Florida's Premier 4-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

West Palm Beach
$600 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for an afternoon of Florida fishing? Join Papa Bear's Fishing Charters for a 4-hour trip that kicks off at 1 p.m. The captain has everything set up, so you can start casting as soon as you hit the prime spots. You'll be going after big game like Grouper, Barracuda, Kingfish, Snapper, and Cobia. All the gear you need is provided, including top-notch rods and reels, plus your fishing license. While you're out there, enjoy some snacks and drinks on the house. If you want to up your chances, live bait is available to buy - goggle eyes run $100 per dozen, and pilchards start at $30. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, whether you're an old pro or it's your first time holding a rod. The crew works hard to make your trip a success, so a 20% tip is the norm. Get ready to reel in some monsters and make the most of Florida's rich offshore waters!

Florida's Premier 4-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip

Offshore Catch of the Day

Big fish bonanza: 97-inch monsters caught off West Palm Beach!

Huge Little Tunny blasted today off West Palm Beach!

Huge Little Tunny triple-header caught while deep sea jigging!

West Palm Beach fishin' vibes

Reel in Afternoon Action: 4-Hour Florida Fishing

Hey there, anglers! Ready to spend your afternoon hauling in some of Florida's finest fish? Papa Bear's Fishing Charters has got you covered with this sweet 4-hour trip that'll have you out on the water when the bite is hot. We're talking primo fishing action without taking up your whole day. Perfect for both seasoned saltwater junkies and folks just getting their feet wet in the offshore game.

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, here's the lowdown: We shove off at 1 p.m. sharp, so you can sleep in or grab some lunch before we hit the high seas. The captain's got everything dialed in - rods, reels, and licenses are all sorted. That means you can focus on what matters: catching fish and having a blast. We're gunning for the big boys out there - Grouper, Barracuda, Kingfish, Snapper, Cobia, you name it. And don't sweat it if you're new to this - our crew's got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need.

Gearing Up for Success

Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We're not messing around with bargain bin tackle here - we're talking top-shelf gear that'll give you the edge when that monster fish decides to play. Our setup is perfect for the variety of species we're after. We'll be doing a mix of bottom fishing for those tasty Grouper and Snapper, and some trolling to entice the speedsters like Kingfish and Barracuda. If you're feeling fancy, we've got live bait available - those goggle eyes and pilchards are like candy to the big ones. Just remember, live bait's extra, but man, is it worth it when you're trying to tempt a trophy fish.

Top Catches This Season

Now, I could tell you stories all day about the whoppers we've been pulling in, but let's just say the fishing's been red hot lately. We've had folks leaving the dock with coolers full of tasty fillets and grins a mile wide. One guy last week - I kid you not - hooked into a Cobia so big we thought it was a shark at first. Turns out, it was just shy of the state record! And don't even get me started on the Grouper - we've been finding some real bruisers out there.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the kings of the reef. They put up a heck of a fight and taste even better. We usually find 'em hanging around structure in 60 to 100 feet of water. The bigger ones can top 20 pounds, and let me tell you, when you hook into one of those, it's like trying to winch up a Volkswagen. Best part? They're delicious any way you cook 'em.

Gag Grouper: These guys are the heavyweight champs of the bottom dwellers. They love to hang out near rocks and ledges, and they hit like a freight train. A big Gag can easily push 50 pounds, and they'll test every bit of your tackle and technique. The thrill of wrestling one of these brutes up from the depths is hard to beat.

Northern Kingfish: If you're looking for a speed demon, Kingfish are your ticket. These sleek predators can top 40 miles per hour when they're chasing bait. We catch 'em by trolling with live bait or spoons. When a King hits, hold on tight - they're known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming.

Barracuda: With a face full of teeth and an attitude to match, Barracudas are the bad boys of the reef. They're lightning fast and love to hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. Landing a big 'Cuda is always a rush, and they make for some great photos before we release 'em.

