West Palm Beach Offshore Charter Hook'N Up

Little Tunny fish caught while fishing in West Palm Beach

5 King Mackerel and Little Tunny fish caught in West Palm Beach

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West Palm Beach Offshore Charter Hook'N Up

West Palm Beach

What you will be catching:

Atlantic Sailfish
Cobia
King Mackerel
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Swordfish

Trip Pricing and Availabilities :

No trip pricing information available at this time.

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West Palm Beach Offshore Fishing Charter

When you're looking for world-class offshore fishing without burning a whole day on the water, this West Palm Beach charter hits the sweet spot. Captain and crew at Hook'N Up Fishing Charter have dialed in the perfect half-day formula – whether you're rolling out of bed for a morning trip or squeezing in some afternoon action. The beauty of fishing out of West Palm is that you're not spending hours running to the fish. Deep blue water sits just minutes from the dock, so you're dropping lines and working lures while other boats are still making their way out. This private charter keeps things intimate with just six anglers max, which means more fish time and personal attention from the crew.

What to Expect on the Water

Half-day trips give you the perfect taste of offshore fishing without the commitment of a full day grind. The crew adjusts everything to match your group's skill level – if you're bringing kids or first-timers, they'll slow things down and teach the basics. Got some seasoned anglers in the mix? They'll put you on fish and let you work. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, creating that temperature break where baitfish stack up and predators follow. You'll see the water change from that coastal green to deep cobalt blue, and that's when things get interesting. The boat carries quality rods and reels already spooled with the right line weights, plus a full spread of lures and tackle. Live bait is available at the marina if conditions call for it, and the crew knows when to make that call.

Techniques and Tackle

The crew runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Trolling lets you cover water and target the fast-moving pelagics – sailfish, mahi, and kings that cruise the blue water. They'll set a spread of different lures at varying distances, each designed to mimic specific baitfish. When you hook up trolling, it's game on – no waiting around. Bottom fishing puts you over structure where cobia, grouper, and snapper hang out. The crew drops you right on the numbers using GPS marks they've built up over years of fishing these waters. All the gear is included, from circle hooks for catch-and-release to heavy tackle for the bigger fish. Snacks and drinks keep you fueled, and your Florida fishing license is covered. After the trip, they'll clean your catch so it's ready for the table or the cooler.

Top Catches This Season

Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and West Palm Beach sits right in their highway. These acrobatic fighters show up in good numbers from December through April, with peak action happening January through March. When you hook a sail, get ready for a show – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a display that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras. Most sails here run 6-8 feet and fight way above their weight class. The crew practices proper catch-and-release techniques to keep this fishery strong.

King mackerel patrol these waters year-round, but fall and winter bring the best action when big schools move through. Kings are aggressive predators that'll smoke a trolled bait or cut a live sardine in half. They're excellent table fare and one of the most reliable catches on a half-day trip. Look for fish in the 15-30 pound range, with some smoker kings pushing 40-plus pounds during peak season.

Mahi mahi are pure excitement on light tackle – they hit hard, jump high, and their colors are something to see. These fish follow floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, making them a perfect target for trolling trips. Spring through fall produces the most consistent mahi action, with smaller schoolie fish mixed in with bigger bulls and cows. Fresh mahi on the grill that same evening is hard to beat.

Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world – powerful, stubborn fighters that test your tackle and your patience. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) cruise around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris. They're curious fish that'll often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting. Spring migration brings the best cobia fishing, with fish in the 20-50 pound range common.

Swordfish are the ultimate offshore prize, though they're more of a bonus catch on half-day trips since they typically bite deeper and further offshore. When conditions align and one shows up, it's a fish-of-a-lifetime moment. These ancient predators can push triple digits and fight like nothing else in the ocean. The crew knows the signs to look for and will put in the extra effort when sword conditions are right.

