Fort Pierce Offshore Fishing: Sailfish & Tuna

Epic Afternoon Offshore Action in Fort Pierce

Get ready for a wild ride on the Atlantic with Captain Rob's half-day afternoon fishing trip out of Fort Pierce. We're talking serious offshore action, folks. This 5-hour trip puts you right in the thick of some of Florida's best pelagic fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned salt or new to the game, you'll have a shot at hooking into hard-fighting tuna, acrobatic mahi, and maybe even a sailfish if lady luck's on our side. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your game face and let's get after it.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll push off from the dock around noon, giving those fish time to work up an appetite. As we clear the inlet, keep your eyes peeled for flying fish skipping across the waves - that's a dead giveaway there are predators in the area. We'll run to my favorite offshore spots, usually 15 to 30 miles out depending on where the bite's been hot. Once we're in the zone, we'll set out a spread of baits and lures. Could be kite fishing for sails one minute, then switching to chunking for tuna the next. It's all about reading the water and adjusting on the fly. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through every step, from setting the drag to fighting a fish boat-side.

Techniques That Put Fish in the Box

Offshore fishing is a game of strategy, and we've got a few tricks up our sleeve. We might start off trolling, dragging a spread of ballyhoo and skirted lures to cover ground and locate the fish. If we mark a good school of tuna, we'll likely switch to live baiting or chunking to really get them fired up. For mahi, nothing beats sight-casting to fish holding under floating debris. And if the conditions are right for sailfish, we'll break out the kites and dangle some frisky live baits right in the strike zone. I'll have a variety of rods rigged and ready, from light spinning gear for small tunas up to heavy conventional setups in case we tangle with a big wahoo or bull mahi. The name of the game out here is being ready for anything - these waters can serve up some serious surprises.

Top Catches This Season

The Treasure Coast has been living up to its name lately. We've been crushing the blackfin tuna, with most trips bringing in a good pile of 10 to 20 pounders. The kingfish bite has been steady too, especially around the 80-foot ledge. But the real stars have been the mahi - we've had days where it's been non-stop action with schools of gaffers (10-20 lb fish) mixed in with a few slammers pushing 30 pounds. And let's not forget about the wahoo - they've been showing up more frequently, giving anglers a real run for their money when they smoke a trolled bait. Whether you're after meat for the table or just want to tangle with something big and mean, we've got you covered.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Skipjack Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you - these "footballs with fins" punch way above their weight class. Skipjacks typically range from 5 to 20 pounds and are absolute speed demons. They'll smoke your drag and give you a workout on light tackle. Best of all, they're often found in big schools, so when you find them, it's game on. They make great cut bait for bigger predators, but they're also delicious on the grill.

Blackfin Tuna: The prize of many offshore trips, blackfin tuna are the perfect blend of sport and table fare. These muscular torpedoes average 15 to 25 pounds but can push 40 in our waters. They're known for blistering runs and deep fights, often sounding straight for the bottom when hooked. We target them year-round, but fall and winter tend to see the biggest schools. Fresh blackfin sashimi right on the boat is hard to beat.

King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these toothy critters are the speedsters of the sea. They can top 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 15 to 30-pound range. Kings are known for scorching runs and aerial displays when hooked. We often target them by slow-trolling live baits or by using downriggers to get lures deep. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, but we catch them year-round.

Mahi Mahi: Perhaps the most beautiful fish in the ocean, mahi (also called dorado or dolphin) are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These acrobatic fish put on a show when hooked, leaping and changing colors. We find them around floating debris and weedlines, often in schools. While smaller "schoolies" are common, we regularly hook into bulls over 30 pounds. Mahi fishing heats up in late spring and summer, but they can be caught year-round in our warm Gulf Stream waters.

Wahoo: The speed demons of the offshore world, wahoo are like hooking into a freight train. These sleek, striped predators can hit speeds over 60 mph and make drag-screaming runs that'll have your heart pounding. While not as common as some other species, when we do hook into a 'hoo, it's always memorable. They average 30 to 50 pounds but can top 100. We target them by high-speed trolling with specialized lures, often focusing on ledges and dropoffs where they hunt. Fall and winter are typically the best seasons for wahoo.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This half-day trip is the perfect taste of what Fort Pierce offshore fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some prime eating fish or just want to feel the rush of battling a big pelagic, we've got you covered. Remember, all the gear is included, and I'll clean your catch at the end of the day. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Rob's Guide Service a call and let's get your afternoon adventure on the books. Trust me, once you feel that first reel screaming, you'll be hooked for life.