Reward or Gulfstream
-
ikaika
- Weekend Warrior
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:40 am
Reward or Gulfstream
My friends and I want to hit a party boat after work. We are near the Reward and would probably head out of Miami Beach.
I am intrigued with fishing out of Largo on the Gulfstream. Is it worth the drive from Miami?
If you had to decide - which boat, and day or night?
thanks
I am intrigued with fishing out of Largo on the Gulfstream. Is it worth the drive from Miami?
If you had to decide - which boat, and day or night?
thanks
-
ikaika
- Weekend Warrior
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:40 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Thanks. We'll probably do a night trip and rent their tackle.
- Miamipescador
- KING MACKEREL
- Posts: 954
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:05 pm
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
The Reward out of Miami Beach Marina is the biggest tourist trap.
I would much rather go on the Gulfstream, at least you will definitely catch some yellowtail.
I would much rather go on the Gulfstream, at least you will definitely catch some yellowtail.

- cudaman
- BLACK FIN TUNA
- Posts: 4242
- Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:17 pm
- Location: South Florida
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
If you are looking for big fish then go on the Reward out of Miami Beach Marina during the daytime. At night if the currents are strong they will be fishing shallow and you'll only get a chance at small fish and a few yellow tails here and there.
If you want to fish at night then the Sealegs and some of the boats form the Haulover fleet will get a good bag of yellow tails. But as mentioned above if the currents are too strong they will also be fishing in shallow water.
If you want to fish at night then the Sealegs and some of the boats form the Haulover fleet will get a good bag of yellow tails. But as mentioned above if the currents are too strong they will also be fishing in shallow water.
- Floridahogfish
- Old Salt
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:19 pm
- Location: Dania/Juno/The Rick
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Team Ruff Around The Edges
"Make Money Take Money"
"Make Money Take Money"
- Miamipescador
- KING MACKEREL
- Posts: 954
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:05 pm
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
You guys gotta keep in mind that your jigging trips or other private trips people do on the reward is not how it usually operates.
If you go on a regular day they will just rig you up with a sinker and three hooks and thats that. It's not to say you wont catch fish on that but it's a tourist trap boat just like many others.
If you go on a regular day they will just rig you up with a sinker and three hooks and thats that. It's not to say you wont catch fish on that but it's a tourist trap boat just like many others.

- Miamipescador
- KING MACKEREL
- Posts: 954
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:05 pm
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Reward is gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarbaaaaaaaaaaaaageFloridahogfish wrote:I guess all the internet guys choose the reward but for the true fisherman gulfstream is the best

- fishnfool73
- AMBASSADOR to the... BF FORUM
- Posts: 8703
- Joined: Tue Nov 07, 2006 6:18 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Gulfstream a yellowtail boat ? If that is the case the Sea Legs is a vermie boat . For those doubting the GS I wonder how many have fished it more. If you are looking for night trips I have never fished the GS at night but have heard good things. For fishing the day trips I will take the GS everytime. I have seen limits of muttons and big blacks a few times on the GS. They target ytails if nothing else is biting and have always tried to fish for muttons or grouper every trip I have taken out with them. Even the tails tend to be a lot bigger than those caught by the other boats mentioned. I have limited out a few times on the GS with 18-24 inch ytails.
Dreaming the dream that one day I can be as good as some of the boatless pros and catch some 12 inch mangrove snapper.
- Floridahogfish
- Old Salt
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:19 pm
- Location: Dania/Juno/The Rick
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
[quote="fishnfool73"]Gulfstream a yellowtail boat ? If that is the case the Sea Legs is a vermie boat . For those doubting the GS I wonder how many have fished it more. If you are looking for night trips I have never fished the GS at night but have heard good things. For fishing the day trips I will take the GS everytime.[/quote
all these jigging trip guys just wanna jig not catch real fish so it makes sense that they wud say reward, i gurrantee you the guys that say the reward is better, dont have a clue how to fish tails on the gulfstream thats why they wud rather fish with the googans
all these jigging trip guys just wanna jig not catch real fish so it makes sense that they wud say reward, i gurrantee you the guys that say the reward is better, dont have a clue how to fish tails on the gulfstream thats why they wud rather fish with the googans
Team Ruff Around The Edges
"Make Money Take Money"
"Make Money Take Money"
-
ikaika
- Weekend Warrior
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:40 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
it's almost split down the middle, although some commented without choosing:
the poll says: Reward, but only during the day-time
or Gulfstream if you want YT's...
