Hey there, anglers! Ready for a real Florida fishing expedition? Captain Troy's 12-hour offshore trip out of St. Augustine is the real deal. We're talking serious deep-sea action, targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in the Atlantic. This isn't your average day on the water - it's a full-on fishing marathon where you'll push your skills to the limit and hopefully land some monster catches. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the high seas!
This trip is all about getting you into the thick of the action in the Gulf Stream. We'll be cruising out far enough to where the big boys play - we're talking 30+ miles offshore where the water turns that deep, cobalt blue. The Gulf Stream is like a highway for pelagic fish, and we know just where to intercept them. You'll be using top-notch gear (all provided, by the way) to troll for speedsters like Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna, or maybe even sight-casting to a cruising Sailfish if we're lucky. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from fighting chairs to fish-finders, so you can focus on the thrill of the catch. Just remember to pack some grub and plenty of water - 12 hours on the briny goes by quick when you're hooked up!
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of trolling and live-baiting techniques. We'll start by setting out a spread of lures - maybe some cedar plugs for tuna or some colorful skirted lures for mahi. If we mark some good fish on the sounder, we might switch to live-baiting with goggle-eyes or blue runners. For the sailfish, it's all about finesse - we'll use light tackle and maybe even fly fishing gear if you're up for it. The captain's got years of experience reading the water, so trust his calls on what's working. We've got everything from 30-pound class reels for the tuna up to the heavy stuff if a big wahoo decides to crash the party. And don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - the crew's always happy to show you the ropes and help you perfect your technique.
Mahi Mahi, or as we call 'em, dolphin fish, are the acrobats of the ocean. These neon-green and gold speedsters are known for their aerial displays when hooked. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found many. Mahi can grow up to 30 pounds out here, and they're dynamite on the grill. Best time to target them is late spring through summer when the water warms up.
Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the deep. These torpedoes can hit speeds of 60 mph and will test your drag system and your biceps. They're solitary hunters, so hooking one is always a treat. Fall and winter are prime wahoo seasons, but we catch them year-round. Nothing beats the fight of a 50+ pound wahoo - it's like hooking a freight train!
Blackfin Tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. These football-shaped brawlers school up and can provide non-stop action when you find them. They're here year-round but really pick up in the cooler months. A 30-pounder will give you a workout, and they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Atlantic Sailfish are the prize of many anglers' careers. These billfish are known for their stunning colors and incredible acrobatics. We catch them year-round, but the fall run is something special. Watching a sail light up with iridescent purple and blue stripes as it greyhounds across the surface is a sight you'll never forget. Most of our sails are in the 6-7 foot range, and we always practice catch and release to keep the population healthy.
Folks come back to St. Augustine for offshore trips because it's some of the most consistent big-game fishing on the East Coast. We're perfectly positioned to access the Gulf Stream without the long runs you'd have further north. Plus, the variety of species we target means no two trips are ever the same. One day you might be battling tuna all morning, the next you could be releasing your first sailfish. It's that unpredictability that keeps seasoned anglers coming back for more. And let's not forget the bragging rights - there's nothing like walking down the dock with a cooler full of mahi and tuna steaks!
This season's been red hot for wahoo. We've had several fish over 70 pounds hit the deck, with one monster topping out at 92 pounds - a real sea monster! The mahi bite's been consistent too, with plenty of "gaffer" sized fish in the 15-20 pound range. Tuna numbers have been solid, with most trips bringing in a good mix of blackfin and the occasional yellowfin. And for the billfish enthusiasts, we've had a banner year for sails, with multiple release days becoming more common. It's shaping up to be one of the best seasons in recent memory, so now's the time to get out there!
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching for some world-class offshore action, Captain Troy's 12-hour trip is your ticket. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the determination to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned salt looking to tangle with a trophy wahoo or a newbie hoping to score your first mahi, this trip's got something for everyone. Just remember, these big fish don't punch a time clock, so a 12-hour trip gives us the flexibility to stay on the bite when it's hot. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Grab your fishing buddies (remember, we can take up to 3 anglers), and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The Gulf Stream's calling - are you ready to answer?
Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing. With that huge dorsal fin, they're unmistakable. Most run 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in blue water from 100-300 feet deep, often near the edge of the Gulf Stream. Winter's the peak season here. Sailfish are prized for their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, slash their bills, and really put on a display. It's all catch and release, but the photo ops are incredible. To up your chances, slow-troll live baits like ballyhoo or goggle-eyes. When a sail shows in the spread, free-spool and let it eat before coming tight. The memories will last a lifetime.
Blackfin tuna may be on the smaller side for tuna, but they more than make up for it with their fight. Most run 15-30 pounds, perfect on light tackle. You'll find them in deeper water over structure, often hanging with skipjack. Fall and winter are your best bets. These fish are lightning fast and will test your stamina. Blackfin make great eating too, especially as sashimi. To target them, look for birds working bait schools and get ready for fast action. Try vertical jigging or chunking for best results. A hot tip: use fluorocarbon leaders and small hooks - blackfin have sharp eyes and can be leader shy.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are colorful fighters that'll give you a run for your money. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 60. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines in the Gulfstream, especially from spring through fall. These acrobatic fish put on quite a show when hooked, leaping and thrashing at the surface. Their meat is delicious too - mild, flaky, and great for fish tacos. To improve your chances, keep an eye out for frigate birds working an area. That often means there's bait, and where there's bait, there's usually mahi. Toss out a live bait or brightly colored lure and hang on tight!
Wahoo are like the cheetahs of the ocean - sleek, fast, and built for speed. They typically run 4-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll find them in blue water along drop-offs and around structure. Fall is prime wahoo season here, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering runs and excellent table fare. When you hook one, it'll peel line like crazy. To boost your odds, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. These fish have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. Lures with some pink or purple seem to work well around here.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
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Horsepower per Engine: 200