5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Fishing Trip In West Palm Beach
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing charter targeting sailfish and cobiaProfessional captain uses kite fishing and live baiting techniquesAccommodates up to six guests with familyfriendly experience
When you're looking for serious offshore action without burning an entire day, this half-day afternoon charter with Lucky Dog Sportfishing hits the sweet spot. We're talking four solid hours targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in South Florida waters, just minutes from the West Palm Beach inlet. Whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to scratch that fishing itch or introducing the family to big game fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Captain Robert and his crew know exactly where to find sailfish, mahi, kings, and more in the productive waters off Palm Beach County.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're stuck fishing close to shore. Lucky Dog gets you out to the real fishing grounds where the big boys hang out. We're targeting the drop-offs, current breaks, and structure that hold Atlantic sailfish, king mackerel, mahi mahi, wahoo, and cobia. The afternoon bite can be absolutely lights-out, especially when the current is moving and bait is thick. You'll be fishing in 80 to 200 feet of water where these pelagic species cruise the edges looking for an easy meal. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques simultaneously. Captain Robert's been working these waters for years and knows exactly how to position the boat to give everyone a shot at the action.
This crew runs a multi-faceted approach that covers all the bases. Kite fishing is the bread and butter technique here - nothing beats flying live goggle eyes or blue runners in the kites for sailfish and kings. When conditions are right, you'll have baits swimming naturally on the surface while the boat drifts with the current. Trolling is another go-to method, pulling ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificials at varying speeds to cover water and locate schools of mahi or wahoo. Live baiting with pilchards, sardines, and other fresh bait is deadly when fish are finicky or holding tight to structure. The crew provides all tackle, from 20-pound spinning outfits for smaller mahi to 30 and 50-pound stand-up gear for sailfish and larger pelagics. They'll match the tackle to the conditions and target species, ensuring you're properly equipped whether you're battling a greyhounding sail or a bulldogging cobia.
"Both captain and mate were top notch. Worked hard to find fish and have us be in a position to catch fish. Group of 5 and all 5 had an opportunity to real in a fish. Capt Robert and Kenna(sp) were great" - Michael
"Great experience! Good boat! Didn't catch a whole lot but we caught some nice tuna which was delicious that night! Overall good experience!" - Julio
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and West Palm Beach sits right in the heart of their migration route. These acrobatic billfish typically run 6 to 8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Peak season runs from December through April when massive schools move through, but you can find sails year-round. They're notorious for their blistering runs and multiple jumps, making them a bucket-list fish for any serious angler. The best part? West Palm has one of the most consistent sailfish bites on the entire East Coast.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call them, are another staple that'll test your drag system. These toothy speedsters average 15 to 30 pounds but can push 50-plus during peak season from October through March. Kings are ambush predators that crush baits with explosive strikes, often peeling line off the reel before you know what hit. They're excellent table fare and fight dirty with powerful runs and head shakes that'll keep you honest. The nearshore reefs and drop-offs hold good numbers year-round.
Mahi mahi, or dolphin fish, are the colorful workhorses of offshore fishing. These golden beauties typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 30-plus. Peak season runs from April through October when they follow floating debris and weed lines. Mahi are aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're fantastic on the table and put up a respectable fight with strong runs and bulldogging tactics near the boat.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth. These torpedo-shaped predators typically weigh 20 to 40 pounds and are most common from November through March. Wahoo strikes are absolutely explosive - they'll grab a trolled bait and peel line so fast it'll smoke your reel. They're considered premium table fare with white, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or searing.
Cobia are the gentle giants that often cruise near the surface, making them exciting sight-fishing targets. These brown sharks of the fishing world average 20 to 40 pounds and are curious fish that will often approach the boat. Peak season runs from March through June when they migrate north along the coast. Cobia are powerful fighters that use their broad tails and thick bodies to wage war in the depths. They're also outstanding eating with firm, white meat that tastes similar to grouper.
This half-day afternoon trip offers the perfect balance of serious fishing action and time efficiency. You'll experience world-class offshore fishing without the full-day commitment, making it ideal for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. Captain Robert and his crew at
Get ready to chase sailfish and cobia aboard our rock-solid 32' Ricky Gillikin custom Carolina boat, built tough in North Carolina's Outer Banks to handle the demanding waters of the Gulfstream. This handcrafted sportfishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for serious offshore action - from the fish finder that'll locate your targets to the flybridge that gives you prime visibility while working the lines. When you need a break from battling fish, cool off with the AC, grab a cold drink from the fridge, or check out what's on the entertainment system. The boat's got comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers, plus a head and sleeping area for longer fights. With GPS, radar, and VHF radio keeping you connected and safe, you can focus on what matters most - landing that sailfish or hauling in a hefty cobia. The captain knows these West Palm Beach waters like the back of his hand and will have you trolling, kite fishing, and live baiting in the prime spots where the big ones cruise.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore waters. These blue-gray beauties average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that famous sail-like dorsal fin that makes them instantly recognizable. They're one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds over 20 mph, which makes for some serious battles. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, usually near the surface where they hunt schools of baitfish. Spring through early summer is prime time here in West Palm Beach when they're most active. What guests love is watching them light up and change colors during the fight - they'll leap, dive, and test your endurance. Pro tip: when kite fishing for them, keep your baits lively and be ready for multiple hookups since they often hunt in groups.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the sea - big, brown, and built for power. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds, with a distinctive shark-like appearance that often fools anglers at first glance. We find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll cruise shallow flats too. Spring migration from March to May is prime time when they move through our area to spawn. What guests love is the visual fishing - we often spot them cruising near the surface and cast right to them. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that rivals grouper. They fight hard with powerful runs and stubborn bottom-hugging tactics. My best advice: use bucktail jigs and be patient. Cobia can be finicky, so if they refuse your first offering, try switching colors or presentations.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silvery torpedoes average 30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. We target them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and current edges. Fall and winter are peak season when they migrate through our area following bait schools. What makes them exciting is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. My go-to trick is rigging with wire leaders and using a slow troll with live bait. Set two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing - because kings love to hit the back half of your bait first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a light show when hooked, flashing brilliant blues, greens, and yellows before fading after the fight. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Spring through fall is prime season, especially when water temps hit 75+ degrees. What guests love is their aggressive surface strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus they're hands-down the best eating fish we target. The firm, sweet meat is perfect for tacos or grilling. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water while you set up additional rods because mahi travel in schools and the hooked fish will often keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph and known for their blistering initial runs. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes along their silver sides. We find them in open water from 30-200 feet, often around current breaks and temperature changes. Best fishing is during our cooler months, October through March, when they move through our area. What makes wahoo special is their lightning-fast strikes and sustained runs that'll test your equipment. They're also premium table fare with white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. The key to wahoo fishing is high-speed trolling - we run lures at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth will cut through anything else. Once hooked, hang on tight because that first run will be something to remember.
5.0 out of 5.0Both captain and mate were top notch. Worked hard to find fish and have us be in a position to catch fish. Group of 5 and all 5 h...
Great experience! Good boat! Didn't catch a whole lot but we caught some nice tuna which was delicious that night! Overall good ex...
West Palm Beach