Full Day Offshore Grouper & Barracuda Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targets grouper, barracuda, and tripletailCaptain Joseph provides expert guidance for all skill levelsMako center console accommodates up to six guests comfortably
Captain Joseph Fuentes knows Naples waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 8-hour offshore adventure targets some of Southwest Florida's most prized catches - from hefty grouper holding tight to structure, to lightning-fast barracuda patrolling the reefs. You'll fish from his Mako center console, a proven platform that handles Naples' Gulf waters with ease while keeping your crew of up to 6 comfortable all day long. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to fill the cooler or a seasoned angler chasing personal bests, this trip delivers the goods with professional guidance and top-shelf tackle.
Your day starts early at the Always Reel Fishing dock, where Captain Joseph will have everything rigged and ready to roll. The Mako's got plenty of room to spread out, with rod holders positioned for serious fishing and a center console layout that keeps everyone in the action. You'll run out to productive offshore structure where grouper stack up - think ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom that holds baitfish and attracts predators. The captain knows exactly where to drop lines based on current conditions, tide, and recent fish activity. Naples' offshore waters offer excellent year-round fishing, but spring through fall typically produces the most consistent action for these target species. Plan to fish depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet, depending on where the fish are holding that day.
Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is the name of the game when targeting grouper around structure. Captain Joseph rigs up with circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and wire leaders to handle the sharp-toothed barracuda and the bone-crushing jaws of big grouper. You'll drop live bait like pinfish, grunts, and sardines right to the bottom where grouper ambush unsuspecting prey. For barracuda, expect some vertical jigging and live bait fishing around the same structure - these aggressive predators often hang in the water column above the grouper. Tripletail fishing requires a different approach entirely, with live shrimp or small crabs presented near floating debris, buoys, or structure where these unique fish like to hang in the shade. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait come included, though you're welcome to bring personal gear if you prefer your own setup.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, with these hard-fighting bottom dwellers reaching weights of 20-30 pounds regularly. They're ambush predators that hold tight to structure, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and small fish. Peak season runs May through December when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes gag grouper special is their incredible fight - they'll try to cut you off in the rocks the second they feel the hook, making every battle a test of angler skill and tackle strength. Red Grouper offer similar excitement but tend to be more abundant in slightly deeper water, typically running smaller than gags but making up for it with aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights back to the boat.
Great Barracuda bring a completely different energy to the trip with their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These silver missiles can stretch over 4 feet and hit baits with lightning speed, often launching themselves out of the water when hooked. They're present year-round in Naples waters but peak activity occurs during warmer months when baitfish concentrations draw them to the reefs in large numbers. Barracuda fishing keeps everyone alert - their razor-sharp teeth and unpredictable behavior make every hookup exciting.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate prize fish of Southwest Florida waters, with these gentle giants reaching weights of 200-400 pounds or more. While they're protected and must be released, hooking into a goliath provides an adrenaline rush like no other saltwater experience. They inhabit the same structure as their smaller cousins but require heavy tackle and careful handling for a successful release. Summer months offer the best chances when goliaths move into shallower water to feed and spawn.
Tripletail might be the most unique species you'll target, known for their habit of floating sideways near debris or structure, looking like floating leaves until they strike. These oddball fish are excellent table fare and provide a fun sight-fishing opportunity when conditions are right. Spring and fall migrations bring the best tripletail fishing to Naples waters, when they concentrate around offshore structure and floating objects.
This full-day offshore adventure offers serious value for groups looking to experience Naples' world-class fishing. Captain Joseph's local knowledge, combined with quality equipment and productive fishing grounds, sets up your crew for a day of consistent action and memorable catches. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different spots, adjust techniques as conditions change, and maximize your shots at multiple species. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or corporate event, this charter accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably while maintaining the personalized attention that makes the difference between okay fishing and an outstanding day on the water. Don't wait - prime offshore fishing dates fill up quickly, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and weather windows are perfect for getting offshore.
Get ready to chase grouper, barracuda, and tripletail aboard this well-maintained 28-foot Mako center console. Built in 2003 and powered by twin 200HP Yamaha engines, she'll cruise at 38 knots to get you to the fishing grounds quickly. Captain Joseph knows these Naples waters inside and out, targeting everything from Gag Grouper to massive Goliath Grouper in the offshore waters of Southwest Florida. The boat comes fully rigged with GPS, fish finder, and wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a head for convenience during those long 8-hour battles. With room for up to 6 anglers, this setup handles everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access and plenty of room to work those big fish to the boat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your tackle once hooked. These fish average around 20 inches but can reach up to 4 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-200 feet of water. They love live bait like pinfish and mullet, but cut squid and crabs work great too. What makes them fun to target is their stubborn fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to the rocks the second they feel the hook. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white flesh. Here's a tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't let them freewheel, or they'll duck into a hole and you'll lose them. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the ultimate bucket-list fish. Goliath grouper can reach 8 feet and over 400 pounds, making them one of the most powerful fish you'll encounter. They hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet of water. While they're protected and must be released, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. That first pull will test everything - your gear, your back, and your grip on the boat. They're curious fish that aren't shy about taking big baits like whole jacks or large crabs. The key is using heavy tackle - think 80-pound gear minimum. My advice: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough away that you can pull them off before they break you off in the rocks.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These silver bullets can hit 35 mph in short bursts and reach 3-6 feet long. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around reefs, weed lines, and drop-offs. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, so they'll often follow your bait before striking. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them exciting is their explosive strikes and aerial shows - they'll jump and thrash like crazy once hooked. The fight is intense but short-lived. Here's what I tell my guests: use a wire leader and keep some gloves handy. Those teeth are razor-sharp, and a big 'cuda will try to bite anything near its head when you're bringing it to the boat.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are probably the most consistent biters in the grouper family. They average 5-10 pounds but can hit 20-plus on a good day. You'll find them on muddy and rocky bottoms from 30-200 feet, though most of our action happens in 60-100 feet. They're aggressive feeders that love shrimp, crabs, and cut bait. What guests really appreciate is the quality of the meat - it's some of the best-tasting fish out there with a sweet, flaky texture. They put up a solid scrap too, though not as bulldoggish as gag grouper. Season runs May through December, with fall being prime time. Pro tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to create some noise - these fish aren't timid and the commotion draws them in.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - they're like the chameleons of the sea. These fish average 2-5 pounds but can reach 20-plus. They're masters of disguise, floating on their sides near the surface to mimic debris or seaweed around weed lines, buoys, and structure. You'll find them year-round, but summer months are prime time. What makes them special is they're sight-fishing targets that eat like snapper and fight with surprising power for their size. The meat rivals grouper - firm, white, and delicious. They're becoming popular with fly anglers because of their acrobatic fights. My tip: approach them quietly and cast past the fish, then work your bait back toward them. Get too close and they'll spook easily.
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