12-Hour Private Gulf Stream Wahoo & Tuna Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna in Gulf StreamPrivate trip accommodates up to 4 guests aboard 40foot Wellcraft sportfisherMultiple fishing techniques including trolling, jigging, and heavy tackle methods
When you're ready to fish where the big boys swim, this 12-hour private offshore charter puts you right in the action. We're talking about a serious fishing trip here – not your typical half-day run to the nearshore wrecks. This world-class charter takes you on a 3-hour cruise straight to the Gulf Stream, where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the fish get a whole lot bigger. Limited to just 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room and all the fishing time you can handle aboard our top-rated 40' Wellcraft sportfisher.
We leave early – and I mean early – to make the most of your 12 hours on the water. The run out to the Gulf Stream takes about 3 hours, but that's where the magic happens. Once we hit that temperature break and see the water change color, you know you're in fish country. This isn't a trip for beginners looking to catch their first fish – we're targeting pelagic species that'll test your arms and your tackle. The boat's equipped with everything you need: bathroom facilities, optional AC when you need a break from the sun, and even a microwave and cooktop if you want to bring your own grub. We keep the group small at 4 guests max because when the fish are biting, you don't want to wait in line for a rod.
We're running a mix of techniques out there, and it all depends on what the fish are telling us. Trolling is our bread and butter – we'll have multiple lines in the water pulling diving plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and high-speed lures to cover water and locate active fish. When we find a school of Blackfins or mark bait on the bottom machine, we switch to vertical jigging with heavy tackle. The Gulf Stream current can be strong, so we're talking serious weights and stout rods. Don't worry about bringing gear – we've got you covered with commercial-grade tackle that can handle whatever we hook into. The key is staying flexible. Sometimes the fish want a slow troll, other times they're fired up on fast-moving lures. That's why having an experienced captain who knows these waters makes all the difference.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, and they're what dreams are made of for serious anglers. These fish can hit 60 mph and strip line off your reel faster than you can blink. In the Gulf Stream, we typically see Wahoo in the 20-40 pound range, though bigger ones show up regularly. They're most active during the cooler months from March through May and again in the fall. What makes them so special? That initial run will make your arms burn, and their razor-sharp teeth can cut through wire leaders if you're not careful. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Blackfin Tuna might be smaller than their Yellowfin cousins, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. These customer favorites typically run 15-25 pounds in our waters and they travel in schools, so when you find one, you often find many. They're active year-round but really turn on during the summer months. What gets anglers excited about Blackfins? They fight dirty – diving deep, making long runs, and they don't give up easy. Plus, they make incredible sashimi if you're into that.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of our offshore fishery, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, great fighters, and can grow huge – we see Kings up to 50 pounds regularly. They're most active during the warmer months and love to hit fast-trolled baits. What makes Kings special is their unpredictability. One minute you're fighting a 15-pounder, the next you've got a 40-pound smoker peeling line. They're also one of the best fish for beginners to cut their teeth on offshore fishing.
Red Snapper are the prize of the bottom fishing world, and when the season's open, they're what every angler wants to bring home. These fish live around structure in 80-200 feet of water and can grow to impressive sizes – 20-30 pound fish aren't uncommon. They're renowned for their bulldogging fight and their incredible table fare. The challenge with Red Snapper is getting your bait down through the smaller fish to where the big ones live. It's a game of patience and technique.
Southern Flounder might surprise you as an offshore target, but the big ones live in deeper water and they're absolute slabs. We're talking fish that can go 8-10 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're ambush predators that lay on the bottom waiting for bait to swim by. What makes big flounder exciting is that they're not easy to find, and when you hook one, it feels like you've snagged the bottom until it starts moving. They're also some of the finest eating fish in the ocean.
This trending 12-hour Gulf Stream charter runs from March through November at $2,500 for up to 4 anglers – that breaks down to just over $200 per person for a full day of world-class offshore fishing. You won't need a fishing license, and we offer free cancellation up to 3 days before your trip in case Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. This is the kind of fishing trip that separates the serious anglers from the weekend warriors. If you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's finest gamefish and you want the boat to yourself and your crew, this is your chance. The Gulf Stream doesn't wait for anyone, and neither do the fish. Book your dates now and get ready for the kind of fishing day you'll be talking about for
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the Gulf Stream, typically running 20-30 inches and putting up scrappy fights on medium tackle. These smaller cousins of yellowfin love warm water above 68 degrees and school up near the surface, making them perfect for our offshore runs. Peak season runs from fall through spring when they're thick around structure and temperature breaks. What makes them special is their fighting spirit - they punch way above their weight class. Plus, the meat is top-shelf sashimi quality with that rich, red tuna flavor. They're also great for beginners to cut their teeth on tuna fishing. Here's a local trick: scale down to 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy tackle.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll rip drag and test your reflexes when they hit. These silver bullets typically range 20-40 inches, but the big females can push 50+ pounds and really put you to work. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish schools. Peak action runs from spring through fall when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What keeps guests coming back is the explosive strikes and blistering runs - they're one of our fastest fish. The meat is rich and flavorful too. King's have razor teeth, so always run wire leaders. Here's the trick: use a two-hook rig with the back treble hook free-swinging behind live bait - kings hit tail-first and you'll miss them on single hooks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are true fighters that'll test your skills on heavy tackle. These bottom dwellers typically run 15-25 inches and pack serious muscle, especially the bigger ones pushing 30+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure in 60-200 feet of water - think wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom. They love that 65-75 degree water we get from late spring through fall. What makes them special is the combination of a hard fight and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. They'll run straight for cover when hooked, so keep steady pressure. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and don't hesitate to reel fast once you feel that thump - they'll wrap you up in structure if you give them slack.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in 10-40 feet of water. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches but can stretch to 30+ inches and weigh up to 20 pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they move through inlets and shallow coastal waters. What guests love is the unique challenge - you're sight fishing for a fish that's practically invisible until it moves. They're ambush predators with both eyes on one side, making them fascinating to watch and catch. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious. Here's the key: drift with the current using light tackle and live mud minnows or shrimp on a 1/4 oz jig head. Keep your bait moving just off the bottom - they won't chase much.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the Gulf Stream, hitting lures at 50+ mph and making drag-screaming runs that'll get your heart pumping. These streamlined predators typically run 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, with their distinctive blue stripes and beak-like snout. You'll find them in open blue water and around floating debris, usually in the top 100 feet. Best fishing runs from spring through fall when they're following baitfish migrations. What makes them special is that combination of raw speed and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is the way to go since their teeth will slice through anything else. Pro tip: keep your lures running clean and fast - wahoo want their prey moving.
Hilton Head Island, SC