5.0(3 Reviews)8-Hour Sailfish and Marlin Charter Adventure
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targets sailfish, mahi mahi, and marlinExperienced crew provides expert techniques for trophy catchesAccommodates up to six guests with beginnerfriendly approach
West Palm Beach delivers some of the finest offshore fishing on Florida's east coast, and this 8-hour charter puts you right in the middle of the action. We're talking about getting out to the Gulf Stream where the big fish live - sailfish, marlin, mahi, wahoo, and plenty more. Captain Bob and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work hard to put you on fish whether you're swinging your first rod or you've been chasing pelagics for decades. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to experience world-class offshore fishing without the crowds.
Your day starts early - we're talking about beating the sun to the dock because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. The boat is a well-equipped machine built for offshore work, stocked with everything you need from quality tackle to safety gear. We'll cruise out to the deep blue, usually hitting depths of 200-800 feet where the current brings baitfish and the predators that follow them. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, which means less travel time and more lines in the water. Expect to cover some serious ground as we read the water, look for birds, and watch the fish finder. Some days the fish are stacked up in one spot, other days we're on the hunt - that's offshore fishing for you.
This is primarily a trolling operation, which is the most effective way to cover water and find active fish in the blue water. We'll spread out a mix of ballyhoo, artificial lures, and live bait when we can get it. The captain runs a variety of lures from sea witches and islanders for mahi to big swimming plugs for wahoo and marlin. When the bite gets hot, we'll switch to live bait - nothing beats a frisky goggle-eye or blue runner when sailfish are in the mood to eat. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but they're happy to teach you the finer points if you want to learn. Circle hooks are the standard for billfish conservation, and we practice catch and release for sailfish and marlin to keep these fisheries strong for future generations.
"My buddy and I had a great time fishing with Captain Bob. He really knows his business. Although it was a slow day we still caught a few fish. I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Bob. He gives it his all to put you on fish. Great guy, beautiful boat that is well equipped. The 40 lb barracuda was the largest I had ever caught! Thanks for a remarkable trip." - George
"We booked this trip hoping my 8-year-old would land a sailfish—and he did! We didn't have to go far offshore before the action started. The captain and first mate were fantastic with the kids and made sure we had everything we needed. We'll absolutely be booking another trip with them!" - Jordan
"The captain and the first mate were very personable and knowledgeable about the local waters. We covered quite a lot of water, but the fish were not cooperating on the day of trip. Despite that, they still were able to put us on some mahi, a sailfish, and some bonita for fun. All in all, it was a great outting and we would definitely book with Lucky Dog again." - Nathan
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Palm Beach is right in the heart of their migration route. These acrobatic fighters show up in good numbers from November through March, with peak action typically in December and January. They're ambush predators that love structure and current edges, often traveling in small schools. When hooked, they'll put on an aerial show that'll have your heart pounding - multiple jumps, long runs, and enough fight to test your skills. Most sails here run 6-8 feet and 40-70 pounds, perfect for both experienced anglers and newcomers looking for their first billfish.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate offshore trophy, and while they're not as common as sails, the waters off Palm Beach hold some real giants. These apex predators can show up any time of year but are most active during the warmer months from April through October. Blues are solitary hunters that cruise the deep water looking for schools of tuna, mahi, and other prey. They're incredibly powerful fish - even a smaller 200-pounder will test your tackle and stamina. The chance at a grander (over 1,000 pounds) is what keeps serious offshore anglers coming back, and these waters have produced plenty of fish over 500 pounds.
Barracuda are aggressive predators that provide fast action and impressive size in these waters. They're year-round residents that love structure, wrecks, and reef edges. Great barracuda can reach impressive sizes here - 20-40 pounders are common, with fish over 50 pounds possible. They're lightning-fast strikers with razor-sharp teeth, known for their explosive initial run and acrobatic jumps. Kids and beginners love them because they hit hard and fight dirty, while experienced anglers appreciate their speed and the challenge of their wire-shy nature.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are perhaps the most exciting fish to encounter in schools. These colorful pelagics are most abundant from March through June but can be caught year-round in South Florida waters. They're attracted to floating debris, sargassum weed, and current edges. School fish typically run 5-15 pounds, but bigger bulls of 20-40 pounds cruise these waters. Mahi are spectacular fighters with incredible speed and aerial ability, plus they're outstanding table fare. When you find a good school, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups common.