Time to Book Your Spot

This charter delivers exactly what offshore fishing should be – good fishing, professional crew, and the right amount of time on the water. You're not dealing with crowded head boats or inexperienced captains. The private setup means your group sets the pace and gets personalized instruction. Kids learn to fish, beginners gain confidence, and experienced anglers get put on quality fish. The proximity to deep water maximizes your fishing time, and the crew's local knowledge puts you on the right spots at the right times. Whether you're visiting South Florida or you're a local looking for a top-rated charter, this half-day offshore trip covers all the bases. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Book your spot and get ready to see why West Palm Beach offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

The Atlantic Sailfish is hands down one of the most sought-after fish off West Palm Beach. These guys average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, but what makes them special is that spectacular dorsal fin and their ability to change colors when hunting. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water, cruising near the surface where they chase baitfish. Winter months are prime time here - we're right in "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. Guests love them because they put on a real show, jumping and tail-walking when hooked. The fight is pure adrenaline with their speed and endurance. Here's a tip: when we're teasing one up, keep that bait moving erratically like a panicked flying fish. Once they commit to the bite, let them run before setting the hook hard.

Cobia

Cobia are like the bulldogs of the ocean - dark brown, powerful fish that can easily hit 50-100 pounds. They're loners most of the time, cruising around structure like wrecks, buoys, or reefs in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through our area heading north. What makes cobia fishing exciting is it's often sight fishing - you'll see that dark shadow just under the surface and cast right to them. They fight hard and make outstanding table fare with thick, firm fillets that taste similar to shark. Don't mistake them for sharks though - they lack the pointed snout. Here's the trick: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of their nose. Color doesn't matter much, but that 4-8 ounce jig bouncing off the bottom usually triggers a strike.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll hook out here. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, but we see plenty bigger. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Fall through spring is peak season when they migrate through our waters following bait schools. What guests love about Kings is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything out there. Plus, they make excellent eating with that firm, white meat. The key to landing one is using a wire leader since they have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and be ready for that screaming reel when one hits.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi are pure gold out here - literally. These colorful fish light up like Christmas trees when you bring them to the boat, flashing brilliant yellows, greens, and blues. They average 15-30 pounds and are drawn to any floating debris, weed lines, or structure in open water. Spring through fall is our best season when they follow the warm water north. What makes mahi special is they're aggressive biters, great fighters, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They often travel in small schools, so landing one usually means more action. Pro tip: always look for floating sargassum or debris piles. Troll bright lures past these spots and keep a rod ready with live bait - once you hook up, the school will stick around.

Swordfish

Swordfish are the ultimate deep water challenge - these massive predators can reach 400+ pounds and live in 300-1500 feet of water. They're mainly night feeders, coming up from the depths when the sun goes down. Year-round fishing is possible here, but summer months tend to be most productive. What draws people to sword fishing is the sheer size and power of these fish, plus they're phenomenal eating with that meaty, steak-like texture. It's a waiting game that requires patience, but the payoff is huge. We typically deep-drop with heavy tackle using squid or large bait chunks. The secret is getting your lights set up right at 45-50 feet down to attract the squid and smaller fish that swordfish hunt. When one picks up your bait, don't rush it - let them take it and run before setting that hook.

About the Hook'N Up Fishing Charter

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar C8

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 750

This West Palm Beach fishing charter takes you just minutes from the marina into deep offshore waters where the action happens. Perfect for up to 6 guests, whether you're teaching the kids to fish or looking to land something bigger with friends. The crew knows these waters and will switch between trolling and bottom fishing based on what's biting and your group's experience level. Everything's included - rods, tackle, snacks, drinks, and licenses. You can grab live bait at the marina if you want to up your game, and they'll clean your catch afterward. Half-day trips work great for morning or afternoon schedules, giving you plenty of time to get the hang of it without rushing. The boat handles well in these conditions, and since it's your private group, you set the pace. Deep water means access to various offshore species depending on the day's conditions.

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