Deep Water Ledge Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target wahoo, mahimahi, tuna through blue water trollingDeep water bottom fishing for grouper and snapper speciesFlexible trip format accommodates trolling or bottom fishing preferences
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase some serious fish, The Ledge is where you want to be. This offshore hotspot delivers the kind of fishing that gets your heart pumping - blue water trolling for speed demons like wahoo and mahi, plus deep dropping for hefty grouper and snapper that'll test your tackle and your arms. Captain and crew at Reel Adventures know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're looking to burn some fuel trolling or anchor up and work the bottom structure.
This isn't your typical half-day trip - The Ledge sits in serious blue water where the continental shelf drops off into the deep. You'll start the day running offshore until that beautiful cobalt blue water appears, and that's when you know you're in the zone. The crew gives you options here - some days the bite is hot on the troll, other days the bottom fishing is money. Smart thing about this trip is you can mix it up based on what the fish are telling you. Maybe start with some high-speed trolling for wahoo at first light, then switch gears and drop some baits deep for grouper when the sun gets up. The boat handles 5 anglers comfortably, so there's room to spread out and work different techniques without getting your lines crossed.
Trolling The Ledge means covering water fast with a spread of lures and rigged ballyhoo. You'll run anything from surface poppers to deep-diving plugs, usually pulling 4-6 lines at different depths to find where the fish are hanging. When something screams that reel, you better hold on tight - wahoo and tuna don't mess around when they're hooked. For the bottom fishing side, it's all about heavy tackle and fresh bait. You're dropping in 200-400 feet of water, so you need enough weight to get down there and stay put in the current. Circle hooks and cut bait work great for the snappers, while whole squid or big chunks will call up those monster grouper. The crew keeps plenty of ice on board to keep your catch fresh, and they know exactly where to position the boat over the structure that holds fish.
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely gorgeous with their bright yellow and green colors, plus they fight like crazy - jumping, tail-walking, and making long runs that'll burn your arms. Most of the mahi you'll find at The Ledge run 10-25 pounds, perfect eating size. They love floating debris and weed lines, so keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface. Spring through fall is prime time, with the biggest concentrations usually showing up when the water hits that perfect 78-80 degree range.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the bunch - these fish can hit 60 mph and they'll smoke your drag before you know what happened. They're built like torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through wire if you're not careful. Most wahoo here run 20-40 pounds, though bigger ones show up regularly. Best action usually happens early morning or late afternoon when they're feeding aggressively. The meat is absolutely top-notch - white, flaky, and mild enough that even non-fish eaters love it.
Yellowfin tuna bring the muscle to this fishery. These fish are pure power - thick shoulders, deep bodies, and stamina that'll test every knot in your rig. When a good yellowfin grabs your bait, it's going down whether you like it or not. They typically run 30-80 pounds at The Ledge, and the bigger ones will take you for a ride. Yellowfin bite best around dawn and dusk, often feeding in schools that can keep you busy for hours.
Mutton snapper are the gold standard for bottom fishing here. These beautiful fish have that classic snapper look with pink and yellow coloring, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table. They're smart cookies though - muttons can be picky eaters that require finesse and fresh bait. Most run 5-15 pounds, but the occasional 20+ pounder will show up to make your day. They love structure and current, so positioning is everything when targeting these fish.
Black grouper are the heavyweights of the deep. These fish are built like submarines - broad heads, powerful jaws, and the attitude to match. When you hook a big black grouper, it's a tug of war from the start. They'll try to get back to their hole in the rocks, so you need to turn their head quick and keep steady pressure. Most blacks at The Ledge run 15-50 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 60+. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for grilling or frying.
The Ledge delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to tangle with high-speed pelagics or wrestle some bottom bruisers, this trip gives you options and puts you in prime water where big fish live. The crew at Reel Adventures knows how to find fish and how to help you land them, plus they'll clean your catch so it's ready for the cooler. Don't wait too long to book - good weather windows and hot bites don't stick around forever. Get your crew together and come see why The Ledge has earned its reputation as one of the area's most productive fishing grounds.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20-30 pounds but capable of reaching 100+ pounds in the right conditions. These olive-colored bruisers with dark blotches live around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-300 feet. Winter months bring them shallower while summer pushes them deeper. What draws anglers? Pure power - once you hook a big black, it's going to be a tug-of-war straight down to the rocks. The meat is excellent too - mild, firm, and perfect for the grill. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Pro tip: bring heavy gear - 50+ pound tackle minimum. These fish will head straight for the nearest ledge or wreck to break you off, so you need enough drag to turn their head and keep them in open water.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what blue water dreams are made of. Mahi typically run 15-30 pounds out here at the ledge, though we've seen some 40+ pounders that'll test your arms. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in that blue water, usually in the top 100 feet. Peak season runs spring through fall when the water warms up. What makes them special? That fight is pure acrobatics - they'll jump, run, and put on a color show that changes from gold to electric blue right before your eyes. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your other lines in the water - where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and they get excited when they see their buddy hooked up.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of the prettier fish you'll pull up from the deep reef, with that distinctive pinkish hue and blue streaks around the face. Most run 15-20 inches, though the big ones can push 30+ inches and really test your drag. They hang around rocky bottom and coral heads in 100-250 feet, with the better fish usually deeper. Spring spawning season brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that'll head straight for the rocks once hooked, and the meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and sweet. These fish are smart though, so presentation matters. Fresh bait on light sinkers works best, and here's the key: once you feel that tap, don't wait - muttons will suck in the bait and spit it out fast if something doesn't feel right.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long with most running 20-40 pounds. These silvery missiles with blue tiger stripes cruise the blue water column, usually in the top 100 feet around ledges and drop-offs. Best fishing is cooler months when they move closer to shore. What draws people to target them? That initial strike will rip line off your reel like nothing else, and the meat is absolutely premium - white, flaky, and mild. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious, for good reason. Here's the key: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because those razor teeth will cut through anything else. When you mark one on the sounder, speed up even more - sometimes that extra burst triggers the bite when nothing else will work.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the workhorses of offshore fishing, typically running 30-80 pounds with those bright yellow fins that give them their name. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the upper water column out in the blue, often around temperature breaks and current edges. Summer and fall are prime time when they push closer to the ledge. What makes them worth targeting? They're absolute bulldogs once hooked, making long powerful runs that'll test your tackle and endurance. Plus, you can't beat the sashimi-grade meat - it's what the restaurants pay top dollar for. The fight can last 30+ minutes on a good fish. My go-to technique: when the bite gets tough, pull in the trolling spread and drop some jigs down deep. Sometimes they're sitting just below the thermocline waiting for an easy meal.
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