Half Day Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour offshore charter targeting kingfish, mahimahi, and sailfishLive bait fishing followed by trolling techniquesAccommodates up to six guests with extra water time
Looking for a solid half-day charter that actually gives you time to fish? Top Gun Charters delivers with this 5-hour offshore trip that starts smart and finishes strong. We kick things off by catching fresh live bait, then head out to the blue water where the real action happens. You'll be trolling for some of the most sought-after species in these waters - kingfish, mahi-mahi, and sailfish - depending on what's running hot that day. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough room to fish comfortably and keeping the group tight enough that everyone gets plenty of shots at the fish.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth it. We'll meet at the dock and get you set up with everything you need before heading out to our first stop - the bait grounds. This isn't just busy work; fresh, lively bait is what separates a good day from a great day out here. We'll spend time getting quality pilchards, sardines, or whatever's schooling up thick. Once the bait wells are loaded, we make our move to the offshore grounds where the pelagics cruise. The boat's rigged with top-shelf tackle, but if you've got your own gear and want to bring it, that's cool too. The extra hour compared to most charters means we're not rushing back when the bite gets good. Five hours gives us real time to work different areas, adjust our spread, and put you on fish.
We run a proven trolling spread that's dialed in for these waters. Typically we'll have four to six lines out - a mix of live bait on the flat lines, some ballyhoo rigs on the riggers, and maybe a few lures in the mix depending on conditions. The boat's equipped with quality reels spooled with fresh line, and we keep the drags set just right so you can focus on fighting the fish instead of worrying about equipment failure. When we hook up, the routine is simple: whoever's turn it is grabs the rod and everyone else clears the cockpit to give you room to work. We're not one of those operations where the captain does all the work - you'll be the one bringing that fish to the boat. The live bait fishing can be particularly productive, especially when we locate birds working or see fish showing on the surface.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of this fishery, and when they're here, they put on a show like nothing else. These fish typically run 6-8 feet long and hit baits with serious attitude. Peak season usually runs from December through April, though we see them scattered throughout the year. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size - it's the way they fight. They'll jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that'll test your tackle and your stamina. Most anglers catch and release these beauties, and watching one swim away healthy after a good fight is something you won't forget.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and for good reason. These fish are pure muscle, typically running anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. Kings are year-round residents but really turn on during the warmer months. They hit hard, make screaming runs, and don't give up easy. Live bait is often the ticket, but they'll also crush a well-presented dead bait or lure. What anglers love about kings is their consistency - when we find them, we can usually put multiple fish in the boat.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the acrobatics that make offshore fishing so addictive. These fish are absolutely gorgeous - bright gold, green, and blue - and they fight as pretty as they look. Mahi typically show up in warmer water, often around floating debris, sargassum lines, or temperature breaks. They can range from small schoolies to bull dolphins pushing 30-40 pounds. What's great about mahi is they're willing biters, they fight hard, and they're fantastic on the table. When we find a good school, it's not uncommon to boat several fish before they wise up and move on.
This 5-hour half-day trip with Top Gun Charters gives you everything you need for a world-class offshore fishing experience without eating up your entire day. The extra hour on the water makes a real difference when the fish are biting, and our approach of starting with live bait puts you in the best position to succeed. Whether you're looking to check sailfish off your bucket list, load up on kings for the dinner table, or just spend a morning doing what you love, this charter delivers. The 6-person capacity means you can bring the crew without feeling crowded, and our local knowledge of these waters gives you the edge you need to make it happen. Don't wait around - the best days book up fast, especially during peak season.
This fully-equipped motorboat is your floating fishing headquarters for chasing pelagic species offshore. The 6-angler capacity gives everyone plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. You'll start by rigging live bait, then cruise out to productive trolling grounds where the fish finder helps locate those temperature breaks and structure that hold kingfish, mahi, and sailfish. The flybridge puts you up high for better visibility when spotting birds or bait balls, while the GPS keeps you on the numbers. When the bite gets hot, the ice box and refrigerator keep your catch fresh. Between hookups, relax with the AC running and maybe catch some highlights on the onboard TV. The full galley lets you fuel up during the five-hour adventure, and there's a head and even a berth if someone needs to rest up after battling a big fish. This boat has everything you need for a serious day targeting gamefish in blue water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. You'll find them in 30-150 feet of water, cruising the surface in warm tropical temps between 70-83°F. They're incredibly fast - some say the fastest fish in the ocean - and when hooked, they'll put on an aerial display that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Peak season varies, but warmer months are typically best. Here's a local trick: when we're teasing one up, let it take the bait and run before setting the hook. They'll try to shake it immediately, so patience pays off. The fight alone makes these worth targeting - pure adrenaline.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure fun on light tackle - colorful, acrobatic, and delicious. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or any structure in warm water. They're surface dwellers, so we typically find them in the top 30 feet. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps stay warm. What guests love most is watching their colors change from brilliant gold and green to silver as we bring them boatside. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's my go-to trick: make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish - mahi can't resist that action and will often come up in schools.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your tackle and technique. These silver bullets average around 30 pounds but can push 90+, with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through weak leaders in seconds. We find them in 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. They're year-round residents in warmer waters, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they're almost as fast as wahoo. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks when live baiting. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that trailing treble hook back near the tail will save you missed strikes.
Key Biscayne, FL