If we fish at night - regardless of choice, we will be into small fish if any...
the poll says: Reward, but only during the day-time
or Gulfstream if you want YT's...
If we fish at night - regardless of choice, we will be into small fish if any...
- fishnfool73
- AMBASSADOR to the... BF FORUM
- Posts: 8703
- Joined: Tue Nov 07, 2006 6:18 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
The GS is a longer drive but offers a longer trip and much better chances to get on nice fish. Every boat will have their good aand bad days and require a little on the job training. Do a search on this site for the GS and numerous trips will pop up.
Dreaming the dream that one day I can be as good as some of the boatless pros and catch some 12 inch mangrove snapper.
- Chevy Juan
- GOLIATH GROUPER
- Posts: 1982
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:25 pm
- Location: Homestead, FL
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
As Fishnfool and vinny mentioned, the Gulf Stream is a great boat and HIGHLY recommend it, I actually went on it yesterday with a buddy of mine from work for the first time.
Regardless of being sick alot it was still a great time and I want to go back for sure, Great people, Fluff is awesome, and they are out to catch fish no doubt. Sea's were horrible yesterday but we still went out and the boat did amazing.
Ton's of Flags coming over the rail, Grouper spot we hit was on fire and people racked up, the boat came back with about 6 Black's in the 20-28lb Range.
One HUGE Grover was caught that was an absolute SLOB, all in all the boat produced amazingly and you could do your own thing. Tail it on the stern, drop down to the bottom etc.
No Mutton's for the day but everyone was happy after all the rain and waves that pounded us, we were beat!
Regardless of being sick alot it was still a great time and I want to go back for sure, Great people, Fluff is awesome, and they are out to catch fish no doubt. Sea's were horrible yesterday but we still went out and the boat did amazing.
Ton's of Flags coming over the rail, Grouper spot we hit was on fire and people racked up, the boat came back with about 6 Black's in the 20-28lb Range.
One HUGE Grover was caught that was an absolute SLOB, all in all the boat produced amazingly and you could do your own thing. Tail it on the stern, drop down to the bottom etc.
No Mutton's for the day but everyone was happy after all the rain and waves that pounded us, we were beat!

- Miamipescador
- KING MACKEREL
- Posts: 954
- Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:05 pm
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
There ya goChevy Juan wrote:As Fishnfool and vinny mentioned, the Gulf Stream is a great boat and HIGHLY recommend it, I actually went on it yesterday with a buddy of mine from work for the first time.
Regardless of being sick alot it was still a great time and I want to go back for sure, Great people, Fluff is awesome, and they are out to catch fish no doubt. Sea's were horrible yesterday but we still went out and the boat did amazing.
Ton's of Flags coming over the rail, Grouper spot we hit was on fire and people racked up, the boat came back with about 6 Black's in the 20-28lb Range.
One HUGE Grover was caught that was an absolute SLOB, all in all the boat produced amazingly and you could do your own thing. Tail it on the stern, drop down to the bottom etc.
No Mutton's for the day but everyone was happy after all the rain and waves that pounded us, we were beat!

- Floridahogfish
- Old Salt
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:19 pm
- Location: Dania/Juno/The Rick
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Miamipescador wrote:There ya goChevy Juan wrote:As Fishnfool and vinny mentioned, the Gulf Stream is a great boat and HIGHLY recommend it, I actually went on it yesterday with a buddy of mine from work for the first time.
Regardless of being sick alot it was still a great time and I want to go back for sure, Great people, Fluff is awesome, and they are out to catch fish no doubt. Sea's were horrible yesterday but we still went out and the boat did amazing.
Ton's of Flags coming over the rail, Grouper spot we hit was on fire and people racked up, the boat came back with about 6 Black's in the 20-28lb Range.
One HUGE Grover was caught that was an absolute SLOB, all in all the boat produced amazingly and you could do your own thing. Tail it on the stern, drop down to the bottom etc.
No Mutton's for the day but everyone was happy after all the rain and waves that pounded us, we were beat!
