Gaff Shot Sportfishing!
Join us for an unforgettable Sportfishing experience in the Sailfish Capital of the world, Stuart Florida. We are a premier charter operation run by Captain Dennis Kelly, a lifelong Martin County local, avid outdoorsman, conservationist, and surfer. Fishing runs in the family — Dennis has a photo of his great-grandfather with a sailfish dating back to 1940 — and this is his sixth year running full-time charters. He holds 14 years of experience, is fully licensed, verified, and well reviewed.
"What can I say about Stuart, Florida? It's a growing town with a small-town feel. I call it the 'Goldilocks Zone' — where the offshore fishing of South Florida meets the inshore fishing of Central Florida... Stuart is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World, but we are so much more than that. In a single day, you can catch a Snook, a Tarpon, a Mahi-Mahi, and a Sailfish... and then drive 20 minutes west and harvest a deer. Or drive 10 minutes to the beach and surf a wave." – Captain Dennis Kelly
TRIPS
Our trips depart from Stuart Florida on a 46-foot Post Sportfish, venturing out 6-12 miles offshore, depending on the species targeted and can accommodate six people. Free cancellation with 3 days notice.
5 hour fishing charter starting at 7:00AM
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Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Snapper (Mutton)
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$1,600 Entire boat, up to six people.
7 hour fishing charter starting at 7:00AM
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Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Grouper (Red)
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$1,800 Entire boat, up to six people.
9 hour fishing charter starting at 7:00AM
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Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Grouper (Red)
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$2,000 Entire boat, up to six people.
12 hour swordfishing charter starting at 6:00AM
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A swordfishing trip is an adventure that provides a unique opportunity to target a true sport fish. What makes this trip special is that we travel 35 miles offshore to reach the fishing grounds, where we drift in 1,100 to 1,600 feet of water. While we’re out there, we also have the chance to catch mahi and other pelagic fish that come close to the boat.
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$2,400 Entire boat, up to six people.
For more details on what's included, target species, available fishing styles and frequently asked questions, see below!
BOOKING
Contact us with any questions, or to book a trip and let us know your dates, who's coming (6 maximum), what you’d like to catch, special requests, etc. We look forward to fishing with you!
Gaff Shot Sportfishing
Dennis Kelly
Boat Location:
Manatee Marina, Port Salerno
4905 Southeast Dixie Highway
Stuart, FL Martin County 34997
(Map)
"Captain and mate were fantastic. Put us on fish and we kept catching. On board was my family of 5... Accommodated us all very comfortably. These guys are legit, don't hesitate, book em!" - Craig Vickers, Louisiana
5 adults, 1 child · 5-Hour Fishing Charter - Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
What's Included
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Rods, reels, and tackle
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Lures
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Catch cleaning and filleting
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Light snacks
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Bottled water and sports drinks
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Fishing license (no separate license needed — you're covered)
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Dead bait (live bait available at cost from the bait boat en route)
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Catering/lunch on request through local vendors (Sunset Sliders, The Whistle Stop, Publix, etc.)
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Fly fishing gear on request
Target Species
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Sailfish
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Blue Marlin
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Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)
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Mutton Snapper
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Red Snapper
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Amberjack
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Wahoo
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Red Grouper
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Cobia
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Blackfin Tuna
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Swordfish
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Tilefish
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Snook (closer to shore/seasonal)
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Tarpon (closer to shore/seasonal)
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Kingfish (closer to shore/seasonal)
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Peacock Bass (closer to shore/seasonal)
Fishing Styles
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Trolling
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Drifting
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Jigging
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Bottom fishing
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Spinning
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Popping
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Kite fishing
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Deep sea fishing
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Fly fishing (available on request)
THE BOAT
A 46-foot Post Sportfish (built 1994) powered by twin 500 HP Detroit diesels, cruising up to 30 knots, and accommodating up to 6 guests.
Onboard Amenities
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Dual staterooms, Ice-cold air conditioning and a spacious salon.
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Full galley with counter space and refrigerator
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Two clean, spacious bathrooms (heads)
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Flybridge with plenty of seating and opening isinglass curtains
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Live bait well, tuna tubes, ice box, outriggers
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Garmin GPS, fishfinder, and radar
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Onboard bed and multimedia system
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A professional First Mate onboard every trip (customary gratuity starts at 20%)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a fishing license?
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No — you and your guests are covered under the boat's license.
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Just show up ready to fish.
Are rods, reels, and tackle provided?
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Yes, all fishing gear and lures are included in the trip price.
Is bait included?
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Dead bait is provided at no extra cost.
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Live bait is available but clients cover the cost, purchased from the bait boat on the way out (or caught live seasonally).
What should I bring?
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Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
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Comfortable, non-slip shoes
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Any snacks or drinks you'd like beyond what's provided
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Note: a refrigerator is on board for anything you bring
Can I keep my catch, or is it catch-and-release?
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Both options are available — keep your catch (subject to regulations/seasons) or release it.
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At the end of the trip, your catch is cleaned and bagged, ready to eat or store.
Can you arrange food or drinks?
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Complimentary bottled water and sports drinks are on board.
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Light snacks are provided.
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Full catering/lunch can be arranged in advance through local vendors.
Are kids welcome?
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Yes — Captain Dennis is a parent himself and welcomes all ages.
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Trips can be customized to keep young anglers engaged.
Is the boat accessible for guests with disabilities?
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Yes, accommodations can be made.
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Just mention this when booking.
How many people can fish?
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Up to 6 guests per trip.
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The entire boat is booked as one private charter.
What's the tipping/gratuity policy for the mate?
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Customary gratuity for the First Mate starts at 20%, as mates typically work for tips.
What if the weather is bad?
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You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 3 days before your trip.
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Cancellations or no-shows within 3 days forfeit 100% of the amount paid.
How do I pay?
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A 25% deposit is charged by credit card to secure the reservation.
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The remaining balance is paid directly to the captain (cash, Visa, Mastercard, or check).
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Paying the balance by credit card adds a 3% surcharge.
How far offshore do you fish?
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Typically 6-12 miles offshore, depending on the species targeted that day.
Can I fly fish?
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Yes, fly fishing is available upon request, with equipment provided.
Will I need to bring a cooler for my catch to travel home?
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Not necessarily — Captain Dennis can arrange a styrofoam cooler with dry ice for an additional materials charge if you're flying home with your catch.