6-Hour Private Midshore Fishing Charter
Looking to get away from the crowds and hook into some serious fish? This 6-hour private charter takes you 20-30 miles offshore where the real action happens. You'll be fishing reefs and wrecks that hold some of the best gamefish in these waters - King Mackerel, Cobia, Tarpon, Black Seabass, and plenty of sharks looking for a fight. With departure times at 7 AM or 2 PM, you can choose whether you want to catch the early morning bite or enjoy a more relaxed afternoon on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Your captain will pick the best spots based on current conditions, tides, and what's been biting lately. Some days that means working the artificial reefs where Cobia cruise looking for an easy meal, other times it's hitting the deeper wrecks where King Mackerel patrol the edges. The 40-foot Wellcraft sportfishing boat gives you plenty of room to spread out and fight fish without getting in each other's way. There's a full bathroom onboard and air conditioning in the cabin when you need a break from the sun. If the fishing slows down or the kids get restless, there are video games in the galley to keep everyone happy. This is your boat for the day - no sharing with strangers or dealing with crowded conditions.
Techniques & Tackle
Your captain will rotate between three main fishing methods depending on what's working best that day. Trolling covers the most water and is perfect for finding schools of King Mackerel or getting a Cobia to follow the boat. When you mark fish on the bottom machine, you'll switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle to pull up Black Seabass, Grouper, and whatever else is hanging around those structures. Drift fishing lets you present baits naturally in the current - this is money for Tarpon and sharks that want something that looks like it belongs there. All gear, tackle, and bait are included, and your captain will handle rigging everything up. You don't need a fishing license for this trip, so just show up ready to fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tarpon are the silver kings of these waters, and when one explodes on your bait, you'll know why anglers travel from around the world to catch them. These fish can push 100+ pounds and will jump repeatedly trying to throw your hook. They're most active during the warmer months from May through September, often showing up in schools around the reefs. The fight can last 30 minutes or more, and even experienced anglers get their hearts racing when a big Tarpon goes airborne next to the boat.
King Mackerel are speed demons that hit trolled baits like freight trains. They'll average 15-25 pounds out here, but fish over 40 pounds show up regularly during peak season from April through October. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and will slice through light leader in a heartbeat, so your captain uses wire to give you a fighting chance. The initial run is pure power, and they'll often jump and tailwalk across the surface. Kings are also excellent table fare when prepared right.
Redfish might seem like an odd target this far offshore, but the big bulls cruise these deeper waters and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-35 pounds and fight with steady, powerful runs that test your drag system. They're around year-round but are most active during the spring and fall migrations. Redfish have that classic drum thump when they shake their heads, and their broad tails give them serious pulling power in open water.
Bonnethead Sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing for kids or anyone who hasn't tangled with a shark before. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet long and are incredibly active fighters. They're around from March through November and will hit both live and cut baits. Bonnetheads have that distinctive shovel-shaped head and are actually quite beautiful when you get them to the boat. They're also one of the few sharks that eat seagrass along with their regular diet of crabs and small fish.
Cobia are the ultimate sight fishing target when conditions are right. These brown sharks look-alikes cruise just under the surface around buoys, wrecks, and other structure. They can grow over 50 pounds and are notorious for following hooked fish to the boat, giving you multiple chances to hook one. Cobia season peaks from April through June, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from live bait to large jigs. When you hook a big Cobia, they'll make long, powerful runs and often sound toward the bottom trying to wrap you around structure.
Time to Book Your Spot
For $1,250, you get the entire boat for up to 6 people, making this an outstanding value for families or groups of friends. The season runs March 1st through November 1st, covering all the prime fishing months when these species are most active. You can cancel free of charge up to 3 days before your trip, so weather concerns or last-minute changes won't leave you stuck. Morning trips catch the dawn bite when many species are most active, while afternoon charters let you sleep in and still get 6 solid hours on the water. Either way, you're looking at a full day of fishing the kind of water that produces trophy fish and lifelong memories.