Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Florida's West Coast
Picture yourself six miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, watching your outriggers dance as you troll through crystal blue water. That's exactly what you'll get with Tuna Wahoo Charters' full-day offshore adventure. Captain Rich and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're after a screaming sailfish run or hoping to boat a chunky mahi, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
What to Expect on the Water
Your group of up to six anglers will spend a full day working Florida's productive offshore waters, targeting the kind of gamefish that make for legendary fish stories. Captain Rich runs a tight ship but keeps things fun – you'll be laughing between hookups while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler. The crew provides all your tackle and gear, plus your fishing licenses are covered in the trip cost. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks, which most crews appreciate since it means more time fishing and less time heading back to port. Just remember to tip your mate in cash at the end of the day – these guys work hard to put you on fish, and a good tip shows you appreciate their effort. Live bait is available on the day of your trip for an additional fee, and trust me, it's worth every penny when you see how the big predators react to a frisky goggle-eye or pilchard.
Trolling Tactics & Bottom Drops
Captain Rich employs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. You'll start the day heading to proven offshore spots, usually 15-30 miles out where the water color changes from green to that deep blue that holds the good stuff. The boat runs a spread of trolling lures – ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, colorful skirted lures, and maybe some diving plugs if the fish are holding deep. When you hook up trolling, it's game on – sailfish will put on an aerial show while mahi will make blazing runs that'll test your drag settings. For bottom fishing, the crew drops you down to structure where grouper, snapper, and cobia hang out. The key is reading the electronics and knowing when to move – something Captain Rich has mastered over years of working these waters.
Customer Stories
"Great day fishing with Captain Rich and his professional mate Paul caught a lot of fish trolling and bottom fishing. And we did laugh all day 😂" - Tommy Banks
"Great crew. My son-in-law got his fist sail on a rough day made very enjoyable by the expert crew. A great time had by all. Thank you!" - John
Top Catches This Season
Mahi Mahi are the bread and butter of Florida's west coast offshore scene, and for good reason. These golden beauties average 10-25 pounds but can push 40+ when conditions are right. Mahi are most active during the warmer months from April through October, though you'll find them year-round in deeper water. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them, plus they put up a fantastic fight with long runs and acrobatic jumps. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere baitfish are congregating. When you find one mahi, there are usually more nearby, so keep your lines in the water.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they take your bait. These silver bullets average 20-40 pounds along Florida's west coast and are most active during the cooler months from October through March. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits with authority – you'll know when one grabs your trolling lure because it'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands. They prefer deeper water and are often caught while targeting other species, making them a welcome surprise. The meat is excellent eating, with a texture similar to king mackerel but milder in flavor.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and Florida's west coast sees good numbers especially during the winter months. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, with their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin making them unmistakable. What sets sailfish apart is their aerial display – they'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook while putting on a show you'll never forget. Most anglers practice catch and release with sails, taking a quick photo before sending them back to fight another day. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore-offshore transition zone, with fish commonly reaching 30-50 pounds and occasionally topping 70. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called due to their appearance) are most active from April through September and are known for their curious nature. Cobia will often follow the boat or investigate divers, making sight fishing for them particularly exciting. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and even following rays and sharks. When hooked, cobia make powerful runs toward the bottom, testing your tackle and technique. The meat is excellent, with white flakes that grill up beautifully.
Bull Shark encounters add an element of raw power to any offshore trip. These apex predators can reach 8+ feet and 300+ pounds, though most caught while fishing average 4-6 feet. Bull sharks are year-round residents in Florida waters and are known for their aggressive nature and powerful runs. When you hook a bull shark, be prepared for a battle – they'll use every ounce of their strength to break free, often making long runs followed by powerful head shakes. While not typically targeted specifically, they're often caught while bottom fishing or when live baiting for other species. Most anglers