World-Class Half-Day Fishing in West Palm Beach

Published Date: August 28, 2025
Fishing

West Palm Beach
$700 - $1,400 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing without committing a full day? This half-day trip out of West Palm Beach is just the ticket. In about four hours, you'll be targeting big game fish like sailfish, mahi mahi, king mackerel, cobia, and barracuda in prime offshore waters. The best part? These rich fishing grounds are just minutes from shore. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, the experienced captain from Lucky Dog Sportfishing will put you on the fish. You'll use pro techniques like kite fishing, trolling, and live baiting to maximize your chances. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for families or a group of friends looking to test their skills against some of Florida's most sought-after game fish. The offshore action here is hard to beat, and you might just land the catch of a lifetime. Get ready for an action-packed afternoon on the water!

World-Class Half-Day Fishing in West Palm Beach

Offshore Action Shots

Majestic Atlantic Sailfish caught in Palm Beach

null

Big game fishing, Palm Beach FL

A majestic Atlantic sailfish caught while fishing in FL.

Deep sea action never slows

Blackfin Tuna, a big fish caught while fishing in Palm Beach

Out past the reef, fish on!

Half Day Fishing: West Palm Beach's Best Kept Secret

Looking for big game action without spending all day on the water? Lucky Dog Sportfishing's half day afternoon trip in West Palm Beach is your ticket to offshore excitement. In just four hours, you'll be battling sailfish, reeling in mahi mahi, and maybe even landing a monster cobia - all within sight of the Florida coastline. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of kite fishing, trolling, and live baiting. It's the perfect blend of serious fishing and laid-back fun, right in Palm Beach's backyard.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the inlet, the hunt is on. We'll cruise to our captain's favorite honey holes, just minutes from shore but worlds away from the beach crowds. The afternoon bite can be red hot, with pelagic predators like sailfish and mahi mahi on the prowl. Our crew will set up a spread of live baits, get the kites flying, and before you know it, you'll be watching sailfish light up behind the boat or mahi mahi skyrocketing on the surface. We keep things casual - feel free to kick back with a cold drink between bites, but be ready to jump into action when that reel starts screaming. With a max of 6 guests, everyone gets plenty of chances to fight fish and learn new techniques.

Fishing Know-How & Gear Rundown

Even if you've never held a rod before, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time. We'll show you the ropes of kite fishing - a local specialty that suspends live baits on the surface, irresistible to sailfish and other pelagics. When the bite is on, we'll switch to trolling to cover more ground, dragging a spread of lures or rigged ballyhoo. Live baiting is another go-to, especially for cobia lurking around structures. We provide all the top-notch gear you need, from Penn reels to custom rods built to handle anything the Atlantic throws at us. Just bring some sunscreen, snacks, and a camera to capture your catches.

Top Catches This Season

While every trip is different, our half day charters have been on fire lately. We've been seeing consistent action with sailfish, especially on the kites. Mahi mahi have been showing up in good numbers, with some nice bulls in the mix. King mackerel are always a possibility, and they'll test your drag and your biceps. Cobia have been hanging around the nearshore reefs and wrecks - they're not the prettiest fish, but pound-for-pound they're some of the hardest fighters out there. And you never know when a wahoo might crash the party and smoke a trolling lure. The beauty of fishing West Palm Beach is the variety - you might catch five different species in a single afternoon.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of South Florida sportfishing, sailfish are the main attraction for many anglers. These acrobatic billfish can top 7 feet long and put on an incredible aerial display when hooked. They're catch-and-release only, but the photo ops are priceless. Fall through spring is prime sailfish season, with peak numbers from December to March. Watching a sailfish light up cobalt blue behind the boat is a sight you'll never forget.

King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these toothy speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They can grow over 5 feet long and 50 pounds, with blistering runs that'll have your reel smoking. Kings are around year-round but really show up in force during their spring and fall migrations. Fresh kingfish steaks on the grill are hard to beat.

Mahi Mahi: One of the most colorful and delicious fish in the sea, mahi mahi (also called dorado or dolphin) are a summertime favorite. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, be ready for more. These acrobatic fighters change colors as they go crazy next to the boat. The meat is top-notch for fish tacos or grilled with a mango salsa.

Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean, wahoo can streak through the water at over 60 mph. They're not as common as some other species, but when you hook one, hold on tight. Wahoo meat is prized for its firm texture and mild flavor. Late summer and fall are the best times to target them around West Palm Beach.

