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Skipjack Tuna Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Skipjack Tuna Fishing Charters

Fishing in Miami

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Offshore Big Game Trip

100% (15)
36 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Kailua-Kona

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram

60% (5)
31 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Key West

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Mixed Bag Trip

100% (3)
43 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Lantana

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Lantana

Big Boat Mixed Bag

75% (4)
52 ft 1 - 10 People $$$
Fishing in Freeport

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Freeport

50-Miler Trip

67% (3)
33 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Riviera Beach

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Riviera Beach

28’ Contender Center Console

100% (1)
28 ft 1 - 5 People $$

Most Popular Types of Skipjack Tuna Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Skipjack Tuna Fishing Charters

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Miami Beach
Fishing in Miami Beach
Fishing in Miami Beach
trip description for Full Day Off Shore Deep Sea Fishing in Miami Beach

Private charters Once I’m onboard the luxury fishing yacht Sea Cross or Sea Cross II the one of a kind feeling of a trophy Shark, Sailfish or Marlin on the end of your line it’s kind of like landing that client or ceiling the deal that you have been after for months and finally closed. Having a corporate day at sea on the Sea Cross is a great way to relax, have fun and build relationships with your team and clients. We have been working with some companies and VIPs for many years and it is always fun to see who catches the bigger fish, the client,rookie or the boss. For large corporate groups we can organize multiple boats and a fishing tournaments between them. No matter what size your company is everyone is going to be involved that day as soon as they get off of that bus I personally Capt. Rafael Will Greet everyone upon arrival so let’s get ready for a great time deep sea fishing here in Miami When it comes to large groups the Sea Cross fleet is a great solution. Whether you need 2 boats or as many boats your event would need, we can coordinate any group outing. And you will still be receiving hands on attention on your multiple boat captain Rafael men’s will be there to greet your group upon arrival coordinate all the teams and get everyone involved it’s what we do What should be included in your charter? With your Deep Sea charter you will get custom rods, reels, bait, tackle and Florida Fishing License all included in you trip. We are a fully licensed fleet that has been running charters in Miami for 30 years. Every trip is a special day to us! we always go above and beyond Wheelchair accessible fishing The Sea Cross fleet is equipped to handle wheelchairs. We have provided once in a lifetime experiences to those that use wheelchairs with multiple disabilities we go above and beyond to make sure you trusted us with their day out at sea. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami Beach

Full Day Off Shore Deep Sea Fishing

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Corpus Christi
Fishing in Corpus Christi
Fishing in Corpus Christi
trip description for Texas Gulf Coast Fishing in Corpus Christi

Captain Mike goal is to provide the ultimate Gulf Coast experience from Corpus Christi, Texas. Captain Mike is a USCG-approved master mariner who’ll take you nearshore as well as offshore to help you land a big catch and have a great day on the water. Come aboard his powerful boat and have a comfortable and fun fishing trip in Texas! Your boat’s a 45’ Sea Ray motor yacht with all the necessities needed for those long stays on the water. It can sit up to 6 guests and runs on a twin 350 HP Caterpillar 3116 engine. For navigation, it uses Raymarine GPS, fishfinder, radio, as well as a high definition 50 nm radar. The boat is also air-conditioned and features a TV, Bluetooth system, refrigerator, and an ice-box. You’ll go after Blackfin Tuna, Jack Crevalle, Mahi Mahi, Blacktip Shark, Red Snapper, and many more prized species. The techniques for catching them include bottom fishing, deep sea fishing, and trolling, all on heavy tackle. You’re welcome to bring kids on your trip and you can keep all the fish you catch if you want to. Captain Mike will meet you at the dock fully loaded with all the gear (rods, reels, tackle, bait, and comfortable seating) you will possibly need for a successful day out on the water. All you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, your sun protection, and your Texas fishing license, Captain Mike will take care of the rest! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Corpus Christi

Texas Gulf Coast Fishing

NEW
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing in Islamorada
trip description for Morning Half in Islamorada

4 Hour 1/2 day trip for up to 6 people departs at 0630. U will be going out on a spacious 44' Express Marlago Jefferson Yacht. Twin 450 HP 3208 Caterpillar engines. Vessel is equipped with all the electronics needed. GPS, Sonar, Radar, VHF and more. You will be using top of the line tackle, rods and reels, Vessel is equipped with fighting chair, 2 large live wells, Outriggers, Center rigger, Downrigger and many other specific tools that we use to target all the different species that roam these Florida Keys waters. Summertime we will generally fish on the reef for various Snappers such as Yellowtail, Mutton, Mangrove and some others. More than often we will take some time to troll and target Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi and a few others when they are close enough to go after in the allotted time. Wintertime we again stay close to the reef but target species such as Sailfish, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna King Mackerel, and again can target the many Snapper species that thrive here. All you need to bring is whatever you would like to eat and drink and we have everything else ready for you to come aboard and enjoy a great day and create some unforgettable memories Please remember to thank your mate with a 20% tip. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Morning Half

100% (2)
44 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Dawn to Dusk Key West Fishing Trip in Key West

Join Captain Brad on an exciting all-day fishing adventure in Key West, Florida. Captain Brad is extremely friendly and courteous, and wants to help you reel in your personal best! On this 11-hour adventure, Captain Brad will help you catch some trophy-sized fish, including Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Blue Marlin, Red Snapper, Striped Marlin, White Marlin, and Sailfish. You’ll want to stretch out before this trip - some of these guys will put up one hell of a fight! You’ll be fishing aboard Capt. Brad’s 43-foot sportfisher which is equipped with a large fishing cockpit, a functioning Tuna Tower, and an extra-large live well capacity. On this trip, Captain Brad emphasizes light tackle but is more than happy to accommodate for live bait slow trolling, reef & wreck, dead bait trolling, kite fishing, and blue water fly fishing. Captain Brad will provide Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa rods, reels, tackle, and lures. They will also provide live bait, drinks, fly fishing equipment, and fish cleaning/filleting at no extra cost. A first mate will be on board to help you at all times. Make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen, and some food/snacks for the day! Test your skills and strength and fill the boat on what promises to be an exhilarating day with Captain Brad and his crew! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Dawn To Dusk Key West Fishing Trip

100% (2)
43 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Loreto
Fishing in Loreto
Fishing in Loreto
trip description for Full Day Fishing Trip in Loreto

Head out with Captain Louis for an awesome day of chasing big game fish in the gulf of California! On this 7-hour trip, Captain Louis will take you along the Baja coast to go after some exciting species such as Bonito, Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin, Roosterfish, Skipjack Tuna, Wahoo, and Yellowtail Amberjack. You'll be targeting these fish using methods such as light tackle, heavy tackle, bottom fishing, trolling and jigging! Whether you want to hold a rod and feel every bite or lounge and wait for a reel to start screaming, Captain Louis will have you covered! You’ll be fishing aboard a 25' sportfisher that can hold up to 4 guests. This zippy vessel will get you where you need to be with time to spare. Captain Louis will provide all rods, reels, tackle, your license and have some burritos and drinks. All we recommend bringing is sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses and any other food or drinks you might want on the water. Book your trip with Captain Louis and find out what the beautiful Baja waters have to offer! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Loreto

Full Day Fishing Trip

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Lihue
Fishing in Lihue
Fishing in Lihue
trip description for Kaua'i Quick Offshore Run in Lihue

Discover the ultimate fishing experience in Kauai, Hawaii with Captain Ikena at the helm. With years of fishing expertise and a passion for the sea, Captain Ikena will guide you to the hottest fishing spots in search of the catch of a lifetime. You'll be cool and comfortable aboard his 35' Cabo Express sportfisher, a top-of-the-line fishing vessel equipped with the latest technology and gear. The boat's spacious deck and comfy seating provide ample room for you and your group to move around and make the most of your day on the water. As you set sail, get ready to pursue some of the most sought-after species in Hawaiian waters. With Captain Ikena's guidance, you'll have the opportunity to target Skipjack Tuna, Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and more! If you're after a specific species, just let the captain know and he can make sure to put you on 'em. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, you'll have the time of your life as you reel in these magnificent fish! The excitement doesn't stop once you've landed your catch. Take in the breathtaking views of the Hawaiian coastline as you head back to shore, and savor the memories of the day's adventure. With a successful fishing trip, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest seafood you've ever tasted. Book your trip with Captain Ikena today and get ready for a day filled with unforgettable memories, stunning scenery, and, of course, plenty of fish! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kauai's rich fishing heritage and make memories that will last a lifetime. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Lihue

Kaua'i Quick Offshore Run

100% (1)
35 ft 1 - 6 People $$
See All Skipjack Tuna Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a skipjack tuna fishing charter

What are the best skipjack tuna fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 40 skipjack tuna trips, and the most popular trips are Offshore Big Game Trip guided by Bryan, Kona Big Game Fishing - 31’ Bertram guided by Dale, and Key West Mixed Bag Trip guided by Brad.

