Deep Water Trophy Fishing at Sailfish Marina
Private Trip
Eighthour private charter targets sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and tuna52foot Viking accommodates six passengers with climatecontrolled salonAll tackle, bait, and Florida fishing licenses included
When you're serious about targeting the big pelagics that cruise Florida's offshore waters, this eight-hour private charter from Sailfish Marina puts you right where the action happens. We're talking about a full day of hunting trophy fish in the deep blue, aboard a 52' Viking that's built for comfort and performance. This isn't a half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back – we've got the entire day to work the water columns and find those fish that make your drag scream.
Your day starts flexible – we can push off anywhere between 7:30 and 9:30 am, depending on what works best for your group and the current bite patterns. The 52' Viking gives us the range and speed to reach those honey holes that smaller boats can't access, and once we're out there, we've got all day to make it happen. The climate-controlled salon is a game-changer when you need a break from the Florida sun between hookups. We're targeting the heavy hitters – Sailfish, Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna – species that demand respect and put up fights you'll be talking about for years. The $3,000 rate covers your entire group of up to six anglers, so you're not sharing the boat with strangers or waiting for someone else's fish to finish its run. We handle all the tackle, fresh bait, and Florida licenses, so you can focus on what you came here to do – catch fish.
Out here in the deep water, we're primarily trolling to cover ground and locate active fish. We'll run a spread of ballyhoo, feathers, and lures at different depths to match whatever's feeding. The Viking's outriggers let us run a clean spread without tangles, and we've got downriggers ready when we need to get baits deeper in the water column. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot birds working, we'll switch up the approach – maybe pull out the spinning gear for sight fishing Mahi under debris, or rig up some pitch baits when Sailfish show up behind the spread. The tackle we provide is tournament-grade stuff that can handle these offshore bruisers. We're talking 30-80 pound class gear depending on what we're targeting, with reels that have the drag systems and line capacity these fish demand. Fresh ballyhoo and goggle eyes are standard, but we'll also have a selection of high-speed trolling lures for when the Wahoo are running.
Mahi Mahi are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most reliable targets in these waters. These fish are pure gold when the sun hits their sides, and they'll put on an aerial show that never gets old. We typically find them under floating debris, around weed lines, or in small schools in open water. They're most active during the warmer months, from spring through fall, and what makes them special is how they travel in groups – when you find one, there's usually more around. The smaller schoolies are perfect for getting everyone in the boat hooked up, while the bigger bulls can push 40-50 pounds and really test your endurance.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish can reach speeds over 60 mph, and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. They're most active during the cooler months, from fall through early spring, and we typically catch them while high-speed trolling in 200+ feet of water. What makes Wahoo special is their razor-sharp teeth and explosive strikes – they'll often cut clean through a ballyhoo before you even know what hit. Landing one is always satisfying because they're notoriously difficult to hook solid, and their table fare is outstanding.
Sailfish are Florida's signature offshore species and the fish that put this area on the map. These acrobatic fighters are most active during the winter months, from December through March, when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. What makes Sailfish fishing so addictive is watching them light up behind the baits, bill-wrapping ballyhoo and putting on a show before they eat. Their jumps are spectacular – often clearing the water completely multiple times during the fight. While most anglers release Sailfish, the experience of battling one of these beautiful fish is what brings people back year after year.
Tuna fishing out here means we're primarily targeting Blackfin Tuna, though we occasionally hook into Yellowfin when conditions are right. Blackfins are incredibly strong for their size, typically running 10-30 pounds but fighting like fish twice that weight. They're most active during the cooler months and are often found in the same areas as Wahoo. What makes Tuna special is their endurance – while a Wahoo might make one or two blistering runs, a Tuna will just keep pulling, testing both your tackle and your arms. They're also excellent eating, making them a favorite with groups planning a fish dinner.
This kind of offshore fishing experience is what separates the real deal from the tourist trips. Eight hours on the water with professional tackle, fresh bait, and a captain who knows these waters gives you the best shot at the fish of a lifetime. The winter months are prime time for Sailfish, while spring and summer bring consistent Mahi action. Don't forget your polarized sunglasses and sunscreen – the reflection off the water is intense out there. Pack whatever food and drinks you want for the day, and come ready for some serious fishing. When these offshore species are biting, there's nothing else like it.
This 52' Viking is built for serious offshore fishing out of Sailfish Marina. The climate-controlled salon gives you a cool retreat when the Florida sun gets intense, while the flybridge offers commanding views to spot diving birds and working water. Down in the cockpit, spacious bench seating keeps your crew comfortable during long fights with sailfish and mahi. The full galley and refrigerator mean fresh bait stays fresh and your drinks stay cold all day. When you hook into that trophy wahoo or tuna, the fish finder and GPS help you mark productive spots for return trips. Clean restrooms and onboard sleeping quarters make this Viking perfect for extended runs to the deep water honey holes where the big fish live.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing - these magnificent billfish average 7 feet and 50 pounds with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. They cruise the 30-65 foot range along current edges and temperature breaks, though they'll dive deeper when chasing bait. Winter months, especially December through March, bring the best action when they migrate through our waters. What makes them legendary is the fight - repeated jumps, long runs, and that spectacular aerial display that gets everyone's heart pumping. Most anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve this amazing fishery. The trick is patience during the fight - don't horse them in. Let them run and tire themselves out with those acrobatic jumps. When trolling, watch for that distinctive dorsal cutting the surface.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real light show when they come to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen them push 40+ pounds around floating debris and weed lines in 100-400 feet of water. Peak season here runs April through October when they follow the warm Gulf Stream. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll go airborne multiple times and make long runs. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, firm white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby since they often travel in small schools around floating objects.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of our favorite reef targets, growing up to 20 inches on average with some pushing 30+ pounds. These pinkish-olive beauties with distinctive blue streaks around their eyes hang around hard bottom, coral heads, and rocky structure in 80-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing tends to be most productive when they're more aggressive. What makes them special is they're excellent fighters for their size and absolutely top-notch table fare with sweet, white meat. Adult muttons are usually loners or in small groups, so patience pays off. The secret is fresh bait on light tackle - let it drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. When that pink flash appears coming up from the depths, you'll know you've got a good one.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long with some reaching over 100 pounds. These sleek predators cruise the blue water from 30-200 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. July through November is prime time here in South Florida when they're most active. What draws anglers back is that explosive strike and blistering first run that'll test your drag system. They're also premium table fare - the Hawaiians call them "ono" meaning delicious, and that firm, flaky white meat lives up to the name. Here's the key: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else. Once hooked, hold on tight because they don't give up easy.
West Palm Beach