West Palm Beach Half Day Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing charter targeting sailfish, tuna, and mahi mahi.All fishing gear and licenses included with experienced captain guidance.Sixperson capacity boat operates from West Palm Beach waters.
When you're looking for serious fishing action without burning a whole day, this half-day offshore charter with Martini Sportfishing hits the sweet spot. We're talking about getting you into the deep blue waters off West Palm Beach where the real fish live – sailfish, mahi, wahoo, and more. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Perfect for groups up to six anglers who want to experience world-class offshore fishing without the full-day commitment.
Your morning starts early at the marina, where you'll meet the crew and get a quick rundown of the game plan. The boat's rigged and ready with top-shelf tackle, so you can leave your gear at home if you want. We'll cruise out past the reef line into the Gulf Stream where the water turns that deep cobalt blue – that's where the magic happens. The crew runs a tight ship but keeps things laid-back, helping beginners get the hang of it while giving experienced anglers room to do their thing. Expect to cover some serious water as we troll for pelagics and work different depths depending on what's biting. The half-day format means we're focused on the prime fishing hours, maximizing your chances of hooking up with something memorable.
This is all about high-speed trolling and live bait fishing in 100 to 800 feet of water. The crew runs a spread of ballyhoo, rigged squid, and artificial lures at different depths to cover the water column. We're talking about Penn International reels spooled with heavy mono, matched to rods that can handle anything from a screaming mahi run to a billfish jumping all over the place. When the bite's on, you might switch to live bait – pilchards or goggle-eyes – especially for sailfish and cobia. The captain reads the water, watching for birds, color changes, and temperature breaks that hold fish. GPS and fishfinder technology help, but there's no substitute for experience when it comes to putting baits in front of fish. Everything's included – tackle, bait, licenses – so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and West Palm Beach sits right in their migration path. 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 they're thick along the reef edge. What makes them special is the fight – they'll jump, tail-walk, and strip line like nothing else. Most boats practice catch and release with sails, so you get the battle without depleting the fishery.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are year-round residents that love structure and baitfish. These toothy speedsters can top 40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. They're excellent table fare when handled properly, and they're aggressive enough to keep the action steady. Spring and fall bring the biggest fish as they migrate along the coast.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are pure eye candy with their electric colors and aggressive appetite. They travel in schools around floating debris, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. These fish grow fast and fight hard, with bulls reaching 30 pounds or more. They're fantastic eating and beautiful to look at – the perfect combination for offshore fishing. Peak season runs from April through August.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of 60 mph runs that'll smoke your reel in seconds. These razor-toothed bullets prefer the deep blue water of the Gulf Stream and respond well to high-speed trolling. They're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat that's prized by chefs. Winter months often produce the biggest wahoo as they follow baitfish south.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – they show up when you least expect them and can grow to impressive sizes. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving anglers sight-fishing opportunities. They're powerful fighters that use their broad tails to make strong runs, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Spring migration brings big cobia through South Florida waters.
Half-day offshore trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing's hot and the weather's cooperating. This charter gives you a real taste of what makes West Palm Beach fishing legendary without taking up your entire vacation day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a quick fix or a family wanting to try something new, Martini Sportfishing delivers the goods. The crew's professional, the boat's well-maintained, and the fishing speaks for itself. Don't sleep on this one – the best fishing days fill up weeks in advance, and you don't want to be stuck on the beach wishing you were out there when the fish are biting.
This 31-foot Contender is built for serious offshore fishing in West Palm Beach waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need to chase sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and cobia. The boat features a reliable fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to get you to the best fishing grounds, and VHF radio for safe communication. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox while enjoying the multimedia system between bites. There's even a toilet on board for those longer battles with big fish. All fishing gear and licenses are included, so you can focus on what matters most - getting lines in the water and landing some trophy fish in South Florida's productive offshore waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore trips - these magnificent fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them year-round here off West Palm Beach, but winter months from December through March are absolutely prime time when they migrate through in bigger numbers. They cruise the surface waters around 30-65 feet deep, often following bait schools. What makes sailfish so special is their lightning-fast runs and spectacular jumps - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties for the sport. Pro tip: when we hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let them run and tire themselves out with those acrobatic displays.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish average 30-50 pounds but can easily hit 80+ pounds. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and markers in 30-70 feet, especially during their spring migration from March through May. Summer months are solid too around structure. What guests love about cobia is they're sight fishing - you actually see the fish before you cast to it, which makes it really exciting. Plus they're phenomenal table fare, often called the best-eating fish in the ocean. Cobia are curious fish, so when we spot one, we'll cast a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them. Key tip: don't cast directly at them or they'll spook - lead them by a few feet and work the bait naturally.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when you bring them boatside. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3-4 feet long, though we get some real bulls pushing 50+ pounds. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in that blue water. Spring through fall is prime time here off West Palm, especially when the water temps hit 75+ degrees. Guests go crazy for mahi because they fight hard with lots of jumps and head shakes, plus they're absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The cool thing about mahi is they're curious fish, so when you hook one, others often stick around. My advice: once you find floating debris or birds working, slow down and work the area thoroughly. Often where there's one mahi, there's more.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds, but we see plenty of 40+ pounders, especially the big females. They hang out in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall are your best bets, with cooler months being particularly hot when they're moving through on migration. What guests love about kings is that explosive first run - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the deal with kings: always use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. We usually troll with live bait or spoons, and when one hits, hang on tight.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the drag-burning speed freaks of the offshore world. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+ pounds, and they're built for one thing: speed. We're talking 50+ mph when they want to move. You'll find them in that deep blue water, usually around floating debris or temperature breaks in 60+ feet. Fall and winter are money time here off West Palm when the water cools a bit. What makes wahoo special is that blistering initial run that'll make your reel smoke, plus they're absolutely top-shelf eating - firm, white, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. The trick with wahoo is high-speed trolling with wire leaders because their teeth are like razors. When one hits at 15 knots, you'll know it instantly. Keep your drag tight enough to set the hook but not so tight it breaks you off on that first run.
West Palm Beach, FL