5.0(2 Reviews)Bottom Fishing Charter West Palm Beach
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Threehour charter targets snapper, grouper, and kingfish near Palm Beach inletSmall group of three guests ensures personalized fishing experienceAll tackle, bait, and licenses included for convenient bottom fishing
When you want to get straight to the action without burning a whole day, this 3-hour bottom fishing charter out of West Palm Beach is exactly what you're looking for. We're talking about a no-nonsense trip that puts you right on the fish just outside Palm Beach inlet, where the reef systems are loaded with snapper, grouper, and whatever else is biting that day. With only three spots on the boat, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing real estate - none of that elbow-to-elbow crowding you'll find on bigger boats. Captain Neil knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the tackle, bait, and licenses all sorted so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler.
Right out of Palm Beach inlet, we're hitting productive reef structure where the fish stack up year-round. This isn't a long run to nowhere - we're fishing within minutes of leaving the dock, which means maximum time with lines in the water. The boat's set up specifically for bottom fishing, with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from feisty triggerfish to hefty grouper. You'll be dropping baits down to structure in 60-120 feet of water, where the bottom comes alive with activity. The beauty of this trip is its efficiency - three hours gives you enough time to work multiple spots without feeling rushed, but it won't eat up your entire vacation day. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been fishing these waters for years, the personalized approach means everyone gets the attention they need to be successful.
We're running circle hooks with natural baits - think cut ballyhoo, pinfish, and whatever fresh bait is producing that week. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, engage the reel, and keep just enough tension to feel the bite. These reef fish don't mess around when they eat, so you'll know when something's on. We're fishing conventional tackle that's perfectly matched to the target species - heavy enough to pull fish up from structure, but light enough that you'll feel every head shake and run. The captain will coach you through fighting techniques, especially important when grouper try to dive back into the rocks. With the small group size, there's no waiting in line for help or gear - if your rig gets hung up or you need a retie, it gets handled immediately so you're back fishing in seconds, not minutes.
"Neil was great! I'd definitely recommend fishing with him." - Shay Lewis
Sheepshead are the crafty veterans of the reef, known for their human-like teeth and ability to steal bait like seasoned pickpockets. These black-and-white striped fighters typically run 2-5 pounds in these waters, with occasional slobs pushing double digits. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to spawn, making winter and early spring prime time for targeting them. What makes sheepshead so exciting to catch is their finicky nature - they'll test your patience with subtle bites that require perfect timing on the hookset. When you finally connect, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size, using their broad bodies to leverage against the current.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of West Palm Beach bottom fishing, with these rust-colored bruisers calling the offshore reefs home year-round. Most of what we catch runs 5-15 pounds, though the reef systems can produce true giants when conditions align. These fish are ambush predators that sit tight to structure, making the fight a classic tug-of-war as they try to dive back into the rocks. Red grouper are most cooperative during summer months when they're actively feeding, but they bite consistently throughout the year. The excitement comes from never knowing what size you've hooked until you get them up - that steady pull could be a nice keeper or a 20-pound slab that'll test your drag system.
Grey Triggerfish bring an attitude to the reef that's unmatched by any other species, combining aggressive strikes with bulldogging fights that'll surprise newcomers. These football-shaped fighters typically range from 2-8 pounds, with their powerful jaws capable of crushing crabs and cutting through fishing line if you're not careful. Fall and early winter are peak triggerfish season when they school up in massive numbers over the reefs. What makes triggers so addictive to catch is their personality - they'll steal bait, attack anything that moves, and fight with a determination that seems way out of proportion to their size. The trick is using wire leaders and keeping steady pressure during the fight.
White Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but these silver-sided reef dwellers are consistent producers that keep the action steady between bigger fish. They typically run 1-3 pounds and can be caught year-round, though they're most active during warmer months when they form large aggregations over the reefs. Grunt get their name from the sound they make when brought to the surface, and while they might not be the most glamorous catch, they're excellent table fare and perfect for keeping kids and beginners engaged. Their willingness to bite makes them reliable action when other species are being finicky, and they often lead you to spots where bigger fish are lurking.
