12-Hour Florida Big Game Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting swordfish and sailfishAccommodates up to 6 guests with Hook'n Up SportfishingExtended trip duration allows multiple species targeting opportunities
When you're ready to test your skills against some of Florida's most legendary fighters, this 12-hour offshore charter with Hook'n Up Sportfishing is where serious anglers separate themselves from weekend warriors. We're talking about a full day battling swordfish in deep blue water, with sailfish and tuna thrown into the mix for good measure. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're heading way out where the big fish live, and staying there long enough to make it count. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows when the action heats up.
This trip starts early and ends late, because that's what it takes to reach the prime offshore grounds where trophy fish cruise. We're running 20-30 miles out to the edge, where the Gulf Stream pushes nutrient-rich water up from the depths. The crew knows these waters like their own backyard – every drop-off, every temperature break, every piece of structure that holds fish. You'll spend most of the day in 800-1500 feet of water, where the bottom drops away and anything can happen. The boat handles the big swells out there like a champ, so even if it gets bumpy, you'll stay comfortable while working a fish. Plan on being gone from dawn to dusk – this is a marathon, not a sprint, and that's exactly why it produces the kind of catches that make other anglers jealous.
Swordfish are the main event here, which means we're using heavy tackle and serious technique. The crew rigs up with circle hooks, wire leaders, and enough weight to get baits down 200-400 feet where these beasts cruise during daylight hours. We're talking about daytime swordfishing – a game that requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. Electric reels take some of the work out of cranking fish up from the depths, but you'll still feel every head shake and run. For the sailfish and tuna, we'll have lighter spinning gear ready to go, along with live bait when we can catch it. The spread includes a mix of rigged ballyhoo, squid, and whatever else the fish are eating that week. Don't worry if you've never worked this deep before – the crew walks you through everything, from setting the drag to fighting technique.
Skipjack tuna are the scrappy underdogs of this trip, but don't let their size fool you. These 15-25 pound speedsters hit like freight trains and never give up, making multiple blistering runs that'll test your endurance. They school up around bait balls and feeding birds, creating some of the most exciting action you'll find offshore. Peak season runs from spring through fall, when they're feeding heavily on small baitfish. What makes skipjacks special is their willingness to bite – when you find them, you can often catch several before they move on. Plus, they're fantastic table fare if you're looking to take some fish home.
Blue marlin represent the holy grail of Florida offshore fishing, with fish ranging from 100-pound schoolies all the way up to true giants pushing 400-500 pounds. These apex predators patrol the deep water year-round, but summer months offer your best shot at a hookup. When a blue marlin eats your bait, everything changes – the screaming reel, the spectacular jumps, the raw power that makes your arms burn after 20 minutes of fighting. They're ambush predators that cruise the thermoclines looking for schools of tuna and dolphins, which is why we fish the same areas. Landing one is a career highlight for most anglers, and even seeing one free-jumping in the distance gets your heart pumping.
Swordfish are what this trip is really about – prehistoric-looking gladiators that can stretch over 10 feet and weigh 200-300 pounds or more. During the day, they hang deep, which is why we're dropping baits 300-400 feet down into the blue-black depths. These fish are incredibly strong and surprisingly smart, often making long, powerful runs toward the boat before turning and heading for the bottom again. Florida's swordfish population is healthy and sustainable, with fish available year-round. What makes them so special is the combination of size, strength, and the technical challenge of catching them in deep water during daylight hours. When you finally see that distinctive bill and dorsal fin coming up from the depths, you'll understand why serious offshore anglers obsess over these fish.
A 12-hour big game fishing trip isn't something you do every weekend – it's the kind of adventure that creates stories you'll tell for years. Hook'n Up Sportfishing runs one of the top-rated offshore operations in Florida, with the experience and equipment needed to put you on fish in deep water. The crew knows where to find them and how to catch them, whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or trying this style of fishing for the first time. Remember to bring plenty of food and drinks since meals aren't included, along with sun protection and layers for the changing conditions offshore. Book early, especially during peak season, because serious anglers reserve these trips months in advance. When you're ready to test yourself against some of the ocean's toughest fighters, this is your ticket to the big leagues.
Your battle platform for this epic 12-hour offshore adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built to handle Florida's deep waters and the serious gamefish that call them home. With room for up to 6 anglers, this vessel gives you plenty of space to work those heavy tackle rods when you hook into a monster Swordfish or screaming Sailfish. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long hours chasing Tuna in the blue water. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off between battles. The onboard toilet means no cutting your fishing time short - you can stay out there hunting for that trophy fish without heading back to shore. This boat is your fishing headquarters for targeting the big pelagics that roam Florida's offshore waters. Whether you're grinding it out for Swordfish in the depths or watching the outriggers for Sailfish, you've got a solid platform underneath you that can handle whatever bites your bait during this marathon fishing session.
Xiphias GladiusThese deep-water gladiators average 400 pounds and can hit 60 mph when they want to. We target them in 1,500+ feet of water, usually at night when they rise from the depths to feed. Swords are active year-round in Florida waters, making them perfect for our extended trips. What makes them special is their flat bill and incredible strength - they'll test every piece of your gear. The meat is fantastic too, firm and meaty. We drop squid baits down 300-500 feet with lights to attract them. The key is patience and heavy tackle - 80-120 pound line is standard. My advice: when you feel that first tap, give them time to fully take the bait before setting up.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate trophy fish - females can reach over 1,000 pounds while males stay around 300. These apex predators roam the deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks. Best action happens April through September when they're feeding heavily. Blues are famous for their aerial shows and raw power that'll test your tackle to the limit. They cruise the upper water column during the day, hunting tuna and other pelagic fish. The fight alone makes this trip worthwhile - nothing matches a marlin's combination of size, speed, and acrobatics. Pro tip: when you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Let them eat the bait and come tight naturally.
Katsuwonus PelamisThese smaller tunas average 20 pounds and pack serious speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies. You'll find them in schools offshore, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. They hit hard and fight fast, making for exciting light tackle action. Skipjacks feed near the surface during the day, especially around floating debris or temperature breaks. Best fishing happens during warmer months when baitfish are thick. Pink feathers and small spoons work great when trolling at 4-6 knots. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water - where there's one skipjack, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Riviera Beach, FL