Cobia: These curious brown fish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it with their fighting ability. Cobia love to hang around structures like buoys, wrecks, and even sea turtles. They can grow over 100 pounds and will test your stamina on a long, dogged fight. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the waters off West Palm Beach. Maybe it's the crystal clear blue water, or the way the skyline fades as you head offshore. Maybe it's the diversity of species - where else can you catch a sailfish, a mahi mahi, and a cobia all in the same afternoon? Our half day trips are perfect for busy schedules, families with kids, or anyone who wants a taste of offshore action without committing to a full day. And let's be honest, there's nothing like ending your day with a cold drink at the marina, swapping fish stories and planning your next trip.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're ready to experience some of the best fishing the Atlantic has to offer, our half day afternoon trips are calling your name. Whether you're a serious angler looking to tick some species off your list, or a family wanting to make some memories on the water, Lucky Dog Sportfishing has you covered. Our experienced crew, top-notch gear, and local knowledge give you the best shot at an epic day on the water. And with our convenient afternoon departure, you can sleep in, grab some lunch, and still be back in time for sunset drinks. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book your West Palm Beach fishing adventure. Give us a call or book online today - the fish are waiting!

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic Sailfish are prized gamefish, known for their stunning looks and acrobatic fights. These speedsters can reach 10 feet long and 142 pounds, though most are around 7 feet and 50 pounds. You'll find them in warm waters 30-65 feet deep, but they can dive to 650 feet. Spring through summer is prime sailfish season here, with "Sailfish Alley" between North Miami Beach and Fort Pierce being a hot spot year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their spectacular leaps and long, powerful runs. When hooked, they'll often repeatedly dive and jump, testing your endurance. To improve your chances, try kite fishing or slow-trolling live baits like squid or mackerel. Keep your gear in the 30-50 pound class range, and be ready for an arm-wrestling match when one hits.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These dark-colored fish often get mistaken for sharks, growing up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. You'll find them around structure like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 foot depths. Spring and early summer are prime Cobia seasons as they migrate through. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful fights and excellent eating quality. When hooked, Cobia often make strong, determined runs and can be stubborn near the boat. To catch 'em, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live eels. They're often found following large rays or sharks, so keep your eyes peeled. Pro tip: when you spot a Cobia, don't rush your cast. These curious fish will often stick around if you don't spook them, giving you time to make an accurate presentation.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are hard-fighting speedsters that'll test your skills. These sleek predators average 30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths, often near structure. They're most active in our waters from July to November, when water temps hit that sweet spot between 68-84°F. Kingfish are popular targets because they're fast, strong fighters that'll make your reel scream. Plus, their firm, flavorful meat is great eating. To catch 'em, try trolling at 6-8 knots with live bait like blue runners or menhaden. A wire leader is a must - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Pro tip: when a king hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. That'll help you avoid pulling the bait from its mouth.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the ocean, known for their vibrant colors and aerial displays. These fast-growing fish average 3-4 feet long and 15-30 pounds, though they can get much bigger. You'll find them in warm, offshore waters, often around floating debris or weed lines. Summer and early fall are prime Mahi seasons here. Anglers love targeting them for their hard fights, stunning looks, and excellent table fare. When hooked, Mahi often leap and change directions rapidly, making for an exciting battle. To catch them, try trolling small ballyhoo or squid near floating structure. Live bait works great too. Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they often lead you right to the fish. And remember, Mahi travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep your bait in the water. There's a good chance its buddies are still down there.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speedsters of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet long and 30-50 pounds, with a long, toothy jaw that means business. You'll find them in open water, often near drop-offs or floating debris. Late summer through fall is prime Wahoo season here. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs and delicious, firm white meat. When hooked, a Wahoo will peel off line like nobody's business, so make sure your drag is set right. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with bullet-head lures or skirted ballyhoo. Wire leaders are a must - those teeth will slice through mono like butter. Pro tip: when a Wahoo hits, don't set the hook immediately. Let it run for a few seconds to make sure it's got the bait good and deep.

About the Lucky Dog Sportfishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Cat

Maximum Cruising Speed: 34

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Ready for some epic fishing without the all-day commitment? Join us for a half-day afternoon trip off West Palm Beach that packs in the action. In just 4 hours, you'll be targeting big game fish like sailfish, mahi mahi, king mackerel, cobia, and barracuda in the rich offshore waters. Our experienced captain knows all the hot spots and will get you set up with pro techniques like kite fishing, trolling, and live baiting. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro, this trip offers the perfect mix of excitement and convenience. Bring the whole family or a group of friends - we can accommodate up to 6 guests comfortably. The waters here are teeming with fish year-round, so your chances of hooking into something impressive are excellent. Don't miss this chance to create lasting memories and maybe land the catch of a lifetime, all in one action-packed afternoon on the water.

Sitemap