With the ledge just a few miles offshore, reefs running the coast, and miles of interconnected brackish waterways, Jupiter is blessed with some of the most fertile fishing grounds around. While plenty try their hand as weekend warriors, few fishermen are as tried and tested as the local charter crews. With vessels designed, maintained, and bedecked with all the gear needed to land that trophy (or dinner), certified captains and their highly skilled crew make a day on the water safe, fun, and most
importantly, filled with fish.
Offshore/Sportfishing
There are few places better to land a big game fish than right here. Part of the famed Sailfish Alley, the Jupiter/Stuart area is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World, with the speedy billfish swimming the waters just a few miles out year-round. If hauling one of these beauties—or some of the speedier fish like wahoo, cobia, and blackfin tuna—is your bag, give Trick or Treat Sportfishing a try. Located on the docks of U-Tiki Beach restaurant, the 38-foot Out Island Express and its crew lands game fish with light tackle for the ultimate sportfishing experience. Helmed by Captain Curtis Sigretto, a second-
generation charter captain, Trick or Treat brings all the gear, bait, and fun for up to six charter guests and heads out on the seas—be it locally or for a summer day charter scoot over to the Bahamas—in search of yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and maybe even blue marlin.
Bottom/Drift Fishing
Since 1997, Captain Bill Taylor and Black Dog Fishing have been putting clients on the fish, filling fridges, and making memories to boot. Mostly concentrating on the 70- to 110-foot range, Black Dog focuses on Jupiter’s reef and bottom dwellers like snapper, grouper, and triggerfish, depending on the season. If the current is moving, they will head deeper to a 300-foot range in search of quicker game. “We’re not looking for trophies, we’re looking for groceries,” says Captain Bill, whose 42-foot Wesmac, the Black Dog, can hold up to 22 charter guests but prefers to keep the charters to a more manageable 10 guests or fewer. With some of the last living reef so close to shore this far north in Florida, Jupiter’s drift fishing can be a rewarding charter, but you must be willing to move.
“We’re all about keeping fish on the line,” says the captain, who will relocate the boat up to 10 times a charter. “After 23 years, I still see something different out there every day. “It doesn’t get boring.”
Inshore
Not all the action is offshore—Jupiter is legendary for its snook fishing. With spawning season taking place in the summer, thousands of snook congregate in the backwaters of the Loxahatchee River and the Intracoastal this time of year. If landing one of these game fish is on your list, call Captain Dale Ash of Jupiter Snooker. “June, July, and August are the busiest times of year for snook,” says Captain Dale, who has a 21-foot Key West. Having an experienced hand is a game changer when trying to land the notoriously finicky snook, and Captain Dale’s vast knowledge of the area not only ensures anglers will be put on the snook but also keeps them safe. He’ll supply all of the tools, so the only thing you need to bring is a little strength in your forearm.
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