Captain Jordan Stilley's Offshore Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charter with Captain Jordan Stilley in Delray BeachAccommodates up to 6 guests for deep sea fishing adventuresProfessional maritime experience along South Federal Highway location
When you're looking for serious offshore action in South Florida, Captain Jordan Stilley and his Reel Contender Fishing Charter delivers exactly what seasoned anglers crave. Based right on South Federal Highway in Delray Beach, this isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's a legitimate blue water adventure that puts you on prime pelagic species. Captain Jordan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation among local anglers for consistently putting his guests on fish. Whether you're chasing your first wahoo or you're a veteran angler looking to add some serious weight to your cooler, this charter hits all the marks.
Captain Jordan runs a tight ship that accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention without feeling crowded. The boat heads out into the deep blue where the Gulf Stream brings nutrient-rich water close to shore, creating the perfect hunting grounds for pelagic predators. You'll be targeting depths where the bottom drops off dramatically, and the water color changes from that inshore green to that deep cobalt blue that gets every angler's heart pumping. The captain's approach focuses on reading water conditions, watching for bird activity, and positioning the boat where the baitfish are getting hammered. This isn't a leisurely cruise – you're here to fish, and Captain Jordan makes sure every minute on the water counts toward putting you on quality fish.
The primary method out here is high-speed trolling, which is hands down the most effective way to cover water and trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Captain Jordan runs a spread of lures that includes everything from cedar plugs and ballyhoo rigs to larger skirted trolling lures that draw strikes from bigger fish. The boat's outriggers keep the lines spread wide, and the captain adjusts speed based on conditions and target species – slower for mahi and snapper, faster when wahoo are the primary target. All tackle is provided, including heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle long runs from tuna and wahoo. The captain also keeps live bait when available, which can be deadly when fish are finicky or when you want to target specific structure. You'll learn proper fighting techniques for different species, because a wahoo fights completely different than a mahi, and knowing how to work the fish makes all the difference in getting them to the boat.
Mahi mahi remain the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and these fish are absolute crowd pleasers. They typically run from 10 to 30 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 40-plus pounds that'll test your tackle and your stamina. The best mahi action happens when you find floating debris, weed lines, or schools of flying fish – that's where these fish set up to ambush baitfish. What makes mahi so exciting is their aerial acrobatics when hooked, plus they often travel in schools, so one fish can lead to a cooler full of dinner. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but don't count them out in winter months when conditions are right.
Wahoo fishing is where things get serious, and Captain Jordan knows exactly where to find them along the reef edge and temperature breaks. These fish are pure speed demons, capable of stripping line faster than almost any other species in these waters. A typical wahoo runs 20 to 50 pounds, but the occasional monster over 60 pounds shows up to make your day memorable. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes that'll snap your line if your drag isn't set perfectly. The best wahoo fishing typically happens during the cooler months from November through March, when these fish move closer to shore following baitfish migrations.
Yellowfin tuna represent the ultimate prize for serious offshore anglers, and when Captain Jordan finds them, you're in for a battle that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills. These fish average 30 to 80 pounds in local waters, with occasional giants over 100 pounds that require teamwork to land. Yellowfin are incredibly strong and have the stamina to make multiple long runs, often sounding deep and forcing you into a tug-of-war that can last 45 minutes or more. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, and the captain times trips to hit these prime feeding windows when possible.
Red snapper provide excellent action when regulations allow, and these fish are prized both for their fight and their table fare. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds in offshore waters, living around structure and rocky bottom where they ambush smaller fish. What makes snapper fishing exciting is the variety – you never know if that next bite will be a keeper snapper or something completely different that was cruising the same structure. The captain knows productive snapper spots that consistently hold fish, and he'll put you on structure where multiple species congregate.
Blackfin tuna round out the target list as smaller but incredibly feisty members of the tuna family. These fish typically run 5 to 20 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and stubborn determination. Blackfin are excellent eating and often show up in good numbers, making them perfect for filling the cooler when larger species are being picky. They're most active during low-light periods and respond well to both trolled baits and live offerings around structure.
Captain Jordan Stilley's Reel Contender Fishing Charter offers the kind of authentic offshore experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in a day with a captain who genuinely cares about putting you on fish and making sure you understand what's happening every step of the way. The six-person capacity means you get personal attention that's impossible on larger charter boats, and the captain's knowledge of local waters gives
Captain Jordan Stilley's 33' Contender center console cuts through the Atlantic waters off Delray Beach like a true fishing machine. This offshore warrior features GPS navigation to get you straight to where the fish are biting, whether you're targeting mahi, snapper, or whatever's running that day. The spacious center console design gives all six anglers plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows, plus easy access to tackle and gear. Built for serious fishing, this Contender handles the choppy offshore conditions with confidence while providing a stable platform for fighting those hard-pulling gamefish. Captain Jordan knows these South Florida waters inside and out, and his boat is rigged and ready to put you on the action. From the comfortable seating to the smooth ride, every detail is designed to maximize your time with lines in the water.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little cousins of the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - they fight way above their weight class. Most run 5-15 pounds with that distinctive dark back and bronze highlights. They school up in 100-300 feet of water, often mixing with skipjacks. Fall through spring is prime time here in South Florida waters. Guests love them because they're always willing to bite and put up a spirited fight on lighter tackle. The meat's darker than yellowfin but still excellent eating, especially for sashimi. Here's the key: scale down your tackle and use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Their eyesight is sharp, so heavy gear will spook them. Chunking with live pilchards works magic for bringing schools to the surface.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure fun on the line - these golden beauties put on quite a show with their amazing color changes and acrobatic jumps. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen them push 50+. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and structure in 100-400 feet of water. Peak season here runs May through September when water temps hit the sweet spot. What makes them special? That electric fight combined with some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. My go-to trick: when trolling, make your baits skip on the surface like flying fish. These guys can't resist that action, and once you hook one, keep your lines in because they usually travel in schools.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic bottom fish - beautiful, tasty, and they'll give you a solid fight on the way up from 80-200 feet of water. Most range 2-8 pounds, though the big ones can push 20+. They stick to hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs where they can ambush baitfish. Season runs June through July here, so we make the most of those dates. What makes them special? That perfect combination of a good scrap and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're true warriors that'll try to cut your line on structure, so keep steady pressure. Pro tip: fresh cut squid or live pinfish work best, and don't be surprised when they hit right at the boat - they're curious fish and often follow hooked fish up.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters - capable of hitting 60 mph, so when one takes your bait, hold on tight. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet long with that distinctive zebra-striped pattern. They cruise the open blue water, usually in the top 60 feet, often around floating debris or structure. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. Guests love them for two reasons: that blistering first run that'll test your drag, and the delicate, flaky meat that's absolutely top-shelf eating. Here's what I've learned over the years - high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is key. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family - strong, fast, and built like torpedoes. Most of what we catch runs 40-80 pounds, but they can push well over 100. These warm-blooded fighters cruise the upper water column in deep blue water, usually 20+ miles offshore. They're here year-round, but summer and fall fishing really heats up. What gets people hooked? That initial screaming run followed by a deep, bulldogging fight that'll test your tackle and stamina. Plus, you can't beat the sashimi-grade meat - it's restaurant quality. My best advice: when they're being finicky, try chunking with whatever baitfish are around. Sometimes you need to bring them up from the depths before they'll commit to your spread.
Palm Beach