Florida Pompano & Pelagic Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish and wahoo on offshore sportfishing adventureExperienced captain adapts techniques based on ocean conditionsSmall group charter accommodates up to five guests
Get ready to battle some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish with Reel Floridian Fishin's offshore charter that targets the real deal - hard-fighting pelagics that'll test your skills and leave you with stories to tell. Our experienced captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics on the fly based on what Mother Nature serves up each day. Whether we're drifting live bait in the blue water, running kites to present baits naturally, or trolling the edges where the big fish hunt, you're in for a fishing experience that separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip - we're heading offshore where the water turns that deep blue and the fish get serious. Our boat accommodates up to 5 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of elbow room when the action heats up. The captain reads the conditions daily, from current breaks to water temperature, and picks the techniques that are producing. Some days that means setting up a drift with live goggle eyes and pilchards, while other days we'll be pulling lures through prime feeding zones. The beauty of fishing with seasoned guides is they know when to switch gears - if the fish aren't cooperating on one method, we're already moving to plan B. You'll learn why Florida's offshore waters have built a reputation among serious sport fishermen worldwide.
Our arsenal includes everything from live bait fishing to high-speed trolling, and the captain decides which approach gives you the best shot at hooking up based on real-time conditions. Kite fishing is a deadly technique here - we'll fly kites to keep live baits dancing on the surface, mimicking distressed baitfish that big pelagics can't resist. When we're trolling, expect to see a spread of lures covering different depths and speeds, from diving plugs to ballyhoo rigs that have proven themselves in these waters. The tackle is sized to handle the caliber of fish we're targeting - these aren't pond bass, and the gear reflects that. Live bait fishing means working with frisky pilchards, goggle eyes, and other local forage fish that drive gamefish crazy. The crew handles bait prep and rigging, so you can focus on the fight when your rod doubles over.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of Florida's offshore waters, typically running 10-30 pounds of pure muscle. These fish school up around structure and current edges, especially during cooler months from November through March. What makes them special is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll peel line off your reel like it's on fire. Blackfins feed aggressively on small baitfish and respond well to both live bait and trolled lures. Their dark meat is prized by sushi lovers, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate good table fare.
Atlantic Sailfish are Florida's poster child for sport fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters put on a show with their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Peak season runs from December through April when they migrate along Florida's coast in good numbers. Sailfish typically range from 6-8 feet and 30-60 pounds, with their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin making them unmistakable. They're suckers for live bait presented under kites, and watching one crash a bait on the surface is something every angler needs to experience. Most captains practice catch and release with sails, keeping these magnificent fish around for future generations.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Florida's offshore scene. These toothy predators range from schoolie fish around 10-15 pounds up to smoker kings pushing 40+ pounds. They're most active during warmer months from April through October, though you can find them year-round in Florida waters. Kings are aggressive feeders that respond to both live bait and trolled lures, and they're known for their blistering initial runs. Their flaky white meat makes excellent table fare, whether you smoke them, grill them, or make king mackerel dip.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the pelagic world, capable of hitting 60+ mph and making runs that'll have you questioning your drag setting. These streamlined predators typically show up in cooler months and prefer deeper water along drop-offs and current edges. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and a reputation for cutting through leaders, which is why wire is essential when targeting them. They typically range from 20-60 pounds in Florida waters, with their distinctive blue stripes and torpedo-shaped body making them easy to identify. The white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Great Barracuda are the opportunistic predators that add excitement to any offshore trip. These silver torpedoes with menacing teeth can reach impressive sizes in Florida waters, with fish over 40 inches being common. They're ambush predators that lurk around structure and weed lines, striking with explosive speed when prey ventures too close. Barracuda are year-round residents in Florida waters and respond well to both live bait and lures. While they're notorious for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes, many anglers are surprised by their fighting ability - especially the larger specimens that can put up extended battles.
Florida's offshore waters don't mess around when it comes to producing world-class sport fishing, and Reel Floridian Fishin puts you right in the heart of the action. This trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps serious anglers coming back - multiple species, proven techniques, and the expertise to put it all together. Whether you're looking to check sailfish off your bucket list, tangle with a screaming wahoo, or load the
Get ready to chase sailfish and wahoo aboard our 2015 33-foot Contender center console, powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll have you cutting through Florida waters at 55 knots. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to find the hot spots, fish finder to locate your targets, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for your crew and a head onboard, you can focus on what matters most: hooking into those big pelagics. Our experienced captain knows these offshore waters like the back of his hand and will adjust tactics based on what's working - whether that's drifting with live bait, running kites, or trolling the blue water. The boat's center console design gives everyone room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up. When the bite is on and that sailfish comes charging out of the water or a wahoo makes its screaming run, you'll appreciate having this fast, well-equipped platform under your feet.
Istiophorus AlbicansFlorida's premier billfish and one of the ocean's fastest swimmers, sailfish average 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds. That massive dorsal fin isn't just for show - they use it to herd baitfish while hunting in 30-100 feet of water over reefs and drop-offs. Winter months are prime time here, especially December through March when they migrate through in good numbers. What keeps anglers coming back is the aerial show - these fish will leap, tail-walk, and put on a display like no other. They're built for speed, not endurance, so fights are intense but manageable. We typically release them since the meat's not great, but the photos are priceless. Here's the key: when one comes up on the teasers, keep that bait moving until it's good and hot, then drop back and let it eat.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest member of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you - these guys are serious fighters. Blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds with that classic tuna build and distinctive golden side stripe that fades once they're boated. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Peak season here is fall through spring when water temps drop below 75°F. They school up with skipjacks and travel fast, so when you find one, there's usually more around. What makes them special is that incredible initial run - pure tuna power in a smaller package. The meat's fantastic too, darker than yellowfin but perfect for sushi. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - these fish have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy wire.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver torpedoes are pure ambush predators, lurking around reefs and structure in 10-80 feet of water. Averaging 3-5 feet long with those unmistakable needle teeth, they're curious fish that often follow boats and divers. Year-round fishing here in South Florida, but spring and fall seem most productive when bait concentrations draw them shallow. What makes them fun is that explosive strike and initial run - they hit hard and fast, though they tire quickly. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since larger ones can carry ciguatoxin. They hunt by sight and love flashy lures or live bait, but here's the trick: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them jump near the boat. Those teeth are serious business, so always use a wire leader and landing net.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of the mackerel family, and down here they're serious business. These olive-backed missiles average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ when conditions are right. Look for them in 40-100 feet over structure, reefs, and along temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. Fall through spring is prime time when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - they'll scream drag like few fish can. The meat's excellent too, though watch those mercury levels. Most productive technique is trolling with live bait or spoons, but here's what separates the pros from the weekend warriors: always use a two-hook rig on live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section first, so that trailing hook back near the belly will get you more hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriSpeed kills, and wahoo are proof of that. These torpedo-shaped predators hit 60 mph and average 30-50 pounds, with their blue stripes and razor teeth making them unmistakable. They patrol open water from 50-200 feet, often around structure or floating debris where baitfish gather. Best action happens July through November when they move through following the bait schools. What draws anglers is that violent strike - when a wahoo hits a trolled lure at 15 knots, it's like hitting a brick wall. The meat is premium too, white and flaky like a cross between tuna and mahi. They're solitary hunters mostly, so don't expect multiple hookups. Key to success is high-speed trolling with wire leaders - their teeth will cut through anything else. Run your spread fast and cover water until you find them holding on structure.
Key West