Full Day Offshore Fishing in Riviera Beach
Papa Bear's Fishing Charters offers one of the top-rated offshore fishing experiences along Florida's Atlantic coast, targeting some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters. Based out of Riviera Beach, you'll head into the deep blue where sailfish cruise the current edges, mahi mahi patrol the weed lines, and bottom structure holds snapper and grouper. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full day on the water with everything you need to make it count.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early, meeting the crew at the marina before sunrise to maximize your time in prime fishing spots. The boat comes equipped with professional-grade tackle and gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and your fishing license – which is actually included in your trip. The crew will have you set up with both bottom rigs for grouper and snapper, plus trolling spreads for the pelagic species like mahi, tuna, and sailfish. Complimentary snacks and drinks keep you fueled throughout the day, though many anglers bring their own cooler with additional food and beverages. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Live bait is available for purchase and highly recommended – goggle eyes run $100 per dozen and pilchards start at $30, but they're worth every penny when you're targeting big kings and cobia.
Trolling and Bottom Fishing
The fishing approach combines two proven methods to maximize your chances at different species. Trolling involves pulling lures or rigged baits behind the moving boat, covering water to locate active schools of mahi, tuna, and sailfish. The crew will set up a spread of outriggers and flat lines, adjusting speeds based on conditions and target species. When trolling slows down or you reach productive bottom structure, it's time to switch to bottom fishing. This means dropping baited rigs down to reefs and ledges where grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers hang out. The crew knows the GPS numbers for the best spots and will position the boat perfectly for maximum success. Live bait really shines here – a lively goggle eye or pilchard dropped to the bottom often triggers strikes from big grouper and cobia that ignore dead baits.
Customer Stories
"Rudy and Mike were top notch in every aspect. From the start of the trip they made sure we were comfortable and ready to get on the fish. And we did catching Rainbow, Black tip sharks, King fish and others. The entire 8 hr trip the lines were out all baited and ready. Again I can't thank Rudy and Mike enough for a great trip my kids will remember for a lifetime. We will definitely be back!!!" - Michael
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi mahi, also known as common dolphinfish, are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here. These bright golden fish with their distinctive flat foreheads are most active during warmer months from spring through fall. They school under floating debris, weed lines, and around current edges in 100-400 feet of water. What makes mahi so popular is their willingness to eat both trolled lures and live baits, plus they're phenomenal table fare. A typical mahi runs 10-25 pounds, though bulls can push 40-50 pounds and provide drag-screaming runs.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, found around reefs and ledges in 80-200 feet of water. These deep-bodied fish with their distinctive red coloration are most active during summer months when regulations typically allow harvest. Snapper are notorious for their sharp teeth and ability to cut lines on structure, making them a challenging but rewarding target. Most range from 3-15 pounds, with larger fish holding in deeper water. Their flaky white meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Black grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, using their powerful bodies and knowledge of structure to test your tackle and skill. Found around the same bottom areas as snapper, these fish can range from juvenile gags of a few pounds up to true monsters exceeding 50 pounds. Grouper are ambush predators that inhale prey, so when you feel that thump on the bottom, you need to set the hook hard and start pumping before they reach their rocky hideouts. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall.
Blackfin tuna are speed demons that provide some of the most exciting action when they're around. These smaller cousins of the giant bluefin typically range 5-25 pounds and travel in schools, often feeding alongside dolphins or birds working baitfish. They hit trolled lures and live baits with authority, making long runs and testing light tackle. Blackfins are most common during cooler months from fall through spring, and their dark red meat is prized for sashimi.
Atlantic sailfish are the ultimate prize for many offshore anglers, combining impressive size with spectacular aerial displays. These billfish cruise current edges and temperature breaks, typically in 100-300 feet of water. Sailfish are most active during winter months when they migrate south along the coast. They average 30-50 pounds and are known for their multiple jumps and long runs. While most are released, the experience of fighting one of these magnificent fish on light tackle is something every angler should experience.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full-day offshore experience delivers the complete South Florida fishing package – from bottom fishing for dinner to battling billfish on light tackle. With professional crew, quality equipment, and access to some of the best fishing grounds on the Atlantic coast, you're set up for success. The 20% crew tip is customary and well-earned when they put you on fish and work hard all day to ensure your trip succeeds. Whether you're after a fish f
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
West Palm Beach
Full
