Extended Half Day Offshore Fishing in Tobago
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour private offshore charter targeting marlin, tarpon, and sailfishExpert crew provides topquality gear for up to eight guestsPrime Tobago waters known for rich biodiversity and game fish
Looking to spend serious time on the water targeting trophy fish? This 6-hour private offshore charter with Grand Slam Fishing Charters puts you right where the big game species roam. At $700 for up to 8 anglers, you're getting access to some of the Caribbean's most productive fishing grounds off the Tobago coast. The crew knows these waters inside and out, and they'll put you on marlin, tarpon, wahoo, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or stepping into deep sea fishing for the first time, this extended trip gives you the time needed to really work the water and land something special.
This isn't your typical rushed fishing trip. Six hours gives you real time to cover ground and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. The crew starts early, getting you out to the productive offshore waters while the fish are most active. You'll be working the blue water drop-offs and current breaks where pelagic species congregate. The boat carries top-shelf tackle and the crew handles all the rigging, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots. Expect to cover different depths and areas as the day progresses – the captain reads the water and bird activity to put you where the action is hottest. The scenic Tobago coastline provides a stunning backdrop, but once you hook into a marlin or tarpon, the scenery becomes secondary to the fight.
The primary technique here is trolling with a spread of lures and rigged baits designed to attract multiple species simultaneously. The crew runs a combination of outriggers and flat lines, typically pulling large skirted lures, ballyhoo rigs, and occasionally live bait when conditions call for it. Reels are loaded with heavy line – usually 50 to 80-pound test – because you never know when a big marlin might crash the spread. The rods are tournament-grade gear that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. When targeting tarpon specifically, the crew might switch to lighter tackle for more sport, but they keep the heavy artillery ready for billfish. Depth varies from surface trolling to running lures down 30-40 feet using downriggers or lead core line, depending on where the fish are holding that day.
Tarpon are the silver kings of these waters, and hooking one is like connecting to a freight train with an attitude. These fish average 80-150 pounds in Tobago's waters, though giants over 200 pounds show up regularly. They're most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, often rolling on the surface before striking. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is their aerial display – they'll jump repeatedly, throwing their whole body clear of the water in spectacular fashion. The fight can last 30 minutes to over an hour, testing both angler endurance and tackle. Tarpon season peaks from April through August, but resident fish are present year-round.
Wahoo are pure speed demons, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line faster than you'd think possible. These torpedo-shaped predators typically range from 20-50 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 80 pounds. They hit trolled lures with authority, often taking 100+ yards of line on the initial run. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the meal. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, though scattered fish are caught throughout the year. Their striking blue and silver coloration makes them one of the most beautiful catches in these waters.
Crevalle Jack, or "jack crevalle" as locals call them, are the bulldogs of the offshore world. These broad-shouldered fighters rarely exceed 30 pounds but pound for pound, they're among the strongest fish you'll encounter. They travel in schools and create feeding frenzies that attract birds from miles around. When you find working birds, there's usually a school of jacks underneath. They hit both lures and live bait aggressively and never give up easily. Their powerful runs and stubborn fight make them excellent practice for bigger game fish. Jacks are present year-round but peak during the summer months when baitfish are most abundant.
Striped Marlin represent the holy grail of Tobago fishing. These magnificent billfish typically range from 100-250 pounds and put on an aerial display that rivals tarpon. They're known for their intelligence and wariness, often following lures for long distances before committing. When they do strike, the fight combines long runs, spectacular jumps, and bulldogging power. Striped marlin fishing is best from December through April when these fish move through Tobago's offshore waters during their migration patterns. Landing one is considered a career highlight for most anglers.
White Marlin are smaller than their striped cousins, typically weighing 50-80 pounds, but they're no less spectacular. These acrobatic fighters are known for their speed and jumping ability, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. They prefer trolled small lures and rigged ballyhoo, making them more accessible to anglers using lighter tackle. White marlin are most common from January through May, coinciding with the peak billfish season. Their aggressive nature and willingness to eat lures make them a favorite target species for charter captains and anglers alike.
