Ready to reel in some serious offshore action? Hop aboard with Tuna Wahoo Charters for a full day of world-class deep sea fishing along Florida's stunning west coast. We're talking big game fish, folks – the kind that'll give you stories to tell for years. With room for you and five of your closest fishing buddies, this trip is all about hauling in those bucket-list catches while soaking up the Gulf's salty air.
First things first: this ain't no lazy day of pond fishing. We're heading offshore where the big boys play. You'll be setting out at the crack of dawn, coffee in hand, as we cruise to the prime fishing grounds. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hands, so you're in for a treat. We're talking about battling sailfish that'll make your reel sing, mahi-mahi that'll light up the water with their crazy colors, and maybe even a sword if Lady Luck's on our side. And let's not forget the bonito and mackerel – smaller, sure, but they'll keep your rod bent all day long if that's your jam.
Listen up, anglers – we've got all the heavy-duty gear you need to tackle these offshore monsters. We're talking about sturdy rods that can handle a sailfish's acrobatics and reels with enough line to let a wahoo run. Live bait's the name of the game out here, and while it's an extra cost, trust me, it's worth every penny if you want to up your chances of a trophy catch. We'll be using a mix of techniques – trolling for those pelagics, maybe some deep dropping if we're after swordfish. And don't sweat the license – we've got you covered there.
"Great crew. My son-in-law got his fist sail on a rough day made very enjoyable by the expert crew. A great time had by all. Thank you!" - John
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These technicolor beauties are the crowd-pleasers of the deep. Known for their vibrant greens and blues, mahi are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. They're fast growers and can hit speeds up to 60 mph when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time for mahi, and they love to hang around floating debris. When you hook one, get ready for some serious aerial shows – these acrobats of the sea will leap and dance across the water.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the ocean, wahoo are like the cheetahs of the sea. They're streamlined torpedoes that can rip line off your reel faster than you can blink. We typically target these bad boys by high-speed trolling, and when they hit, hold on tight! Best times are late summer through winter. Wahoo meat is some of the best-eating fish out there, with a mild flavor that even non-fish eaters tend to love.
Cobia: These curious fish are often mistaken for sharks at first glance. They're known to follow larger animals like rays and sharks, which is why we sometimes call 'em "crab eaters." Cobia are bruisers – they fight hard and don't give up easily. Spring and early summer are your best bet for hooking into these guys. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but boy, do they put up a fight that'll test your arms and your gear.
Bull Shark: Now we're talking some serious muscle. Bull sharks are thick, powerful, and have an attitude to match. These apex predators can grow up to 11 feet long and are known for their aggressive nature. We catch 'em year-round, but summer's when they're most active. Fighting a bull shark is like arm-wrestling a truck – it's all about endurance and technique. Remember, it's catch and release with these big boys – we're all about conservation.
Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of many anglers' wish lists, sailfish are the ballerinas of the big game world. With their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and incredible acrobatics, hooking into one of these is an experience you'll never forget. They're lightning-fast and can hit speeds of 70 mph. Winter and early spring are prime sailfish seasons off Florida's west coast. When you see that sail light up electric blue as it greyhounds across the surface, you'll be hooked for life.
Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. A day out with Tuna Wahoo Charters isn't just fishing – it's a full-on offshore adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check some species off your list or a newbie wanting to feel the rush of your first big catch, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to 6 people max, so round up your crew and lock in that date. Bring your own grub and drinks, and don't forget to tip your mate – these guys work hard to put you on the fish. So what are you waiting for? The Gulf's calling, and those fish aren't going to catch themselves. Book your trip now and get ready for some reel action off Florida's west coast!
February 20, 2024
Great crew. My son-in-law got his fist sail on a rough day made very enjoyable by the expert crew. A great time had by all. Thank you!
March 17, 2023
Sailfish are the prize many anglers dream of catching. These gorgeous fish average 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in blue water from the surface down to about 200 feet. Winter and early spring are prime sailfish seasons off our coast. They're famous for their incredible acrobatics - seeing a sailfish light up, raise that huge dorsal fin, and go airborne is unforgettable. Trolling with rigged ballyhoo or live bait is the classic technique. For a real challenge, try fly fishing or kite fishing for them. Here's a pro tip: when you hook up, don't try to horse them in. Let them run and tire themselves out. Sailfish have soft mouths, so patience is key to landing one. It's all catch-and-release for these beauties, but the photos and memories will last a lifetime.
Bull sharks are impressive predators you might encounter in our coastal waters. These stocky sharks typically run 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds. They're unique among sharks for their ability to tolerate freshwater, so you might find them in rivers and estuaries too. Bulls are most active in warm, shallow waters under 100 feet deep. Summer is peak season as they follow bait fish inshore. Anglers target them for the thrill and challenge - hooking into one of these powerhouses is an experience you won't forget. To increase your chances, use fresh cut bait like mackerel or mullet. Here's an insider tip: try soaking your bait in tuna oil or menhaden oil to really get their attention. Just remember, bull sharks are protected, so we practice catch and release to help conserve the population.
Cobia are bruisers that'll give you a real battle. These curious fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia migrate through our area in spring, so that's prime time to target them. They often hang near the surface, so keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive shark-like profile. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To entice a strike, try live eels, crabs, or large jigs. Here's a local tip: when you spot cobia, don't charge right at them. Approach slowly and cast beyond them, working your bait back naturally. Cobia are inquisitive, so a well-presented offering often seals the deal. Just be ready for a long, dogged fight once they're hooked.
Mahi mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch off Florida's west coast. These fast-growing fish typically reach 3-5 feet long and 15-30 pounds. You'll find them near the surface in open water, often hanging around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs when hooked. The best time to target them is summer through fall when the water warms up. Anglers love mahi for their beautiful colors, hard fighting ability, and excellent taste on the table. To boost your chances, look for frigate birds diving - they often lead you right to the fish. When you spot a school, cast silver spoons or small live baits like pilchards. Work fast, as mahi don't stick around long once they know you're there.
Wahoo are prized gamefish that'll test your skills and gear. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can reach over 5 feet and 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. You'll find wahoo in open water from 30-300 feet deep, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. They're most active in summer and fall as water temperatures rise. Wahoo are famous for their blistering runs - they can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Trolling at high speeds of 12-15 knots with wire leaders is the go-to method. Use diving plugs, skirted lures, or rigged ballyhoo. The key is to keep your bait moving fast. Wahoo meat is excellent eating too - firm, white, and mild-flavored. For the best shot at a trophy, focus on dawn and dusk when they feed most aggressively.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 270
No one was catching much on the day we went out, but Rich and mate (Paul?) really know these waters and used a variety of techniques to make sure we went home with some snapper and porgies filets for dinner. We had a great time.