Full Day West Palm Beach Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour private charter targets sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and tuna52-foot Viking accommodates six passengers with climate-controlled salonProfessional tackle, bait, and Florida licenses included in charter
When you're serious about chasing big game fish in South Florida waters, this eight-hour private charter from Sailfish Marina is exactly what you need. Captain and crew at Island Time Sport Fishing know these offshore waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on the fish that make West Palm Beach famous among tournament anglers. You're getting the whole boat to yourself and up to five buddies, which means no strangers crowding your lines and plenty of room to work when that drag starts screaming. The 52' Viking is built for comfort and fishing, with a climate-controlled cabin where you can cool off between runs and all the professional tackle you need to handle whatever decides to eat your bait.
Your day starts early at Sailfish Marina, one of the premier fishing ports on Florida's east coast. The flexible departure window between 7:30 and 9:30 AM lets you choose your pace, but most serious anglers prefer getting out there early when the bite is hot. Once you clear the inlet, it's a run to the deep blue where the Gulf Stream brings baitfish and the predators that follow them. The captain will be watching the water temperature breaks, bird activity, and electronics to put you on productive water. This isn't a half-day trip where you're rushed back to the dock just when things get good - eight hours gives you time to work multiple spots, adjust tactics, and really dial in what the fish want. The boat handles rough seas like a dream, so even when it's blown out closer to shore, you can still get offshore and find fishable water.
The crew runs a spread of high-speed trolling lures and live bait depending on what species they're targeting. Ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks behind planer boards covers a lot of water when you're looking for wahoo and mahi, while live pilchards under kites are deadly for sailfish when conditions are right. The boat carries Penn International and Shimano Tiagra reels spooled with heavy braid, plus a full selection of lures from Sea Witch to Rapala X-Raps. When you hook up on a big fish, the crew knows how to clear lines fast and coach you through the fight. They'll also switch up techniques throughout the day - maybe starting with high-speed trolling at first light, then slowing down to work structure with live bait when the sun gets high. The 52' Viking has outriggers, a fighting chair, and plenty of cockpit space to handle multiple hookups when you find a school of mahi or tuna.
Mahi Mahi are the bread and butter of West Palm Beach offshore fishing, especially from late spring through early fall. These fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. A good-sized bull mahi will go 30-40 pounds and fight like crazy, jumping and making long runs that'll test your drag system. The smaller school fish are perfect for the dinner table, while the big bulls make for great photos before release. Look for them under floating logs or patches of sargassum weed.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting trolled lures at 40+ mph and making blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. These fish are most active during the cooler months from November through March, though you can catch them year-round in deeper water. A typical wahoo runs 20-50 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 80+ pounds. They're extremely sharp-toothed, so wire leaders are a must. The meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and perfect for the grill.
Atlantic Sailfish are the signature species that put West Palm Beach on the sportfishing map. Peak season runs from December through April when massive schools migrate south along the Gulf Stream edge. These acrobatic fighters rarely exceed 8 feet and 60 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in aerial displays. Most anglers prefer to release sailfish, though you can keep one for a mount. Live bait fishing with kites is the most effective technique, especially when multiple fish are in the spread.
Mutton Snapper might seem out of place on an offshore trip, but the deep reefs and wrecks 15-25 miles out hold some monster muttons that rarely see a hook. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and are incredibly smart, requiring light leaders and perfect bait presentation. They're most active at dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets during the early morning bite or late afternoon when the pelagic action slows down. The meat quality is outstanding, and a big mutton is a prize catch for any angler.
At $3,000 for the full boat, you're getting world-class offshore fishing at a price that makes sense when split between six anglers. The crew provides everything you need to be successful - tackle, bait, licenses, and the local knowledge that separates a good day from a great one. Just bring your crew, some snacks and drinks for the day, plus sunglasses and sunscreen for the Florida sun. This is the kind of fishing trip that creates stories you'll tell for years, whether you're targeting a grand slam of sailfish, mahi, and wahoo, or just looking to bend some rods with good friends. The boat books up fast during peak season, especially weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Give Island Time Sport Fishing a call and get ready for some serious offshore action in the deep blue waters off West Palm Beach.
This 52' Viking sportfisher is built for serious offshore action in West Palm Beach waters. With a climate-controlled salon to escape the Florida heat and a full galley for prepping your catch, you'll have everything needed for a full day chasing sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and tuna. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work the lines, while the flybridge offers a perfect vantage point for spotting bait schools and game fish. Modern fish finder and GPS navigation help locate the deep-water honey holes where trophy fish roam. Between strikes, relax on the comfortable bench seating or grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator. Clean restrooms and even a bed mean you can stay comfortable during those long runs to productive fishing grounds. Professional tackle, fresh bait, and Florida licenses are all covered - just bring your appetite for big fish and a cooler of your favorite beverages for the ride.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing, running 6-8 feet long and averaging 40-60 pounds. These blue-silver beauties with their massive dorsal fins cruise the blue water from 100-400 feet deep, following baitfish along current edges and drop-offs. Winter months from December through April are prime time here in South Florida when they migrate south in good numbers. What makes sailfish legendary is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display you'll never forget. While most get released, the fight alone is worth the trip. The secret is getting them excited first. We'll tease them up with a hookless bait, get them lit up and aggressive, then drop back a live goggle-eye or pilchard. Once they're fired up with that sail raised high, they can't resist.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out there, with golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they come to the boat. They typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them push 50+ on good days. These fish love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-600 feet of water. Best action here runs March through November when they're following the warm water. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting for a chance at your bait.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are real fighters that'll give you a solid battle once hooked. These pinkish-olive colored fish with blue streaks under their eyes typically run 3-8 pounds, though we see 15-20 pounders on the deeper wrecks. You'll find them around structure - reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 80-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes muttons special is their strong, determined fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish though, so fresh bait presentation is crucial. My go-to trick is using a knocker rig with a light weight and letting fresh sardines or pilchards drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through the blue water, you know you've got a good one.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 50+ mph when they want to. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish typically run 20-50 pounds but can push 100+ for trophy hunters. We find them in open blue water from 100-300 feet, often near drop-offs and current breaks. Peak season here runs July through November, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot around 78-82 degrees. What gets anglers fired up about wahoo is that blistering initial run and their reputation as one of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, almost lobster-like meat. The key to landing them is running wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo usually does the trick.
West Palm Beach