Expert-Guided 4 Hour Near Shore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$280 - $475 price range
Updated Date: August 27, 2025

Summary

Ready for some action-packed fishing close to shore? This 4-hour trip takes you 3-8 miles offshore, where you'll target both pelagic and reef fish species. It's the perfect length for anglers who want a taste of offshore fishing without committing to a full day. With a small group size of just 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from the crew of 1 Fathom Sportfishing Charters. They'll put you on the fish and help you land some impressive catches. Expect to drop lines for a mix of species – you might hook into anything from snapper and grouper on the bottom to mahi-mahi or king mackerel cruising the surface. The near-shore waters offer a great variety of fish without the long run to deeper grounds. Bring your camera, sunscreen, and get ready for some rod-bending action just a short ride from the coast.

Expert-Guided 4 Hour Near Shore Fishing Adventure

Fish On!

Three king mackerel and little tunny fish caught in Hobe Sound

Hookin’ King Mackerel on the Gulf Coast

4 king mackerel and little tunny fish caught while fishing in FL

Florida Fish Are Waiting

Two anglers with a 53-inch fish at Hobe Sound

Light Tackle, Big Action

Hobe Sound, Heavy Bites

4-Hour Near Shore Adventure: Big Fish, Small Trip

Ready for a quick hit of offshore action without the all-day commitment? Our 4-hour near shore trip is the perfect balance of excitement and convenience. We'll run 3-8 miles out, putting you right in the strike zone for both pelagic predators and reef dwellers. It's amazing how much fishing we can pack into a half-day when you know where to look!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the inlet, the hunt is on. We'll cruise to productive fishing grounds just a few miles offshore where the action can heat up fast. You might be jigging over a reef one minute, then racing to toss baits at a surface feeding frenzy the next. With a max of 3 guests, everyone gets plenty of rod time. No fishing experience? No problem. Our crew will show you the ropes and make sure you're in on the action.

Tactics for Near Shore Success

We mix it up to match what's biting. Trolling spreads to cover water and target pelagics like sailfish and mahi. Bottom fishing with live bait or jigs for snappers and groupers. Sight casting to cobia or kings busting bait on the surface. We'll rig with circle hooks for easy catch-and-release on billfish, and we've got fish bags ready for your dinner if you hook into some tasty mahi or mackerel. The crew handles all the tackle, so you just focus on fighting fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Sailfish: The rock stars of near shore fishing. These acrobatic billfish put on a show when hooked, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. They hunt in packs, so multiple hookups are possible. We practice careful catch-and-release to keep the population thriving. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you've got a shot year-round.

King Mackerel: Speed demons of the sea, kings can scream off 100 yards of line in seconds. They hunt in wolf packs, slashing through bait schools with razor-sharp teeth. We often find them around tide lines, reefs, or following bait migrations. The biggest "smoker" kings show up in fall and winter, with some topping 50 pounds.

Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, mahi are the perfect game fish. They're beautiful, acrobatic fighters that also happen to be delicious. Look for them around floating weeds or debris, often in clear blue water. Mahi grow fast and can be caught year-round, with spring and summer offering the best shot at bigger bulls in the 20-30 pound range.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our 4-hour trips are addictive. You get a taste of offshore action without burning a whole day or breaking the bank. It's perfect for introducing kids or newbies to saltwater fishing, but still delivers enough excitement for seasoned anglers. Many guests start with a half-day, then come back for longer trips once they're hooked (pun intended). The near shore zone is also more protected, so we can often run when conditions further out are too sporty.

Time to Book Your Spot

With only 3 spots per trip, these 4-hour adventures fill up fast. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to sample the offshore scene, you can't beat the value and variety of our near shore trips. Give us a call to check availability and get ready for some rod-bending action just minutes from the dock. See you on the water!

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Sailfish

Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see. They're known for their golden sides with bright blue and green patterns. These fish grow fast but don't live long, usually reaching 15-30 pounds. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often near floating debris or weed lines. They're aggressive predators, feeding on smaller fish near the surface. Mahi are popular with anglers because they put up a great fight and taste delicious. Spring and summer are prime seasons when the water warms up. To catch them, look for frigate birds circling - that's often a sign Mahi are feeding below. Try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, or use artificial lures that skip across the surface. When you hook one, be ready for some acrobatics - they love to jump and run. One local tip: If you find a school, keep a hooked fish in the water to keep the others around. Mahi are curious and will often stick close to investigate.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are hard-fighting gamefish found in our nearshore waters. They're sleek, silver-sided fish that typically weigh 20-30 pounds, though some monsters can top 90 pounds. Kings are speed demons - they'll make your reel scream when they hit. You'll find them in depths from 40 to 150 feet, often around structure or following bait schools. Water temps between 68-84°F are ideal. Kings are migratory, so peak seasons vary, but fall is usually prime time as they follow baitfish migrations. Anglers love targeting Kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're also good eating, though larger fish can have higher mercury levels. For the best shot at a King, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Use a stinger rig with two hooks - Kings are notorious for short-striking baits. Keep your drag set light at first to let them run, then tighten up for the fight. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here - golden sides with bright blues and greens that light up like a neon sign when they're excited. They typically run 15-30 pounds, but can get up to 50 or more. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often hanging around floating debris or weed lines. These fish grow fast and don't live long, so they're always hungry. They'll chase just about anything that moves, which makes for exciting fishing. Spring through fall are the best times to target them as they follow the warm water. Mahi are popular because they put up an acrobatic fight, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. Plus, they're delicious on the grill. To catch them, keep an eye out for frigate birds circling - that often means Mahi are feeding below. Try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, or toss out some live bait. Here's a local tip: If you hook one, keep it in the water. Mahi travel in schools, and the others will often stick around to see what's happening. You might land several from the same spot.

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