5.0(3 Reviews)Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Florida's West Coast
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets sailfish, mahi, and swordfishMaximum six guests enjoy actionpacked deep sea adventureFishing licenses included, live bait available for premium experience
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.
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.
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.
"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
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
This offshore fishing boat is built for serious action on Florida's west coast waters. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she'll take your crew out to the deep blue where the big game fish live. We're talking sailfish, mahi mahi, swordfish, bonito, and mackerel - the kind of catches that make for great stories back at the dock. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and the experienced mate will keep you rigged up and ready. Fishing licenses are covered, so just bring your crew, some snacks, and drinks for the day. Live bait is available on the boat for an extra fee - trust us, it's worth it when you're hooked up to something special. Don't forget to bring cash to tip the mate who'll be working hard to put fish in the boat. This is a full-day adventure where you'll experience some of the best offshore fishing the Gulf has to offer.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate showboat - that massive dorsal fin and sword-like bill make them unmistakable. They typically run 50-80 pounds and stretch 7-8 feet, cruising in 30-200 feet near current breaks and drop-offs. Winter through spring is our best season, especially January through April when they're thick along the coast. What makes sails special is pure spectacle - they'll jump, dive, and tail-walk like nothing else in our waters. The fight can last 20-30 minutes of non-stop action. Most are released, but the experience is what people come for. They hunt in small groups, changing colors from blue to black when feeding. Here's the key: when one shows up, keep your baits in the water because there are usually more around. Work that area with live bait and be patient for the next bite.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the tough guys of our waters - thick, aggressive predators that run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. Unlike other sharks, they handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them in coastal areas, near river mouths, and around structure in 20-100 feet. Summer months are best when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes bulls special is their raw power and stubborn fight - no fancy jumps, just pure bulldozer strength that'll test your gear and endurance. They're not great table fare, so most folks target them for the challenge and photo opportunity before releasing. These sharks respond well to chum, and fresh cut bait works best. Pro tip: if you can get fresh eel, that's bull shark candy - the high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on your hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of our waters - dark brown, powerful fish that average around 40-60 pounds but can push 100+. They cruise shallow reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet, often mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're moving through on their migration. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - we spot them cruising near the surface, then sight-cast to them. They fight hard and steady, not flashy but determined. The payoff is some of the finest table fare in the Gulf with firm, white meat that tastes similar to shark. They're curious fish, so don't spook them with a heavy splash. My go-to trick: use a bucktail jig in any color and work it slow near the bottom around structure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties average 15-29 pounds and put on quite a show with their brilliant blues and greens that flash like a light display when hooked. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 30-200 feet of water. They're strongest here from spring through fall, especially during warmer months. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic jumps, and that sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Despite the name "dolphinfish," they're not related to dolphins at all - just a naming mix-up from way back. Pro tip: when you spot one, stick around and work the area thoroughly. They often travel in small schools, and where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth. Most run 3-5 feet and pack serious power for their size. We find them best from July through November around structures, oil rigs, and drop-offs in 30-200 feet of water. They're loners mostly, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in pure adrenaline. The initial run will test your drag and your grip - these fish don't give up easy. Plus, wahoo makes some of the best eating fish out there, with white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. Here's the key: use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through anything else like butter. High-speed trolling works best, but don't be afraid to slow it down with fresh ballyhoo.
5.0 out of 5.0Great day fishing with Captain Rich and his professional mate Paul caught a lot of fish trolling and bottom fishing. And we did la...
Tommy Banks, Thank you Sir, you guys were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
No one was catching much on the day we went out, but Rich and mate (Paul?) really know these waters and used a variety of techniqu...
Markus- you guys were great and we look forward to fishing with you again.
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 ...
John Campi, Thank you! Hope to see you again !
West Palm Beach, FL