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Get ready to fish the deep blue waters off West Palm Beach aboard our rock-solid 32' Ricky Gillikin custom Carolina boat. This beauty was handcrafted in the Outer Banks specifically to handle the rough Gulfstream waters where the big fish live. With room for 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for navigation, plus VHF radio for safety. When you need a break from battling sailfish and mahi, kick back with the onboard TV, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or cool off with AC. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility to spot feeding birds and surface activity. There's even a bed and head onboard for those long days chasing trophy fish. This fully rigged sportfishing machine will get you out to where the wahoo, marlin, and barracuda are biting in comfort and style.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of the offshore waters here in West Palm Beach. These fish average around 7 feet long and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. You'll find them cruising the surface waters between 30-65 feet deep, often hunting in groups during winter months when they're most abundant off our coast. What makes them special is that lightning-fast run when hooked - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They're built for speed, hitting around 35 mph when they want to. The meat's decent eating, but most folks are here for the fight. Here's a local tip: when you see one come up on the teaser, don't rush the bait switch. Let that fish get good and excited before you drop back your live bait or rigged ballyhoo.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the perfect fish for anglers who want consistent action and some serious speed. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 feet long around here, with that torpedo-shaped body built for quick strikes. You'll find them in shallow water near reefs, wrecks, and grass flats, usually in 10-40 feet of water. They hunt by sight and love anything shiny, so remove jewelry before getting in the water if you're swimming. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them fun is that explosive strike - they hit baits like a freight train and can reach 35 mph in short bursts. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat. Here's my go-to technique: use a light spinning setup with a wire leader (those razor teeth will cut mono instantly) and cast bright spoons or tube lures near structure. Let it sink, then retrieve it fast with erratic jerks.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish in these waters - true giants that can reach over 1000 pounds, though we typically see them in the 200-400 pound range. The females grow much larger than males, sometimes four times the size. These fish cruise the deep blue water beyond the reef, usually in 100+ feet of water where the current breaks. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when the water temps hit that sweet spot of 75-80 degrees. What draws anglers is the raw power and those famous acrobatic jumps when hooked. They'll test every piece of gear you've got. The meat's good eating, though many folks release these beauties. My advice: use heavy tackle with wire leaders - their bills can slice through lighter stuff like butter. When trolling, keep your baits swimming about 50 feet back and watch for those frigate birds working bait schools.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - easily mistaken due to their color and that single dorsal fin. These fish average 30-50 pounds and can push 6 feet long, making them a serious catch on medium tackle. You'll spot them cruising around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water, often just under the surface. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move north along our coast. What makes cobia special is they're sight-fishing targets - you can actually see them swimming and cast right to them. They fight hard with long, powerful runs and they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Being mostly solitary fish, you won't find schools, but when you see one, get ready. Here's the trick: use a bucktail jig in the 4-8 oz range and work it slow near the bottom around structure. Color doesn't matter much - they're not picky eaters.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter out here, with those brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, sargassum weed lines, and current breaks in 100-300 feet of water. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temperatures are warmest. What makes them special is that they're aggressive feeders, great fighters, and absolutely delicious table fare - firm white meat with a mild, sweet flavor that grills perfectly. When you hook one, expect a strong initial run and some nice jumps. Local trick: when you find one mahi, slow down and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small schools, especially the smaller "chickens," and you can sometimes catch several from the same spot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the offshore world - sleek, fast, and built for speed. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds and 3-5 feet long, with razor-sharp teeth and zebra-like stripes along their silver sides. They cruise the deep blue water in 100+ feet, often near drop-offs and current breaks. Best fishing is during cooler months from fall through spring when they move closer to shore. What makes them exciting is that blistering initial run - they can hit 60 mph and will scream drag off your reel like nothing else. Plus, the meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and mild-flavored, perfect for the dinner table. The key to catching wahoo is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since those teeth will slice through anything else. I like running diving plugs and skirted ballyhoo way back, around 150-200 feet behind the boat. When one hits, hang on tight!
5.0 out of 5.0My buddy and I had a great time fishing with Captain Bob. He really knows his business. Although it was a slow day we still caught...
We booked this trip hoping my 8-year-old would land a sailfish—and he did! We didn’t have to go far offshore before the action sta...
The captain and the first mate were very personable and knowledgeable about the local waters. We covered quite a lot of water, but...
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