Deep-sea fishing charter

Stuart calls itself the Sailfish Capital of the World, and the reason is how close the Gulf Stream runs: a few miles off the St. Lucie Inlet, so charter boats from the Stuart marinas are in deep blue water soon after leaving the dock. Martin County has more than 20 marinas and a long list of charter captains, from big sport-fishing boats to small inshore guides.

Offshore, boats troll for sailfish, mahi-mahi (dolphinfish), wahoo, king mackerel and blackfin tuna, or drop to the bottom for grouper and several kinds of snapper. Calmer days or shorter trips stay inside for snook, tarpon, redfish and pompano in the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon.