Join Captain James for an unforgettable offshore journey driven by years of dedication and expertise. Growing up around drift boats and venturing into fishing at just age 3, Captain James quickly found his true calling at the helm. By the time he was 12, he was skillfully docking large vessels under the mentorship of experienced captains, and at 21, he obtained his own captain’s license, fulfilling his childhood dream of leading his own trips.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, Captain James has explored fishing grounds all along Florida’s coastlines—from Port St. Lucie to the Florida Keys, Clearwater, and places beyond. He has pursued trophy pelagic species throughout the Bahamas, St. Thomas, the Dry Tortugas, and Pulley Ridge. Whether aiming for powerful gamefish such as Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and Wahoo, or targeting bottom species like Snapper and Grouper, he brings an impressive level of knowledge and skill to every outing.
Captain James attributes much of his success to the use of live bait. Whether he’s kite fishing for Sailfish, drift fishing over wrecks, or dropping lines near reef edges, his approach is designed to boost the excitement and potential for a great catch—because as he puts it, “you never know what kind of fish might take the bait.” When you fish with Captain James, it’s more than just a fishing trip; it’s a dive into a world of experience, technique, and seafaring tradition. Every guest, whether a beginner or a seasoned angler, is welcomed as part of the crew.
James and Dillon provided a warm welcome and took care of everything during our morning fishing excursion. We highly recommend their professionalism and hospitality.
You can cancel without any charges if you do so at least 7 days prior to your trip and get a credit applied to your account. If you cancel less than 7 days before the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancelling on the day of the trip or not showing up will result in a full charge to your payment method.
All necessary gear will be provided. However, we suggest bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, clothing suitable for the weather, and any additional items you may want for the trip.
The majority of our fishing excursions take place within 3/4 to 3 miles from shore. However, during the summer months, when mahi-mahi are plentiful, we venture further offshore. For those interested in this experience, we recommend booking a 6 to 8-hour trip. Our fishing methods include trolling, dropping live bait on shipwrecks, and using kites or slow trolling with live bait. Anglers of all ages, including children, are welcome. We focus on targeting the fish species you prefer.
Each trip includes a captain and a mate to assist you onboard. It’s customary to tip them 18-25% for their dedicated service. They will provide a full briefing during the ride out, and usually, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes before we start fishing. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks; the boat is equipped with coolers filled with ice, and we supply bottled water on every trip.
The 4-hour trip offers ample time to troll and drop bait on shipwrecks, targeting species like kingfish, bonita, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo, and various snappers and groupers found at depths between 60 and 400 feet.
With 5 hours on the water, you’ll have a bit more time to explore additional fishing areas and experiment with a variety of techniques.
The 6-hour trip provides the best value, allowing you to try multiple fishing methods and cover more ground along the coast, including different shipwrecks and fishing spots. This duration also offers enough time to head offshore in the summer to pursue mahi-mahi if local fishing is slow.
For experienced anglers seeking a full day of fishing or extensive offshore mahi-mahi targeting, the 8-hour trip is ideal. This option maximizes your chances of catching a large number of fish and exploring a broader range of waters.
The 1970 Hatteras 36 Sportfisher, named "Playtime," combines classic design with robust performance powered by twin 660 hp Cummins engines. This boat offers an exceptional fishing experience with a 35-gallon livewell, ensuring your catch stays fresh. Comfort is paramount with ample seating inside, outside, and on the fly bridge, providing great views and social space. The private bathroom adds convenience for longer trips. Whether you're experienced or a beginner, Playtime is equipped to make your fishing adventure enjoyable, comfortable, and productive on the water, making every outing a memorable escape.
