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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: September 11, 2025
Summary
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Reefs and Reels
"Weathered Fishermen Grappling with Their Catch on the Craggy Shoreline"
Ice fishing on a frozen lake.
8-Hour Offshore Reef Fishing in Stuart, FL
Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the reefs off Stuart, Florida with AA Fishing Charter. This 8-hour trip takes you to the sweet spots where big fish hang out, from the nearshore waters all the way out to depths of 130 feet. Whether you're after hard-fighting reef dwellers or sleek pelagics, we've got you covered. Bring your A-game and let's see what's biting!
Trip Overview
We'll meet up at Mulligans restaurant - just park there and look for the white gate on the left side. Follow the dock down to slip #34 and you'll find our boat ready to roll. Once everyone's on board, we'll cruise out to some of Stuart's most productive fishing grounds. The reefs here are teeming with life, from colorful snappers to hefty groupers. And don't forget about the pelagics - we might run into schools of mahi-mahi or spot a cobia cruising by. This trip is all about variety, so be ready to switch up tactics as we hunt for the hot bite.
Rigs and Reefs
We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species throughout the day. For the reef fish, we'll drop baits right into their homes using bottom rigs. Think heavy weights and sturdy hooks to get down deep and handle the big boys. When we're after pelagics, we might switch to trolling or sight casting if we spot fish on the surface. The reefs we fish range from natural limestone ledges to man-made wrecks, each one its own little ecosystem. Water depths can vary from 30 feet near shore out to that 130-foot mark, so we've got plenty of options depending on where the fish are biting.
What Anglers Are Saying
No customer reviews provided for this trip.
Target Species
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These acrobatic fighters are a favorite for good reason. They're fast, they jump like crazy, and man, do they look good in the water with those electric blue and green colors. We typically find mahi in the warmer months, often near floating debris or weedlines. They can grow big - 30-pounders aren't uncommon - but even the smaller "schoolies" put up an awesome fight. Plus, they're delicious if you want to keep a few for dinner.
Cobia: These bruisers are like the linebackers of the ocean. They're thick, muscular, and boy can they pull. Cobia often hang around structure like buoys or even sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but you never know when one might show up. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Expect a long, dogged battle if you hook into a big one.
Red Snapper: These are the glamour fish of the reef world. With their bright red color and tasty white meat, they're always a top target. Red snapper season is pretty limited these days, but when it's open, hold on tight. These fish know how to use the reef to their advantage, so you've got to be quick on the draw to keep them out of their rocky homes. They can grow to 20 pounds or more, and the bigger ones are crafty old-timers that really test your skills.
Lane Snapper: Don't let their smaller size fool you - lane snapper are a blast to catch. These feisty little guys travel in schools, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. They hang out over sandy or rocky bottom areas and are suckers for small baits. While they might not win any size contests, their sweet flavor makes them a favorite for the dinner table. Plus, they're usually around all year, so they're a reliable target when other species are being finicky.
Gag Grouper: If you're looking for a real shoulder-burner, gag grouper are your fish. These bottom-dwelling brutes are all about power. They love to hole up in rocky areas and wrecks, and once they're hooked, their first move is always to dive back home. You've got to turn their heads fast or risk losing them to the structure. Fall and winter are prime times for gags, and a big one can easily top 30 pounds. Just remember, these guys are slow-growing, so we practice careful catch-and-release with the big breeders.
Time to Wet a Line
So there you have it, folks - a full day of top-notch reef fishing right here in Stuart. From the rush of a mahi-mahi blitz to the grunt-inducing pull of a big grouper, this trip's got something for every angler. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local insight to put you on the fish. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your spot. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, we'll make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget. So what are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!
Learn more about the animals
Cobia
Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle. These solitary predators average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around structure like reefs, wrecks and buoys in 30-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Cobia put up a stubborn, powerful fight - be ready for long runs. Their firm, white meat is excellent table fare. To entice a bite, try sight-casting with live bait like eels or crabs. Cobia are curious, so sometimes they'll swim right up to the boat for a look. When you spot one, get a bait in front of it fast before it loses interest. Landing a big cobia is a real trophy.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your arms. These bruisers average 10-30 pounds but can reach 80. Look for them around rocky structure and reefs in 60-250 feet. They're most active in cooler months, October through May. Gags are known for their powerful initial run, trying to hole up in the rocks. Their firm, white meat is delicious. To improve your chances, use heavy tackle with large live baits like pinfish or grunts. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure to turn their head. Gags often hang with other grouper species, so you might land a mixed bag. There's nothing like the thump of a big gag taking your bait.
Lane Snapper
Lane snapper may be smaller than their red cousins, but they're a fun catch. These colorful fish average 1-3 pounds, topping out around 8. You'll find them over coral reefs and sandy bottoms with vegetation in 30-130 feet. They're most active March through September. Lanes are aggressive biters and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Their sweet, flaky meat is excellent fried or grilled. To target lanes, use small hooks with bits of shrimp or squid. They often school with other snappers, so you might catch a mixed bag. At night, try fishing near lighted docks or bridges - lanes are attracted to the glow. These tasty little snappers are a great option when the big reds aren't biting.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch and great eating too. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. Look for them near floating debris or weed lines in water 30-130 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, April through October. Mahi put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Their firm white meat is delicious grilled or blackened. To locate Mahi, keep an eye out for frigate birds diving - they'll lead you right to the fish. When you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. These fast-growing fish are abundant and make for exciting, action-packed fishing.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are prized for both sport and eating. These ruby-colored beauties average 5-10 pounds but can reach 35+. You'll find them over rocky bottom and reefs in 60-300 feet. May through October is prime season. Snapper fight hard, making powerful runs for the bottom. Their sweet, white fillets are a real delicacy. To improve your odds, use circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish. Snapper are structure-oriented, so precise anchoring is key. Once you're on a spot, get those baits down fast. The biggest snapper often hit first, so be ready as soon as you drop. There's nothing like the pull of a big red on the line.
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
