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Boca Raton's Best Private Offshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Boca Raton
- $575 - $950 price range
- Updated Date: October 19, 2025
Summary
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Deep-Water Tilefish Action
South Florida fishing charter
Deep sea fishing South Florida
Boca Raton fishing
Fishing charter Boca Raton FL
Boca Raton fishing at its best!
Fishing fun in sunny Boca Raton!
Boca Raton’s best fishing action!
Boca’s inshore fishing paradise! Pompano Fishing!
Reeling in Boca’s best fish!
inshore fishing
South Florida fishing charter
Deep sea fishing South Florida
Boca Raton fishing
Fishing charter Boca Raton FL
Boca Raton fishing at its best!
Fishing fun in sunny Boca Raton!
Boca Raton’s best fishing action!
Boca’s inshore fishing paradise! Pompano Fishing!
Reeling in Boca’s best fish!
inshore fishing
South Florida fishing charter
Deep sea fishing South Florida
Boca Raton fishing
Fishing charter Boca Raton FL
Deep-Drop Fishing for Tilefish off Boca Raton
Ready to drop some lines in the deep blue off Boca Raton? This half-day charter takes you straight to the hotspots where Goldeneye and Grey Tilefish lurk. Whether you're a seasoned bottom-fisher or new to the deep-drop game, Captain Chlophish has got you covered with top-notch gear and know-how. It's just you and two buddies on this private trip, so get ready for a personalized day of hauling up some tasty bottom-dwellers.
What's the Deal with Deep-Dropping?
This ain't your average day of fishing, folks. We're talking about sending baits way down – sometimes over 600 feet – to where the big boys hang out. The captain's got the boat decked out with electric reels to make the job easier, but don't think that means you won't feel the fight. These tilefish put up a serious tug-of-war when you start cranking them up from the depths. Expect to spend about 4-5 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to get a feel for the technique and hopefully put some serious fish in the box.
Gearing Up for the Deep
Leave your light tackle at home for this one. We're using heavy-duty stuff to get down to where the tilefish live. The boat's outfitted with sturdy rods paired with those electric reels I mentioned – trust me, your arms will thank you later. We'll be using chunky circle hooks and dropping down some tasty cut bait. The captain's got all the gear covered, including those pricey deep-drop rigs. Just remember to bring some grub for yourself, plenty of water, and don't forget the sunscreen. Even if it's cloudy, that Florida sun is no joke when you're out on the water all morning.
Why Anglers Can't Get Enough
There's something special about deep-drop fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the mystery of what's gonna come up from those inky depths. Or the satisfaction of mastering a technique that's a bit more technical than your average day of casting. Whatever it is, once you've felt that electric reel start humming with a big tilefish on the other end, you'll be hooked. Plus, let's be real – these fish make for some mighty fine eating. Nothing beats fresh-caught tilefish on the grill after a successful day on the water.
The Prized Catches
Goldeneye Tilefish are the real showstoppers on this trip. These deep-water beauties can grow up to 25 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. They've got these big, bulging eyes (hence the name) that help them see in the dark depths where they live. Goldeneyes tend to hang out in waters from 600 to 1,000 feet deep, often near the edges of underwater canyons. They're most active during the day, which works out perfectly for our half-day trips.
Grey Tilefish, also known as "Gray Tiles" by the locals, are another target that'll get your blood pumping. These guys can grow even bigger than their golden cousins, sometimes pushing 40 pounds. They love to hang out near rocky bottom areas and ledges, usually in slightly shallower water than the Goldeneyes. Grey Tiles are known for their firm, white flesh that's a favorite among seafood lovers. When you hook into one of these, be ready for a workout – they don't come to the surface without a fight.
While we're primarily after Goldeneyes and Greys, don't be surprised if we hook into some Blackbelly Rosefish or Blue Tilefish. These smaller cousins are still a blast to catch and make for some excellent eating. The Blackbellies, with their bright red coloration, are a sight to behold when they come up from the deep. Blues, on the other hand, have this gorgeous iridescent sheen that's truly something special.
Time to Get Your Deep-Drop On
If you're looking to level up your fishing game and try something a bit different, this deep-drop trip is calling your name. It's a chance to learn some new techniques, battle with some serious bottom-dwellers, and hopefully come home with a cooler full of premium eating fish. The captain's got years of experience finding these deep-water honey holes, so you're in good hands. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're itching to drop some lines in the deep, don't wait to book your spot. Trust me, once you've felt that electric reel buzz with a big tilefish on the end, you'll be planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish (Caulolatilus chrysops) Fish Description
The Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish or Goldeye Tilefish is a member of the Malacanthidae family under the Caulolatilus genus. This species as well as its relatives are mostly small and found in sandy areas, especially around coral reefs. The Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish has a long body with golden spots that contrast a dark olive green background. From the top, the Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish has a dark olive gold-green color which slowly turns white once it reaches the belly. It has a large, rounded head, unlike other fish that have some semblance of a snout.
