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Premier 8-Hour Reef Trip in Jensen Beach, FL
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Sebastian, FL
- $150 - $1,200 price range
- Updated Date: November 27, 2025
Summary
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Reefs and Wrecks
"Weathered Fishermen Grappling with Their Catch on the Craggy Shoreline"
Ice fishing on a frozen lake.
8-Hour Offshore Reef Fishing Adventure in Stuart
Get ready to hit the high seas on an action-packed 8-hour offshore reef fishing trip out of Stuart, Florida. We'll be cruising to prime fishing grounds up to 130 feet deep, where you'll have a shot at landing both reef dwellers and open-water pelagics. This full-day outing with AA Fishing Charter is perfect for anglers looking to test their skills against some of Florida's most prized catches.
What to Expect on the Water
Our day starts bright and early at Mulligan's restaurant. You'll meet the captain and crew at slip #34, where our well-equipped fishing vessel awaits. As we motor out of the inlet, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake. Once we reach the offshore reefs, it's time to get down to business. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to saltwater fishing, our experienced guides will help you dial in your technique. We'll be targeting a mix of species using various methods, from bottom fishing with live bait to sight casting for pelagics. With a max of 3 guests on board, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and time to work the rods.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On this trip, we'll employ a variety of fishing techniques to maximize our chances of success. For reef fish like snapper and grouper, we'll use heavy bottom rigs with circle hooks and chunky natural baits. When targeting pelagics like mahi-mahi, we might switch to trolling with rigged ballyhoo or casting artificial lures. Our boat is kitted out with top-notch Penn and Shimano reels, paired with sturdy rods that can handle whatever decides to bite. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – our crew will walk you through each technique and help you perfect your approach throughout the day.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These colorful acrobats are a favorite among offshore anglers. Known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, mahi can grow up to 30 pounds in our waters. They're typically found near floating debris or weed lines, and we'll keep our eyes peeled for these prime spots. Mahi are most abundant from April through September, offering hard fights and delicious fillets.
Cobia: Often called "lemonfish" by old-timers, cobia are powerful swimmers that put up a serious fight. These curious fish are known to follow boats and even sharks, making for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. They average 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger. Cobia tend to show up in our waters from spring through fall, with peak season in the summer months.
Red Snapper: A prized catch for both their tasty meat and challenging nature, red snapper are a reef fishing staple. These ruby-red beauties can grow over 20 pounds and are known for their strong initial runs. We target them over structure in 60-120 feet of water, using heavy tackle to winch them up before they can dive back into their rocky lairs. The brief red snapper season typically falls in July, so book early if you're after these guys.
Lane Snapper: While smaller than their red cousins, lane snapper are abundant and make for excellent table fare. These feisty fish average 1-3 pounds and often travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups are common. We find them over similar reef structures as red snapper, and they're available year-round. Their willingness to bite makes them great for anglers of all skill levels.
Gag Grouper: These hard-fighting bottom dwellers are the bulldogs of the reef. Gag grouper use their powerful bodies to dive straight for structure when hooked, so heavy tackle and quick reflexes are a must. They average 10-30 pounds but can grow much larger. Gag grouper season typically runs from June through December, with some of the biggest fish caught in the cooler months.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Stuart's offshore waters offer a diverse fishery that keeps anglers on their toes. One minute you might be cranking up a grouper from the depths, and the next you're casting to a school of mahi crashing bait on the surface. The variety of species and fishing techniques means there's always something new to learn and experience. Plus, with our knowledgeable crew and well-maintained gear, you can focus on the fun part – reeling in fish after fish. Many of our repeat customers tell us this trip offers the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement, with the potential for some seriously impressive catches.
Local Know-How
As longtime Stuart locals, we know these waters like the back of our hand. We'll clue you in on the best spots to grab a post-trip beer and fish sandwich (hint: try Sailor's Return), and give you the inside scoop on what's been biting lately. If the reef bite is slow, we might run to some of our secret spots where big pelagics hang out. And don't worry about seasickness – we'll share our tried-and-true tips to keep you feeling good all day long.
What to Bring
While we provide all the fishing gear, there are a few things you'll want to pack for a comfortable day on the water: - Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred) - Hat and polarized sunglasses - Light, long-sleeved shirt for sun protection - Non-slip, close-toed shoes - Camera or phone for photos (waterproof case recommended) - Snacks and drinks (no glass containers) - Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness
Remember, Florida weather can change quickly, so it's a good idea to bring a light rain jacket just in case. And don't forget your fishing license – we can help you get a temporary one if needed.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing Stuart has to offer? Our 8-hour reef trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to enjoy a day on the water with friends, this trip delivers. Give us a call or book online to reserve your date. And heads up – make sure you're familiar with our cancellation policy before booking. We can't wait to get you out on the water and put you on some fish!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are bruisers that'll give you a serious workout. These solitary predators can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia migrate through our area in spring, following rays and bait schools. Anglers target them for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Sight fishing is popular - scan the surface for their distinctive shark-like profile. Live bait like eels or pinfish work great, but big jigs can also trigger strikes. When you hook up, be ready for powerful runs and even some jumps. Local trick: chum with cut fish to bring curious cobia closer to the boat.
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting reef dwellers that'll put your gear to the test. These brown-mottled bruisers average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them lurking around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they move to shallower breeding grounds. Anglers target Gags for their powerful fights and excellent eating quality. Use heavy tackle with large live baits like pinfish or squid. When you hook up, crank hard to pull them away from their rocky lairs. Local tip: try jigging large butterfly jigs near the bottom - the fluttering action can trigger aggressive strikes from big Gags. Just be ready to muscle them up before they wrap you in the rocks.
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper are tasty little fighters that add variety to a reef trip. These pink and yellow-striped snappers typically run 1-3 pounds, with 5 pounders considered trophies. You'll find them over sandy or rocky bottom near reefs in 30-200 feet of water. They're most active at night, so evening trips can be productive. Anglers enjoy Lane Snapper for their aggressive bites and excellent table fare. Use light tackle with small hooks and cut bait or shrimp to target them. When you feel a bite, set the hook quickly - they're crafty bait stealers. Local secret: chum with crushed shellfish to bring them into a feeding frenzy. Lane Snapper often mix with other species, so you never know what else might show up.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi are colorful fighters that'll test your skills. These ocean acrobats average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in waters 30-130 feet deep. They're fast growers, maturing in just months, which keeps populations strong. Spring and summer are prime seasons when water temps warm up. Anglers love Mahi for their spectacular jumps and delicious white meat. To boost your odds, troll with rigged ballyhoo or squid, making the bait skip on the surface. That mimics flying fish - Mahi's favorite meal. When you hook one, be ready for aerial displays and blistering runs. Local tip: once you find a school, keep a hooked fish in the water to hold the others close.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are prized catches that'll test your bottom fishing skills. These ruby-colored beauties average 5-10 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them holding tight to structure like reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet. Late spring through fall is prime time when they move to shallower breeding grounds. Anglers love Snapper for their tough fights and world-class eating quality. To land a big one, drop large live baits like pinfish or squid to the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull hard to keep them from diving back to cover. Local tip: use circle hooks to improve hook-ups and make releases easier if you catch undersized fish. The regs change often, so always check limits before your trip.
About the World Cat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 53
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
