Florida Off-Shore Fishing query

[Gan]

Ok all you Floridians... I need some advice here.

I'm going to be in the southwestern part of Florida and need to take some high end clients on an offshore sport fishing trip. Looking to make a day run, boat needs to be high end (40+ footer with inside cabin accomodations), and we're wanting to get into actioned bill fish like cobia, amberjack, things with a lot of play and fight. I'm not interested in drum or snapper bottom fishing and will want to avoid that.

Any of you guys from that area know some good high end charters in the area from Ft. Meyers down to Marco along the gulf coast?

[Stunseed]

PB prolly knows more about that side of things than I do. Perhaps he will enlighten you.

[Gan]

I've got a few on my list to contact already, just seeing if any local insight can provide some reputable options.

I do plent of off-shore runs leaving from Galveston and Freeport and its a blast. I just am not familiar with the Florida coast fishing.

[Vitruvian]

Ok, If you can , get to Marco Island. There are charters all up and down the coast, you should find one with ease. My suggestion, if you could, is go 1 1/2 hours across the state to West Palm or even Ft Lauderdale. Ive fished on both sides in my own Donzi and found that I catch more Bill over here??

[Nauriel]

<get into actioned bill fish like cobia, amberjack, things with a lot of play and fight. >


wait wait....erm since when were Cobia and Amberjack Billfish? :no2:

[Parkbandit]

Never did amberjack or Cobia fishing.. so I'm of little use to you. I DID go down to Boca Grande Pass for tarpon fishing.. which was an absolute BLAST. Those fish know how to fight.

[Nauriel]

yes tarpon know how to fight, diffiently a fun sportfish. I am not sure if the Kingfish are running yet, im outta the loop lately, but they are also a good fight. Cobia and amberjack are not considered 'offshore' fish usually...I usually fish further north then Ft.Myers but we catch tuna and grouper mainly and those are a blast to fight. now billfish, unless you go way offshore...ive had more luck with Marlin, sailfish and Wahoo on the Atlantic side personally.

[Gan]

Ok, so I might have been off describing the 'billfish'. I'm not the seasoned offshoreman, just an amateur that loves to go out and fight the fish.

I have found some corporate charters who have the accomodations for our day long excursion. So far I'm screening out anything less than 40 foot and with an inside air conditioned cabin for the comfort of the clients if they wish to partake in it, with regards to the boat. I am also looking at having our lunch catered on the boat as well. And most importantly, a well stocked wet bar.

Sound like fun yet?

According to my charts, we're moving out of the Tarpon season pretty fast, so I'm hoping more amberjack, cobia, and other fighting fish that wont require bottom fishing will be available.

Thanks for your thoughts folks.