Full Day Gulf Stream Fishing for Tuna & Mahi
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Ten-hour offshore charter targeting tuna and mahi mahiTravels over 50 miles to Gulf Stream watersIncludes premium gear, licenses, and fish filleting service
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and chase some serious fish, this ten-hour Gulf Stream adventure is what dedicated anglers dream about. Captain and crew at Ridin Dirty Charters know these deep blue waters like the back of their hand, running over 50 miles offshore where the Gulf Stream's legendary fishing grounds hold everything from screaming tuna to acrobatic mahi mahi. This isn't a casual half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to world-class offshore fishing that starts at 7:00 AM and doesn't quit until the fish boxes are full. With only four anglers max, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention as we hunt down some of St. Augustine's most prized pelagic species.
The Gulf Stream off St. Augustine is where the magic happens, and this trip puts you right in the heart of it. We'll be running hard in the 2024 Contender, fully rigged with radar and top-of-the-line GPS to safely navigate these far-offshore grounds. The deep blue water out here is a different world – crystal clear, sometimes over 1,000 feet deep, and absolutely loaded with baitfish that draw in the big predators. You'll feel the difference as soon as we cross into the Stream – the water temperature jumps, the color changes to that brilliant cobalt blue, and the action can fire off at any moment. This is weekend-only fishing at its finest, giving working anglers the chance to experience what many consider the best offshore fishing on the East Coast. The boat runs smooth in bigger seas, and the captain's local knowledge means we're always fishing the most productive water available.
We're covering all the bases out here with a mix of high-speed trolling and strategic bottom fishing. The trolling spread is where most of the excitement happens – we'll run a combination of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures at different depths to cover the water column. When we mark fish on the sonar or find floating debris, we'll switch tactics and work the area thoroughly. Bottom fishing in 200-400 feet of water requires serious tackle, and we've got you covered with premium Penn and Shimano gear that can handle whatever comes up from the deep. Circle hooks and heavy fluorocarbon leaders are standard, along with enough weight to get baits down fast in the current. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots. All Florida fishing licenses are included, plus professional fish cleaning at the end of the day – you'll go home with coolers full of fresh fillets ready for the grill.
The Gulf Stream delivers some of the most exciting fishing on the Atlantic, and each target species brings its own brand of excitement. Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These gorgeous fish are pure dynamite on the line, jumping clear out of the water and putting on a show that never gets old. They typically run 10-30 pounds, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but we see them year-round when conditions are right. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action once you find them. Great barracuda patrol these same waters, and while they might not jump like mahi, they make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. These aggressive predators hit trolled baits with authority and can stretch over four feet long.
Cobia are the wildcards of the Gulf Stream, appearing when you least expect them and disappearing just as quickly. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) are curious fish that'll often approach the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting with live bait or jigs. They're excellent table fare and fight with surprising power for their size. The real prizes, though, are the billfish. White marlin and Atlantic sailfish both cruise these waters, and hooking one is a legitimate bucket-list experience. Sailfish are more common, especially during their winter migration, and watching one greyhound across the surface with its sail fully extended is something you'll never forget. Most are released after a quick photo, but the fight alone makes the long run worthwhile. Both species require careful handling and proper release techniques, which the crew knows inside and out.
This isn't the kind of trip you book on a whim – it's a serious offshore fishing adventure that delivers the goods for anglers who want the real deal. With only weekend availability and space for just four anglers, spots fill up fast during peak season. The ten-hour commitment means you're getting maximum time on the most productive water, and the 50-mile run puts you in a completely different class of fishing than the typical inshore or nearshore charters. Factor in all the included premium gear, licenses, and professional fish cleaning, and you're looking at exceptional value for a top-rated Gulf Stream experience. The crew at Ridin Dirty Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish in these deep waters, and they're not satisfied unless you go home with stories worth telling. Book early, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready for some of the best offshore fishing St. Augustine has to offer.
Captain Rick's 2024 25' Contender is built for serious Gulf Stream fishing. Twin 150HP Yamahas push this center console through open water with confidence, while the radar and advanced GPS keep you on course during those 50+ mile runs to the blue water. The fish finder helps locate holding structure where tuna and mahi congregate, and outriggers spread your trolling spread wide for maximum coverage. With space for 4 anglers, there's room to work the cockpit when fish are biting. The wireless trolling motor comes in handy for precise positioning over bottom structure or drifting baits in the current. This fishing machine handles the Gulf Stream's swells while giving you a stable platform to fight pelagic species. All the electronics you need to find fish in deep water, plus the power to get you there and back safely.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the ocean's speed demons, reaching up to 10 feet long and averaging around 50 pounds. These metallic blue predators patrol the Gulf Stream's surface waters between 30-65 feet, following warm currents and baitfish schools. Winter months bring the best action as they migrate through our waters, though we see them spring through fall. Sailfish are legendary for their aerial acrobatics and that massive dorsal sail they flash when hunting. While primarily catch-and-release, the fight is absolutely electric with multiple jumps and long runs. When trolling, use bright pink and white or blue and white combinations. Key tip: when a sail takes your bait, let it run before setting the hook - they'll try to shake it immediately.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are powerful solitary fish that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, with the record at 135 pounds. These brown, shark-like fish cruise around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll go deeper to 300 feet around offshore rigs. Spring migration and spawning season from June through August provides the hottest action. Guests love cobia for their bulldogging fights and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's prized by restaurants. We typically sight-fish for them on the surface or work bucktail jigs around structure. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't spook it - cobia are curious and will often circle back if you stay calm and present your bait naturally.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are aggressive predators that average 2-4 feet but can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds. They cruise near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-300 feet of water, using their silver bodies to blend with the shimmery open ocean. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. Anglers love them for their explosive strikes and blistering speed - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Though not commonly eaten due to ciguatera risk, they're pure adrenaline on the line. When fighting a big cuda, always use a landing net and gloves - those razor teeth can do serious damage during their final thrashing. They often follow other hooked fish, so stay alert.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are stunning fish that average 15-29 pounds but can reach 87 pounds. They're drawn to floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the Gulf Stream's warm blue water. These fast-growing fish are active year-round but peak during spring and fall migrations. What makes them special is their brilliant golden sides with electric blue and green backs - plus they put up a solid fight with multiple jumps. The meat is firm, white, and mild-tasting, making them excellent table fare. When trolling for mahi, keep your baits skipping on the surface to mimic flying fish. Once you hook up, stay ready - where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are apex predators reaching up to 9 feet and 180 pounds, roaming the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream. These billfish prefer tropical temperatures and cruise near underwater canyons and drop-offs, constantly moving to breathe. Summer months from June through September offer prime opportunities when they follow baitfish migrations. Anglers prize white marlin for their spectacular aerial displays and powerful runs - they're pure adrenaline on heavy tackle. While catch-and-release is standard practice, the thrill of battling a billfish is unmatched. When trolling with ballyhoo or rigged baits, watch the area behind your spread carefully - these fish strike like lightning and will test every ounce of your skill and stamina.
Flagler Beach, FL