Premier Offshore Fishing Adventures in Fort Pierce Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sevenhour offshore charter targets Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and Sailfish.All fishing equipment provided for up to six guests.Hittin Bottom Charters operates from Fort Pierce waters.
Fort Pierce sits right on Florida's Treasure Coast, and there's a reason the locals call these waters "fish city." When you step aboard with Hittin Bottom Charters, you're heading out to some of the most productive offshore fishing grounds on the Atlantic side. This 7-hour deep-sea adventure puts you in prime position to tangle with some seriously impressive gamefish – we're talking Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and if you're lucky, maybe even a Sailfish that'll give you the fight of your life.
Your day starts early – that's just how offshore fishing works. We'll cruise out past the inlet and into the blue water where the big fish live. Fort Pierce's unique location gives us access to multiple fishing zones within reasonable running distance. The Gulf Stream runs closer to shore here than most places, which means less travel time and more lines-in-the-water time. Our boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole crew or looking for a more intimate fishing experience, we've got you covered. The best part? All your tackle, bait, and fishing gear comes with the trip. Just bring your cooler with lunch and drinks, and we'll handle the rest. Don't forget your sunscreen – you're going to be out there all day, and the sun reflects hard off that blue water.
Offshore fishing here is all about covering water and reading the signs. We run a spread of trolling lures – usually a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and some flashy artificials that drive the pelagics crazy. The key is varying your depths and speeds to figure out what's working on any given day. We'll be watching for birds, weed lines, color changes, and temp breaks – all the little clues that tell you where the fish are hanging out. When we mark fish or see some surface activity, that's when we might switch tactics. Sometimes we'll stop and chunk with live bait or cut bait, especially if we're seeing Tuna sign. Other days, the bite stays hot on the troll, and we just keep the spread out and the boat moving. Fort Pierce's offshore structure includes some productive ledges and drop-offs that hold baitfish, and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking to eat it.
Mahi Mahi are probably the most reliable offshore catch around Fort Pierce, and they're an absolute blast on light tackle. These fish are pure energy – they'll jump, run, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing their cameras. Most of the Mahi we see run between 10-30 pounds, with the occasional bull that'll push 40 or more. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when we find floating debris or weed lines. The meat is top-shelf too – nothing beats fresh Mahi tacos after a day on the water.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Fort Pierce waters hold some quality fish. These guys can hit 60+ mph when they want to, and their initial run will test your drag system and your nerves. They're not the most common catch, but when you hook into a 'Hoo, you'll know it immediately. The strike is violent, the run is blistering, and if you manage to get one to the boat, you've got some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Fall and winter tend to produce the better Wahoo fishing here.
Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna both show up in Fort Pierce's offshore waters, with Blackfins being more common but Yellowfins offering more size and fight. Blackfins typically run 5-15 pounds and are perfect for light tackle fun. They school up and when you find them, you can have non-stop action. Yellowfins are less predictable but can reach 50+ pounds and will give you a workout you won't forget. Both species are strong, fast, and excellent on the dinner table.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing. Fort Pierce is right in the heart of sailfish country, and during peak season (November through April), we see multiple shots at these incredible gamefish. A Sailfish on the line is something every angler needs to experience – they're acrobatic, powerful, and absolutely beautiful. Most of the Sails we catch get released to fight another day, but the photos and memories last forever. When conditions are right and the Sailfish are up, there's no better fishing anywhere.
Fort Pierce offshore fishing delivers year-round, but some of the best action happens when you least expect it. Weather plays a big role in offshore fishing, so flexibility is key. Our 7-hour trips give us plenty of time to find fish and put you on them. With all gear included and a boat that can handle the conditions, all you need to do is show up ready to fish. The combination of Fort Pierce's productive waters, our local knowledge, and your enthusiasm makes for a winning formula. These spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting offshore. Book your trip with Hittin Bottom Charters and get ready to see why Fort Pierce has earned its reputation as one of Florida's top fishing destinations.
Our restored 31-foot Contender center console is your ticket to Fort Pierce's best offshore fishing grounds. This 2004 beauty got a complete makeover in 2020 and now runs like a dream with twin Mercury 300HP engines that'll get you to the fish at 40 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers who want to chase mahi, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish in the deep blue. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - GPS to find the hotspots, radar for those early morning runs, and fish finder to locate schools. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a wireless trolling motor for those times when you need to sneak up on finicky fish. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this rig will put you on fish in Fort Pierce waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing, averaging 50-80 pounds with that iconic sail dorsal fin and sword-like bill. They cruise the top 30-100 feet in warm water above 70°F, following baitfish along the edges. Winter months are prime time here - we're right in "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. What makes them legendary is the aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and tail-walk like no other fish. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're not great table fare. The fight is what you're after. Key technique: slow-troll with kites and live bait, letting it swim naturally on the surface. When one shows up, be patient - they'll often tease the bait before committing. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little cousins of the tuna family, typically running 10-25 pounds with dark backs and a distinctive gold stripe. They school up near continental shelves in 60-300 feet, especially around structure. Best fishing is fall through spring when they move inshore. Don't let their size fool you - these fish fight way above their weight class and make excellent sashimi with their red meat. They're also great for beginners since they're more forgiving than bigger tunas. The secret is scaling down your tackle - use 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Their eyesight is sharp, so lighter gear gets more bites. Try vertical jigging with small spoons or chunk with pilchards to get them fired up and competing.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most colorful catches, with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. These fish love floating debris, weedlines, and anything drifting offshore in 100-400 feet of water. Best action runs April through October when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and change colors like a light show when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or fish tacos. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines out - mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo body built for hunting. These fish typically run 30-60 pounds but can reach 100+. You'll find them in open water from 60-200 feet, often near ledges or current breaks. Prime time is July through November when they're most active. What draws anglers is their blistering runs and the challenge of landing one of the ocean's fastest fish. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for steaks or sashimi. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth will slice through anything else. When you get a bite, hold on tight - these fish don't mess around and will test your drag system immediately.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family, averaging 60 pounds with some pushing 200+. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the top 300 feet of open water, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Peak season runs May through October when water temps hit 75°F+. What makes yellowfin special is their bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag for what feels like forever. The meat is world-class, deep red and perfect for sushi or searing. They're warm-blooded, so they can outrun most fish at 50 mph. Best technique is chunking when you mark fish deep but nothing's biting on the troll. Cut up whatever baitfish you're seeing and let the scent bring them up from the depths. Patience pays off with these fish.
Stuart