Ready for a day that'll keep the whole crew happy? This 5-hour trip packs in fishing, snorkeling, and beach time—perfect for families who can't decide between reeling in catches or splashing in the waves. We'll start with some light tackle action, then cruise over to Peanut Island for underwater adventures and sandcastle building. It's the best of both worlds, and trust me, even the pickiest travelers will find something to love.
We kick things off bright and early at 8 AM, hitting the water when the fish are biting. I'll set you up with light tackle gear—ideal for nabbing some of our inshore favorites without wearing out your arms. Once we've had our fill of fishing (or the kids start getting antsy), we'll make tracks for Peanut Island. This local hotspot is a snorkeler's paradise with crystal clear waters and plenty of colorful marine life to spot. Fancy a break from the water? No problem. The island's got a sweet little beach that's perfect for lounging or building epic sandcastles. Bring your own picnic to enjoy on board or ashore—just remember, no glass bottles allowed!
For the fishing portion, we'll be using light tackle setups—think spinning reels and rods that won't wear you out but still pack enough punch for a good fight. I'll show you the ropes if you're new to this, or let you take the lead if you're an old pro. When it comes to snorkeling, we've got all the gear you need. The waters around Peanut Island are calm and shallow, making it a breeze for beginners and kids to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for sergeant majors, parrotfish, and maybe even a sea turtle if we're lucky!
Mutton Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a local favorite. They've got a bit of attitude and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for their distinctive red coloration and "mutton chops" near the mouth. Spring and early summer are prime time for muttons, and they make for some excellent eating if you're into that.
Blackfin Tuna: Small but mighty, blackfins are like the sports cars of the tuna world. They're fast, feisty, and a blast to catch. We usually find them a bit further offshore, but sometimes they'll cruise closer in, especially in the cooler months. When they're running, it's non-stop action that'll have everyone's arms tired (in the best way).
Atlantic Sailfish: The rock stars of our local waters, sailfish are what dreams are made of for many anglers. With their iconic dorsal fin and acrobatic jumps, hooking into one of these beauties is an unforgettable experience. Winter and early spring are your best bet for sailfish, but they can surprise us year-round.
Barracuda: These toothy critters might look mean, but they're a riot to catch. They hit hard and fast, often leaping clear out of the water. Kids especially get a kick out of their scary-looking chompers. We see 'cudas all year, but they're extra frisky in the warmer months.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins at all), mahi are the beauty queens of the ocean. Their electric blue and gold colors are stunning, and they taste as good as they look. Spring through fall is mahi season, and when we find them, it's usually all hands on deck for fast and furious action.
Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing, want to mix in some snorkeling fun, or just need a day away from the hustle and bustle, this trip checks all the boxes. With a perfect blend of action and relaxation, it's the kind of day that turns into favorite family stories for years to come. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your adventure. Give us a shout, and let's get you on the water for a day you won't forget!
Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of our local waters, growing up to 7-8 feet long. You'll spot them in the warm, blue waters off West Palm Beach, often near the surface down to about 60 feet. Spring and winter are prime sailfish seasons here. Anglers can't get enough of their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs – it's like hooking a lightning bolt. To target sails, try slow-trolling live baits like goggle-eyes or ballyhoo. Keep your spread wide and be ready for explosive strikes. When a sailfish takes the bait, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook. Then hold on tight! These fish will jump, dive, and do everything they can to shake free. A local secret: use light leader and small circle hooks for better hook-ups. And remember, most folks release sailfish to keep the population healthy for future fights.
Barracuda are the toothy terrors of our nearshore waters, often reaching 3-4 feet long. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, usually in 20-80 feet of water. These aggressive predators are active year-round but really fire up in summer. Anglers love barracuda for their lightning-fast strikes and aerial acrobatics. To catch one, try casting tube lures or topwater plugs near structure. Use wire leaders – those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When a 'cuda hits, it's like an explosion on the water. They'll make blistering runs and often leap clear out of the sea. Here's a pro tip: try "walking the dog" with your lure for an irresistible action. Just be careful handling these guys at the boat. Those teeth are no joke, and they've got an attitude to match!
Blackfin tuna are small but mighty, usually weighing 15-30 pounds. You'll find them in our warm offshore waters, often hanging out near the continental shelf. These speedy fish love to chase baitfish near the surface, especially during fall and spring runs. Anglers get a kick out of blackfins for their hard-fighting nature and delicious meat. To hook one, try trolling with small lures or live bait like pilchards. Keep your eyes peeled for birds diving – that's often a sign blackfins are feeding below. When you hook up, hang on tight! These little powerhouses will give you a real workout on light tackle. A local tip: try vertical jigging near weedlines or drop-offs. The quick, erratic action drives blackfins wild. Just remember to bleed and ice them quickly to preserve that top-notch sushi-grade flavor.
Mahi mahi are the tropical beauties of our offshore waters, typically running 15-30 pounds. You'll find them around floating debris and weedlines, usually within 30 miles of shore. Summer and early fall are peak mahi seasons here. Anglers can't resist their acrobatic fights and stunning colors – not to mention their fantastic eating quality. To target mahi, try trolling small ballyhoo or squid skirts near floating structure. Keep an eye out for frigate birds – they often lead you right to the fish. When you hook up, be ready for wild jumps and strong runs. Mahi often travel in schools, so get your catch in the boat quickly and drop back – you might hook several from the same spot. Local tip: chunk some cut bait to keep the school close to the boat. Fresh mahi makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste!
Mutton snappers are a prized catch around West Palm Beach, typically growing up to 20 inches long. You'll find them hanging out near reefs and along mangroves, usually in depths of 80 to 300 feet. These fish are most active during summer months, but can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting muttons for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To land one, try using fresh bait like squid or small fish on a knocker rig. Let it drift in the current near structure – muttons can't resist. When you feel that tug, be ready for a battle. These snappers will try to dive back into their rocky homes, so you'll need to pull them away quickly. Keep an eye out for that telltale pink color as you reel them up. It's a beautiful sight that means dinner's on the way!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300