Deep Sea Fishing Charters with Tuna Wahoo
Nothing beats the rush of hooking into a big game fish miles offshore in Florida's productive Gulf waters. Captain Rich and his crew at Tuna Wahoo Charters know exactly where to find the action, whether you're targeting sailfish in the blue water or working the bottom for cobia. This full-day charter accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or groups of friends ready to experience world-class offshore fishing along Florida's west coast.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure, heading out to the fishing grounds as the sun paints the Gulf horizon. Captain Rich runs a top-rated operation where the focus stays on putting fish in the boat while keeping everyone comfortable and entertained. The boat comes equipped with all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, plus your fishing licenses are covered. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks โ most anglers pack a cooler with sandwiches and plenty of water since you'll be out there working hard for 8-10 hours. The mate works alongside you all day, rigging baits, clearing lines, and getting your fish to the boat, so plan to tip him in cash at the end of the trip. Live bait costs extra but it's worth every penny when you see how the fish respond to a lively goggle-eye or blue runner.
Techniques & Tactics
Captain Rich runs a mixed bag approach that keeps the action hot all day long. You'll start by trolling the blue water with spread of ballyhoo, skirted baits, and diving plugs to target pelagic species like mahi, wahoo, and sailfish. The crew knows how to read the water, looking for color changes, weed lines, and bird activity that signals feeding fish. When the trolling bite slows down, they'll anchor up on productive bottom structure to target cobia, sharks, and other reef species with live bait and heavy tackle. The mate stays busy switching out rigs, adjusting drag settings, and coaching first-time offshore anglers through the fights. Don't worry if you're new to this โ they'll have you hooked up and battling fish like a pro within the first hour.
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 ๐" - 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
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the bread and butter of Florida's offshore scene, and for good reason. These brilliant gold and green fighters love structure and floating debris, often traveling in schools that can keep your group busy for hours. Peak season runs from April through August when water temperatures climb into the 80s. Mahi hit hard, jump repeatedly, and make excellent table fare โ many anglers consider them the perfect offshore fish. You'll find them ranging from 10 to 40 pounds, with the bigger bulls putting up fights that'll test your arms and your tackle.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons of the deep, capable of blistering runs that'll scream line off your reel faster than you thought possible. These toothy predators patrol the edge of the continental shelf year-round, but fall and winter months produce the biggest fish. A typical wahoo runs 20 to 50 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and torpedo shape perfectly designed for ambushing baitfish. Captain Rich targets them with high-speed trolling using wire leaders โ when one hits, you'll know it instantly from the violent strike and the singing reel.
Cobia are the ultimate sight-fishing challenge, often found cruising near the surface around structure, rays, and sharks. These brown sharks look docile but fight like freight trains once hooked, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to test every knot in your tackle. Spring migration from March through May brings schools of big cobia through Florida's west coast waters, with individual fish ranging from 20 to 60 pounds. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, giving you a clear shot with live bait or heavy jigs.
Bull Shark encounters add serious excitement to any offshore trip, especially when you're targeting them with fresh-cut bait on heavy tackle. These apex predators patrol Florida's waters year-round, with summer months producing the most consistent action. Bulls average 100 to 300 pounds and fight with raw power that'll leave your arms burning. They're not picky eaters โ bonito strips, mackerel heads, and live bait all work well. Just remember to bring your camera for the release shot, as these magnificent fish deserve our respect and conservation.
Atlantic Sailfish represent the holy grail of offshore fishing, with their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs creating memories that last a lifetime. Florida's west coast sees sailfish activity throughout the year, but winter months from December through March offer the most reliable bite. These billfish typically range from 40 to 80 pounds, using their incredible speed and acrobatic ability to put on shows that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Captain Rich knows the right combinations of baits, depths, and locations to give you the best shot at your first sail โ or your next personal best.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Rich and his crew deliver exactly what serious anglers want โ consistent action, professional service, and the chance to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after game fish. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, introducing kids to offshore fishing, or just need to get back on the water with your fishing buddies, this charter delivers the goods. The boat stays booked solid during peak season, so don't wait to secure your dates.