Fishing Charter Fort Pierce
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7-hour offshore charter targets Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and SailfishAll fishing equipment provided for hassle-free deep sea experienceSmall group capacity of 6 guests with experienced local guides
Fort Pierce sits right in the sweet spot where the Gulf Stream swings closest to Florida's coast, making it one of the hottest offshore fishing destinations on the Atlantic. When you book with Hittin Bottom Charters, you're not just getting a boat ride – you're getting seven solid hours targeting some of the most prized gamefish that swim these waters. We're talking mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, and sailfish, all within reach of our home port. The boat's rigged with everything you need to get tight with these fish, so all you have to do is show up with your lunch and drinks ready for a day of serious fishing.
We launch from Fort Pierce and head straight to where the action is. The Gulf Stream runs about 12-20 miles offshore here, and that's where the magic happens. The water goes from that shallow green to deep cobalt blue, and that's when you know you're in fish country. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every ledge, every current break, every spot where the bait stacks up and the predators follow. You'll be fishing in 100 to 800 feet of water, depending on what's biting and where the fish are showing up on the finder. The boat handles the offshore swells like a champ, so even if you're new to deep water fishing, you'll feel comfortable out there. We keep the group small at just six anglers max, which means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew.
Most of our day is spent trolling the blue water, pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits behind the boat at different depths and distances. We run everything from surface poppers and diving plugs to downrigger baits working 50 feet down. When we mark fish on the sounder or see birds working, we might switch to live bait or chunk up some ballyhoo to get them fired up. The gear is all top-shelf stuff – Penn and Shimano reels loaded with fresh line, rods matched to the target species, and a tackle box full of proven lures. If the bottom bite is hot, we'll drop down with heavy jigs and live bait to pick off grouper, snapper, and whatever else is hanging around the structure. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and fish cleaning, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of fussing with tackle.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, especially from late spring through early fall. These fish are pure dynamite on the end of a line – they jump, they run, and they put on a show that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Most of our mahi run 10-25 pounds, with bigger bulls pushing 40-plus during peak season. They love floating debris, sargassum lines, and temperature breaks where the water color changes. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they move on.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of blazing runs that'll smoke your reel if the drag isn't set right. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and typically weigh 20-60 pounds in our waters. Fall and winter are prime time for wahoo, when they move through in good numbers following the bait schools. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes, often hitting trolled lures at full speed. The fight is intense but usually brief – they either cut you off, throw the hook, or come to the boat relatively quickly.
Yellowfin and blackfin tuna both roam these waters, with blackfins being more common year-round and yellowfins showing up in better numbers during winter months. Blackfins typically run 5-15 pounds and are fantastic on light tackle, while yellowfins can push 50-100 pounds and provide arm-burning battles. Both species are incredibly fast swimmers with stamina that'll test your endurance. They often feed in schools, so finding one usually means there are more around.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishery, especially during the winter run from December through March. These magnificent billfish are pure adrenaline – watching a sail come up behind your bait, light up in electric colors, and then launch itself into the air is something every angler needs to experience. Most of our sails run 6-8 feet long and 40-80 pounds. They're catch-and-release only, but getting that hero shot with a sailfish is worth the trip alone. The fights are spectacular, with multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your heart pounding.
Fort Pierce offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this. Seven hours on the water targeting world-class gamefish with all the gear provided and a crew that knows how to put you on the bite – that's what sets this charter apart. The Gulf Stream is right in our backyard, the fish are here year-round, and every trip is a shot at the catch of a lifetime. Whether you're after your first sailfish, looking to load the cooler with mahi, or just want to feel that burn in your arms from fighting a big yellowfin, this is your chance. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around. Give Hittin Bottom Charters a call and get your name on the fishing calendar. The fish are out there waiting – all you have to do is show up ready to catch them.
Step aboard our restored 31-foot Contender center console and get ready to chase some serious fish in the deep waters off Fort Pierce. This beauty was built in 2004 but got a complete makeover in 2020, so she's running like new with twin Mercury 300HP engines that'll get us cruising at 40 knots to the best fishing grounds. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. We've got all the tech you need – GPS to find the hot spots, radar for safety, and fish finders to locate where the action is. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we need to sneak up on finicky fish, and the icebox will keep your drinks cold during those long fights with mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this boat has everything needed for a productive day targeting Fort Pierce's offshore gamefish.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are what offshore dreams are made of - that massive dorsal fin and torpedo bill make them unmistakable. They average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, cruising the surface in 80-400 feet of water. Winter months bring the best action here, especially December through March when they're thick along the coast. What gets everyone pumped is their aerial show - these fish will jump, tail-walk, and put on a display you'll never forget. They're pure sport fish with an epic fight but most folks release them. The stretch from Fort Pierce south is prime sailfish water. Best advice: when you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Let them eat the bait and start their run before coming tight - patience pays off with sails.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the smallest tuna we target, but don't let their size fool you - these 10-20 pound fish are scrappy fighters with serious attitude. They're darker than other tunas with distinctive bronze highlights on their fins. You'll find them in 80-300 feet near the continental shelf, especially around structure. Best fishing happens fall through spring when they move into our coastal waters. Anglers love blackfin because they school up tight, fight hard for their size, and make excellent table fare with that rich, red meat. They're also great for getting kids and beginners into tuna fishing. My go-to trick is scaling down your tackle - use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks since these fish are line-shy and have sharp eyes.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real color show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them push 50. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and structure in 100-600 feet of water. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with that firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area because they usually travel in small schools, so there's likely more underneath.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and will test your drag system like nothing else. They average 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, with that distinctive blue back and silver sides marked by dark vertical bars. You'll find them in open water from 50-200 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Peak season runs July through November here in Florida waters. What gets anglers fired up is their blistering initial run and the quality of meat - firm, white, and mild-tasting. We troll fast with wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono instantly. Key tip: when wahoo fishing, speed is everything - we run lures at 12-15 knots to trigger their predatory instincts.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the ultimate offshore prize - these powerhouses average 30-60 pounds but can push well over 100. Their torpedo bodies with bright yellow fins make them easy to spot, and they're built for speed and endurance. We typically find them in 100-1000 feet of water around temperature breaks and current edges. They're here year-round, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action. What makes yellowfin special is their bulldogging fight - they'll pull drag for what feels like forever. The meat quality is top-shelf too, perfect for sashimi or grilling. When we're marking fish deep but they won't bite on the surface spread, we'll drop jigs down to them. That vertical presentation often triggers strikes when nothing else will work.
Stuart