5.0(4 Reviews)Private Half Day Offshore Fishing - Sebastian, FL
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing targeting Mahi, Grouper, and KingfishAll fishing gear and tackle provided for groups up to sixProfessional charter service explores Sebastian's rich fishing grounds
Sebastian's waters are packed with fish year-round, and this half-day offshore charter with Stick Marsh Charters puts you right where the action is. Captain Rick and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, taking you to both nearshore structure and deeper offshore grounds where the big boys hang out. You'll have shots at everything from aggressive Barracuda to table-fare favorites like Red Snapper and Grouper. With all gear provided and room for up to six anglers, this trip delivers solid fishing without breaking the bank at $750 for the whole boat. Whether you're bringing the family or a crew of serious fishermen, Sebastian's diverse fishery rarely disappoints.
Your half-day starts with Captain Rick sizing up conditions and picking the best spots based on current fish activity, weather, and what's been biting lately. Sebastian sits perfectly between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic, giving you access to multiple fishing environments in one trip. You might start working nearshore structure for Cobia and Kingfish before pushing out to deeper water for Mahi and Grouper. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, and a full tackle selection, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks. Rick's approach focuses on putting you on fish while teaching techniques that'll make you a better angler. The crew handles the details like rigging baits, netting fish, and keeping the lines untangled so you can focus on the fun part.
This charter runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's working best. For offshore species like Mahi and Kingfish, you'll likely troll ballyhoo, small lures, or live bait behind the boat at different depths and speeds. When Mahi are around, they often travel in schools, so once you hook one, everyone better be ready because the whole school might light up. For bottom dwellers like Grouper and Snapper, you'll drop baits down to structure using circle hooks and heavier weights to get through the current. The crew uses fish finders and GPS to locate productive bottom, wrecks, and ledges where these fish stack up. Live bait works great here, but cut bait and artificial jigs produce too. Captain Rick adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on what the fish want that day, and he's always willing to explain what you're doing and why.
"We had a fantastic day on the water, even with the windy conditions! The captain and his mate made sure we were comfortable and gave us an amazing tour. Their knowledge, professionalism, and friendly attitude made the experience even better. Highly recommend—great people and a great trip!" - Carolina. "Captain Rick and First Mate Greg were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, making for an excellent trip. Their expertise and professionalism really stood out, ensuring a great time on the water. I highly recommend booking a fishing trip with them!" - James. "From the moment Rick dropped the anchor until we left, we caught fish after fish! Rick was a great teacher and had the patience to help you be successful. Thanks for a great day fishing!" - Raphael.
Barracuda are some of the most aggressive predators you'll encounter off Sebastian, and they put on a show when hooked. These torpedo-shaped fish hit fast and jump repeatedly, making them a blast on lighter tackle. They're around year-round but peak in warmer months. Cuda aren't picky eaters - they'll smash trolled baits, live fish, or shiny lures. Most run 10-30 pounds, with occasional giants over 40. Their razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes keep things exciting, and they're surprisingly good eating when prepared right.
Mahi Mahi, or Dolphinfish, are absolute favorites among offshore anglers for good reason. These colorful fighters are acrobatic, excellent table fare, and often travel in schools that can provide non-stop action. Sebastian's waters see Mahi from late spring through fall, with peak numbers in summer. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure where baitfish congregate. When you hook a Mahi, keep it in the water near the boat because its distress calls often bring the whole school within casting range. Most weigh 5-25 pounds, with bull Mahi occasionally pushing 40-plus.
Cobia are one of the most prized catches in these waters, known for their size, fight, and incredible eating quality. These brown sharks-looking fish cruise near the surface around structure, buoys, and rays. Spring and fall offer the best Cobia fishing, when they're migrating along the coast. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities with live bait or jigs. Cobia commonly weigh 20-50 pounds, with trophy fish exceeding 60. Their powerful runs and stubborn fights make them a real challenge on appropriate tackle.
Red Snapper are the gold standard for bottom fishing, combining excellent eating with a respectable fight. These crimson-colored fish live around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They're structure-oriented and respond well to fresh cut bait, live bait, or jigs bounced near the bottom. Red Snapper are regulated with specific seasons and size limits, but when they're open, they provide some of the best action going. Most keeper fish run 5-15 pounds, though Sebastian's deeper waters hold some real giants.
Gag Grouper are bottom dwellers that test your tackle and technique with their powerful runs back to structure. These mottled gray fish are ambush predators that live around rocks, wrecks, and ledges. They're excellent table fare and put up a determined fight, immediately heading for cover when hooked. Gags are most active in cooler months
Step aboard this spacious 37' Luhrs and get ready to chase some serious fish in Sebastian's productive offshore waters. Powered by a reliable 370 HP engine, this boat cuts through the waves with ease, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly so you can maximize your time with lines in the water. The flybridge gives you an elevated view to spot fish and diving birds, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots for Mahi Mahi, Grouper, Kingfish, and whatever else is biting. With room for six anglers, there's plenty of space to fight fish without getting tangled up. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, and the porta potti means no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting bottom fish near the reefs or trolling for pelagics in deeper water, this well-equipped fishing machine has everything you need for a productive day on Florida's Atlantic coast.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are torpedo-shaped predators that can reach up to 6 feet, though most we catch run 2-3 feet. These aggressive fish cruise nearshore waters, often around structure like reefs and wrecks. They hunt by sight and are lightning fast - hitting at 35 mph when they strike. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their explosive fight and razor-sharp teeth. They'll take live bait like ballyhoo or artificial lures, especially anything shiny. The meat is excellent when prepared right, with firm white flesh. My tip: use a wire leader and keep your lure moving fast on the surface - they can't resist that skipping motion that mimics a fleeing baitfish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks that aren't actually sharks - just built like submarines and fight twice as hard. These solitary hunters average around 30-40 pounds but can push 100+. They cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, then again in fall. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight and excellent eating - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish that will often come up to check out the boat. We sight-fish for them with bucktail jigs or live bait like pinfish. Pro tip: when you see one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your jig slowly along the bottom - they can't resist.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, gray fish that average 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They love rocky structure, wrecks, and ledges in 30-120 feet of water where they can ambush prey. Fall and winter months are typically best when they're more active. What makes them a favorite is their powerful fight straight down to the bottom and excellent table fare. They start as females and change to males as they grow - pretty unique. Live pinfish or mullet work great, but they'll hit cut bait too. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock that drag and muscle them up immediately. Give them a chance to reach the rocks and you'll lose them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their golden sides and electric blue-green backs. They average 15-29 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds. These fast-growing fish live in open water around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action when they move through our area. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run like crazy when hooked. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with sweet, firm white meat. Look for birds diving on bait or floating objects. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or colorful lures at 6-8 knots, making them skip on the surface to imitate flying fish - their favorite meal.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that grow 2-3 feet and fight like they're twice that size. These bottom dwellers live around hard structure in 60-200 feet of water, especially wrecks, rocks, and ledges. Summer months during their season offer the best shots at quality fish. What anglers love is the strong, steady pull they give and that sweet, nutty meat that's perfect for dinner. They're smart fish that require finesse - fresh bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish work best. My advice: when you hook one, don't give them an inch or they'll run straight back to the rocks and cut you off. Keep steady pressure and get them up quick.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a fantastic day on the water, even with the windy conditions! The captain and his mate made sure we were comfortable and ga...
Captain Rick and First Mate Greg were incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, making for an excellent trip. Their expertise and ...
From the moment Rick dropped the anchor until we left, we caught fish after fish! Rick was a great teacher and had the patience to...
Don’t miss on fishing with Captain Rick…good time and he knows his stuff
Fellsmere, FL, United States