Florida Offshore Fishing with Tails Up Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing adventure 1550 miles from Florida coastTarget Kingfish, Cobia, and Vermilion Snapper speciesProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests
Picture yourself 15 to 50 miles off the Florida coast, where the water turns that deep blue and the fish get serious. That's exactly what you'll get with Tails Up Fishing Charters – a proper offshore adventure that takes you way beyond the nearshore crowds into waters where the real action happens. We're talking about the kind of fishing trip where every drop could be the one, and you're surrounded by nothing but open ocean and endless possibilities. This isn't your typical half-day inshore deal – this is blue water fishing at its finest, where trophy fish cruise the depths and every angler aboard has a shot at something special.
You and up to five other anglers will head out into some of Florida's most productive offshore waters, where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish patrol. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every ledge, every drop-off, every productive piece of bottom that holds fish. You're looking at a full day on the water, so come prepared to fish hard and stay focused. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, but bring your own if you've got favorites. No meals are provided, so pack a cooler with plenty of water, snacks, and whatever keeps you going during long fights with stubborn fish. The offshore environment can be demanding, but that's part of what makes landing a fish out here so rewarding. You'll be working deeper water where fish have room to run, and when something big eats your bait, you'll know it immediately.
The beauty of offshore fishing in Florida is the variety of techniques that produce fish. Most of the day revolves around trolling – pulling lures or rigged baits behind the boat as you cover water and search for active fish. The captain will set up a spread of lines at different depths and distances, giving you the best chance of intercepting whatever's feeding in the area. When the rods start screaming, that's when things get exciting fast. Bottom fishing is equally productive, especially around structure and ledges where snapper and other reef fish congregate. You'll drop rigs loaded with cut bait or live offerings down to the bottom and wait for that telltale thump of a fish picking up your offering. The tackle is sized for the fish you're targeting – heavy enough to handle big cobia and amberjack, but sensitive enough to detect the subtle bites of snapper and sea bass. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing, helping ensure solid hookups and easier releases when needed.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the old-timers call them, are the crown jewels of Florida offshore fishing. These fish are pure electricity when they're hooked – jumping, tail-walking, and putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They typically run anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds out here, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40 or more. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're often found around floating debris or weed lines where they ambush smaller fish. What makes mahi so special isn't just their fighting ability – they're absolutely delicious on the table and one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their brilliant gold and green colors.
Sea Bass are the workhorses of offshore bottom fishing, and Florida's waters hold some real slobs. These fish might not jump like mahi, but they'll test your arm strength with deep, bulldogging runs toward the bottom. Most of what you'll catch runs 2 to 8 pounds, perfect for the dinner table and fun on lighter tackle. They're year-round residents around rocky bottom and artificial reefs, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky. Black sea bass have a distinctive appearance with their mottled coloration and that big mouth that can inhale a bait before you know what hit it.
Cobia are the fish that'll make your trip memorable – they're curious, aggressive, and built like underwater missiles. When you spot one cruising near the surface, the captain might switch to sight-fishing mode, positioning the boat for a perfect cast. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds but can push 60 or more, and they fight with incredible power and endurance. Spring migration brings the best cobia action as they move along the coast, often following rays and sharks. They're excellent eating and provide some of the most visual fishing you'll experience offshore.
Yellowtail Amberjack, or AJ as most anglers call them, are the fish that'll test your tackle and your patience. These brutes live around wrecks and hard bottom, and when you hook one, it's going straight back down where it came from. They're incredibly strong fish, often weighing 30 to 60 pounds, and they don't give up easily. The bigger ones require heavy tackle and a smooth drag system, plus the determination to pump and wind through what can be a very long fight. They're available year-round but seem to bite best during cooler months when they're more active.
Mutton Snapper are the prize of the snapper family, with their distinctive red coloration and impressive size. These fish are smart and cautious, making them a challenge to hook consistently. They prefer live bait presented naturally, and they have a habit of making long runs when hooked. Most muttons caught offshore run 5 to 15 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 20 or more. They're structure-oriented fish, often found around ledges and rocky bottom in deeper water. The meat quality is outstanding, and they're considered one of the best eating fish in Florida waters.
This is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. Tails Up Charters puts you on fish in some of the most productive waters off Florida, with a captain who knows how to find them and the gear to
This beautifully restored 2008 Jersey Cape hits the Florida offshore waters with serious fishing power. Twin 500HP Cummins engines push this 6-person vessel to 35 knots, getting you to the best fishing grounds 15-50 miles out where kingfish, cobia, and vermilion snapper are waiting. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting bait schools and working structure, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets. When you're grinding it out in the heat, the air conditioning keeps you comfortable between fights. Pack plenty of food and drinks in the icebox and refrigerator for those long days chasing trophies. GPS and radar keep you on the fish and safe in any conditions, plus there's a bed and head onboard for extended trips. This classic design meets modern performance perfectly for serious offshore fishing adventures along Florida's coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of those fish that'll surprise you - they look like sharks cruising near the surface but pack a serious punch when hooked. Most run 20-50 pounds, though we see some push 70+ pounds on occasion. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs, usually in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through Florida waters during their migration. What makes cobia special is that powerful fight and their excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They're also sight fishing targets, which adds to the excitement when you spot that brown shadow cruising below. Here's the key: when you see one, get a bucktail jig or live bait down to them quick but don't spook them - they're curious but can disappear just as fast.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with bright golden sides and electric blues that flash like a light show when they're fighting. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen bulls hit 50+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-500 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay warm. What makes them special is that wild fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll get everyone on the boat excited. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Here's a tip: when you spot one, there's usually more around, so get multiple lines out fast and keep that first fish in the water to attract its buddies.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of the prettier fish we target, with that distinctive pinkish color and blue streaks around their eyes. They typically run 3-8 pounds, though the big ones can hit 15+ pounds and really put up a scrap. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and structure in 40-150 feet of water, often hanging just outside the hard bottom in sandy areas. They bite best during warmer months and around the full moon phases. What guests love is they're strong fighters for their size and make fantastic table fare - some say they're the best-eating snapper. They can be finicky though, so presentation matters. Here's the secret: use the freshest bait you can get, keep your weight light, and let it drift naturally in the current. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure because they'll head straight back to the rocks to cut you off.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid bottom dwellers that hang around hard structure like wrecks, reefs, and jetties in 30-200 feet of water. They average about a foot long and 2-3 pounds, but the bigger ones can push 5-6 pounds and make for great table fare. These guys are aggressive feeders that'll hit cut bait, squid, or small jigs pretty readily. Fall and winter tend to be your best bet when they're feeding heavy before the cooler months. What guests love about them is they're reliable - when you find structure with sea bass, you can usually count on steady action. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: use a knocker rig with squid or clam, and when you feel that first tap, give it a second before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail amberjack are serious fighters that'll test your tackle and your endurance. Most run 15-25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 40-pounder that'll give you a workout. You'll find them around deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months when they move up from deeper water to feed. What makes them popular is that bulldogging fight - they'll pull hard and try to get back to structure to break you off. They're also excellent eating, especially popular for sushi. The key to landing one is using heavy enough tackle and not rushing the fight. Here's a tip: when you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run a bit, then work them back slowly, and always be ready when they make that final dive for the bottom.
Ponce Inlet, FL