Ready to reel in some of Florida's most prized game fish? The Program Sportfishing Charters has you covered with our half-day and full-day offshore trips. We're talking serious action out here – from the lightning-fast wahoo to the acrobatic sailfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
From the moment you step aboard, you're in for a treat. Our captain will customize the day to fit what you're after – maybe you want to focus on trolling for mahi-mahi, or perhaps you're dead-set on landing a trophy grouper. Just let us know, and we'll make it happen. We provide top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your game face (and maybe some snacks). With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. And don't worry about licenses – we've got that covered too.
Out here in Florida's rich offshore waters, we use a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. We might start the day trolling for pelagics like wahoo and sailfish, using lures or rigged baits that mimic their natural prey. If the bottom fishing is hot, we'll switch gears and drop lines for snapper and grouper. Our crew is always watching for signs of life – birds working the surface, temperature breaks, or floating debris that often holds fish. We'll teach you the ropes as we go, so by the end of the day, you'll be jigging and live-baiting like a pro.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These colorful acrobats are a favorite among our anglers. Known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, mahi can reach sizes up to 30 pounds in our waters. They're most abundant from April to September, often found near floating debris or weed lines. The fight is thrilling, and the meat is delicious – it doesn't get much better than fresh mahi tacos after a day on the water.
Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, wahoo is your target. These streamlined predators can hit speeds up to 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system and your arms. We typically find them year-round, but the best action is often in the cooler months. Landing a big 'hoo is a real accomplishment – they're known for their fierce fights and tendency to shake hooks.
Red Snapper: These bottom-dwellers are prized for their firm, white flesh and hard-fighting nature. We target them around reefs and wrecks, typically in depths of 60 to 200 feet. The season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's some of the best eating fish you'll ever taste. They can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon.
Gag Grouper: Another bottom-fishing favorite, gag grouper are known for their powerful runs back to structure once hooked. It takes skill and strength to turn these bruisers, which can easily top 30 pounds. We find them around rocky bottoms and reefs, often using live bait to entice a bite. The fight is intense, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.
Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of sportfishing, sailfish are the acrobats of the ocean. Known for their incredible jumping displays and distinctive sail-like dorsal fin, hooking up with one of these billfish is an angler's dream. We target them by trolling with ballyhoo or kite fishing, and the sight of a lit-up sailfish in the spread is something you'll never forget. While they're around year-round, peak season is typically late fall through early spring.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Our trips offer a chance to escape the daily grind and experience the raw beauty of the open ocean. You might spot dolphins playing in the wake, sea turtles cruising by, or even a whale breaching in the distance. The camaraderie built on a fishing boat is something special, whether you're sharing laughs with old friends or making new ones. And let's not forget the stories – because out here, there's always a chance at that fish of a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to feel the excitement of a screaming reel, The Program Sportfishing Charters has the trip for you. Our half-day trips are perfect for those short on time or new to offshore fishing, while our full-day adventures give you the best shot at a diverse catch and bigger fish. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your sunscreen, your favorite lucky hat, and get ready for a day of world-class fishing in Florida's abundant waters. Book now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime!
Atlantic sailfish are the rockstars of offshore fishing. They're fast, acrobatic, and stunningly beautiful. Most run 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in warm surface waters, often following bait schools. Winter is prime time in the Florida Keys and along "Sailfish Alley" from Miami to Fort Pierce. Anglers target them for their spectacular aerial displays and intense fights. To hook up, slow-troll live bait like ballyhoo or blue runners. Use 30-50 pound tackle - you'll need it. Local tip: watch for birds working bait schools, sailfish are often feeding below. When you hook one, be ready for blistering runs and wild jumps. Most are released, but the memories last a lifetime. For pure fishing excitement, it's hard to top sailfish.
Gag grouper might not win any beauty contests, but they're tough fighters and great eating. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can reach 50+ pounds. Look for them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 foot depths. Prime time is fall and winter when they move to shallower water. Anglers love their powerful strikes and delicious white meat. To land one, use heavy tackle with live bait like pinfish or mullet. Be ready for a battle - they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs. Local tip: keep your rod low and reel fast when they first bite to pull them away from structure. Gags change sex from female to male as they age, so bigger fish are usually males. Whether you're after a trophy or just a great meal, gag grouper deliver.
Mahi Mahi are colorful fighters that'll get your heart racing. These acrobatic fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach up to 87. You'll find them near floating debris or weedlines in warm offshore waters. They're most abundant in Florida from July to November. Anglers love Mahi for their spectacular aerial displays and delicious mild, sweet meat. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, making the bait skip on the surface to mimic flying fish. Use 30-50 pound gear - these strong swimmers put up a serious fight. Pro tip: look for frigate birds circling, they'll often lead you right to the Mahi. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want some great fish tacos, Mahi Mahi are hard to beat for offshore action.
Red snapper are prized for both their fight and flavor. Adults average 1-2 feet but can reach 35 pounds. You'll find them near rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 30-600 foot depths. Peak season in Florida is May through October. Anglers love battling these hard-pulling fish and enjoy their mild, slightly sweet fillets. To catch one, use heavy tackle with circle hooks - they'll dive for cover when hooked. Fresh cut bait like squid or cigar minnows works well. Try chumming to get them fired up. Local tip: when you hook one, reel fast and steady to get them away from structure. Red snapper make for great eating, but mind the strict regulations on size and season. Few fish are more satisfying to bring over the rail.
Wahoo are built for speed, with a sleek body that can hit 60 mph. Most are 3-5 feet long and put up an intense fight. You'll find them in deep offshore waters, often near oil platforms or underwater structures. Prime wahoo fishing in Florida is July to November. Anglers target them for their blistering runs and firm, tasty white meat. To hook one, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor sharp teeth will slice through mono. Use minnow lures, bulletheads, or plungers. For a real challenge, slow-troll with fresh ballyhoo on J-hooks. Local tip: keep an eye out for temperature breaks or color changes in the water, wahoo love to hang out along these edges. Landing a big wahoo is a true offshore trophy.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 350