This extended half-day trip gives you the best shot at connecting with trophy fish while still getting back to shore at a reasonable hour. The $700 price point for up to 8 people makes it an excellent value for groups looking to split costs. Remember that final payment is cash only at trip's end, so plan accordingly. The crew provides all tackle, bait, and expertise – you just need to show up ready to fish. With Tobago's year-round fishing opportunities and this charter's
This 37-foot Bertram sportfisher is your ticket to serious offshore action in Trinidad and Tobago waters. Built in 1990 and powered by twin 450HP Detroit Diesel engines, she cuts through Caribbean swells with authority while you chase marlin, tarpon, and wahoo in deep blue water. The spacious cockpit handles up to eight anglers comfortably, with plenty of room to work big fish without getting tangled up. When the sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin for a break, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or check out what's below on the fish finder from the elevated flybridge. The boat's equipped with everything you need for extended offshore sessions - GPS to mark productive spots, VHF radio for safety, icebox for your catch, plus a full galley, head, and even a berth if someone needs to rest between battles. Whether you're targeting billfish on the drop-offs or looking for that trophy tarpon, this proven platform delivers the stability and power to get you to the fish and back safely.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle and attitude packed into 3-15 pound packages. These brassy-green fighters love shallow flats, grass beds, and around any structure where they can ambush baitfish. They hunt year-round here, but peak action is during baitfish runs when you'll spot diving birds marking their feeding frenzies. What makes them fun? They fight way above their weight class with powerful runs and stubborn head-shaking battles. Plus they travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. The meat's decent but most folks target them for sport. Watch for bird activity - when pelicans and terns are diving, jacks are below pushing bait to the surface. Pro tip: cast past the school and retrieve fast with silver spoons or poppers. They love the chase.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the most beautiful billfish we target - sleek torpedoes with pale blue stripes that stay visible even after they're boated. These apex predators average 150-300 pounds and prefer deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually 200-2000+ feet deep. Best fishing runs February through August when they follow the warm currents. What sets them apart? Amazing aerial displays when hooked - they'll tail-walk across the surface and jump repeatedly. The meat's excellent too, firm and flavorful, often used for sashimi. They're smart hunters that use their bills to stun schools of tuna and sardines. Here's the key: watch for wind lines and temperature breaks in deep water. Troll live bait or lures along these edges where baitfish concentrate. When you hook up, keep steady pressure but let them run.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" of our waters, tarpon are monsters that'll test your tackle and patience. These giants average 80-100 pounds but can push 200+ around Trinidad's deeper channels and drop-offs. They prefer warmer water near structure - reefs, wrecks, and along the continental shelf. Best fishing happens April through September when they're most active. What makes them special? Pure acrobatics. When hooked, they'll launch 6+ feet out of the water, shaking their massive heads trying to throw your hook. Most anglers release them since the meat's full of bones, but the fight alone is worth the trip. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward them to keep tension loose and prevent them from throwing the hook on their aerial show.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll smoke your drag in seconds. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds in our waters, but we've seen them hit 60+ pounds. They cruise open water around 50-200 feet deep, especially near drop-offs and current edges. Year-round fishing here, but they're more active during cooler months when baitfish are thick. Guests love them for two reasons: the screaming runs when hooked and the excellent eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Their razor-sharp teeth can slice through mono like butter, so we always use wire leaders. Local trick: troll fast at 12-15 knots with bright lures. Most fish think you're going too fast, but wahoo will chase down anything moving at highway speeds.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller cousins of the marlin family, but don't let size fool you - these 80-180 pound billfish are pure athletes. They love deep blue water over canyons and drop-offs, typically 200-1000+ feet deep where they hunt flying fish and small tunas. Peak season runs March through October when water temps are right. What makes them special? They're acrobatic fighters that'll greyhound across the surface and make blistering runs. The fight-to-size ratio is outstanding. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. These fish stay constantly moving to breathe, so they cover lots of ground. Best tactic is trolling ballyhoo or small lures along temperature breaks and current edges. Pro tip: don't set the hook immediately when they strike - let them eat the bait for a few seconds before coming tight.
Tobago