12-Hour Gulfstream Expedition from Ponce Inlet
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour offshore expedition targeting 40-70 miles from shorePremium species include Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, and MarlinSmall group charter accommodates maximum six anglers
Looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure? This 12-hour deep water charter with Tails Up Charters takes you 40 to 70 miles out into the Gulf Stream, where the big fish live. We're talking about a full day on the water targeting some of Florida's most prized gamefish – from acrobatic mahi-mahi to lightning-fast wahoo and maybe even a blue marlin if you're lucky. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip is perfect for dedicated fishing crews who want to get away from the crowds and into waters where anything can happen.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip. When you book a 12-hour Gulfstream expedition, you're committing to a serious day of fishing that starts before sunrise and ends well after most boats have called it quits. The run out to the fishing grounds takes about 2 hours, which gives you time to rig up, get your sea legs, and watch the coastline disappear behind you. Once we hit the blue water and find the right temperature breaks, current edges, and weed lines, it's game on. The Gulf Stream off Ponce Inlet is legendary for holding big pelagic species, and with 8+ hours of actual fishing time, you'll have plenty of opportunities to put something memorable in the boat. Fair warning though – bring your own food and drinks because meals aren't included, and you'll definitely work up an appetite out there.
Out in the Gulf Stream, trolling is king. We'll be pulling a spread of baits and lures behind the boat at different depths and distances to cover as much water as possible. Expect to see ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, cedar plugs, diving plugs, and maybe some big skirted lures for the toothy critters. The captain will adjust speeds based on what we're targeting – slower for sailfish and marlin, faster when the wahoo are biting. Don't worry if you've never fished these waters before; the crew will handle the technical stuff like setting the outriggers, adjusting the drag, and clearing lines when something hits. Your job is to hang on tight when that reel starts screaming. Circle hooks are the standard out here for most species, so remember to just wind tight instead of setting the hook hard like you would with a bass.
The Gulf Stream off Ponce Inlet consistently produces some of the best offshore fishing on the East Coast. Northern kingfish, or king mackerel as most folks call them, are absolute speed demons that'll test your drag and your stamina. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ during peak season from fall through early spring. What makes them so exciting is their initial run – they'll peel line off your reel like it's on fire. Blackfin tuna are another favorite, especially for anglers who appreciate a fish that fights way above its weight class. Most blackfins here run 10-25 pounds, but they're pure muscle and will give you a workout on medium tackle. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean if you ask me. Blue marlin are the holy grail – these apex predators can show up any time from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from 100-pound juveniles to true giants over 400 pounds. Even releasing a small marlin is a life-changing experience for most anglers. Mahi-mahi, or dolphin fish, are probably the most fun fish in the ocean pound for pound. They're absolutely gorgeous with those electric colors, they jump like crazy when hooked, and they often travel in schools so where there's one, there's usually more. Most mahi out here run 10-30 pounds, with bulls occasionally pushing 40. Wahoo are the speed kings of the deep – these torpedo-shaped predators can hit 60 mph and will smoke your drag faster than almost any fish in the ocean. They've got razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match, plus they're fantastic on the dinner table.
A 12-hour Gulf Stream expedition isn't something you do every weekend, but it's exactly the kind of trip that creates fishing stories you'll tell for years. With Tails Up Charters, you're getting access to some of the most productive offshore waters on the East Coast, along with the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and an epic day. Whether you're chasing your first marlin, looking to load up on mahi for the freezer, or just want to experience what big-game fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The boat handles 6 anglers comfortably, so grab your crew and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Just remember to bring plenty of food, drinks, and sunscreen – 12 hours in the Florida sun is no joke, but it's absolutely worth it when the fish are biting.
This beautifully restored 2008 Jersey Cape got a complete makeover in 2022, blending classic fishing boat charm with modern offshore performance. Twin 500HP Cummins engines push her to 35 knots, getting you to the deep water fishing grounds fast and keeping you ahead of weather when needed. She's built for serious Gulf Stream fishing with all the gear that matters - fish finder to mark the schools, radar for those early morning runs, and GPS to hit your favorite spots. The flybridge gives you that elevated view perfect for spotting birds working bait or following weed lines where mahi hang out. Comfort features make those long 12-hour days chasing pelagics more enjoyable. Air conditioning keeps you cool between fights, there's a proper head onboard, and even a bed for anyone who needs to rest up. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold all day. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're trolling for wahoo and kingfish or working the current breaks for blackfin tuna and marlin, this Jersey Cape has the range and stability to fish 40-70 miles offshore where the big ones live.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're absolute rockets that put up serious fights. Most run 15-25 pounds, but their speed and stamina make them feel much bigger on the line. We find them in warm Gulf Stream waters, usually schooling near the continental shelf where water temps stay above 68°F. Peak season here is fall through spring, when they move closer to shore following baitfish. These fish are known for their fierce battles and acrobatic jumps once hooked. The meat is top-shelf - lean, firm, and perfect for sashimi or grilling. They've got incredible eyesight, so we scale down to 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. My go-to technique is vertical jigging with live pilchards as chum - gets them fired up and competitive.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - true ocean giants that can reach 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds, though females grow much larger than males. We hunt them in deep blue water 40-70 miles offshore where they cruise the Gulf Stream hunting tuna and dolphin. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps are warmest. What makes these fish legendary is their raw power and aerial displays - they'll jump, tail-walk, and fight for hours. The meat has high mercury levels, so most anglers release them for the thrill alone. These are "granders" when they hit 1,000+ pounds. My advice: bring heavy tackle rated for 50-80 pound class and be ready for a battle that could last all day. We troll large ballyhoo or lures at 8-12 knots along current edges and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their golden sides and electric blues and greens that flash like a light show when they're brought to the boat. They average 15-29 pounds but grow fast and fight hard with long runs and jumps. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm offshore waters. Best fishing is typically spring through fall when they're most active. What guests love is the combination of spectacular colors, great fight, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They school up, so where you find one, you'll often find more. Key tip: once you hook one, keep it in the water and work the school - the commotion will keep other fish around for multiple hookups.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern Kingfish are small but scrappy members of the drum family, usually running 10-14 inches and weighing up to a pound and a half. You'll find them cruising sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow coastal waters, using that little barbel under their chin to hunt for crabs, shrimp, and worms. They're most abundant near shore during late summer, making them perfect targets when we're working closer to the beach. What makes them fun is they fight way above their weight class - these fish will bend your rod and give you a real workout despite their size. The meat is sweet and white, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: scale down to light tackle with small hooks and use fresh clams or bloodworms for bait. They're picky eaters with sharp eyes, so keep your presentation clean.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - one of the fastest fish in the ocean hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They typically run 3-5 feet long and can weigh up to 180 pounds, with that distinctive blue-striped torpedo body. We find them in open Gulf Stream waters, often around floating debris or current edges where they ambush baitfish. Peak season here is July through November when they're most abundant. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike and scorching initial run that'll test your drag system. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - some of the best eating offshore. These fish will slice through regular leaders like butter, so we always use wire or heavy fluorocarbon. Pro tip: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with bullet-head lures gets their attention - they can't resist chasing down fast-moving baits.
Ponce Inlet, FL