Cobia: These curious fish often show up when you least expect it. They're known to follow sharks, rays, and even our boat! Cobia can grow over 100 pounds, and they fight like crazy. They're seasonal visitors, but when they're here, they're a top target for many anglers because of their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these trips for years, and I'll tell you why folks keep booking with us. It's not just about the fish - though trust me, we catch plenty. It's about the whole package. You're out here on Florida's beautiful waters, soaking up the sun, maybe seeing a dolphin or two, and yeah, battling some serious fish. We keep it laid-back but professional. You want to learn? We'll teach you everything we know. Just want to relax and reel 'em in? We've got you covered. Plus, we throw in snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up. It's like a mini-vacation in the middle of your day.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Florida's finest fish, this is your chance. Four hours, afternoon sun, premium gear, and fish that'll make your arms sore - what more could you want? Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip, so it's nice and personal. Don't forget to bring some cash for that live bait if you want to up your game, and maybe a little extra to take care of the crew if they show you a good time (wink, wink). So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now, and let's go make some fishing memories!

Learn more about the species

Barracuda

Barracuda are sleek, torpedo-shaped predators that can grow up to 6 feet long. You'll often spot them near reefs, wrecks, and other structures in shallow coastal waters. These guys are lightning fast, capable of short bursts up to 35 mph when chasing prey. Anglers love targeting 'cudas for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They'll hit just about anything shiny, making them great fun on topwater lures or trolling spoons. Spring and summer are prime times to find them in Florida waters. Here's a tip: if you see one following your bait, speed up your retrieve - that often triggers a strike. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke. While some folks eat barracuda, they're mainly caught for sport and often released.

Cobia

Cobia are powerful fish, often mistaken for sharks due to their similar shape. They can grow up to 6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds. You'll find them near structures like reefs, buoys, and even large sea creatures they follow. Cobia migrate along the coast, so spring and early summer are prime times to catch them in Florida. Anglers love targeting cobia for their hard fights and excellent table fare. They're curious fish, often coming right up to the boat. Live bait like eels or crabs works well, but they'll also hit jigs and artificial lures. Here's a local trick: when you spot one, cast well ahead of it and let the bait sink - cobia often investigate things falling through the water. Be ready for a long, strong fight once hooked. Just remember, they're heavily regulated, so always check current limits.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are hefty bottom-dwellers, often weighing 20-30 pounds and stretching up to 3 feet long. You'll find them lurking around rocky areas, reefs, and shipwrecks offshore. They're most active in cooler months, so fall and winter are prime times to target them. Gags are known for their tough fights - once hooked, they'll make a beeline for their rocky hideouts. Anglers love the challenge and the tasty white meat. Live bait is your best bet - try pinfish or mullet. Here's a tip: when you feel that first bite, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the bottom. If they make it back to their hole, you've probably lost them. Keep your drag tight and be ready for a workout. Just remember, these guys grow slowly, so practice catch and release when you can.

Northern Kingfish

Northern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters, usually 10-14 inches long and weighing up to a pound and a half. You'll find them in the surf zone and near piers, hanging out in sandy or rocky bottom areas. Late summer's the best time to target them along the shoreline. Anglers love 'em because they punch above their weight class when hooked, and they make for some tasty eating too. Light tackle's the way to go - a small hook and some clams or bloodworms should do the trick. Here's a local tip: look for them in deeper holes along the beach during low tide. They might be small, but Northern Kingfish can give you a fun, fast-paced day of fishing. Just remember to check size limits before keeping any.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are prized catches in Florida waters, typically ranging from 1-2 feet long and weighing up to 10 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in depths of 30 to 620 feet. These fish put up a good fight and taste fantastic, making them popular targets year-round. Your best bet is using heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Live bait like cigar minnows or squid works well, but don't forget to use circle hooks - it's required here. Red Snapper have a reputation for running straight for cover when hooked, so be ready to muscle them away from structure. A local trick: if you're having trouble getting bites, try chumming to get them fired up. Just remember, seasons and limits can be strict, so always check the latest regulations before heading out.

About the Papa Bear's Fishing Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: 454 crusaders

Maximum Cruising Speed: 22

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 170

Ready for an afternoon on the water? This 4-hour fishing trip kicks off at 1 p.m., with everything set up for you to start casting as soon as you hit the prime spots. Your captain knows just where to find Grouper, Barracuda, Kingfish, Snapper, Cobia, and more. All the gear you need is on board - premium rods, reels, and fishing licenses are part of the package. While you're reeling in the big ones, munch on complimentary snacks and sip some refreshing drinks. Want to up your game? Live bait is available to purchase (goggle eyes are $100 per dozen, pilchards start at $30). Whether you're a pro angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is a great way to experience Florida's rich offshore waters. Remember, a 20% tip for the crew is the usual way to show appreciation for their hard work. Get ready for an afternoon of sun, sea, and hopefully, some impressive catches!

Sitemap