5.0(5 Reviews)Shark and Snapper Action off Riviera Beach
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Fishing
Top Rated
Target sharks, snapper, barracuda and grouper offshorePremium gear, fishing license and refreshments includedSmall group trip accommodates maximum four guests
Picture this: you're four miles offshore from Riviera Beach, lines in the water, and the bite is on fire. That's what you get with Papa Bear's Fishing Charters on their extended half-day trips. We're talking serious action here – sharks cruising the depths, snapper stacked on the reefs, and barracuda ready to absolutely destroy your bait. This isn't some tourist trap where you sit around hoping for a nibble. Captain Mike and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll test your tackle and give you stories worth telling.
Your day kicks off bright and early at Riviera Beach Marina, where you'll meet your captain and first mate who've already prepped the boat with premium Penn and Shimano gear. We're running a clean, well-maintained vessel that can handle up to four anglers comfortably – no cramped quarters or beat-up equipment here. The crew provides everything you need: rods, reels, terminal tackle, and even your fishing license for the day. They'll keep you fueled with complimentary snacks and drinks while you're battling fish. Live bait runs extra – goggle eyes go for $100 per dozen, pilchards start at $30 – but trust me, it's worth every penny when you see what these baits pull up from the deep.
The magic happens using a mix of bottom fishing and trolling techniques depending on what's biting. When we're working the reefs and wrecks, you'll be dropping heavy sinkers with circle hooks loaded with cut bait or live pilchards. The crew handles all the rigging – they know exactly how much weight to use in the current and where to place your bait in the strike zone. For pelagics like mahi and barracuda, we'll pull lures and live baits behind the boat at different depths. The captain reads the water, watching for birds, bait schools, and temperature breaks that hold fish. You don't need any experience – the first mate will bait your hooks, cast your lines, and coach you through every fight. When three rods go off at once (and it happens more than you'd think), these guys keep everything sorted so you can focus on reeling.
"We went on a six hour fishing trip with Papa Bears Charters. When we got there, they were ready to go. We went a couple of miles out and caught tuna and mahi. We then came closer to shore and we caught snapper and king fish. They were knowledgeable and patient. I appreciated they had put bait the hooks and cast them for us. At one point, we were reeling in three fish at once! My family and I had a great experience and made wonderful memories. Thank you so much!" - Susan
"Captain Mike & Garrett were great. They were very accommodating, knowledgeable & worked hard. Put us on a lot of fish even with the weather conditions. Thank you both." - Pam
"Mike was a great captain and guide. Took my son out, who had his mind set on Mahi. We caught some mid size tuna and amberjack and looked like we might run out of time to land a Mahi, but Mike took us to one more spot and my son hooked a 20 pounder. Mike talked him through the fight and now we're having Mahi for dinner. Awesome trip!!" - Bob
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of these offshore waters, and they're absolutely electric when hooked. These fish average 10-25 pounds in our area, with bulls pushing 30-40 pounds during peak season from March through September. Mahi are ambush predators that hang around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. What makes them so special is their incredible fight – they'll go airborne multiple times, strip drag like crazy, and put on a light show with their brilliant gold and green colors. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare. The crew knows how to spot the signs: birds working, floating sargassum, and that telltale yellow-green flash under the boat.
Great barracuda are the water's ultimate predators, and they'll absolutely smoke your bait before you know what hit you. These torpedo-shaped fish can stretch over four feet and pack serious attitude. They patrol reef edges and drop-offs year-round, but summer months bring the biggest specimens. Barracuda strikes are legendary – they'll hit a trolled lure so hard it sounds like a gunshot. The fight is pure power and speed, with blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're curious fish too, often following the boat and checking out anglers, which makes for some exciting visual fishing when you can see them stalking your bait.
Cobia are the gentle giants that'll fool you into thinking you're easy fight until they wake up halfway to the boat. These brown bombers average 20-50 pounds and look like sharks when they're cruising the surface. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, when they move through our waters in schools. They're incredible table fare – firm, white meat that rivals grouper. Cobia are curious by nature and will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing. When hooked, they make powerful runs toward structure, so the crew needs to stay on top of the boat handling to keep you out of trouble.