Our guides are rated a 4.58 out of 5 based on 2565 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly skipjack tuna guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly skipjack tuna guides.

What types of skipjack tuna fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for skipjack tuna as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do skipjack tuna fishing charters cost?

for skipjack tuna prices can range anywhere from about $593 to $2,348, but the average price for a half day trip for skipjack tuna is $952. The average price for a full day trip for skipjack tuna is $1,569.

What month is best for skipjack tuna fishing?

The most popular season for skipjack tuna fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 10 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for skipjack tuna and what are the bag limits for skipjack tuna?

See here for more information on skipjack tuna fishing licenses, skipjack tuna bag limits, and fishing season regulations for skipjack tuna. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right skipjack tuna rules and regulations.

What is a Skipjack Tuna?

The skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is a member of the tuna (Thunnus) tribe, one of the four tribes in the Scombridae family, which it shares with mackerels, spanish mackerels, and bonitos. You may have heard it colloquially referred to as the balaya, cakalang, arctic bonito, mushmouth, oceanic bonito, striped tuna, or victor fish.

With a torpedo-shaped body made for fast swimming, and a strong sense of smell, they are excellent hunters. Their back is a dark purple or blue, that fades into silver on their sides and bellies which helps with camouflage. There are also four to six stripes on their sides.

They are fished for both commercially and recreationally. In fact, they are so popular for commercial fishing that if you’ve ever had canned tuna, it was probably skipjack.

How big do Skipjack Tuna get?

There is much conflicting information on the size of skipjack tuna, as they are so commonly confused with little tunny, bonito, and more. So lets set the record straight here: the average length of a skipjack tuna is 32 inches, and weighs about to seven to 22 pounds. They are one of the smaller tuna species.

What's the biggest Skipjack Tuna ever caught?

The all-tackle world record skipjack tuna was caught by Joeri Van Laken in La Gomera, Spain. On November 15th, 2020, Van Laken boated this 46 pound, 5 ounce monster.

Where is the best place to catch Skipjack Tuna?

Skipjack tuna are spread throughout tropical and temperate waters in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. They are a pelagic species, meaning they prefer to be in the open seas in the upper sections of the water column.

When should I catch Skipjack Tuna?

Skipjack tuna spawn year round, which means that they can typically be caught year round, especially in more tropical zones where the water is consistently warmer and prime for spawning. However, as you get towards more into temperate waters, the best season will be in between May and August when the waters are the warmest.

How do you catch Skipjack Tuna?

To begin, look for areas of surface irritation or sea birds, which will help you to identify where to start fishing. Skipjacks are a schooling fish, which means that trolling is the best method to catch them. For bait, live or strip baits, feathers, plugs, and spoons will all work great.

Skipjack are easily startled, which means they key to fishing them is to circle the boat around the school and let the bait drift through them. Once hooked, be ready for the fight!

Are Skipjack Tuna good to eat? What are the best Skipjack Tuna recipes?

Skipjack tuna is a very commonly eaten fish, being one of the most popular tuna served canned worldwide. They have a meaty, bright red flesh that has a mildly fishy flavor. It can be prepared and eaten canned, baked, seared, grilled, or raw.

There are many cultures around the world where skipjack tuna is the highlight of the dish. In Japan, skipjack tuna, known there as katsuo, is eaten raw in sushi and sashimi, or smoked and dried to make katsuobushi which is the main ingredient in fish stock, or dashi. Also, in Indonesia, it is enjoyed cured and smoked in a dish called cakalang fufu.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Frank maintained contact up to the day of the Charter. Arrived on time and well prepared. He was knowledgeable of the area and was a great experience. We caught tuna, wahoo, barracuda, red hind grouper, yellow jack, and trumpet fish. Definitely recommend Frank.

    Stephen S. with Frank A. of Rincon, Rincón

  • ★★★★★
    I have been fishing the keys for 10 years but learned a ton fishing with Captain Troy and first mate James. We caught a 2 man limit of nice sized yellow tail in 1.5 h. Very friendly folks made for a great day ! Highly recommend!

