Offshore Fishing Charter

About This Trip

The offshore charter is a full day in blue water out of Sebastian Inlet, and it is a different kind of fishing from anything inshore. Once you clear the inlet and run east, the bottom drops away, the water changes colour, and you are fishing for a class of fish that does not come inside.

This is a private charter for up to six guests with all heavy tackle supplied. Captain Richard Ladrew has spent his life on this stretch of coast. He decides the run each morning from the wind, the sea state, the water temperature and where the bait has been, because offshore the right decision is about finding the right water rather than covering the most ground.

Offshore days run on weekdays and are weather-dependent by nature. A forecast that would be fine for an inshore trip can be wrong for running out, and the captain will move or reschedule a day rather than take a group into water that is not safe or not fishable.

What’s Included

• Full day private offshore charter — just your group, up to 6 guests
• All heavy-duty offshore tackle, terminal gear and rigging
• Bait
• Fish cleaning and bagging at the end of the day
• USCG-licensed Master captain, life jackets and required safety gear

What You’ll Target

What is realistically in play changes through the year, and the captain will tell you honestly what the week looks like before you book. Over a season the offshore list includes mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, cobia, amberjack, and a range of bottom fish including snapper and grouper. Sailfish are a genuine possibility in the right conditions.

Bag limits, size limits and open seasons for offshore species change from year to year and are set by state and federal rules. Captain Richard fishes to current regulations and will explain what is keepable on the day. He is part of the FWC charter boat program and research team, and catch reporting is part of how that works.

Best Time of Year

Spring and early summer are the classic mahi months, when warm water pushes in and weed lines set up offshore. King mackerel run heaviest in the spring and again in the autumn. Cobia show through the spring. Bottom fishing for snapper and grouper is productive across much of the year, subject to whichever seasons are open. Winter offshore days are fewer because of wind, but the ones that line up can be excellent, and the water is often at its clearest.

Who This Trip Suits

Anglers who want a serious day and are comfortable spending eight hours offshore. If anyone in the group is prone to seasickness, take something the night before and again in the morning — it works far better than waiting until you feel it. If you are unsure whether offshore is the right trip, the full day inshore and nearshore charter covers similar hours in calmer water.