5.0(3 Reviews)Full Day Fishing Trip In Palm Beach
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore charter targets sailfish, mahi mahi, and marlinExpert captain and crew provide techniques for trophy catchesSix-person capacity accommodates both beginners and experienced anglers
Picture this: sunrise breaking over the Atlantic as you head out for eight solid hours chasing some of the most sought-after gamefish in South Florida waters. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're talking a proper offshore adventure where you'll have time to work the waters right and really dial in on what's biting. From the legendary sailfish that put Palm Beach on the angling map to bruiser mahi that'll test your drag, this full-day charter gives you the runway to make it count. Captain Bob and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not satisfied until you've got some serious bent rods and fish stories worth telling.
We're talking eight hours of prime fishing time, which means we can cover serious ground and adapt to what Mother Nature throws our way. The boat fires up early, and we'll cruise out to depths where the big boys hang out – typically anywhere from 120 to 600 feet, depending on what's showing up on the finder and where the current's looking good. This isn't a cattle boat situation either; with just six anglers max, everyone gets their shot at the action without elbows getting knocked. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and deck work, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. Some days we'll find a hot bite early and work it hard, other days we might cover 20 miles of water hunting for that perfect temperature break or weed line. That's fishing, and that's exactly why the full day format works so well.
We run a spread of baits that's proven deadly on these offshore species. Think circle hooks on wire leaders for the toothy critters like wahoo and barracuda, with lighter tackle ready when the mahi show up in numbers. The boat's rigged with outriggers and downriggers, so we can present baits at different depths and spread them wide to cover maximum water. For sailfish, we'll often switch to live bait – nothing beats a frisky goggle-eye or blue runner when the sails are lit up. The captain reads the water constantly, watching for color changes, bird activity, and floating structure that holds baitfish. When we mark fish on the sounder, we might switch tactics completely – dropping jigs or setting up a kite spread if conditions are right. All the tackle's provided, from the heavy conventional reels loaded with 50-pound test down to the spinning gear for sight fishing.
"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 Palm Beach fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters average 30-50 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Winter months from December through March are peak season when they migrate through in big numbers, often traveling in pods that can produce multiple hookups. What makes them special isn't just the fight – it's watching that massive dorsal fin cutting the surface as they hunt, then seeing them absolutely launch out of the water when hooked. Most anglers practice catch and release with sails, making for great photos before sending them back to fight another day.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail for serious offshore anglers, and Palm Beach waters produce some legitimate giants. These apex predators can push 200-400 pounds, with true monsters exceeding 500. Summer months offer the best shot at hooking up, especially when we find temperature breaks and current edges in deeper water. Blues are notorious for long, powerful runs that'll scream line off the reel, followed by spectacular jumps that showcase their incredible power. Landing a blue marlin is a bucket-list achievement that separates casual anglers from the hardcore offshore crowd.
Barracuda might not win beauty contests, but they're absolute dynamite on light tackle and surprisingly good table fare when prepared right. These toothy predators average 10-25 pounds in our waters, though 30-40 pounders like George landed aren't uncommon around structure and reef edges. They're available year-round and incredibly aggressive, often smashing trolled lures or live bait with explosive strikes. What makes cuda fishing fun is their speed and unpredictability – they'll follow a bait for miles before deciding to attack, then hit it like a freight train.
Mahi Mahi bring the action and the dinner table value in one beautiful package. These colorful fighters typically run 10-30 pounds and are absolute bulldogs on the line, making long runs and fighting all the way to the boat. Spring through fall offers prime mahi action, especially around floating weed lines and debris. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to bite almost anything – live bait, jigs, trolled lures – and they often travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups
Get ready to fish the deep blue waters of West Palm Beach aboard our custom 32' Ricky Gillikin Carolina boat! This beauty was handcrafted in North Carolina's Outer Banks specifically for battling the Gulfstream's rough seas. Built tough and fishing-ready, she's loaded with everything you need for a serious day of offshore angling. Stay cool with AC between fights, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and track your targets with our fish finder and GPS. The flybridge gives you perfect sight lines to spot sailfish and mahi cutting through the water. With radar for safety, VHF radio, and a comfortable cabin complete with bed and head, you're set for 8 hours of prime fishing. Whether you're after trophy sailfish, lightning-fast wahoo, or hard-fighting marlin, this vessel puts you right where the action is. Accommodates up to 6 anglers ready to test their skills against West Palm's legendary offshore game fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese fast, acrobatic billfish are what dreams are made of. Sailfish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin they flash when hunting. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, often working together to corral baitfish. Peak season here runs winter through spring when they migrate through our warm waters. What makes them special? The fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll wear you out. Plus they change colors during the battle, flashing blues and silvers. My tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, don't get excited and jerk the rod. Let them take it and run first, then set the hook firm.
SphyraenidaeCuda are the ocean's torpedoes - built for speed and armed with razor teeth. They average 2-4 feet but can stretch over 6 feet. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 10-100 feet of water, often just cruising the surface looking for an easy meal. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall fishing is best when they're more active. What's fun about cuda? They hit like freight trains and make screaming runs, plus they're excellent table fare despite what some folks think. Fair warning - they're attracted to shiny objects, so remove jewelry before handling them. My go-to technique: fast trolling with silver spoons or casting shiny lures around structure. Keep your retrieve moving - these fish like their prey running scared.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate trophy fish - these monsters are what every angler dreams about. Females can hit 1,000+ pounds (we call those "granders"), while males stay smaller around 300-400 pounds. They roam the deep blue water along temperature breaks and current edges. Summer months bring the best action when water temps hit 75-80 degrees. Blue marlin fight with raw power and surprising acrobatics for their size. They'll sound deep then come up tailwalking across the surface. The meat's good eating too, though many folks release these beauties. Here's the deal: use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound class minimum. When one hits, clear the other lines fast and settle in for a long fight. Don't rush it or you'll lose fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of the reef - dark brown, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push over 100. They're loners, usually found cruising solo around wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-100 feet. Spring migration (March-May) is prime time when they move through heading north. What's great about cobia? They fight hard and steady, plus they're probably the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. They're also curious fish that'll come check out your boat. Best approach is sight fishing - look for that dark shadow near the surface. When you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig or live crab right in front of them. Be ready though - they'll inhale it and head straight for the bottom.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbows of the sea with those brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that light up when they're hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds and 3-4 feet, though bulls can push 50+ pounds with those distinctive blunt foreheads. Look for them under floating debris, weedlines, or around any structure in 100-1000 feet. Best fishing is late spring through fall when water temps climb above 75 degrees. Why everyone loves mahi? They're aggressive feeders, jump like crazy when hooked, and taste amazing - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water and work the school. Mahi travel in groups, so where there's one, there's usually more. Keep a few lures ready to capitalize.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese are pure speed demons - probably the fastest thing with fins, hitting 60 mph in short bursts. They're built like bullets with razor-sharp teeth and typically run 20-60 pounds here off Palm Beach. Find them in 100-400 feet near drop-offs and temperature breaks, especially around full moons. Peak season runs July through November when they're migrating through. What makes wahoo special? That initial run will smoke your reel, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - white, flaky meat that's perfect for sushi or grilling. The challenge is actually hooking them since they'll cut through regular leaders like butter. Always use wire leaders, at least 80-pound test. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs works best.
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...
West Palm Beach