    Thomas J. with Troy W. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tommy was a great guide and great company, and knew all the best spots. We caught a mahi, which Tommy filleted for us, and a barracuda! We saw sea turtles and dolphins as well - a really incredible trip overall!

    Ethan S. with Rick S. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast fishing with Captain Troy and his crew! They did everything possible to provide us an exciting adventure during our vacation. We caught a variety of fish and enjoyed grilling them up that evening. We highly recommend Captain Troy for your Florida Keys fishing adventure.

    Patrick G. with Troy W. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic time with captain Brad. We tried different techniques and despite being a rough choppy day we still have out with a lot of fish. We all enjoyed it and highly recommend him to anyone!

    Shai K. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tony was top notch! He communicated well prior to the trip, was ready to go when we arrived, got us on some great fish, and was just a good guy and fun to go fishing with.

    Jc F. with Tony Y. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Bill and his first mate. Fishing was a bit slow but always fun to get out there with Captain X

    Dade M. with Bill C. of Lantana, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Tony and Scotty were very courteous and did their best to get us into fish. Weather was not in our favor as it was cold and water temp was cold. Landed a 6 foot sail fish, some Atlantic spades and a rainbow racer! Great day on the water!!

    Kimberly E. with Tony Y. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Ariel and Alexis were amazing captains. Ariel is completely bilingual and has so much experience fishing for 17 years in PV but also all over the world. He was super adaptive — he worked with us to do a lot of different types of fishing (we trolled, we jigged) and all in we caught almost 40 fish with just two of us!! He also gave us an opportunity to add on a trip to Yelapa where they cooked our fresh fish, and it was not only delicious but such a unique experience. Ariel was super communicative and flexible, too. Would highly highly recommend Ariel to anyone who wants to catch a lot of fish, learn about the area and have an amazing time out on the water.

    Elizabeth C. with Ariel R. of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

  • ★★★★★
    What a nice experience the captain was the best

    Alex B. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The weather was rough but we really wanted to go. Captain Chris said that if we were willing he'd give it a go. He and first mate Taylor put us on fish and filled the cooler and really made the whole trip a very special day for my family and took great care of us. We would recommend these two anytime.

    Marty C. with Chris S. of Gulfport, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip !! Capt and Mate both great boat and equipment well maintained. We landed 2 sails 4 of 5 tuna and a variety of other fish including grouper and snapper.

    Jeremiah W. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water! Very nice boat with plenty of room. Captain and deck hand were great!

    Jason M. with Brad S. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent fishing! Excellent captain and first mate! Very accommodating…can’t say enough about this charter:) Would definitely recommend and would absolutely go again!!!

    Deborah B. with Bill C. of Lantana, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Hi, the overall trip was good, captain explained a lot. We were expecting another person on board to help with baiting, but the captain did it all. He greeted us at his home went to the boat and took off. The bathroom on the boat definitely needs a deep cleaning. I think the boat was too small boat for as many people we had on board to be fishing. We were always in his way or another person's way it seemed. Wish we could have caught something other than fish bait.

    April F. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Dale and his deckhand were extremely professional, my father is an older gentleman that is not very mobile, they went above and beyond and accommodating for him, and my son caught his first blue marlin!!!!! They were wonderful and I’m looking forward to another day on the ocean with him tomorrow, if it was anything like today, it will be a day to remember

    Kirk E. with Dale L. of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

  • ★★★★★
    Good vibes, music, caught some sick fish. Whats not to love.

    Colbert W. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time! The captains were great and so friendly! Truly made the experience even more enjoyable! Recommend to anyone that wants to fish and have a great time.

    Matt S. with Bill C. of Lantana, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Bryan was absolutely amazing! He was great company and really really knows his stuff! I would 100% recommend this dude for anybody that either lives in Florida or who is just coming down to Miami to visit! Chill and very great personality, 10 outta 10!!!

    Matthew D. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Incredible experience, captain Bryan knows how to catch fish and knows where the local giants are hiding. We cought a massive 300lb sand shark and several other species, captain was generious in sharing his knowlegde and experience with us and his loyal co-captain Tilly (chihuahua) made us feel welcome and made sure we had fun. I'd reccomend cap Bryan to anyone loking to CATCH fish in Miami waters!

    Bosko S. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

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