Fort Pierce Charter Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets trophy tuna, mahi, and marlinAll fishing equipment and licenses included with experienced captainSixperson capacity boat provides extended time on deep waters
Looking for some serious offshore action? Fort Pierce is your gateway to some of the best deep-sea fishing on Florida's Treasure Coast. With Hittin Bottom Charters, you're getting a full day on the water chasing trophy fish in the Gulf Stream, where the big boys hang out. We're talking Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and even Blue Marlin. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with all your gear and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish. Six anglers max means plenty of room to work and everyone gets their shot at glory.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're barely getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. We're talking a full-day adventure that gives you real time to work the productive waters. You'll be running offshore to where the continental shelf drops off and the water turns that deep blue color that gets every angler's heart pumping. The trip starts early – think coffee-in-the-dark early – because that's when the fishing is prime. Fort Pierce Inlet puts you within striking distance of some world-class fishing grounds, and we make the most of every hour. Expect to cover water, move with the fish, and adapt to what's biting. Some days the Mahi are schooled up under floating debris, other days the Tuna are busting bait on the edge. That's the beauty of a full-day charter – you've got time to find them and work them right.
We run a spread of outriggers, flat lines, and sometimes throw in some live bait when the bite calls for it. The boat's rigged with top-rated Penn and Shimano reels, quality rods that can handle everything from 20-pound Mahi to 200-pound Marlin. Most of the fishing is trolling – we'll pull ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and lures at different speeds to cover water and trigger strikes. When we mark fish on the bottom machine or see birds working, that's when things get interesting. Live bait fishing with goggle eyes or pilchards can be absolutely deadly when the big Tuna move in. Don't worry if you've never worked a 50-pound outfit before – the captain and crew will talk you through fighting technique, when to pump and wind, and how to work a fish without getting your arms burned off. Circle hooks are the standard for most applications, and we practice catch and release on billfish to keep these fisheries healthy for the next generation.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter fish out here, and they're absolute rockets when they hit. These guys typically run 15 to 40 pounds and they'll test your drag system for sure. Best time for Blackfin is fall through spring, and they love structure and temperature breaks. What makes them special is they're fantastic eating and they fight way above their weight class. When a school moves in, you can have multiple hookups and pure chaos on deck.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing. These fish are pure adrenaline – when a Sail comes up behind your bait and lights up with those electric blues and purples, you'll understand why people get addicted to this sport. Peak season runs from December through April, and Fort Pierce is right in the migration highway. A good Sailfish will peel line, jump repeatedly, and give you a fight you'll remember forever. Most run 6 to 8 feet and 40 to 60 pounds. We practice catch and release to keep these magnificent fish around.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail – the fish that every offshore angler dreams about. These apex predators can show up any time of year in our waters, but summer months tend to be most productive. We're talking fish that can exceed 400 pounds and have the power to spool you if you're not ready. Blue Marlin fishing requires patience, the right conditions, and a bit of luck, but when it happens, it's life-changing. The initial run of a big Blue will have everyone on the boat screaming.
Mahi Mahi are customer favorites because they're beautiful, fight hard, and taste even better. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. Spring through fall is prime time, and they can range from schoolie-size "chickens" to hefty bulls over 30 pounds. Mahi are aggressive feeders and will often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Their colors are spectacular – electric yellows, greens, and blues that really pop when they're fighting.
Yellowfin Tuna are the powerhouses of the tuna family in our waters. These fish can push 100 pounds or more and they have the stamina to run deep and strong for extended periods. Winter months often provide the best Yellowfin action, especially when water temperatures drop and bait concentrates. What makes Yellowfins special is their combination of size, fight, and food value – they're sushi-grade fish that will fill your freezer with premium protein.
Fort Pierce Charter Fishing with Hittin Bottom Charters gives you everything you need for a world-class offshore fishing experience. Full-day trips mean real opportunities at trophy fish, experienced guidance means you're fishing smart, and our track record speaks for itself. Whether you're looking to check billfish off your bucket list, load up on eating fish, or just spend a day doing what you love with friends, this trip delivers. The Treasure Coast fishery is renowned for good reason – now's your chance to experience it firsthand. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Book your charter and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime.
Step aboard our beautifully restored 31-foot Contender center console for some serious offshore action in Fort Pierce waters. This 2004 boat got a complete makeover in 2020 and runs like a dream with twin Mercury 300HP engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to fight those big pelagics without getting tangled up. We've got all the essentials covered - fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on finicky fish without spooking them. Whether you're targeting tuna, mahi, wahoo, sailfish, or marlin, this boat puts you in prime position to land that trophy you've been chasing. All gear and licenses included, so just bring your appetite for adventure.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the ultimate gamefish - lightning fast with that signature sail and bill that makes them unforgettable. Most sailfish we hook run 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds, though bigger ones cruise these waters. They hunt in 30-65 feet but will chase bait to the surface, especially near current edges and drop-offs. Winter months are prime time here in Fort Pierce - we're right in the heart of "Sailfish Alley" where they migrate through. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and put on a display that tests every bit of your tackle and skill. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties for the next angler. Key tip: when one takes your bait, let it run before setting the hook. They'll try to throw it immediately, so stay patient and keep steady pressure.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds but pack serious punch for their size. These fighters love warm Gulf Stream waters, usually found in the top 100 feet near drop-offs and current breaks. They're fierce battlers with sharp eyesight, so we scale down to lighter tackle - 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks work best. Peak season here runs fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their incredible table fare - firm, flaky meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. They school with other tunas, so where you find one, you'll often find more. Pro tip: when chunking, use live pilchards and keep your hooks small. These fish will test your drag system and give you a workout you won't forget.
Makaira NigricansThe king of offshore fishing, blue marlin are what deep-sea dreams are made of. Females can push 500+ pounds while males typically stay under 300, but both will give you the fight of a lifetime. These apex predators cruise the Gulf Stream in warm, deep water - usually found in 100+ feet where the current runs strong. Summer through fall gives us our best shot when they follow baitfish up from the depths. What makes them legendary isn't just size - it's their power and acrobatics when hooked. The meat's firm but many have high mercury levels, so most get released anyway. They're migratory, so timing and location matter. Pro tip: when trolling, use heavy tackle rated for serious punishment. Once hooked, these fish will test every knot and connection you've got.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect mix of beauty, fight, and flavor. These golden-sided speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds and put on a color show that's amazing to watch. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit trolled baits, live bait, and even jump on deck sometimes! The meat is firm, white, and tastes fantastic grilled or blackened. They're fast growers that school up, so finding one usually means more are around. They're also great for families since they're good eating and fight hard without being too overwhelming. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water while rigging another rod - its thrashing will often attract the whole school.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna world - powerful, fast, and built like torpedoes. Most run 60-150 pounds with that classic yellow trim on fins and tail. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise the upper water column in offshore waters, usually 20-200 feet deep near temperature breaks and current edges. They're around year-round but peak in summer when baitfish are thick. What draws anglers is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll make long runs and test your tackle to the limit. The meat is outstanding - firm, red, perfect for sushi or searing. They school with dolphins and other tunas, so finding the right water is key. Pro tip: when chunking, match your bait to what they're feeding on. Blue runners and herring work great, and once you get them fired up, the action can be non-stop.
Stuart