West Palm Beach Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour private offshore fishing charter for up to six guestsTrolling and bottom fishing techniques target various deep water speciesAll equipment, snacks, drinks and fishing licenses included onboard
Looking for that sweet spot between a quick inshore trip and an all-day grind? This five-hour deep sea fishing charter with Hook'N Up is exactly what you're after. We're talking serious offshore action without the sunrise-to-sunset commitment. Perfect for families wanting to introduce the kids to blue water fishing, or experienced anglers who know that sometimes five hours in the right waters beats eight hours in the wrong ones. With only six guests max, you're getting a private charter experience where the captain can focus on what you want to catch, not babysit a crowded boat.
Once we clear the inlet and hit that deeper blue water, the game changes completely. You're looking at depths where the big players live – sailfish, kings, mahi, cobia, and if conditions align just right, maybe even a swordfish. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on what's working that day and your crew's skill level. New to offshore fishing? No sweat – they'll get you sorted. Been chasing pelagics for years? Even better – you can dial in on specific techniques or target species. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box that's seen some serious battles. Snacks and drinks keep you fueled, plus your fishing license is covered. Want to up your game with live bait? Grab some at the marina before we head out.
Out here, it's all about reading the conditions and matching your approach. When we're hunting sailfish and mahi, we'll be pulling a spread of lures at different depths – maybe some ballyhoo on the riggers, a few artificials in the wash. King mackerel love a fast-moving bait, so we might bump up the speed and work those edges where the color changes. When it's time to get vertical, we're dropping down to structure for cobia or working the deeper ledges. The captain switches between trolling and bottom fishing based on what's biting, current conditions, and what the crew wants to target. Live bait really shines when fish are finicky – nothing beats a frisky goggle-eye or pilchard when the bite gets tough.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and West Palm Beach sits right in their highway. These acrobatic fighters show up year-round but really stack up from November through March when the water cools down. When a sail grabs your bait, you'll know it instantly – they come out of the water like a rocket, gill plates flared, trying to throw that hook. Most run 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, but the fight feels twice that size. The jumping, the runs, the head shaking – it's everything offshore fishing should be.
King mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag settings and your patience. These toothy missiles cruise the edges and drop-offs, ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 10-pounders up to smoker kings pushing 40-50 pounds. When they hit, it's a screaming run that'll have you wondering if you hooked a small tuna. Kings are fantastic table fare too – nothing beats fresh king steaks on the grill that same evening.
Mahi mahi bring the color and the chaos that makes offshore fishing addictive. These brilliant gold and green bulldogs school up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Peak season runs April through September, though stragglers show up year-round. Dolphin fish hit hard and fight harder, making long runs and jumping clear of the water. School fish run 5-15 pounds and make great eating, while bull mahi can push 30-40 pounds and provide arm-burning battles. Find one, and there's usually more underneath.
Cobia are the brown sharks of the fishing world – until you hook one and realize they're actually strong, smart, and stubborn fighters. These curious fish cruise structure and often come up to investigate the boat, giving you shot at sight-fishing. Spring migration from March through May brings the best action, with fish ranging from 20 pounds up to 50-pound bulls. They eat everything from live bait to jigs, and once hooked, they dig deep and fight all the way to the boat. Cobia also happen to be some of the best eating in the ocean.
Swordfish represent the holy grail of offshore fishing – powerful, mysterious, and challenging to target. While traditionally a nighttime fishery, daytime sword fishing has gained traction in deeper waters. These prehistoric fighters can reach massive sizes, with fish over 100 pounds not uncommon in our waters. Swordfish require specialized techniques, heavy tackle, and perfect conditions, but when everything aligns, you're looking at the fight of a lifetime. Their broad bill and incredible strength make them one of the most respected gamefish in the Atlantic.
Five hours of private charter offshore fishing action, all the gear you need, and a captain who knows these waters inside and out. Whether you're planning a family trip, introducing someone to deep sea fishing, or just want quality time on blue water without the full-day commitment, this charter delivers. Your catch gets cleaned and packed for the trip home, so all you need to worry about is being ready when that drag starts screaming. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your dates when you're ready to fish. West Palm Beach's offshore grounds are waiting, and Hook'N Up knows how to put you on them.
Step aboard this well-equipped 50' sportfishing boat designed to handle West Palm Beach's offshore waters with ease. The vessel comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - from a proper fighting chair and outriggers for battling big fish to a fish finder that'll help locate the action. When you need a break from the Florida sun, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin that includes a full galley, restroom, and even sleeping quarters for longer trips. The spacious flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility while you work the deck below, and the live bait well keeps your offerings fresh. Whether you're trolling for mahi or dropping lines to the bottom, this boat's modern electronics and thoughtful layout make for productive fishing. Between strikes, grab cold drinks from the fridge or snacks from the icebox while enjoying the multimedia system.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, reaching up to 34 mph and averaging 7.5 feet with most weighing around 50 pounds. These blue-gray beauties with their iconic sail-like dorsal fins hunt in 30-65 feet of water, often near the surface where they chase baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Winter through early spring gives us the best action here in South Florida - we're right in the heart of "Sailfish Alley." What makes them special is their fight - they'll leap repeatedly and make long runs that'll test your endurance. The colors they flash when excited are something to see. Here's a local tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface to mimic flying fish. Once hooked, let them run before applying pressure - fighting them too early usually means a lost fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers that look like sharks at first glance with their dark brown color and broad tail. These loners average 30-60 pounds and can hit 100+ pounds, living up to 12 years. You'll spot them cruising reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, often just under the surface. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move north to spawn. What guests love is sight-fishing these giants and their bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat. Being solitary fish, we typically target them individually rather than in schools. Here's the deal with cobia: bucktail jigs in 4-8 ounces work best, and color doesn't matter much. Cast ahead of them when sight-fishing and let the jig flutter down - they can't resist it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are built for speed and can match a wahoo in a straight-line run. These silvery speedsters average around 30 pounds but we see plenty in the 40-60 range, with their razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through leaders in a heartbeat. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Fall through spring gives us the most consistent action as they migrate along our coast following baitfish schools. What guests love is their initial screaming run - they'll strip drag like few fish can. Plus they make great table fare with firm, white meat. The key to landing kings is using wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon - at least 40 pounds. When live-baiting, rig with two hooks: one through the nose and a stinger hook in the back since kings typically hit prey from behind.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbows of the ocean with their brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that shift like a light show when they're hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds and max out around 4-5 years old. Look for them under floating debris, weed lines, or current edges in open water. They're surface dwellers that love warm water, making spring through fall our prime season here. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and dive while flashing those amazing colors. Plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. The trick with mahi is once you hook one, keep your baits out because they usually travel in small schools. Watch for diving birds working baitfish - that's often where you'll find them feeding.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water prize, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with that unmistakable flat sword. These giants live in 600-1500+ feet and are primarily night feeders, though daytime fishing works too. Peak season runs April through September when they're spawning and more active. What draws anglers is the challenge - it's technical fishing that requires patience and heavy tackle. Plus there's nothing quite like seeing that sword break the surface. They're excellent eating despite high mercury levels requiring moderation. Deep-dropping with 15-pound leads and multiple lights is the standard approach. Here's what works: rig squid or barracuda chunks on 10/0-11/0 hooks with bright, skirted lures. Fish 300+ feet at night, deeper during the day. The key is keeping baits right in the thermocline where baitfish concentrate.
West Palm Beach