Team Ruff Around The Edges
"Make Money Take Money"
"Make Money Take Money"
- cudaman
- BLACK FIN TUNA
- Posts: 4242
- Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:17 pm
- Location: South Florida
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
This is the man's question:
1- If you work at night and want to fish in the daytime and want to fish close by the place you stay at, then the Reward is your best bet.
2- To fish a day after work. If that happens to be at night. Choose any of the party boats near you. You will always run a chance that you will be fishing in shallow water.
3- To fish the Gulfstream you would have to do so on your day off since you will have to drive.
The waters where the Reward fishes has big fish, it has been proven over and over, but you have to know how to get them. Most party boats if you are renting their equipment will rig you to catch king fish. Simply ask them to rig your rods for bottom fishing and they will place you on a spot on the boat where you can do so, but be prepared to fish heavy sinkers.
To answer better:ikaika wrote:My friends and I want to hit a party boat after work. We are near the Reward and would probably head out of Miami Beach.
I am intrigued with fishing out of Largo on the Gulfstream. Is it worth the drive from Miami?
If you had to decide - which boat, and day or night?
thanks
1- If you work at night and want to fish in the daytime and want to fish close by the place you stay at, then the Reward is your best bet.
2- To fish a day after work. If that happens to be at night. Choose any of the party boats near you. You will always run a chance that you will be fishing in shallow water.
3- To fish the Gulfstream you would have to do so on your day off since you will have to drive.
The waters where the Reward fishes has big fish, it has been proven over and over, but you have to know how to get them. Most party boats if you are renting their equipment will rig you to catch king fish. Simply ask them to rig your rods for bottom fishing and they will place you on a spot on the boat where you can do so, but be prepared to fish heavy sinkers.
-
ikaika
- Weekend Warrior
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:40 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
yesThe next question is do you fish on boats often?
Born and raised in New Jersey on the headboats out of Atl Highlands and Belmar. Do a lot of boat fishing. I don't get seasick and I've been through my share of foul weather.
The one thing I miss - Every December/January, we'd go toggin' (Blackfish) in below zero weather. brrr!
I understand the whole party-boat drift boat thing. Some boats you need to get the bow, some the stern etc... avoid the rail by the head espescially on weekends with a bunch of landlubbers....
If I catch a cooler of tails with a groupr or a mutt mixed in, I'll be a happy man.
If I catch a dolphin or a bft and skunk for the rest of the day - that works too.
If i'm hacking my way through snarls and tangles or get mugged by rail-yams wel...
I take it rail-yams fish down here as well?
A mugging occurs when one or two guys seem to have hit a pocket of fish, and sfter the3rd or 4th fish over the rails, the Yams walk over and drop over your spot. Next thing you know, everyone is your friend and they all want a shot a your piece of real estate...
rail-yams
-
ikaika
- Weekend Warrior
- Posts: 96
- Joined: Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:40 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Thanks!cudaman wrote:This is the man's question:
To answer better:ikaika wrote:My friends and I want to hit a party boat after work. We are near the Reward and would probably head out of Miami Beach.
I am intrigued with fishing out of Largo on the Gulfstream. Is it worth the drive from Miami?
If you had to decide - which boat, and day or night?
thanks
1- If you work at night and want to fish in the daytime and want to fish close by the place you stay at, then the Reward is your best bet.
2- To fish a day after work. If that happens to be at night. Choose any of the party boats near you. You will always run a chance that you will be fishing in shallow water.
3- To fish the Gulfstream you would have to do so on your day off since you will have to drive.
The waters where the Reward fishes has big fish, it has been proven over and over, but you have to know how to get them. Most party boats if you are renting their equipment will rig you to catch king fish. Simply ask them to rig your rods for bottom fishing and they will place you on a spot on the boat where you can do so, but be prepared to fish heavy sinkers.
- cudaman
- BLACK FIN TUNA
- Posts: 4242
- Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:17 pm
- Location: South Florida
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
ikaika wrote: Thanks!
You are very welcome and good luck!
- fishnfool73
- AMBASSADOR to the... BF FORUM
- Posts: 8703
- Joined: Tue Nov 07, 2006 6:18 am
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
The congo line sandballing on the GS takes some getting used to but its not that hard if you are used to freelining. The line keeps moving or Fluff the mate moves it lol so no worries about that .
Dreaming the dream that one day I can be as good as some of the boatless pros and catch some 12 inch mangrove snapper.