The Atlantic Goldeneye Tilfefish's dorsal fin is short in height but long in length. It covers almost half the body. The tail fin of the Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish appears to be slightly falcate, creating a small crescent moon-like appearance. The majority of its fins range between gold and yellow in color.
Diet and Size
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish love to feed mainly on invertebrates like worms, snails, etc. This species of fish also prefer to feast on crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. Sometimes small fish is part of their diet, too.
The Atlantic Goldenye Tilefish is generally found to be around 24 to 39 inches. They weigh in at around 40 to 65 pounds.
Interesting Facts About the Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish
- In Brazil, the Atlantic Goldeneye is sold as an aquarium fish.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women are warned against eating tilefishes due to possible mercury contamination.
- The Atlantic Goldenye Tilefish belong to the genus of tilefish, Caulolatilus, which means they are generally a shallow water fish.
- Tilefish reproductive patterns and habits are not well studied; however, it is known that they spawn throughout spring and summer and are presumed that they do not guard their broods.
- Tilefish taken from the Gulf of Mexico were found to have high levels of mercury; however, tilefish found on the Atlantic Ocean may be safe to consume.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish — Fishing Techniques
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish serve as gamefish and a popular commercial fish species. This tilefish species are generally found dwelling in the shallow areas, so they are easier to catch. Not much is researched into the Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish, so a recommended way of fishing for this species would be the method on how you would generally catch tilefish, which is to drop a weighted fishing rig filled with freshly cut bait, preferably squids or eels.
A close relative of the Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish would be the Grey Tilefish (Caulolatilus microps), and one of the techniques for catching this fish would be by setting up your rig to reach the bottom. Drop your cast and wait until you feel a tug. Pulling too quickly is not advised; instead wait for them to get a good bite before reeling them in. They’re not shy around baits, so it doesn’t take long before you notice that a tilefish strikes. For lures, the best ones are squid lures.
Habitat and Distribution
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are generally found in saltwater. As a demersal species, they are usually found living on or near the bottom, feeding on benthic organisms. They are located at depths measuring 250 feet to 800 feet. They prefer tropical waters with temperature set at 80.6 °F.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish thrive all throughout the Caribbean. They also populate the waters of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Antilles, Florida, and North Carolina. They belong to the genus of Caulolatilus, which are native to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of both North and South America.
Grey Tilefish
Grey Tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) Fish Description
The Grey Tilefish, also commonly known as blueline tilefish, is a deep-dwelling saltwater fish. It is grey in color with a large head and has a deep body. They’re also called blueline because they have a blue to a purple line from their nose to under their eyes.
Diet and Size
The grey tilefish is a medium-sized fish. They can grow up to 35 inches long and can weigh up to 23 lbs. Their average size is 5-8 lbs and 25 inches in minimum. The females tend to be smaller than the males, but they mature more quickly. They primarily feed on other bottom-feeders such as crabs, shrimps, sea urchins, mollusks, and small fish.
Interesting Facts About the Grey Tilefish
- Some Anglers call the grey tilefish the poor man’s lobster because they do taste like one if you cook it right. Their colorful relative, the golden tilefish is also said to be a tasty poor man’s lobster.
- They are also known for digging sands to make burrows where they rest and seek protection.
- Scientists are still figuring out if this species practices hermaphroditism.
- They can live up to 26 years!
Fishing Techniques: How to Catch the Grey Tilefish
Since the grey tilefish are bottom-dwelling gamefish. The best way to catch them is through deep drop fishing. Set up your rig to reach the bottom, since that would be the key to catch this fish. Check the conditions of the water, usually, you only need 16 ounces but if the current is strong, you can even go up to 3-pound or even 5-pound weights to get to their depths of 100 to 400 feet. Drop your cast and wait patiently until you feel a bit of tug. Don’t pull too quickly, wait for them to get a good chomp. Set your boat speed to 2 knots for a steady drift while you’re waiting for a bite. They’re not bait-shy, so it doesn’t take long before a tilefish strikes. Don’t be afraid to use a multi-rig, some anglers even hit a triple with this fish.
Use an 8-foot spinner rod equipped with a 20-40 and 50 lb braided line. It’s best to use a high-speed rail with depths of 400 feet. Use a thin line so you can easily feel the line. Having a sensitive line is the most important factor since it can be hard to notice the strikes with this depth. For hook sizes, use 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks. Attach a light strobe to improve your bait presentation.
The most common baits for the grey tilefish are squids, eels, and pieces of bonita or barracuda. For lures, the best ones are squid lures or jigs.
Habitat and Distribution
The grey tilefish are bottom-dwelling fish that are mostly found in depths of 250-800 feet deep, but some have been found as deep as 1,500 feet. They like places where it is muddy, rocky, or sandy bottoms of continental shelves and continental slopes. They are non-migratory species and mostly stay in their burrows.
They’re mainly found on the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the United States. They are generally located in 3 places: the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico. Good fishing spots for the grey tilefish are in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and in Florida. Their spawning season is from May to October. According to anglers in Florida, the best time to catch them is during Winter in Florida when they are more abundant.
