6 Hour West Palm Beach Fishing Charter for Sailfish
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targets sailfish, wahoo, and tunaProfessional crew provides equipment and cleans catch at dockCustom 38foot vessel accommodates up to six passengers
West Palm Beach sits right in the heart of some of Florida's best blue water fishing, and this six-hour offshore trip with Gin Clear Charters puts you right where the action is. You'll be heading out on their custom 38-foot boat with room for up to six anglers, giving everyone plenty of space to work without crowding each other. The extended time on the water means we can push further offshore where the big pelagics cruise, and trust me - that extra travel time pays off when you're hooked up to a screaming sailfish or a wahoo that's peeling line like there's no tomorrow. Your captain and mate handle everything from rigging baits to gaffing fish, so all you need to focus on is fighting whatever grabs your line.
Once you clear the inlet, it's game time. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, usually within 5-10 miles, bringing that deep blue water and baitfish that attract the species you're after. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will be watching for birds, temperature breaks, and current edges where fish stack up. The boat's electronics help locate structure and schools of bait, but a lot of this is still old-school fishing knowledge passed down from generations of South Florida captains. You'll be fishing with top-shelf tackle - heavy spinning reels and conventional setups that can handle anything from a 10-pound mahi to a 100-pound sailfish. The crew preps all the baits, sets the spread, and coaches you through the fight. When something hits, they'll clear the other lines and talk you through landing your fish. At the end of the day, they'll clean and fillet whatever you want to take home.
This trip focuses on trolling and live bait fishing, the bread and butter techniques for offshore pelagics in South Florida waters. The crew runs a spread of four to six lines at different depths and distances from the boat - some on outriggers, others flat-lined or pulled from the corners. Ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks are the go-to bait here, sometimes paired with colorful skirts or swimming plugs that imitate small tuna or mackerel. When the bite gets tough, switching to live pilchards or goggle-eyes often does the trick, especially for sailfish that have seen plenty of trolled baits. The rods are typically 20-30 pound class conventional or heavy spinning setups loaded with quality reels that can handle long runs and have the drag systems to tire out strong fish. Circle hooks are standard - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce injury, which is important since many sailfish get released. The captain adjusts trolling speed based on conditions and target species, usually between 6-8 knots for most situations.
Mahi Mahi are absolute crowd favorites and for good reason. These fish are pure gold when they're around - literally and figuratively. They show up in brilliant yellow and green colors that'll make your camera work overtime, and they fight with incredible energy, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, though bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly during peak season from April through July. They school under floating debris, so your captain will be scanning for weed lines, boards, or any floating structure. Once you find a school, it's common to catch multiple fish before they scatter.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These fish will test your drag system and your arms - they make blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. Most wahoo caught here range from 15-40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during the cooler months from November through March. They've got razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body built for speed. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and perfect for grilling or making sashimi.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the reef and wreck sites, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These fish don't jump or run like other species - they just pull straight down with incredible power, testing your lower back and shoulders. Most jacks here run 20-50 pounds, though monsters over 70 pounds lurk around the deeper structures. They're year-round residents but bite best during the cooler months. The key is stopping their initial run before they can reach structure and cut you off.
Great Barracuda are opportunistic predators that add excitement to any trip. They're ambush hunters that often follow hooked fish before striking with lightning speed. Most cuda here run 10-30 pounds and put on an aerial show when hooked, jumping clear of the water multiple times. They're found year-round but are most active during the warmer months. Their sharp teeth require wire leaders, and they're known for making last-second runs just when you think you've got them beat.
Cobia are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing these bronze-colored bruisers. They average 20-40 pounds in these waters and are strong fighters that make powerful runs. Spring and fall are prime times for cobia as they migrate along the coast. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Cobia often travel with rays or sharks, so keep your eyes peeled when you spot other marine life.
This six-hour offshore charter gives you the best shot at multiple species while covering serious ground in prime fishing waters. The extended time means your captain can adjust tactics if the bite slows down, try different areas, or stick with the hot bite when fish are cooperative. With all tackle, licenses, and fish cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew's experience and local knowledge are worth their weight in
Step aboard the Gin Clear, a 38-foot custom Smith express designed specifically for serious offshore fishing out of West Palm Beach. This boat's wide cockpit gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work multiple lines when the sailfish are running hot or when you hook into a screaming wahoo. The adjustable EZ2CY enclosures let you dial in comfort whether you want shade during the midday bite or full sun while fighting a tuna. Between strikes, kick back in the shaded seating and stay hydrated with cold drinks from the onboard icebox. The GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish where the big pelagics hunt, while the smooth ride cuts through chop to keep you fishing instead of hanging over the rail. After six hours chasing billfish and speedsters in the deep blue Atlantic, you'll appreciate having the head onboard and knowing your catch will be cleaned at the dock.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of the inshore world, cruising solo and looking like small sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These fish average 30-60 pounds and can push 100+, living up to 12 years. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and reef structure in 30-70 feet, often cruising right at the surface. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - watching these big fish cruise by before making the perfect cast. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. Here's my secret: use a bucktail jig and make it look injured. Cobia can't resist easy prey, and that wounded baitfish action triggers them every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver bullets are pure predator - razor teeth, blazing speed up to 35 mph, and attitude to match. Most cuda run 3-5 feet and 10-30 pounds, though 6-footers show up occasionally. You'll find them everywhere from shallow reefs to deep blue water, but they love structure like wrecks and reef edges in 20-100 feet. They bite year-round here, but spring through fall is best when bait concentrations are thickest. What makes them fun is the explosive strike and wild acrobatics - they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight dirty the whole way to the boat. They're curious fish that will follow lures for miles before deciding to eat. My tip: use wire leaders and bright, flashy lures that mimic their favorite prey. When one follows your bait, speed up the retrieve - that often triggers the strike.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers are the bullies of the reef, averaging 20-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 80+. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, though they'll cruise up to 30 feet when hunting. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring when the water temps drop. What makes AJs special is their raw power - they'll take you straight to the bottom on that first run and test every inch of your drag system. The meat is excellent when prepared right, firm and white like grouper. Just be ready for ciguatera in larger fish. My advice: use at least 50-pound tackle and don't try to horse them up. Let them make their runs, stay patient, and they'll come up eventually.
Coryphaena HippurusThese beautiful fish are what dreams are made of - bright golden sides with electric blue and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. Most mahi run 15-30 pounds, though we see some real bulls pushing 50+. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action here off West Palm, especially when the water temp hits 75+. Guests love them because they fight hard, jump like crazy, and make some of the best table fare you'll find offshore - firm, white, and sweet. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school underneath - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep blue, hitting 60 mph in short bursts with that torpedo-shaped body. Most run 20-40 pounds, but 60+ pounders show up regularly in our waters. These pelagic hunters cruise the blue water from 100-1000+ feet, often near temperature breaks and current edges. July through November is prime time here in South Florida when they're thick during their migration. What guests love is the screaming runs and that premium white meat that flakes perfectly - it's restaurant-quality fish every time. They're not super common, so landing one feels special. Here's the deal: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because those razor teeth will cut through anything else. Skip baits on the surface to trigger that predator instinct.
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