- Chevy Juan
- GOLIATH GROUPER
- Posts: 1982
- Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 2:25 pm
- Location: Homestead, FL
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Big red was also on the boat with us, nice meeting you Kin, looking forward to doing it again on another day with better weather man.
Nelson me and my buddy did good on tails, I lost a Grouper I thought I had on that ripped my live speedo in two, bait of choice that we used on those big blacks were speedos live or butterflied. We caught them right behind the boat in the chum slick and loaded up that 55 gallon drum live well.
If I have time soon I may do a simple write up on how the boat operates so other anglers can refer to it when are new the boat or are deciding on which boat to pick so they get an idea of how things work, what to bring, etc.
Nelson me and my buddy did good on tails, I lost a Grouper I thought I had on that ripped my live speedo in two, bait of choice that we used on those big blacks were speedos live or butterflied. We caught them right behind the boat in the chum slick and loaded up that 55 gallon drum live well.
If I have time soon I may do a simple write up on how the boat operates so other anglers can refer to it when are new the boat or are deciding on which boat to pick so they get an idea of how things work, what to bring, etc.

-
big red
- Seasoned Fisher
- Posts: 230
- Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2011 12:31 pm
- Location: Dade
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
I did caught a Gag and a Black Grouper,too bad both are undersize and have to toss them back over.
Also tried YT first time,guess I still have to pay my due since I only get a large Needlefish. The sea was just too rough for me to stand up so I give up without really getting into it. I know I did something wrong when the guy in front and the back of me was getting hits. lol
That was a huge Black that guy hooked,he have to rest the rod on the railing to crank in the line.
Hi Juan,next time making sure the wind is 5-10mph and the sea is 1ft wave or less.
Also tried YT first time,guess I still have to pay my due since I only get a large Needlefish. The sea was just too rough for me to stand up so I give up without really getting into it. I know I did something wrong when the guy in front and the back of me was getting hits. lol
That was a huge Black that guy hooked,he have to rest the rod on the railing to crank in the line.
Hi Juan,next time making sure the wind is 5-10mph and the sea is 1ft wave or less.
- Xpierrat
- Old Salt
- Posts: 495
- Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:53 pm
- Location: Formally Charlotte,NC Now in Boynton beach, Fl
- Contact:
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Vinny and I were going to go on the GS Tuesday but got the Snook bug and pulled an all nighter on the bridges after hitting Boynton inlet for the evening bite...
just got a text and photo from my buddy Chin.... he and Lee both got good grouper on the GS Tuesday so I guess that might be who you saw.... snook were okay but sounds like it was a good day on the stream..... same ole story too much water and not enough time
just got a text and photo from my buddy Chin.... he and Lee both got good grouper on the GS Tuesday so I guess that might be who you saw.... snook were okay but sounds like it was a good day on the stream..... same ole story too much water and not enough time
Rick
- GO4EM
- SHARKER
- Posts: 2450
- Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 12:57 pm
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
Doesn't Jacksonville Larry run a party boat near the Delray pier. I would pick that one.
I dream of a better tomorrow... where chickens can cross roads and not have their motives questioned
-
goodolmikey
- Seasoned Fisher
- Posts: 181
- Joined: Thu Nov 11, 2010 11:21 pm
- Location: plantation, fl
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
I used to fish the Reward back in the day with my good friend Brent Gelrod who passed away a couple years back,,, we would take the trip down to miami from central broward twice a week.. It was always worth the trip. Capt Wayne, Capt Chris and back then Capt Woody always gave it everything they had to catch us fish... If I do get back to Drift fishing that will be the boat I take.
- cudaman
- BLACK FIN TUNA
- Posts: 4242
- Joined: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:17 pm
- Location: South Florida
Re: Reward or Gulfstream
goodolmikey wrote:I used to fish the Reward back in the day with my good friend Brent Gelrod who passed away a couple years back,,, we would take the trip down to miami from central broward twice a week.. It was always worth the trip. Capt Wayne, Capt Chris and back then Capt Woody always gave it everything they had to catch us fish... If I do get back to Drift fishing that will be the boat I take.
Sorry to read about your friend. I have fished in the Reward since the early 90's on and off 2 to 3 times a year just like I do on many other party boats and always had good times with the exception of maybe once. They do what ever they can to get you on the fish, at times during the regular trips they even fly kites for sail fish or other pelagics. They don't always do it.