Private 10-Hour Offshore Fishing - Sebastian, FL
Captain Rick and the crew at Stick Marsh Charters know where the fish are biting off Sebastian's coast. This isn't your average half-day trip – we're talking about a serious 10-hour commitment that puts you up to 20 miles offshore where the big boys live. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most prized gamefish in waters that consistently produce trophy catches. With room for up to six anglers, this charter is perfect for groups looking to make memories and fill the cooler. All your gear is covered, so just bring your appetite for adventure and pack a good lunch – you're going to need the fuel for what's ahead.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard with Captain Rick, you're getting more than just a boat ride. This is a full-service fishing operation where every detail is handled so you can focus on what matters – catching fish. The crew preps all the tackle, handles the baiting, and knows exactly where to find the productive waters based on current conditions. You'll cruise out to the offshore grounds where structure holds fish year-round, and the captain adjusts tactics throughout the day to keep lines tight. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels matched to the species you're targeting, plus a Bluetooth speaker so you can set the mood for the trip. With 10 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work different spots and adapt to what the fish are telling you.
Trolling and Bottom Tactics
Sebastian's offshore fishing requires a mix of techniques, and Captain Rick runs the full playbook. For pelagic species like mahi and cobia, you'll be pulling spreads of ballyhoo and artificial lures at varying speeds to cover water and trigger strikes. When it comes to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, you'll be working with heavy tackle and live or cut bait around structure where these fish hold. The crew handles all the rigging – from circle hooks for the snappers to the heavier jigs needed for amberjack in deeper water. GPS marks guide you to proven spots, but reading the electronics and adjusting to current conditions separates good days from great ones. Live bait often makes the difference, and when the bite is on, you'll be working multiple rods to capitalize on feeding windows.
Customer Stories
"Captain Rick and his deckhand Brianna were fantastic—knowledgeable, helpful, and truly made the trip enjoyable! They even had a Bluetooth speaker so we could play our own music on the way out, which was a great touch. Everything was prepped and ready, so we could focus on fishing while they handled all the hard work. If you're serious about catching fish, this is the charter to book. Highly recommend!" - Brianna
"Had a great day on the water with Capt. Rick! Wasn't the best of conditions but he put us on the fish! Got 4 beautiful bass...personal bests!....and a bunch of other catfish,, gars,, etc.. Was very courteous and entertaining. Learned alot about the Stick Marsh history. Such a fun day...beautiful place....wish I could go back tomorrow. Thank you Rick...see you next time!" - Lynn Gliem
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of Sebastian's offshore scene, and these electric fighters put on shows that'll have your arms burning. Also called dolphinfish, these beauties average 10-20 pounds but can push 30-plus when conditions align. They're most active from late spring through early fall, often found around floating debris or weedlines where they ambush baitfish. What makes mahi special is their aerial acrobatics – they'll leap, tail-walk, and change colors as they fight. The meat is world-class table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who love to eat their catch.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world, known for their incredible pulling power and stubborn fighting style. These brown sharks (as locals call them) cruise the surface near structures and can exceed 40 pounds off Sebastian's coast. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, when schools of these fish move through local waters. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers sight-fishing opportunities. Their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the ocean, and their size makes them perfect for sharing with the whole crew.
Red snapper represent the holy grail of bottom fishing, and Sebastian's offshore reefs hold quality fish year-round. These crimson beauties average 3-8 pounds but can stretch into the teens around deeper structure. They're notorious for their quick strikes and head-shaking fights that test your drag settings. What makes reds special is their wariness – they require finesse presentations and quality bait to consistently fool. When you find a good school, the action can be non-stop, with fish coming up from 60-100 feet of water.
Mutton snapper bring a different challenge to the mix, with their larger size and more aggressive nature compared to their red cousins. These fish average 5-12 pounds and have the strength to test medium-heavy tackle. They're most active during warmer months and often feed higher in the water column than other snappers. Muttons have distinctive yellow fins and a reputation for making long runs when hooked. Their excellent eating quality and fighting ability make them a top target for experienced anglers.
Gag grouper are the heavyweight champions of Sebastian's reef system, capable of reaching 20-30 pounds around the right structure. These fish are ambush predators that use their massive mouths to inhale prey, requiring strong tackle and quick reflexes to pull them away from cover. Fall and winter typically offer the best gag fishing, when cooler water brings them into shallower areas. Their firm, white meat makes them incredibly popular with restaurants and home cooks alike. Landing a quality gag requires patience and skill – they're notorious for breaking off in