Private Nearshore King Mackerel & Mahi Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour nearshore charter targets king mackerel and mahimahiAccommodates up to six guests with experienced Captain Steven MillerAll equipment, bait, and tackle provided for complete fishing experience
Looking for a serious fishing adventure off Pensacola without burning a full tank of gas getting to the deep water? Captain Steven Miller's private nearshore charter puts you right where the king mackerel and mahi-mahi are biting, just a short run from the harbor. This 6-hour trip is designed for up to six anglers who want to target some of the Gulf's most prized gamefish without the long boat ride that comes with offshore fishing. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater action or you're a group of experienced anglers looking to load the cooler, this charter delivers consistent results in waters that stay fishable even when the Gulf gets a little rough.
Your day starts with Captain Miller running you out to his proven nearshore spots where structure and current lines hold baitfish – and where baitfish go, the predators follow. These waters typically run 30 to 80 feet deep, close enough to shore that you can still see the coastline but far enough out to get into serious fish. The morning trips usually launch around sunrise to take advantage of the early bite, while afternoon departures let you sleep in and still get great fishing during the evening feed. Captain Miller knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving spots if the fish aren't cooperating. You'll have access to top-shelf Penn and Shimano tackle, fresh bait, and all the terminal gear you need. The boat carries everything from light spinning tackle for smaller species up to heavy conventional rigs for when the big kings show up.
Most of your fishing happens while trolling, which means the boat stays moving while lines drag behind at different depths and distances. Captain Miller runs a spread of four to six rods, mixing live bait with artificial lures like spoons, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo. The key to nearshore trolling is covering water efficiently while staying in the strike zone – usually between 35 and 65 feet of depth. When mahi are around, they often travel in schools, so once you hook the first one, everyone better be ready because the action can get wild fast. King mackerel hunting requires a different approach, often involving slow-trolling live bait near structure or current edges where these fish ambush prey. The captain provides downriggers and planer boards to get baits down to the right depth and spread them out wide. Don't worry if you've never used this gear before – Captain Miller walks everyone through the process and handles the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of Pensacola nearshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can stretch from 15 pounds up to 40-plus-pound monsters that'll test your drag system and your shoulders. Kings are most active from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the cooler months when they're fattening up before their winter migration. What makes kings so exciting to catch isn't just their size – it's their speed and aggression. When a big king hits your bait, there's no mistaking it. They make blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, and they're notorious for their acrobatic jumps when they realize they're hooked. The nearshore waters around Pensacola hold kings year-round, but the best action happens when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 72 and 78 degrees.
Mahi-mahi might be the most beautiful fish you'll ever pull over the gunwale, with their electric blue and gold colors that seem to glow in the sunlight. Also called dolphinfish or just "mahi," these fish are pure energy from the moment they grab your bait until they hit the deck. Mahi are structure-oriented fish, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or even following sea turtles. In Pensacola's nearshore waters, they typically run from 5 to 25 pounds, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 30-plus. What sets mahi apart is their willingness to eat – they're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live bait to colorful lures. Once you hook into a school of mahi, the fishing can be absolutely electric, with multiple hookups and fish jumping all around the boat. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to eat what they catch.
Red snapper round out the target species list, and while the season is limited, these bottom-dwellers are worth the wait. Pensacola's nearshore reefs and artificial structure hold good numbers of quality snapper, typically ranging from keeper-sized fish up to genuine trophy specimens. Red snapper are ambush predators that relate to hard bottom and structure, making them perfect targets for the nearshore artificial reefs and natural ledges. When the season is open, Captain Miller focuses on specific GPS numbers where he's developed these fish over the years. Snapper fishing requires a different technique than the trolling used for kings and mahi – you're bottom fishing with cut bait or live baitfish, waiting for that distinctive snapper bite that feels like someone tapping on the rod tip before the fish loads up.
This charter consistently delivers results because Captain Miller has spent years dialing in these nearshore waters, and he's not satisfied unless his customers go home with fish and stories. The 6-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques without the marathon day that comes with deep-water fishing. With space for up to six anglers, you can bring the whole crew without feeling crowded on deck. The deposit is non-refundable, so once you book, you're committed – but based on the repeat customers Captain Miller sees, that won't be a problem. Whether you choose morning or afternoon, you're getting a legitimate shot at some of the Gulf's premier gamefish with a captain who knows how to find them an
Our well-equipped motorboat cuts through Pensacola's Gulf waters with ease, designed specifically for targeting king mackerel and mahi-mahi around the area's productive wrecks. The boat features reliable GPS navigation to pinpoint the best fishing spots, plus a quality fish finder that helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. You'll stay connected with marine VHF radio for safety and communication with other boats working the same waters. The onboard facilities include a toilet for convenience during those long 6-hour trips when the fish are biting. With room for up to 10 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines and handle the fast action these Gulf species are known for. The boat's design handles the nearshore conditions perfectly, getting you to the wreck sites efficiently while providing a stable platform for fighting those hard-pulling kings and colorful mahi. Captain Steven Miller knows these waters and exactly where to position the boat for the best chance at filling your cooler.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. These silver torpedoes cruise our nearshore waters from 40-150 feet deep, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep your drag loose on the initial run. They love to bite the back half of live bait, so rig with a stinger hook through the tail section of your baitfish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy - bright gold and electric blue fish that change colors like a light show when brought boatside. They average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our blue water. We find them year-round, but spring and summer offer the hottest action when they school up tight. Guests go crazy for mahi because they jump like crazy and fight hard all the way to the boat. The white, flaky meat is mild and sweet - perfect for any cooking style. Best trick I know: when you hook one, leave it in the water while rigging another rod. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our Gulf waters - thick-bodied fighters that typically run 3-8 pounds, though 15-20 pounders aren't rare. These crimson beauties live on hard bottom structure in 60-200 feet of water, hugging wrecks, ledges, and rocky outcrops. Summer's our peak season when they're most active and feeding heavy. What guests love about snappers is the solid fight they put up - they'll head straight for cover when hooked. Plus, there's no better eating fish in the Gulf. That sweet, flaky white meat is restaurant quality every time. My best advice: get your bait to the bottom fast with plenty of weight. They're bottom huggers, so don't work the water column - drop it down and hold on tight.
Pensacola, FL