Scup, also known as porgy, are scrappy little fighters that pack more punch than their size suggests. These silver-dollar shaped fish usually run 1-2 pounds but make up for their modest size with aggressive feeding behavior and surprising fight. They're most active during spring and fall migrations when they move through local waters in large schools. What makes scup exciting is their numbers game - when you find them, you'll often catch them back-to-back, creating fast-paced action that keeps everyone on the boat busy. They're also incredibly good eating, with sweet, flaky meat that rivals any reef fish pound-for-pound.
Captain Neil's 25' Robalo Cuddy cabin puts you right where the fish are biting just outside Palm Beach inlet. This motorboat handles offshore waters with ease while keeping your group of three comfortable with a spacious cabin, onboard shower, and bed for longer trips. The GPS and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive reef systems where snapper, grouper, and kingfish hang out. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the action. Built for serious fishing, this Robalo delivers the perfect balance of fishability and comfort for targeting bottom species in West Palm Beach waters.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are the reef's personality fish - tough, smart, and always ready to steal your bait. Most run 12-17 inches and a couple pounds, but their leather-tough skin and strong jaws make them punch above their weight. You'll find them around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 40-180 feet. They're most active during warmer months when they move up onto the reefs to feed. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature and the challenge - they'll nibble your bait to pieces if you're not quick. The meat is surprisingly good too, with a firm texture that's great fried or grilled. Here's my trick: use squid chunks that stay on the hook better, and when you see other fish moving in, drop your bait fast - triggers hate competition and will charge in to steal the meal.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing trips. These rusty-red beauties typically range 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some 20+ pounders that'll make your arms ache. They live on hard bottom, ledges, and reef structure in 30-120 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but they really turn on during cooler months when they're more active. What guests love most is the fight - these fish are bulldogs that'll test your tackle with powerful runs toward structure. Plus, the meat is outstanding with firm, flaky white fillets that have a slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll wrap you up in the reef if you're not careful.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as locals call them, are seasonal visitors that show up when the water warms from May through October. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 10-14 inches and a pound or two, with strong jaws built for crushing shells. They prefer sandy bottoms and structure in 20-80 feet, moving closer to shore as temperatures rise. What makes them appealing is they're easy to catch and surprisingly good eating - firm, sweet meat that's underrated. They also make excellent live bait for bigger game like kingfish and cobia when conditions are right. During summer months, we often find schools of them while targeting other species. Here's the key: use small pieces of squid or clam on the bottom with light tackle - they're not shy about biting but those small mouths need appropriately sized baits.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are one of the most unique fish you'll encounter on our reefs. These "convict fish" with their black and white stripes typically run 1-8 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 20 pounds. They hang tight around any structure - bridge pilings, wrecks, and reef ledges where they munch on barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they gather in big spawning groups. What makes them special is that fight combined with excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort to clean around those tough scales. Here's the trick: they're notorious bait thieves, so when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard and fast. They'll test your drag on the initial run.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt are perfect starter fish that keep both kids and adults busy on our trips. These silvery fish with blue and yellow stripes typically run 6-12 inches and make that famous grunting sound when you bring them up. They live around reefs, docks, and structure from shallow water out to about 100 feet. You can catch them year-round, but they're most active during warmer months when they school up in good numbers. Guests enjoy them because they're eager biters and excellent table fare - the flaky white meat is sweet and mild, perfect for fish tacos. They're also nocturnal feeders, so sometimes our afternoon trips really heat up as the sun gets lower. Best tip: use small hooks and pieces of squid or shrimp - they have small mouths but big appetites.
5.0 out of 5.0Neil was great! I’d definitely recommend fishing with him.
Shay Lewis, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. I am glad we got yo...
West Palm Beach