Ready to dip your toes into the world of offshore fishing? Captain Robert's full-day trip out of Palm Beach is the perfect intro for newcomers looking to tangle with some serious game fish. We're talking sailfish, barracuda, mahi-mahi, and maybe even a marlin if lady luck is on our side. Don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before - the crew's got your back from start to finish. By the time you're heading back to the dock, you'll be swapping fish stories like a pro.
We'll meet up at the marina bright and early at 8 AM, ready to chase some fish. The boat's a comfortable ride that can handle up to 6 people, so bring your buddies or make some new ones. Captain Robert and the crew will get you set up with all the gear you need - no need to bring anything but your sense of adventure. As we head offshore, they'll break down the basics of trolling and give you the lowdown on what we're after. Keep your eyes peeled for birds diving or that telltale flash of a sailfish's dorsal fin cutting through the water. When we get a hit, it's all hands on deck! Whether you're reeling in your first mahi or watching a sailfish dance across the waves, it's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from casting off the pier. We'll be using heavy-duty gear designed to handle big, powerful fish. The main technique we'll use is trolling - that's where we drag baited lines behind the boat as we cruise along. It might look like we're just cruising around, but there's a method to the madness. The crew's always scanning the water, looking for signs of fish or the right conditions. When we find a good spot, we might switch it up and do some live baiting. That's when we'll drop lines with live bait and let them swim around to entice the big boys. Don't worry if it sounds complicated - the crew will walk you through every step, from baiting the hook to fighting the fish. By the end of the day, you'll be talking about outriggers and downriggers like you've been doing this for years.
Palm Beach is a hotspot for some seriously cool fish. Here's what you might find on the end of your line:
Atlantic Sailfish: These are the rock stars of offshore fishing. Sailfish are known for their incredible acrobatics - when they're hooked, they'll leap and dance across the water, their huge dorsal fin (that's the "sail") gleaming in the sun. They're lightning fast and can grow up to 7 feet long. We see them year-round here, but winter and spring are prime time. Even if you don't land one, just seeing a sailfish in action is worth the trip.
Blue Marlin: The heavyweight champ of our waters. Blue marlin are the stuff of fishing legends, growing up to 1,000 pounds or more. They're rare catches, but when it happens, it's the highlight of any angler's career. These massive fish are incredible fighters, known for long, powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line off your reel in seconds. We mostly see them in the warmer months, from late spring through fall.
Barracuda: With a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and a mean attitude to match, barracuda are the punks of the reef. They're ambush predators that'll hit a lure or bait with explosive speed. Barracuda can grow up to 6 feet long and put up a great fight on lighter tackle. They're around all year but seem to be more active in the warmer months. Just watch your fingers when you're unhooking one!
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their vibrant blue, green, and gold colors, mahi mahi are as pretty as they are tasty. They're fast growers and great fighters, known for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs. We find them year-round, but summer and fall are usually best. The cool thing about mahi is they often travel in schools, so when you find one, you might find a bunch.
Cobia: These odd-looking fish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with their fighting spirit. Cobia are strong, stubborn fish that can grow over 100 pounds. They're often found hanging around structures like buoys or even swimming with sharks. Cobia are most common in the warmer months and are prized for their firm, white meat. When one of these bruisers hits your line, you'd better hold on tight!
There's something special about fishing the waters off Palm Beach. Maybe it's the crystal-clear blue water, or the way the skyline looks as we're heading out to the fishing grounds. Could be the moment when a sailfish lights up, its colors flashing as it zips through the water behind the boat. Or maybe it's just the feeling of being out there, away from the hustle and bustle, with nothing but open ocean ahead. Whatever it is, once you've experienced it, you'll be hooked (pun intended). And the best part? Every trip is different. You never know what you might catch or what you might see. From pods of dolphins riding our wake to sea turtles popping up to say hello, there's always something new out there.
So, are you ready to get out there and see what the fuss is all about? Whether you're dreaming of battling a big blue marlin or just want to feel the sun on your face and the salt spray in your hair, this trip has got you covered. Captain Robert and the crew will make sure you have a blast, even if you've never set foot on a boat before. And who knows? You might just end up with the fish story of a lifetime. Don't let this chance slip away - the fish are out there waiting, and the boat's ready to go. Book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it!
Atlantic Sailfish are one of the most exciting fish you can target off Palm Beach. These speedsters average 6-7 feet long and 50-60 pounds, though they can get much bigger. Look for them in waters 30-200 feet deep, often near the surface. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. Sailfish put on an amazing show when hooked, leaping and tail-walking across the water. Their long, pointed bill and huge dorsal "sail" make them unmistakable. They're catch-and-release only, but the thrill of the fight is unforgettable. To up your odds, try slow-trolling live bait like goggle-eyes or pilchards. When a sail shows up in the spread, be ready - they can swim over 60 mph in short bursts. Once hooked, settle in for an acrobatic battle you won't soon forget.
Barracuda are the toothy terrors of Palm Beach's nearshore reefs. These long, slender predators average 2-4 feet but can reach over 6 feet. You'll find them lurking around structure in 20-100 feet of water year-round. Cudas are ambush hunters with lightning-fast strikes. They're a blast on light tackle, known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Plus, they're not picky eaters - they'll hit just about any lure that moves. For the best action, try casting tube lures or topwater plugs around reef edges. Let it sit, then rip it fast. When a cuda hits, set the hook hard and hang on. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs. While not the best eating, their aggressive nature and accessibility make them a great target for beginners wanting some drag-screaming action.
Blue marlin are the heavyweight champions of Palm Beach's offshore waters. These massive billfish can top 1,000 pounds, though 200-400 pounders are more common catches. You'll find them in the deep blue waters beyond the reef, usually over 100 feet deep. Summer and early fall are prime time as water temps warm up. Blues are known for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs that can dump an entire spool of line. They're the ultimate trophy for serious anglers. To target them, we'll troll large artificial lures or rigged baits like bonito. The key is covering lots of water. When a blue crashes the spread, hang on tight - the initial run is like being hooked to a freight train. Landing one takes teamwork and patience, often over an hour or more.
Cobia are the bruisers of Palm Beach's coastal waters. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime as they migrate through. Cobia are known for their bulldog-like fights, often circling the boat for long, drawn-out battles. They're also excellent eating. To target them, we'll sight fish, looking for their distinctive shark-like profile near the surface. When we spot one, we'll pitch out a live bait or large jig. A local trick: if you see rays, look for cobia shadowing them. Once hooked, be ready for a stubborn fight. Cobia have a knack for finding anything to wrap around, so keep them away from the boat. With their hard-fighting nature and delicious meat, cobia are always a welcome catch.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of Palm Beach's offshore waters. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them around floating debris and weedlines, usually 5-50 miles offshore. Summer and fall are peak seasons as warm currents push in. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays and beautiful, shifting colors. They're also excellent table fare. To find them, we'll run and gun, looking for birds and floating structure. Once we spot a school, we'll pitch out live baits or cast light jigs. The action can be fast and furious. A local tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water. Others will often follow, giving you a shot at multiple hookups. Whether you're after a trophy bull or a cooler full of tasty fillets, mahi always deliver an exciting day on the water.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cat
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 350