8 HR Mahi-mahi & Sailfish Adventure (Bertram 31')
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna offshore8-hour charter on Bertram 31' with complete gear providedSmall group fishing for maximum 2 guests
Looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure that'll put some top-tier gamefish on your line? This 8-hour charter aboard our trusty Bertram 31' is exactly what you've been waiting for. We're talking about pushing 20-45 miles south into some of the most productive blue water around, where mahi-mahi stack up and sailfish cruise the current breaks. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going the distance to find the fish that make stories worth telling back at the dock.
Your day starts early as we fire up the twin diesels and head south into the deep blue. The Bertram 31' is built for this kind of work – solid, stable, and fast enough to get us to the fishing grounds while the bite is hot. We'll be targeting prime structure and temperature breaks where pelagic species congregate, often in water depths ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to rigging baits, setting lines, and coaching you through the fights. With a maximum of just 2 anglers on board, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and personalized attention. The boat comes equipped with professional-grade tackle, outriggers, and all the terminal gear you'll need. If you want to bring your own rods, that's totally cool too – just make sure they're spooled with at least 30-pound test for the bigger fish we're after.
We run a spread of both artificial lures and live bait depending on what the fish are telling us. Our go-to setup includes ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, feather jigs, and diving plugs that cover different depths in the water column. The outriggers let us spread our lines wide and keep everything organized when multiple fish hit at once – and trust me, that happens more often than you'd think out here. We're constantly adjusting our trolling speed based on water temperature and current, usually running between 6-8 knots to keep the baits swimming naturally. When we mark bait schools on the sounder or spot diving birds, we'll switch tactics and deploy live bait or pitch jigs to feeding fish. The crew monitors three different fish finders and keeps an eye on water color changes that often signal productive areas. Circle hooks are standard for most of our trolling spread – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and dramatically improve release survival rates.
Mahi-mahi are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Most of the mahi we encounter range from 10-30 pounds, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus. They're most active during warmer months but can be found year-round in these waters. What makes mahi fishing so addictive is their schooling behavior – where you find one, you'll often find a dozen more. The crew knows how to work these schools, keeping one fish in the water while you hook up on another.
Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and these waters hold some impressive specimens. These bills typically run 60-80 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Peak sailfish action usually happens during cooler months when they migrate through in larger numbers. Fighting a sailfish on light tackle is an experience every angler should have at least once – they'll test your drag system and your endurance with long, powerful runs followed by those signature tail-walking jumps. We practice catch and release with sailfish to keep this fishery healthy for future generations.
Yellowfin tuna are the powerhouse of the offshore scene, built like underwater torpedoes and just as fast. These fish range from 20-60 pounds in our area and are prized for both their fighting ability and table quality. Yellowfins are structure-oriented, often found around floating debris or temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. When a yellowfin hits your trolled bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. They're notorious for long, sustained runs that can take you well into your backing.
Bonito might be the smallest species on our target list, but don't let their size fool you. These 5-15 pound speedsters are fantastic on light tackle and often provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky. They're excellent table fare when bled and iced properly, and their abundance makes them a reliable backup when other species aren't cooperating. Bonito are also prime bait for larger predators, so we'll sometimes keep a few lively ones in the well for live bait fishing.
This world-class offshore fishing adventure gives you access to some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters, all while fishing from a proven platform with experienced crew. Eight hours on the water means we have time to adapt to conditions, move between spots, and put you on fish even when they're not cooperating early in the day. The small group size ensures you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. All fishing gear and tackle is included, and we can arrange catering if you want to focus purely on fishing without worrying about meals. Whether you're an experienced offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps customers coming back season after season. Book your spot now and get ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's top predators.
This classic 1973 Bertram 31' sportfisher got a complete 2024 restoration and she's ready to chase mahi and sailfish in style. Twin 145HP Sole Marine diesels push her to 18 knots, getting you to those productive waters 20-45 miles south where the big fish hunt. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting color changes and bird action, while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish below. Six anglers can fish comfortably with an icebox keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold. GPS and radar keep you on the fish and safe in changing conditions, plus there's a head onboard for those long days on the water. The crew handles all the tackle and rigging, so you can focus on fighting fish. Whether you're targeting screaming mahi runs or waiting for that sailfish to light up the spread, this restored Bertram delivers the classic sportfishing experience you're looking for.
Panama City