Offshore Fishing Adventure | 4 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Four-hour private offshore trip accommodates up to six guestsTarget sailfish, wahoo, kingfish, and mahi mahi using varied techniquesMorning departure with free cancellation available seven days prior
Looking for a solid half-day charter that won't break the bank? This 4-hour offshore trip with Gettin Tight Charters is exactly what you need. Starting at 8:00 AM sharp, you and up to 5 buddies can split the $1,000 cost and spend the morning chasing some serious game fish. We're talking sailfish, wahoo, kings, and mahi – the kind of fish that make for great stories and even better photos. The best part? You get the boat to yourselves, so no crowding around the rail with strangers or waiting your turn to fight a fish.
This isn't your typical "throw a line over and hope" kind of trip. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using every trick in the book. You'll start the morning running to productive offshore grounds where the action typically heats up. The crew switches between different techniques throughout the trip – maybe start with some trolling to cover water and locate fish, then switch to drift fishing when you find a productive spot. The variety keeps things interesting and maximizes your chances of getting into different species. With 4 solid hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. The crew provides all the tackle and knows exactly what presentations work best for each target species.
Get ready to learn some serious offshore techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the real deal. Trolling is your bread and butter out here – multiple lines pulled behind the boat at different speeds and depths to mimic fleeing baitfish. You'll see how ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks can be absolute magic for sailfish and kings. When the bite gets tough, the crew switches to jigging – dropping heavy metal lures to the bottom and working them back up with sharp, erratic movements. This technique is deadly on blackfin tuna and triggers reaction strikes from wahoo. Kite fishing is where things get really interesting. Live baits suspended from kites create surface commotion that drives pelagics absolutely wild, especially sailfish and mahi. Drift fishing rounds out the arsenal – letting the boat drift naturally while presenting baits at various depths. Each technique requires different rod setups and presentations, and the crew handles all the rigging so you can focus on fighting fish.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing here, and these torpedo-shaped fighters rarely disappoint. Most fish run 15-25 pounds and hit like freight trains on lighter tackle. They school up over structure and drop-offs, making them relatively predictable targets. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though they can show up year-round when conditions are right. What makes blackfins so popular is their willingness to bite and incredible fight-to-size ratio – they'll peel drag and make multiple runs that test your skills. Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and watching one come up behind a trolled bait with its sail raised is pure magic. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for your phone. Peak season runs late fall through early spring, and they're suckers for well-presented ballyhoo or live goggle eyes fished under kites. King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call the big ones, are speed demons that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. Fish over 20 pounds are common, and 40-pounders show up regularly during peak season. They're structure-oriented and respond well to slow-trolled live baits or rigged dead baits. Mahi mahi bring the color and the chaos – bright gold and green fish that often travel in schools and create feeding frenzies. They're opportunistic feeders that hit everything from trolled baits to jigs, and finding one usually means finding several. Most fish run 10-30 pounds, but bull dolphins over 40 pounds patrol deeper waters. Wahoo are the speed merchants of the deep blue, capable of reaching 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth. These chrome rockets typically ambush trolled baits at high speed, and their initial run is absolutely blistering. Fish over 50 pounds are caught regularly, and they're prized for their incredible table fare and spectacular fights.
At $1,000 split between up to 6 people, this trip offers serious value for a private charter experience. You're looking at under $170 per person for 4 hours of guided offshore fishing with all tackle included – try finding that deal anywhere else for this caliber of fishing. The 8:00 AM start gets you back to the dock by noon, leaving plenty of time for lunch and afternoon activities. Free cancellation with 7 days' notice means you can book with confidence and not worry about weather forcing last-minute changes. Gettin Tight Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and showing them a good time, and this trip delivers both. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who just wants to experience what offshore fishing is all about, this 4-hour adventure hits the sweet spot. Check availability and lock in your dates – prime fishing windows book up fast, especially during peak seasons.
Hit the open water aboard our 2014 30-foot Cobia center console, rigged and ready for serious offshore action. Twin 300HP Yamaha engines push this fishing machine at a smooth 40 knots, getting you to the productive waters fast and keeping more time for lines in the water. The spacious center console layout gives all six anglers plenty of room to work whether you're trolling for wahoo, jigging for blackfin tuna, or working the kites for sailfish. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS and radar keep you covered in any conditions. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's an onboard head for convenience during those longer battles with kingfish and mahi. Built tough for offshore fishing with the speed and comfort to make every trip productive.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the speed demons of the ocean, averaging 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds. These blue-silver beauties with their signature sail-like dorsal fin cruise the upper water column, typically 30-65 feet down in warm offshore waters above 70°F. Winter through spring gives you the best action when they're feeding heavily. What gets anglers hooked is the show - sailfish are aerial acrobats that leap, dive, and tail-walk like nothing else out there. They're also smart hunters that change colors when excited, flashing neon blues and purples. The meat's decent, but most folks release these gorgeous fish. When one lights up your kite bait or trolled ballyhoo, keep your rod tip up and let them run initially - trying to muscle them early usually ends with a thrown hook.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds and reaching up to 39 inches. These fast-growing fish have beautiful golden sides that fade quickly after they're caught. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, usually in the top 100 feet, often schooling with skipjack tuna. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from squid to small fish. What makes blackfins special is their incredible fight - they're scrappy and never give up easily. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move closer to shore. Here's a key tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and spook easily with heavy gear.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are built for speed and can hit 30+ pounds regularly. These olive-backed predators with razor-sharp teeth patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure and temperature breaks. They're voracious feeders that chase everything from blue runners to squid. Fall through spring offers the best action when cooler water brings them closer to shore. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and head-shaking fights that'll test your drag system. The meat's excellent - firm, white flesh that's great grilled or blackened. Here's the key: always use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono instantly. When slow-trolling live bait, rig with two hooks - one through the nose, another free-floating near the tail since kings often bite from behind.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+. Look for them under floating debris, weed lines, or around current edges in warm surface waters. They're year-round targets but peak during warmer months. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they jump, dive, and change colors like a light show. The meat's outstanding too - mild, sweet, and firm enough for the grill. Males have that distinctive square head while females are more rounded. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, work the area hard. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly - the splashing will often call in the rest of the school for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep - these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and regularly stretch 4-6 feet, weighing 30-80 pounds. They cruise open blue water and around floating structure, typically in the top 100 feet. The distinctive blue stripes and razor teeth make them unmistakable. Peak season varies, but cooler months generally produce better numbers. What draws anglers is that initial screaming run - wahoo hit trolled baits like freight trains and peel line off reels faster than almost any fish. The white, flaky meat is premium table fare, mild and sweet. They're loners mostly, but worth the wait. Essential tip: troll fast (12-15 knots) with wire leaders - their teeth slice through everything else. When one hits, hold on tight and let that first run happen before applying serious pressure.
Big Pine Key, FL