Bull sharks command respect in these waters, and landing one is a badge of honor for any angler. These apex predators can push 200+ pounds and they don't give up without a serious fight. Summer months bring the best bull shark action when they move into shallower waters to feed. What makes bulls so exciting is their unpredictability – they hit hard, make long runs, and have the power to straighten hooks if you
Jump aboard this solid 1995 30-ft Pursuit Offshore Cruiser and get ready to chase sharks, snapper, and whatever else is biting in Riviera Beach waters. This proven fishing machine comfortably handles up to four anglers with plenty of deck space to work your lines and fight fish. The hard top keeps you shaded during those long battles, while the enclosed head and galley mean you can stay out longer chasing the bite. Premium rods and reels come ready to go, plus there's cold storage for your catch and refreshments. The captain knows these waters inside and out, using top-notch fish finders to put you on the hottest spots for bottom fishing and pelagics. Whether you're dropping for grouper on the reef or waiting for that screaming run from a passing mahi, this boat gets you there in comfort and brings you back with a full cooler.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of the shark world - thick, stocky fish that average 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and freshwater, so you'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. They're year-round residents here in Florida, but summer months bring the best action. These are aggressive predators that put up serious fights - long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle and your arms. People target them for that raw power and the bragging rights of landing an apex predator. They're not great eating, so most folks catch and release. Best bait is fresh cut fish like mackerel or bonito, but my secret weapon is freshwater eel - the oil content drives them crazy. Use heavy tackle and don't be shy with the chum to bring them up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often called "brown sharks" until you get them to the boat - that dark brown color and single dorsal fin fools a lot of people at first glance. These are solitary fish that can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run smaller. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, typically in 30-70 feet of water, but they cruise shallow too. Spring migration and spawning season from June through August gives you the best shot. What makes them special is they're sight fishers - you can actually see them cruising near the surface. They're strong fighters and absolutely excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to technique: bucktail jigs in 4-8 oz work great, but don't get hung up on color - they'll hit anything. The trick is getting the jig down to their level and working it slow.
Sphyraena BarracudaThe 'cuda is one of our most aggressive predators out here, typically running 2-4 feet but capable of hitting 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They're built for speed with that torpedo body and can hit 35 mph in short bursts. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and nearshore structure, usually in the top 30 feet of water where they ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. People love targeting them because they hit hard and fight dirty - lots of jumping and head shaking. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. Fair warning though: use a wire leader and landing net. Those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, and you don't want those jaws anywhere near your hands.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant blues and greens that shift like a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds around here, though we've seen them bigger. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in warmer months, usually near the surface where you can spot their dorsal fins. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, sweet meat. My tip: when you see one, there's usually more nearby, so get another line in the water fast. They travel in small groups and once you find them, the action can be nonstop.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing around here - beautiful fish that turn bright red as they mature, averaging 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though they can hit 35+ pounds. These are structure lovers living on reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-200+ feet of water. Spawning season from May through October gives you prime fishing, especially in warmer months. What makes them popular is they're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut you off in the structure, plus they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where they live. Live pinfish or cigar minnows work great, but fresh squid is my go-to. Pro tip: once you hook one, get it up fast. They'll head straight for cover and wrap you up every time.
5.0 out of 5.0We went on a six hour fishing trip with Papa Bears Charters. When we got there, they were ready to go. We went a couple of miles o...
Captain Mike & Garrett were great. They were very accommodating, knowledgeable & worked hard. Put us on a lot of fish even with...
Consider yourself lucky in life if you’re reading this. Not only are you about to hit some of the best nicest looking fishing grou...
Mike was a great captain and guide. Took my son out, who had his mind set on Mahi. We caught some mid size tuna and amberjack and ...
We had a great fishing trip with Captain Rudy and First Mate Mike. From the moment we stepped aboard, they made us feel welcome, s...
West Palm Beach