Full Day Gulf Coast Grouper & Mackerel Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting grouper and king mackerel speciesPrivate charter accommodates up to 30 guests on spacious vesselAll gear, licenses, bait and fish cleaning services included
Captain Joe Genovese knows exactly where the fish are biting in the Gulf waters off St. Petersburg. This full day offshore adventure puts you 12-17 miles out where the real action happens – deep productive waters that hold monster gag grouper, hefty king mackerel, and plenty of other Gulf favorites. You'll spend seven solid hours fishing from his spacious 56' Duffy, a boat built for comfort and serious angling with room for up to 30 anglers. Everything's included – tackle, bait, licenses, ice, coolers, and Captain Joe will clean your catch at the end of the day so you go home with fillets ready for the grill.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading back. Seven hours gives you real time to work different spots, try various techniques, and put some serious fish in the box. Captain Joe runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – he's been guiding these waters for years and knows exactly when to move spots and when to stay put. The 56' Duffy handles Gulf swells like a dream, so even if there's some chop you'll be fishing comfortably instead of hanging over the rail. We're talking about getting out to the good stuff – structure and ledges that hold big fish, not the picked-over inshore spots every weekend warrior hits. Expect to see dolphin, maybe some sea turtles, and if you're lucky, a few tarpon rolling on the surface during the ride out.
Captain Joe's got the boat rigged for serious bottom fishing with heavy conventional reels and stout rods that can handle big grouper trying to get back to their holes. We're talking circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and fresh bait that these Gulf species can't resist. For the grouper, you'll be dropping big chunks of pinfish, grunts, or sardines right to the bottom near structure – ledges, rocks, and wrecks where these fish set up house. King mackerel require a different approach entirely. We'll troll with live bait on wire leaders, watching the fish finder for schools of baitfish that always mean kings are nearby. Don't worry if you've never used this gear before – Captain Joe and his crew will get you rigged up and show you exactly how to work each setup. The boat's equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels, not the cheap stuff that falls apart when you hook something big.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing here, and these guys are absolute bruisers. They'll run anywhere from 5-20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30 pounds or more. Gags are smart fish – they live around structure and the second they feel a hook, they try to cut you off on the rocks. That's what makes landing a big gag such a rush. You've got to muscle them up fast before they get back to their hole. Best action typically runs from late fall through early spring when they're feeding heavy before the spawn. Red grouper are another favorite, usually smaller than gags but they make up for it in numbers. These guys love sandy bottom near structure and they're curious fish – sometimes you'll see them following your bait up from the bottom. Goliath grouper are the real show-stoppers. These giants can push 200-400 pounds and when you hook one, everybody on the boat knows it. They're catch-and-release only, but getting a photo with a goliath is something you'll remember forever. King mackerel bring the speed and the fight – they're built like torpedoes and when they hit a trolled bait, they'll scream line off your reel. A good king runs 15-30 pounds and they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Fall and winter are prime time for kings when they're moving through in big schools. Grey triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. They've got a funny way of nibbling bait, so you need to be ready to set the hook fast when you feel that distinctive trigger bite.
This trip books up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot. Captain Joe's got a reputation for putting clients on fish, and word gets around quick in the fishing community. Seven hours of offshore action with all gear and cleaning included is tough to beat, particularly when you're fishing with a captain who knows every productive spot from Clearwater to Tampa Bay. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, corporate outing, or just want to get a big group of fishing buddies together, this trip delivers the goods. The fish are out there waiting – you just need to get your lines in the water and let Captain Joe do what he does best.
Step aboard the 56' Duffy motorboat and get ready for serious Gulf fishing with Captain Joe Genovese. This fishing machine runs on twin 450hp Cummins engines, giving you the power to reach prime fishing spots 12-17 miles offshore where the big grouper and king mackerel wait. The spacious deck handles up to 30 anglers comfortably, with fighting chairs positioned for battling those hefty Gulf species. Live bait tanks keep your bait fresh while outriggers spread your lines wide for maximum coverage. When the Florida sun gets intense, duck into the air-conditioned cabin to cool off between strikes. The fish finder and GPS navigation system help locate productive bottom structure where gag grouper, red grouper, and grey triggerfish hang out. An onboard toilet keeps everyone comfortable during the full 7-hour fishing day. Ice boxes preserve your catch and keep drinks cold while you work the deeper waters off St. Pete's coast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average 5-15 pounds, though we regularly see fish pushing 30+ pounds on our deeper trips. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water - perfect for our 12-17 mile range. These fish love structure, so we target reefs and artificial habitats where they ambush prey like crabs and small fish. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes gag grouper special is their stubborn fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your line straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is excellent, firm and mild. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and pull hard right after hookup. Give them any slack and they'll dive into a hole and cut you off on the rocks every time.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - these massive fish can reach 400+ pounds and live over 50 years. We find them around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 60-150 feet, often the same spots we target other grouper. They're curious fish that'll come right up to investigate divers and baits. Remember, these are strictly catch-and-release only - harvest is prohibited by law. What guests love is the sheer power when you hook one. That first run can nearly pull you overboard if you're not ready. We use heavy tackle with 80+ pound line and big circle hooks with whole fish baits. The fight is intense but usually short-lived. Here's the key: anchor close enough to draw them out but far enough to pull them away from structure before they break you off.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds, with some reaching 5+ pounds on our deeper spots. They hang around reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 60-180 feet, often mixed in with grouper and snapper. These fish have tough, leathery skin and a small beak-like mouth with sharp teeth. Spring through fall gives us consistent action when they're feeding actively on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Guests enjoy their spirited fight and unique appearance - they can wedge themselves into reef crevices when threatened. The white meat is firm and tasty. Here's my trick: use small chunks of squid on small hooks and fish right on bottom with heavy sinkers. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, reel fast - triggerfish are notorious bait stealers that nibble before committing.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds in our Gulf waters. These silver bullets cruise open water from 40-150 feet deep, often following baitfish along drop-offs and current edges. Spring through fall brings the best action as they migrate through our area chasing schools of sardines and blue runners. What makes kings exciting is their blistering runs - they're one of the fastest fish in the Gulf and will peel line off your reel in seconds. The meat is rich and flavorful, though higher in oils. We troll with live bait or spoons, but here's a local trick: use a stinger hook rig with two hooks on wire leader. Kings typically grab bait by the tail first, so that trailing hook will nail them when the lead hook misses.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are steady producers on our trips, averaging 5-10 pounds with some reaching 20+ pounds. They're easily recognized by their rusty red color and white spots. These fish prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 30-200 feet deep, making them perfect targets in our fishing grounds. Unlike gag grouper, reds often venture over open bottom away from heavy structure. They're aggressive feeders that hit baits hard, especially cut squid, shrimp, and crabs. Spring through early fall provides the best fishing before their spawning closure. Guests appreciate their strong fight and excellent table fare - the meat is firm, flaky, and has a slight shellfish taste from their crab-heavy diet. My tip: bounce your bait on the bottom to create noise and movement. Red grouper are curious and that commotion will draw them in.
St. Pete Beach, FL