Offshore Fishing Adventures with Shrimp Slingers
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish, tuna, kingfish, mahi and snapper offshoreChoose from 4, 6 or 8-hour fishing optionsSmall group trips with maximum 3 guests aboard
Ready to hit Stuart's legendary offshore waters? Captain Jacob and the Shrimp Slingers crew know exactly where the fish are biting, and they're ready to put you on some serious action. Whether you're looking for a quick 4-hour strike mission or want to go all-in with an 8-hour marathon, these trips deliver the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. We're talking about prime Atlantic waters where sailfish cruise the drop-offs, mahi hang around the weedlines, and big kings patrol the reefs. With just three spots on the boat, you'll get personal attention and plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with other lines.
Captain Jacob runs a tight ship on his C Hawk 23' center console – she's built for comfort and designed to get you to the fish fast. You'll launch from Stuart and head out to the Gulf Stream where the real action happens. The ride out gives you time to get your sea legs while Capt. Jacob breaks down the game plan for the day. Stuart's offshore scene is all about reading the water – looking for color changes, bird activity, and structure that holds bait. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to a full spread of lures and live bait. Don't worry about bringing gear unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. The captain's got you covered with tackle that's proven to produce in these waters.
Offshore fishing here is all about covering water and staying flexible. We'll start by setting up a trolling spread with a mix of ballyhoo, circle hooks, and proven lures that trigger strikes from multiple species. Captain Jacob knows how to work the edges of the Stream where the blue water meets the green – that's where the magic happens. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot diving birds, we'll switch gears and get vertical with live bait or jigs. The 23-footer handles beautifully in the swells, so you can focus on your technique instead of hanging on for dear life. If the bite's hot in shallow water, we'll work the reefs and ledges where snapper stack up. Every trip's different based on conditions, but the captain's got decades of experience reading these waters and adjusting tactics on the fly.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Stuart's offshore scene, especially during their peak season from June through August. These crimson fighters live around structure in 60-120 feet of water and put up a scrappy fight that'll test your drag system. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is the steady action – when you find a productive spot, you can fill the cooler quick. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
Blackfin Tuna show up year-round but really turn on during the cooler months from November through March. These speed demons are pure muscle, making blistering runs that'll smoke your reel if your drag isn't set right. They typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters and school up around bait pods. The fight is what hooks most anglers – blackfins don't give up easy and they'll test every knot in your rig. Plus, they make incredible sashimi if you're into that.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Stuart's offshore fishery, and for good reason. These acrobatic billfish put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping, jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them close to shore. Most sails we catch range from 6-8 feet long, and while we practice catch and release, getting a sailfish to the boat is a bucket-list experience that never gets old.
King Mackerel patrol our waters from spring through fall, with the best action typically happening from April through October. These toothy predators are built for speed and they'll make long, powerful runs when hooked. Kings around Stuart can push 40+ pounds, and they're notorious for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes. They're also fantastic table fare when prepared right – their firm, flaky meat is perfect for smoking or grilling with blackening spices.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals sometimes call them, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter offshore. These golden beauties love floating debris and weedlines, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action. They're most abundant during the warmer months from May through September, though we catch them year-round. Mahi are aggressive feeders that hit lures hard and jump like crazy when hooked. Their sweet, mild flavor makes them a favorite in restaurants throughout South Florida.
Stuart's offshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason – we've got the Gulf Stream practically in our backyard, year-round fishing opportunities, and captains who've been working these waters for generations. Captain Jacob and the Shrimp Slingers team bring that local knowledge and passion for fishing to every trip, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add species to your list or a family wanting to create lasting memories on the water. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of space to enjoy the experience. The combination of Stuart's prime location, quality equipment, and expert guidance makes this one of the top-rated offshore experiences on Florida's Treasure Coast. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Get ready to fish Stuart's offshore waters aboard this nimble 23-foot C Hawk center console with Captain Jacob. This fishing machine packs a 175HP Evinrude that'll get you to the best sailfish and mahi spots at 39 knots, cutting through Florida's Atlantic swells with ease. The boat's built for serious angling - onboard fish finder helps locate those tuna schools, while the GPS keeps you on productive reefs for snapper and kings. VHF radio ensures safe communication with other boats and the marina. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox along with cold drinks for the crew. Perfect setup for up to 3 anglers who want to target pelagic species without dealing with a crowded head boat. Whether you're after that trophy sailfish or filling the cooler with blackfins, this versatile center console handles Stuart's offshore conditions like a champ.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing here in Stuart. These incredible fish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that massive dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They cruise the surface waters from 30-150 feet, preferring warm water between 70-80°F. Winter months are absolute magic - that's when they migrate through our area in good numbers. What gets guests fired up is watching them light up and change colors during the fight, going from blue to black with those electric stripes. They'll jump, dive, and make blistering runs that'll test your tackle and your arms. While most folks release them, it's really about the battle and that trophy photo. Here's what works: slow-troll with your baits swimming freely around 40 feet. When a sail shows up behind the bait, don't rush it - let them take their time and commit before setting the hook.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, but they pack serious punch for their size. Most fish we catch run 10-20 pounds, though they can push 40+ pounds. These guys are built for speed with their dark backs and silvery sides, showing those distinctive bronze-colored finlets. They love warm water over 68°F and typically hang in 100-300 feet of water near the continental shelf. Fall through spring is prime time here in Stuart waters. What guests love about blackfins is they fight way above their weight class - making long runs and putting serious bend in your rod. They're also fantastic eating with that rich, meaty texture. School up with skipjack too, so when you find one species, you often find both. My go-to tip: scale down your tackle and use 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. Their eyesight is sharp, so lighter gear gets more bites. Live pilchards work great for chum.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These olive-backed fish with silver sides typically run 15-30 pounds, but we see plenty of 40+ pounders that'll really get your attention. They roam anywhere from 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move through our waters following the bait. What makes them popular with guests is their explosive strike and that initial blistering run - they're built for speed and they use every bit of it. They're also excellent eating if you want to keep a few. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leader is a must. Here's my tip: rig your live bait with two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often grab baitfish by the tail, so that trailing hook will get you more hookups.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish we target offshore. These golden beauties average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds, and they're absolutely gorgeous with those bright colors that flash green, blue, and gold in the water. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, or any structure in 200-1000+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime season when water temps hit 75°F and above. What gets guests hooked is watching them change colors during the fight - it's like a light show - plus they jump and make strong runs. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, sweet white meat. School fish too, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My local trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water and keep trolling around the area. The hooked fish will call in its buddies, and you can often catch several from the same school before they scatter.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of those fish that make every trip worthwhile. These bottom dwellers typically run 1-2 feet long and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some real monsters pushing 20+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around structure in 80-200 feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom are prime spots. They're pinkish-red when young, turning deep red as they mature, with that distinctive white belly. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes guests love targeting them is the solid fight they put up - they'll try to get back to structure and break you off. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table. Here's a local tip: use a 6/0 circle hook with fresh squid or pinfish, and when you feel that thump, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling steady and let the circle hook do its work.
Stuart