5.0(5 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing Trip - Riviera Beach
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target sharks, snapper, barracuda and grouper offshorePremium gear, fishing license and refreshments includedFourperson capacity with Papa Bear's experienced crew
When you're looking to get your lines wet in some of South Florida's most productive waters, Papa Bear's Fishing Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want. This extended half-day trip out of Riviera Beach puts you right in the heart of the action, where sharks patrol the deeper waters and snapper stack up on the reefs. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped charter with a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand, targeting everything from hard-fighting barracuda to table-fare favorites like red snapper and kingfish.
Your day starts at the docks in Riviera Beach, where you'll meet your captain and crew who've been working these waters for years. The boat's loaded with premium tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. We're talking quality Penn and Shimano setups that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. Your fishing license is covered for the day, and the crew keeps you fueled with complimentary snacks and drinks while you're working the lines. The extended half-day format gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed - usually around six hours of solid fishing time that lets you experience both bottom fishing and some trolling action.
The fishing strategy here is all about reading the water and adapting to what's biting. You'll start with bottom fishing over structure where grouper and snapper like to hang out, using circle hooks and enough weight to get down through the current. The crew handles all the rigging and will put fresh bait on your hooks throughout the day. When the action slows down on the bottom, it's time to break out the trolling spread for mahi, kingfish, and whatever pelagics are moving through. Live bait fishing is where things get really exciting - goggle eyes and pilchards are available for purchase, and there's nothing like watching a shark or big cobia come up to investigate a live bait. The crew knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, whether that's working the reef line or drifting over deeper structure.
"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 offshore fishing in these waters, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely gorgeous with their electric blue and gold colors, and they fight like crazy once hooked. Mahi typically run from 10 to 30 pounds in this area, though bigger bulls over 40 pounds show up regularly. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they love structure like floating debris or weed lines. What makes mahi so special is their acrobatic fighting style - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Great barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and hooking into one is like grabbing a lightning bolt. These predators can stretch over four feet long and have teeth that'll cut through wire leaders if they get the chance. Barracuda are year-round residents here, but they're most aggressive during the spring and summer months. They're ambush predators that strike fast and hard, often taking baits meant for other species. What anglers love about cuda is their explosive initial run - they'll peel drag off your reel before you even realize what hit. They're also spectacular jumpers that'll put on a show once hooked.
Cobia are like the bulldogs of the offshore world - they're not the prettiest fish, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn fighters. These brown sharks (as some folks call them, though they're not actually sharks) can push 50 pounds or more in these waters. Cobia are most abundant from March through September, and they're curious fish that often come up to check out the boat. They love structure and will follow sharks and rays around the bottom. What makes cobia special is their dogged fighting style - they don't jump much, but they'll dig deep and use their broad tail to wear you out.
Bull sharks are the ultimate test for any angler, combining size, strength, and attitude into one formidable package. These apex predators can exceed 200 pounds and are found year-round in South Florida waters. Bulls are incredibly aggressive and will eat just about anything, making them prime targets for live bait fishing. They're ambush hunters that prefer deeper water but will move shallow to feed. What makes bull sharks so appealing to serious anglers is the sheer power they bring to the fight - there's no finesse involved, just raw strength and determination.
Red snapper represent the gold standard for bottom fishing, combining excellent table fare with
Step aboard this well-equipped 1995 30-ft Pursuit Offshore Cruiser and head out into the productive waters off Riviera Beach. This spacious fishing platform comfortably handles up to four anglers, giving everyone room to work the lines without crowding. The hard top provides welcome shade during those sunny Florida days, while the enclosed restroom and galley kitchen make longer fishing sessions much more comfortable. You'll find an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a GPS and fish finder to help locate the best fishing spots. Premium rods, reels, and tackle are all provided, along with your fishing license. Whether you're dropping lines for snapper and grouper on the bottom or trolling for mahi and kingfish, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water targeting sharks, barracuda, and whatever else is biting in these fertile offshore grounds.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavy-hitters that can show up almost anywhere - shallow bays, river mouths, or deep water. These thick-bodied bruisers typically run 6-10 feet and pack serious power. You'll find them year-round in our waters, but summer brings the bigger fish closer to shore. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from cut bait to live fish. What gets guests fired up is the raw strength - these sharks will test every inch of your drag and make runs that'll burn your arms. They're pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. Best bait secret? Fresh eel works like magic due to the high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. Set your drag right and be ready for a workout.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - that single dorsal fin fools a lot of people at first glance. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and buoys, typically in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is money time, but they stick around through summer. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish you can sight-cast to, plus they fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs. And talk about good eating - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig in any color, 4-8 ounces depending on depth. Don't horse them up too fast or they'll throw the hook.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the silver bullets of the reef, built for speed with that torpedo body and mouth full of razor teeth. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 5-6 feet and really test your drag. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet of water year-round, though spring and summer are prime time. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, so they'll often check out your boat before you even cast. What guests love is that explosive strike and the blistering runs they make. They're not great table fare due to ciguatera risk, but the fight alone is worth it. Here's a tip: use wire leader and bright, flashy lures. They can't resist anything that looks like a wounded baitfish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant blues and golds that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen them bigger. They love hanging under floating debris and weed lines in open water, usually within a few miles offshore. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at them when water temps climb. What makes mahi special is their aggressive bite and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines in the water. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - that bright red color and excellent table fare make them a favorite target. Most run 2-8 pounds, but the big breeders can hit 15+ pounds and really bend a rod. You'll find them on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, though deeper water often holds bigger fish. Season runs June through July, so timing matters. What guests love is the solid fight they put up and that sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're smart fish that can be line-shy, so here's the trick: use the lightest leader you can get away with and fresh bait. Circle hooks help with the deep hooking, and don't be afraid to drop down in weight if the current allows.
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...
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