Captain Jordan Stilley's Offshore Adventures
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 on South Federal Highway location
When you're looking for serious offshore action in South Florida, Captain Jordan Stilley and his Reel Contender Fishing Charter deliver the goods. Running out of Delray Beach along South Federal Highway, this top-rated charter puts you right in the heart of some of the Atlantic's hottest fishing grounds. Captain Jordan's got the local knowledge and passion that turns a good day on the water into something you'll be talking about for years. With room for up to six anglers, you're getting personal attention and prime fishing spots that only come from a captain who lives and breathes these waters.
Captain Jordan runs his operation with the kind of attention to detail that separates the weekend warriors from the pros. You'll be heading offshore into the deep blue where the big pelagics cruise, and trust me, these aren't your typical inshore fish. The boat's rigged and ready for battle, with all the tackle you need to tangle with some serious gamefish. Plan to bring your own snacks and drinks since meals aren't included – you'll want to stay fueled up because when the bite is on, you won't want to stop for anything. The six-person max keeps things comfortable and gives everyone plenty of elbow room when multiple lines start screaming. Captain Jordan knows exactly where to find the action, whether that's working the reef edges, hitting the weed lines, or running to deeper structure where the big fish hang out.
This is offshore trolling at its finest, and Captain Jordan's got the setup dialed in perfectly. You'll be running a spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics like mahi, wahoo, and tuna. The boat's outfitted with quality rods and reels that can handle the blistering runs these fish are famous for – we're talking about fish that can strip line faster than you'd believe possible. Expect to see a mix of high-speed trolling for wahoo and slower presentations for mahi and tuna, depending on what's biting. The captain reads the water like a book, looking for color changes, weed lines, birds, and bait schools that signal feeding fish below. When you hook up, you'll be fighting these fish with proper offshore tackle – heavy enough to stop them but balanced enough that you can actually enjoy the battle without getting completely worn out.
Mahi mahi are the showstoppers of the offshore world, and for good reason. These brilliant green and gold fighters put on an aerial display that'll get your heart pumping, jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. They typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull pushing 40-plus. Mahi are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. What makes them so special is their willingness to eat – when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on. The meat is absolutely world-class too, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table.
Wahoo are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and make runs that'll make you wonder if you hooked a submarine. Most wahoo in the area run 20-50 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 60-plus. They're year-round residents but peak during the cooler months when baitfish are thick. The key to wahoo is high-speed trolling with wire leaders – their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else in a heartbeat. When one hits, there's no mistaking it – the reel just starts screaming and doesn't stop. They're incredible table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Yellowfin tuna are the marathoners of the deep, combining size, speed, and endurance in a package that'll push you to your limits. These fish can weigh anywhere from 30 to over 100 pounds in local waters, and they fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during the warmer months and often feed in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Yellowfin have incredible stamina and will make long, powerful runs that seem to go on forever. They're also incredibly valuable fish – the sashimi-grade meat commands top dollar at markets, making them a prized catch for serious anglers.
Red snapper bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. While they're not the speedsters that the pelagics are, they make up for it with their notorious ability to wrap you around structure and their excellent table quality. Most red snapper in the area run 5-15 pounds, but the occasional bruiser can push 20-plus. They're bottom dwellers that love hard structure, wrecks, and reef edges. The challenge with red snapper is getting them up quickly before they can duck into their rocky homes. When they do cooperate, you're rewarded with some of the finest eating fish in the ocean – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Blackfin tuna might be the smallest of the tunas you'll target, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and fighting spirit. These 10-20 pound speedsters are available year-round and often provide non-stop action when the bite is on. They school heavily and feed aggressively, making for some of the fastest fishing you'll experience. Blackfin are perfect for light tackle enthusiasts who want to feel every head shake and run. They're also excellent table fare – their dark, rich meat is perfect for searing or making into tuna steaks. When other species are finicky, blackfin often save the day with steady action.
Captain Jordan Stilley and Reel Contender Fishing Charter offer the kind of offshore experience that keeps anglers
Captain Jordan Stilley's 33-foot Contender center console is built for serious offshore fishing in Delray Beach waters. This sleek motorboat cuts through Atlantic swells with ease, powered by reliable engines that get you to the fishing grounds fast and back to dock safely. The spacious deck layout gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, while the center console design offers 360-degree fishing access around the entire boat. GPS navigation keeps you locked onto productive reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where mahi, tuna, and sailfish prowl. The Contender's deep-V hull handles rough seas like a champ, so you can chase pelagics even when conditions get sporty. Rod holders line the gunwales, and there's ample storage for tackle boxes, coolers, and your catch. Captain Jordan knows these South Florida waters inside and out, putting you on fish while ensuring everyone stays comfortable and safe. Whether you're trolling the blue water or bottom fishing structure, this proven offshore platform delivers the stability and performance serious anglers demand.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are the scrappy little cousins of the tuna family, usually 10-25 pounds but they fight like fish twice their size. These dark-backed speedsters school up in 80-300 feet of water near the continental shelf. Best fishing happens fall through spring when water temps drop below 78°F. What makes them special is their attitude - blackfin are aggressive biters that'll test your drag system with powerful runs. The meat is excellent too, perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyes though, so you need to scale down your tackle. I use 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 circle hooks and live pilchards. When you find one school, work it hard - they travel in groups and feed competitively.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are one of our most colorful catches, running 15-30 pounds on average but capable of hitting 50+. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. The best action happens May through September when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi so popular? They put on a real light show when hooked, changing colors rapidly, plus they're fierce fighters that love to jump. The meat is excellent too - firm, white, and sweet. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water for a minute while we get the other lines ready. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more waiting.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic bottom dwellers that make every trip memorable, averaging 3-8 pounds with occasional 15+ pounders. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and ledges where they can ambush prey. Peak season is May through October during spawning, but we catch them year-round. Anglers love them because they fight hard for their size and the meat is outstanding - mild, nutty, and perfect for the dinner table. These fish are smart though, with excellent eyesight. My best advice is to use lighter leaders than you'd think and fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish. Drop your bait to the bottom, then reel up two cranks - that's where they'll be waiting.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 50+ mph and averaging 20-40 pounds, though we've seen 80-pounders. They cruise the blue water from 60-200 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. July through November gives us the best shot at them off South Florida. These fish are pure adrenaline - when they hit, it's explosive, and their razor teeth can slice through regular leaders like butter. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky like premium swordfish. My go-to trick is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving plugs. The faster presentation triggers their predatory instincts better than anything else I've tried.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of the tuna family, typically running 40-100 pounds in our waters. These torpedo-shaped fighters cruise the deep blue from 100-300 feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Peak season runs May through October when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What sets them apart is their stamina - they'll fight you for 30+ minutes with powerful runs that test your gear. Plus, yellowfin sashimi is restaurant-quality. They spawn here in summer, making them more aggressive. My secret weapon is chunking with live pilchards when the trolling bite dies. Cut the engines, start a chum line, and watch them come up from the depths ready to feed.
Palm Beach