Sebastian FL Private Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore charter targeting Mahi, Sailfish, and WahooExperienced captains guide anglers of all skill levels6 or 8 hour deep water fishing adventures
Sebastian Inlet's waters have been my backyard for over two decades, and I'll tell you straight up – this stretch of Florida's east coast is pure gold for serious offshore anglers. When you book a private 6 or 8-hour charter with Reel Smoker Sportfishing, you're getting access to some of the most productive blue water fishing grounds on the Atlantic. We're talking about waters where 30-pound mahi run in schools, sailfish put on aerial shows that'll make your jaw drop, and wahoo hit baits so hard they'll nearly rip the rod from your hands. The Gulf Stream runs close here, bringing warm water species right to our doorstep, and with a maximum of 4 anglers per trip, everyone gets prime fishing time without fighting for rod space.
Your day starts at Sebastian Inlet, where we'll load up the boat with fresh bait, ice, and all the tackle you'll need. The run to productive offshore waters takes about 30-45 minutes depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. Our captains read water temperature breaks, watch for bird activity, and use electronics to locate structure and baitfish – that's where the action happens. You'll be fishing depths from 80 to 200 feet, working areas where the continental shelf creates upwellings that attract everything from cobia cruising the surface to red snapper holding tight to bottom structure. The boat's equipped with outriggers for spread trolling, downriggers for deeper presentations, and plenty of conventional and spinning gear sized for whatever we hook into. Weather permitting, we'll chase whatever's biting hardest, whether that's working a mahi school until our arms are sore or slow-trolling live baits for sailfish.
Offshore fishing here is all about reading conditions and adapting your approach. We start most trips trolling a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures to cover water and locate active fish. Once we mark schools or structure, we switch tactics – dropping live baits for cobia and sharks, vertical jigging for wahoo, or working the edges with spinning gear when mahi are fired up. The boat carries 30 to 50-pound class tackle for most situations, with heavier gear on standby for sharks and big kings. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing, and we'll rig everything from wire leaders for wahoo to fluorocarbon for spooky mahi. Bottom fishing means dropping 8-ounce sinkers on 60-pound tackle to punch through current and reach snapper holding 150 feet down. Every technique has its place, and our captains know when to make the call based on what we're seeing on the fish finder and what's happening topside.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Sebastian offshore fishing, showing up in good numbers from April through October when water temperatures hit the mid-70s. These fish are pure aggression – they'll crash surface baits, inhale live pilchards, and put on a light show of gold and green as they jump and run. School-size fish run 5 to 15 pounds, but we regularly see slammers over 25 pounds, especially around floating debris or weed lines. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite almost anything when they're fired up, and once you hook one, the rest of the school often stays around for more shots.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of peeling 200 yards of line in seconds when they hit a trolled bait at full throttle. These fish are most active during cooler months from November through March, when they move closer to shore following bait schools. A typical wahoo here runs 20 to 40 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 60 pounds or more. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast runs, making wire leaders and quality drag systems absolutely essential. The meat is pure white and delicious, making wahoo a favorite target for anglers who appreciate both the fight and the table fare.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore-to-offshore transition zone, often found cruising just beneath the surface around structure or following rays and sharks. Spring and fall are prime times, when these brown sharks migrate along our coast in good numbers. They're curious fish that will often come right up to the boat, making sight fishing with live baits or jigs incredibly exciting. Cobia fight with brute strength rather than speed, making long powerful runs that test your endurance. Fish here commonly range from 20 to 50 pounds, with occasional monsters over 60 pounds that'll give you a workout you won't forget.
Bull sharks are the ultimate test of tackle and angler skill, showing up year-round in our offshore waters but most active during summer months when bait is abundant. These apex predators can exceed 200 pounds and fight with raw power that has to be experienced to be believed. They'll take live baits, cut baits, and even large lures when they're feeding aggressively. What makes bull shark fishing special is the anticipation – you never know if that next bite is a 50-pound fish or a true giant that'll test every knot and connection on your rig.
Red snapper fishing requires patience and precision, targeting fish holding tight to hard bottom structure in 100 to 180 feet of water. These fish are most active during their open season, typically summer months, when they move up in the water column to feed. A quality red snapper here runs 5 to 15 pounds, with occasional trophy fish over 20 pounds that are the stuff of legend. They're structure-oriented fish that require heavy tackle to turn them away from their rocky homes, and once hooked, they'll use every piece of cover available to try breaking you off.
Sebastian's offshore waters deliver world-class fishing year-
You'll fish aboard our 24-foot center console boat built for serious offshore action in Sebastian waters. This ride handles four anglers comfortably while you chase Mahi, Sailfish, and Wahoo in the deep blue. The boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to get you to the hot spots, fish finder to locate the action below, and a solid icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Our center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler, this boat gets you out to where the big fish roam and brings you back with stories to tell. Perfect setup for a full day of offshore fishing off Florida's Treasure Coast.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate inshore predators - thick, powerful fish that average 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds. These gray bruisers patrol shallow coastal waters, river mouths, and around structure in 10-60 feet. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active in our warm waters. What draws anglers is the pure power and endurance - they'll make long, determined runs that test your tackle and nerves. They're not table fare, but the catch-and-release battle is unforgettable. The secret weapon is fresh eel on a stout circle hook with heavy leader. Set up a chum slick and be patient. When they show up, they mean business. Always use wire or heavy mono leader - their teeth can slice through lighter stuff like butter.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater bulldogs - brown, chunky fish that average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100-plus. They're loners, cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and around buoys in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May offers the best action when they're moving north to spawn. What makes them exciting is the sight-fishing opportunity - you'll actually see them swimming near the surface. They fight hard and straight down, testing your drag. The payoff is some of the best eating in the ocean - firm, white meat that tastes incredible grilled or blackened. My go-to technique is pitching a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose. They're curious fish, so patience pays off when they come up to investigate.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll see offshore - brilliant gold and electric blue until they fade after the catch. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach trophy size. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. They're abundant here from spring through fall, with peak action in summer. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on trolled baits and the acrobatic fight they put up - jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, mild white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school - where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the kings of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that average 2-8 pounds but grow to 20-plus. We target them on rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. They're structure-oriented and fight hard, trying to get back to their rocky homes. Summer through early fall provides consistent action when they're most active. Anglers love the steady bite and excellent table fare - mild, nutty white meat that's restaurant quality. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag on the way up from deep water. The trick is using fresh cut bait or live pinfish on a knocker rig, and keeping steady pressure to prevent them from getting back into the rocks. Heavy tackle and sharp hooks are essential for success.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 60mph and striking trolled baits like lightning. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet but can reach 8 feet and over 100 pounds. We target them in 100-300 feet around structure and current edges. Best fishing runs from July through November when they're most active. What guests love is the blistering initial run and the challenge of the high-speed bite. They're also premium eating - white, flaky meat with a mild flavor that's perfect for the grill. The key trick is using wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with diving plugs and skirted ballyhoo to trigger those explosive strikes.
Fort Pierce