8 HR Mahi Mahi & Sailfish Fishing Trip
Get ready for our most popular offshore adventure aboard the reliable Intrepid 37'. From April through December, we make the long haul 30 miles out to the legendary 20-fathom trench where the big fish live. This is where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of the ocean's most prized gamefish. We're talking about Mahi Mahi that'll put up a fight and Sailfish that'll give you stories to tell for years. With room for up to 10 anglers, this trip brings together the perfect mix of camaraderie and competition that makes offshore fishing so addictive.
What to Expect on the Water
The journey out to the 20-fathom trench takes about 90 minutes, but trust me, it's worth every minute once you see those lines start screaming. This seasonal trip runs during our rainy season when the conditions are just right for targeting pelagic species. The trench creates an underwater highway where baitfish congregate, and where there's bait, there's always hungry gamefish nearby. We fish from dawn to dusk, giving you a full 8 hours to work the water and maximize your chances of hooking into something special. The Intrepid 37' handles the offshore swells like a dream, giving you a stable platform to fight fish from. Pack your own lunch and plenty of water because once we reach the fishing grounds, we're staying put to make the most of every opportunity.
Trolling Techniques & Setup
We run a spread of trolling lures, teasers, and live bait when we can get our hands on it. The key to success in the trench is covering water and presenting multiple options to cruising fish. We'll have ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, colorful lures that imitate flying fish and small tunas, plus a few teasers to pull fish up from the depths. When the Mahi are schooled up, we switch tactics and work them with live bait or jigs to keep the action going. I'll teach you how to work the lures, when to drop back on a bite, and how to fight these powerful fish without losing them at the boat. The trolling speeds vary based on conditions, but we typically pull baits between 6-8 knots to trigger strikes from both Mahi and Sailfish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish to catch in our waters. These brilliant gold and green speedsters average 15-30 pounds out here, with bulls pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. They're incredibly aggressive feeders and once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. Mahi love to jump and make long runs, testing your drag and your endurance. What makes them special is how they travel in packs - land one and there's usually more underneath the boat. They're most active from May through October when water temperatures climb into the mid-80s.
Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and the 20-fathom trench is prime Sailfish territory. These acrobatic billfish average 6-7 feet and 60-80 pounds, putting on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. They're incredibly fast, hitting speeds of 60+ mph, and they fight with a combination of power and grace that's unmatched. Sailfish are present year-round but peak activity happens during the rainy season from May through December. The trench's structure and current breaks create perfect ambush points where Sailfish wait to strike. When one lights up a bait, you'll see that iconic dorsal fin and know you're in for the fight of a lifetime.
Time to Book Your Spot
This 8-hour offshore adventure represents everything that makes deep-sea fishing so rewarding. The combination of traveling to productive waters, using proven techniques, and targeting world-class gamefish creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The 20-fathom trench has been producing trophy fish for decades, and our seasonal timing puts you on the water when conditions are optimal. Whether you're looking to check Sailfish off your bucket list or load the cooler with fresh Mahi, this trip delivers the goods. Space fills up fast during peak season, so don't wait to secure your spot aboard the Intrepid 37'. Come fish with us and find out why this is our customer favorite trip year after year.