Offshore Fishing – Mahi, Tuna & Sailfish
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
68 hour offshore fishing targeting mahi, tuna, and sailfish34ft Sea Vee accommodates up to 6 anglers with gear includedCaptain Josh provides instruction and explores multiple fishing spots
Captain Josh knows these South Florida waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6 to 8-hour offshore adventure takes you to the productive patch reefs where the action stays hot all day long. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just picked up a rod for the first time, these trips deliver consistent bites and plenty of variety. The 34-foot Sea Vee gives your group of up to 5 anglers room to spread out and fish comfortably, while Captain Josh works his magic to keep you hooked up from morning until you head back to the dock.
You'll start the day running out to the patch reefs, where the bottom structure holds everything from snapper to grouper to the occasional shark that'll test your drag system. These aren't the deep blue water spots where you might sit for hours waiting for a bite – the reefs keep things interesting with steady action that lets everyone get in on the fun. Captain Josh brings all the gear you need, from light tackle for the smaller reef fish to heavier setups when something bigger shows up. The calm conditions around these reef zones make it perfect for anglers who want to focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. You'll have time to work different spots throughout the day, and the longer 8-hour option really pays off when the fish are cooperating and you want to max out your time on the water.
The patch reefs call for a mix of techniques that keep things interesting all day long. You'll spend time bottom fishing with live and cut bait, dropping down to the structure where snapper and grouper hang out waiting for an easy meal. Captain Josh knows exactly where to position the boat so your baits drift naturally with the current, and he's got the local knowledge to switch up presentations when the fish get picky. When the conditions are right, you might also do some drift fishing or even a little trolling between spots to pick up pelagics cruising the reef edges. The beauty of reef fishing is the variety – one minute you're battling a hogfish, the next you've got a blacktip shark peeling line off your reel. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you can focus on the fishing instead of rigging up.
The Mahi Mahi are the real crowd-pleasers out here, and South Florida's offshore waters serve them up year-round with peak action from March through September. These fish are pure energy – when you hook one, expect acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll get your heart pumping. They typically run anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 30-plus. What makes mahi so special is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare. Captain Josh knows how to find the floating debris and weed lines where they congregate, and once you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up.
Hogfish are another favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These reef dwellers are notoriously picky eaters, but when you figure out what they want, they're absolutely worth the effort. They've got this unique pig-like snout that gives them their name, and they use it to root around the bottom for crabs and small fish. Most run between 2 to 8 pounds, but the bigger females can push double digits. They're considered one of the best eating fish in South Florida waters, with sweet, flaky meat that's prized by local restaurants. The trick is presenting your bait naturally near the reef structure where they feed.
When the Wahoo show up, you better be ready for a fight. These speed demons are built like torpedoes and can hit 60 mph when they want to, making them one of the most exciting fish to tangle with in these waters. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Most wahoo caught on these trips run between 15 to 40 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. They're ambush predators that love to hit fast-moving baits, and their aggressive strikes will wake up anyone who might be getting complacent.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, and while they're not an everyday catch, Captain Josh knows the spots and techniques that give you a legitimate shot at one of these gladiators. These deep-water hunters are most active at night and during dawn/dusk periods, using their distinctive bills to stun prey before swallowing them whole. The swordfish caught in South Florida waters typically range from 40 to over 200 pounds, making them a true trophy species that requires serious tackle and technique. They're found in deeper waters beyond the continental shelf, and targeting them often means deploying electric reels and heavy weights to get baits down to the 1,000-foot-plus depths where they feed.
Black Grouper are the bruisers of the reef, using their powerful jaws and stubborn nature to test every aspect of your tackle and technique. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon in South Florida's deeper reefs. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, waiting for prey to swim within striking distance before inhaling it with lightning speed. Once hooked, they'll immediately dive for the safety of the reef, making the first few seconds of the fight absolutely critical. The larger specimens are typically found in 80 to 200 feet of water, and they're most active during the cooler months when baitfish concentrate around the reefs.
This offshore adventure with Captain Josh delivers exactly what South Florida fishing is all about – variety, action, and the chance to tangle with some world-class gamefish without the long runs to the deep
This 34ft Sea Vee center-console is built for serious offshore action in South Florida waters. Twin 300hp Suzuki engines push her past 50 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back home quicker. The tournament-ready design handles rough seas while giving up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the rails when Mahi and Tuna are running hot. Captain Josh knows these patch reefs and blue water spots where Sailfish cruise and Yellowtail Snapper stack up. The flybridge gives you that extra height to spot birds working bait schools, while the fish finder marks structure and suspended fish below. GPS and radar keep you on the productive spots even when weather moves in. The spacious cockpit and icebox mean you can stay comfortable during those 6-8 hour runs, keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold. Quality rods and tackle are rigged and ready—just bring your appetite for bent rods and screaming reels.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef system, averaging 2-3 feet but capable of reaching 5 feet and 125 pounds. These olive-gray predators with dark rectangular blotches are ambush hunters that use structure like wrecks, ledges, and coral heads in 30-300 feet of water. They're available year-round but bite best during cooler months when they move shallower to spawn. What guests love is the raw power - once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back into the rocks and break you off. The fight is all about leverage and keeping them away from structure. The reward is some of the best-eating fish in the ocean - mild, firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation. Heavy tackle is a must - 80-pound braid with 100-pound leader minimum. My trick: once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the reef.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the reef's most prized catches, and for good reason. These wrasse family members average 2-3 feet and up to 22 pounds, easily recognized by their pig-like snouts and bright orange coloration. We target them on hard bottom areas, coral ledges, and rocky structure in 10-100 feet of water. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months when they're more active. What guests love about hogfish is the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with lightning-fast strikes that'll test your reflexes. The payoff is worth it though - hogfish have some of the sweetest, most delicate meat you'll find, often compared to lobster. My go-to trick is using live mud crabs or shrimp on a small hook. Make noise by tapping the boat - these curious fish are drawn to sound vibrations.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are hands-down one of the most exciting fish to catch in South Florida waters. These golden beauties average 15-29 pounds and put on a spectacular light show when hooked - their colors flash from brilliant blues and greens to bright gold before fading after landing. We find them year-round around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100-600 feet of water. Peak season runs March through November when they're most active. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your arms with powerful runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep trolling - mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate offshore challenge - these deep-water giants average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with some exceeding 1,000 pounds. We target them in 800-1,500 feet of water over the continental shelf and drop-offs. They're year-round residents in South Florida but peak from April through September during spawning season. What sets swordfish apart is the sheer power and stamina - landing one is a true test of angler and equipment. They feed mostly at night, rising from the depths to hunt squid and pelagic fish. The meat is excellent, firm and meaty like a premium steak. We fish for them both day and night using heavy tackle - 80-120 pound line is standard. The key trick is using multiple lights to attract baitfish, which draws in the swords. Fresh squid is the go-to bait, presented on 24-32 ounce sinkers to reach the depths where these monsters cruise.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of South Florida's offshore waters, capable of hitting 60 mph when they take your bait. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet but can reach 8 feet, with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern and razor-sharp teeth. We find them in open water around debris lines, drop-offs, and structure in 60-200 feet. Best fishing runs July through November when they're most abundant near our reefs. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat is premium too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling or searing. Wire leaders are absolutely essential since their teeth will slice through mono instantly. My trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with bright lures - wahoo can't resist that fast-moving target.
Key Largo