Full Day Offshore Charter: Stuart's Best Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting sailfish, mahi, and tunaEighthour trip includes all gear, bait, and fishing licensesAccommodates up to six guests with comfortable onboard amenities
Looking for a serious day of fishing off the Treasure Coast? V-Strike Charters runs one of Stuart's most productive full-day offshore trips, departing right from St. Lucie Inlet at 7:00 AM sharp. This isn't your typical half-day tourist ride – we're talking eight solid hours on the water, targeting everything from acrobatic sailfish to hard-fighting mahi and blazing-fast tuna. The boat's rigged for up to six anglers, but with all the deck space and quality tackle provided, everyone gets plenty of chances to hook up. Captain's got the GPS dialed in and knows exactly where the fish are holding, whether that's working the edge in 120 feet or running offshore to the deep blue water where the big pelagics cruise.
Your day kicks off early because that's when the bite is hottest. We'll clear the inlet just as the sun's coming up, and depending on conditions, either start working the nearshore reefs for amberjack and snappers or make the run straight offshore for sailfish and mahi. The boat's equipped with everything you need – top-shelf rods and reels, fresh bait in the live well, and enough tackle to handle whatever decides to eat. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; the crew will get you sorted with proper technique and make sure you're ready when that reel starts screaming. Bean bag chairs are set up so you can stay comfortable during the longer runs between spots, and there's a sound system to keep the mood right. Pack your own lunch and extra drinks – we've got ice and water covered, but eight hours works up an appetite.
This charter runs a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the action. For sailfish, we're typically pulling a spread of ballyhoo and artificials, working the drop-offs and current breaks where these speedsters ambush baitfish. When mahi are around, watch for floating debris, weed lines, or birds working – that's where the action happens. We'll switch between trolling and sight fishing, especially if we spot a nice school of dolphin under a mat of sargassum. For the deeper stuff like blackfin tuna and big snappers, we're talking bottom fishing with heavy tackle and fresh cut bait. The GPS helps locate productive ledges and structure, but reading the water and watching for signs is what separates good days from great ones. Live bait from the tank often makes the difference when the fishing gets tough, and the captain knows when to make that switch.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Stuart's offshore scene, and for good reason. These billfish are pure excitement – they'll take a bait at 40 mph, then put on an aerial show that'll have you shaking with adrenaline. Peak season runs from December through April when they migrate down the coast, but sporadic catches happen year-round. Most fish run 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds of pure fury. What makes them special is how they fight – multiple jumps, long runs, and that distinctive sail fanned out as they try to throw the hook.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. These golden beauties are gorgeous, fight hard, and taste even better on the dinner table. They school up around floating debris and weed lines, often in groups of 10-20 fish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie bulls around 10 pounds up to big cow mahi pushing 40-50 pounds. Once you hook one, keep the boat in the area – where there's one mahi, there's usually more. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, so you're helping the fishery by keeping a few for dinner.
Blackfin Tuna might be the hardest-fighting fish pound-for-pound in these waters. Don't let their smaller size fool you – a 20-pound blackfin will test your endurance and make your arms burn. They're available year-round but peak in spring and summer around structure and temperature breaks. These fish are built for speed, with solid muscle and attitude to match. They're also fantastic eating, perfect for sushi or seared rare. When they're feeding, blackfins will double or triple up on the lines, making for fast-paced action that keeps everyone busy.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and they'll prove it the moment you hook one. These bruisers live around structure and ledges, ambushing anything that swims by. Most run 15-40 pounds, but bigger fish over 50 pounds show up regularly. They fight dirty – diving straight for the rocks and trying to cut you off on anything sharp. Spring brings the best numbers, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. Fresh cut bait fished on the bottom is the ticket, and once hooked, it's a straight power battle.
Red Snapper are the prize of the deep-water crowd, both for their fight and their reputation on the plate. These crimson beauties live around hard bottom and structure in 80-200 feet of water. They're smart fish with excellent eyesight, so presentations need to be on point. Most run 5-15 pounds, but 20-pound-plus fish are definitely in the mix. Peak season varies with regulations, but when they're open, red snapper fishing is some of the most consistent action you'll find. They hit hard, dive for cover, and make multiple runs before coming to the boat.
This full-day charter represents serious value for anglers who want to experience Stuart's world-class offshore fishing. Eight hours gives you time to work multiple spots, target different species,
Get ready to chase sailfish and mahi aboard our fast 27' Sea Pro center console out of Stuart's St. Lucie Inlet. This fishing machine packs twin 200HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the offshore grounds at 35 knots, cutting down travel time so you spend more hours with lines in the water. The boat's fish finder and GPS help us track down productive spots for sailfish, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and those hard-fighting mahi that Florida waters are famous for. Whether you're targeting deepwater snappers on the bottom or trolling the blue water for pelagics, this center console handles both nearshore and offshore fishing with ease. The spacious deck gives you room to fight fish, while the live bait tank keeps your bait fresh all day. Between catches, relax on the comfortable bean bag seating and enjoy the multimedia system. Built for serious fishing with the comfort you want during those long offshore runs.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing - there's nothing quite like seeing that massive dorsal fin cutting through the water behind your bait. These are big fish, averaging 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with incredible speed and that signature sail they'll flash when excited. We fish for them in blue water between 80-300 feet, usually working kite baits or trolling along current edges where they hunt schools of ballyhoo and sardines. Winter months are prime time here in Stuart when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. The fight is what hooks people - they're aerial acrobats that'll jump, dive, and make long runs that can last 20 minutes or more. Here's what separates the pros from beginners: when that sail comes up on your bait, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Let them eat it, count to five, then come tight smoothly. Jerk too early and you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are smaller cousins to the big tunas, but don't let size fool you - these 10-20 pound speedsters are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. They're built for speed with that classic tuna body shape, dark back, and distinctive bronze finlets. We find them in blue water near current edges and drop-offs, usually in the top 100 feet where they chase bait schools. Fall through spring gives us our best bite when they move into warmer Gulf Stream waters. What anglers love about blackfin is the fight - they're incredibly fast and strong for their size, making screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus the meat is outstanding, dark red and rich like their bigger tuna cousins. When targeting blackfin, scale down your tackle - they're sharp-eyed and leader-shy. I like 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and smaller 5/0 circle hooks with live pilchards for bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most popular targets, and it's easy to see why. These beautiful fish run 15-29 pounds on average, with that distinctive golden color and electric blue-green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm offshore waters. They're strong fighters with great stamina, plus they make some of the best eating you'll find - firm white meat with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are up. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and get more lines out - they school up tight and where there's one, there's usually more.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful fish with that classic red color and some of the best eating in the ocean. Most of what we catch runs 3-8 pounds, though bigger ones in the teens show up regularly around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet, where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Summer months during snapper season give us the best shot at them when they're most active. What makes snapper special is the combination - they fight well for their size, they're gorgeous fish, and the meat is firm and mild with a slightly sweet taste that's hard to beat. My advice: use just enough weight to stay on bottom and keep your bait moving slightly. Snapper are curious but spooky, and a little movement often triggers the bite when they're being picky.
Seriola LalandiAmberjack are the muscle cars of the reef - pure power from the moment they hit your bait. These guys average 15-25 pounds but can push 40 or more, and they'll test your gear with long, hard runs toward structure. We target them around rocky bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet, where they hunt crabs, squid, and small fish. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they're more aggressive. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, but they're also solid table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key to landing big amberjack: when they make that first run for the bottom, don't try to horse them back up. Let them tire themselves out, then work them up slowly. Too much pressure early and they'll wrap you up in the structure every time.
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