. Best approach is to use circle hooks with live minnows, squid strips, or sea worms, and fish right on the bottom. Keep your bait moving slightly - a slow drift or gentle bounce will trigger strikes from these "chameleons of the sea."
Palm Bay, FL