5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Fishing Adventure in Riviera Beach
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Fishing
Full day offshore targeting sailfish, tuna, and mahi mahiBottom fishing for snapper, grouper, and kingfish includedGear, tackle, snacks, drinks, and fishing license provided
When you're ready to experience some serious offshore action, Papa Bear's Fishing Charters delivers exactly what South Florida fishing is all about. We're talking about a full day of chasing sailfish, pulling up hefty grouper, and maybe even tangling with some toothy sharks. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're heading out to the deep blue where the real action happens, and you'll have eight solid hours to make it count. The waters off Riviera Beach are legendary for good reason, and we know exactly where to find the fish that'll have you talking about this trip for years.
Your day starts early because the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting the snooze button. We'll meet you at the dock with everything ready to go – top-shelf tackle, fresh bait, and a boat that's built for comfort and fish-fighting. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you rigged up and ready before you know it. We keep it simple with just four anglers max, so there's plenty of room to work and no elbow-to-elbow chaos when the action heats up. Snacks and drinks are on us throughout the day, plus your fishing license is already covered, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat. If you want to step up your game with live bait, we've got goggle eyes and pilchards available for purchase.
We run a mixed bag approach that covers all the bases. When we're trolling, we'll have multiple lines out working the blue water for mahi, tuna, and those bucket-list sailfish. The trolling spread is where the magic happens – colorful lures dancing through the water column while we cover ground looking for floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where pelagics like to hang out. When it's time to hit the bottom, we'll anchor up on productive reefs and wrecks where snapper, grouper, and cobia call home. Bottom fishing is all about precision – the right weight, the right bait, and the patience to let those fish commit. The crew will coach you through the fight whether you're battling a stubborn goliath grouper or watching a sailfish go airborne behind the boat.
"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
Mahi mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish to target in these waters. These brilliant green and yellow fighters show up around floating debris, weed lines, and anywhere small baitfish gather. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam a well-presented bait or lure, and once hooked, they put on a spectacular aerial show. Best action typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak numbers showing up during the summer months. What makes mahi so special is their willingness to eat – they're not picky, and when you find one, there's usually more in the area.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and the offshore reefs around Riviera Beach hold some real quality fish. These crimson-colored fighters are structure-oriented, hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs. They're smart fish that require finesse – the right bait presentation and patience to let them fully commit before setting the hook. Snapper season varies, but when they're open, expect fish in the 5-15 pound range with occasional larger specimens. Their firm white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Black grouper are the bruisers of the reef, using their powerful bodies and knowledge of the bottom structure to test your tackle and skills. These ambush predators lurk in holes and caves, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. Once hooked, they'll immediately try to get back to their rocky hideout, which makes for an intense tug-of-war. The larger specimens can reach 30-50 pounds, and their powerful runs will definitely get your attention. They're year-round residents, but the bigger fish tend to be more active during the warmer months.
Blackfin tuna are speed demons that travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you locate them. These smaller members of the tuna family rarely exceed 20 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy. They're perfect for lighter tackle and will test your drag system with their blistering runs. Blackfins are most active during the cooler months, often showing up in good numbers from late fall through early spring. They're excellent table fare and perfect for sashimi if you're into fresh fish.
Atlantic sailfish are the undisputed kings of South Florida offshore fishing, and hooking one is a badge of honor for any angler. These acrobatic billfish can reach 60-80 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps and long runs. The best sailfish action typically happens from November through March when they migrate through our waters. What makes sailfish so special isn't just their fighting ability – it's the whole experience. Watching one crash a trolled bait, then explode out of the water in a series of tail-walking jumps is something that'll stick with you forever. Most sailfish are released to fight another day, making this true catch-and-release sport fishing at its finest.
This full-day charter is built for anglers who want to experience the best of what South Florida offshore fishing has to
Hit the waters of Riviera Beach aboard this well-equipped 1995 30-ft Pursuit Offshore Cruiser, your floating basecamp for serious fishing action. This spacious boat handles up to four anglers comfortably while you target sailfish, mahi, tuna, and more in the blue water offshore. The hard top provides shade between battles with big fish, and the enclosed restroom means you won't miss any action during those long runs to the fishing grounds. Below deck, you'll find a full galley with refrigerator and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The GPS and fish finder help locate productive bottom structure for snapper and grouper, while the trolling spread searches for pelagic species. With a comfortable bed onboard, this boat's ready for extended trips when the bite is hot. Top-quality rods, reels, and tackle are provided, plus your fishing license is covered. Live bait runs extra but it's worth every penny when the sailfish are flying.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ultimate trophy for offshore anglers, averaging 40-60 pounds and stretching 6-8 feet with that signature dorsal sail. These blue-water nomads cruise the 100-400 foot range, following baitfish and warm water currents. Winter is prime time here in South Florida when they stack up thick. What makes sailfish special is their aerial acrobatics - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show like no other fish. While most are released, the fight itself is the real prize. They're incredibly fast swimmers that hunt in small groups, often "lighting up" with electric colors when excited. Best technique is slow-trolling live baits or kite fishing. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and jump. They have soft mouths, so smooth drag settings are critical for keeping them pinned.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef, typically running 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These olive-gray bruisers with dark blotches live around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 60-300 feet. Winter months are prime time when they move shallow, but we catch them year-round. What makes grouper fishing special is the pure strength - once hooked, they'll bulldoze straight for the nearest hole or cave. The payoff is incredible table fare with firm, mild white meat that's perfect for any preparation. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when you feel that tap, don't hesitate - crank hard immediately. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 80-pound braid and 100-pound leader. These fish don't play games, and neither should your gear.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappiest members of the tuna family, averaging 10-25 pounds with their distinctive black backs and golden sides. These fast-moving schooling fish cruise the blue water from 100-1000 feet, often mixed with skipjacks and bonitos. Peak season runs fall through spring when they're most abundant off our coast. What anglers love about blackfins is their lightning-fast strikes and powerful runs - pound for pound, they fight harder than most tuna. The meat is excellent, with a rich flavor that's perfect for sashimi or searing. They have sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - I use 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. The secret is live pilchards for chum and bait. Get them fired up with a steady chum line, then drop back a lively pilchard on light tackle for explosive action.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore, with brilliant blues and greens that flash like a light show when they're hooked. Most mahi run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen them hit 40+ pounds out here. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are warm. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for others nearby - mahi often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard for bottom fishing around here, averaging 3-8 pounds with some reaching 20+ pounds. These bright red fighters live on hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fishing picks up during cooler months when they move shallower. What guests love about snapper is the solid fight they put up - they'll head straight for the bottom and test your drag. The real reward comes at dinner though - red snapper has some of the best-tasting white meat you'll find. They're not picky eaters, but fresh cut bait works best. Here's the key: once you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to get back to the rocks or they'll cut you off every time.
5.0 out of 5.0Rudy 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 th...
West Palm Beach