West Palm Beach Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday private charter accommodates up to six guests comfortablyDeep water access within minutes enables diverse offshore species targetingComplete gear, licensing, and catch cleaning services included onboard
Hook'N Up Fishing Charter brings you straight to the action with their top-rated West Palm Beach offshore fishing experience. This half-day trip puts you in prime position to battle some of South Florida's most sought-after gamefish, from lightning-fast sailfish to hefty king mackerel. Whether you're rolling out of bed for a morning bite or heading out after lunch, you'll find deep blue water just minutes from the dock. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to offshore fishing or seasoned anglers looking to add new species to their logbook, this private charter accommodates up to six guests and delivers consistent action in some of the most productive waters along the Atlantic coast.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you fishing productive structure within 15 minutes of clearing the inlet. The Gulf Stream's warm edge sits close to shore here, creating upwelling and baitfish concentrations that draw hungry pelagics year-round. You'll be working depths from 80 to 300 feet depending on what's biting, with the flexibility to move spots if the action slows down. The private charter setup means no crowded rails or rushing other anglers – you set the pace and focus on the species you're most excited to target. Morning trips often start around sunrise when sailfish are most active, while afternoon charters let you sleep in and still get solid action as the bite picks up again in the later hours. Your crew handles all the details from rigging baits to gaffing fish, so you can focus on fighting and landing your catch.
The crew runs a mix of trolling spreads and bottom rigs depending on conditions and target species. For sailfish and mahi, you'll typically see a combination of live ballyhoo, rigged mullet, and artificial lures pulled at varying speeds to cover water and locate active fish. When kings are running, wire leaders and spoons or live bait on flat lines produce explosive strikes. Bottom fishing setups target cobia and other structure-oriented species using circle hooks and natural baits like pinfish or squid. All rods, reels, and tackle come included – the boat stocks quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle anything from 10-pound dolphin to 40-pound cobia. Live bait is available for purchase at the marina, and many regulars swear by it for drawing strikes when artificial lures aren't producing. The crew matches tackle to your experience level, so beginners get forgiving setups while experienced anglers can request lighter gear for more challenging fights.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and West Palm Beach offers world-class opportunities from November through April. These acrobatic billfish average 6-7 feet and put on aerial displays that'll have everyone on deck cheering. Sailfish often travel in small schools, so multiple hookups are common when you find them. The thrill of watching a sail greyhound across the surface on its initial run never gets old, and catch-and-release practices ensure future generations can enjoy these magnificent fish.
King Mackerel patrol these waters year-round but peak during fall and winter months when schools migrate south. These toothy speedsters range from schoolie-sized "snakes" around 10 pounds to hefty smokers pushing 40-plus pounds. Kings hit hard and fast, often cutting through trolled baits before you know what happened. Wire leaders are essential, and the fight combines blistering runs with head-shaking jumps that test your drag system and technique.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical colors and excellent table fare to your cooler, with their brilliant gold and green sides making them a customer favorite for photos. These fish show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks throughout the warmer months. Mahi grow fast and fight hard for their size, often staying airborne for much of the battle. Schools can provide non-stop action when you locate them, and their sweet, flaky meat makes them perfect for fish tacos or ceviche.
Cobia cruise near the surface around structure and are often spotted and sight-cast to using live or artificial baits. These brown sharks (though they're not actually sharks) can exceed 50 pounds and make powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked. Spring and fall offer the best cobia fishing as they migrate along the coast, and their firm white meat rivals any offshore species on the dinner table.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, typically targeted during evening or night trips when they rise from the depths to feed. These gladiators of the deep can exceed 100 pounds and provide battles measured in hours rather than minutes. While less common on half-day trips, sword fishing requires specialized techniques and heavy tackle that showcase the serious side of offshore angling.
This West Palm Beach offshore adventure delivers consistent action with professional guidance, quality gear, and access to some of the Atlantic's best fishing grounds. The combination of short runs to deep water, diverse species opportunities, and experienced crew makes it a standout choice for both locals and visitors. With snacks, drinks, licenses, and cleaning service included, you'll have everything covered except the stories you'll tell afterward. Private charters book quickly during peak season, so secure your dates early to avoid disappointment. Whether you're after your first sailfish or looking to add new species to your offshore resume, Hook'N Up Fishing Charter puts you in position to make it happen.
This 50-foot offshore sportfishing boat puts you right in the action just minutes from West Palm Beach marina. Built for serious fishing, she's equipped with a fighting chair, outriggers, and a flybridge that gives your captain the perfect vantage point to spot diving birds and working water. The spacious cockpit provides plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to move around safely while fighting fish. Modern fish finders and GPS help locate productive waters, while the live bait well keeps your offerings fresh. When you need a break from the Florida sun, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin featuring a full galley, restroom, and sleeping area. The onboard icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the trip. Whether you're trolling for mahi or dropping baits to the bottom, this well-appointed vessel delivers the comfort and performance needed for a productive day on the water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the rockstars of offshore fishing here. These stunning fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and brilliant colors that change as they fight. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, following warm currents and baitfish. Winter through early spring is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special? They're lightning fast and put on an aerial show that'll get your adrenaline pumping - jumping, diving, and stripping line like crazy. The meat's decent eating too. Here's a local tip: when teasing one up, don't set the hook until it makes its first run. They'll often grab the bait and immediately try to shake it, so let them take it and go before you tighten up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world - brown, shark-looking fish that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They're loners, not schooling fish, so spotting one is always exciting. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-70 feet during spring and summer months. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect and their bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but pull hard and steady. The meat is top-shelf, firm and white like grouper. Since they're curious fish, they'll often cruise right up to the boat. Here's what works: when you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig or live bait ahead of where it's swimming. Don't cast right at them - they spook easy. Let the bait sink and work it slowly. Cobia will usually circle it a few times before committing.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds but can hit 70+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and serious attitude. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and current edges. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are thick. What guests love is the explosive strike - kings hit trolled baits like freight trains and make blistering runs. The white, flaky meat is excellent grilled or blackened. One trick I always share: use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait. Thread one through the nose, let the second dangle near the tail. Kings often bite the back half of their prey, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green fish that put on a color show when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they're aggressive feeders and great fighters. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is best when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them popular with guests is the non-stop action once you find a school, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. These fish love skipping baits, so troll ballyhoo or squid on the surface to mimic flying fish. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water while rigging more rods. The hooked fish will often keep the school around for multiple hookups.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - massive fish averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with that iconic flat bill. These nocturnal hunters live in 800-1500 feet of water, making them a specialized target requiring heavy tackle and serious commitment. Peak season runs April through September when they move into our deeper waters. What draws serious anglers is the prestige - landing a "sword" is a bucket-list achievement, plus the meat is restaurant-quality. They're primarily night feeders, coming up to 300 feet after dark. The key is deep-dropping with heavy weights, bright lights, and patience. My go-to setup uses a 32-ounce sinker, glowing squid bait, and at least three underwater lights spaced down the line. The bite often feels like a gentle tick, not the crushing strike you'd expect from such a large predator.
West Palm Beach