Half Day Offshore Fishing in St. Petersburg
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing trip targeting grouper and mackerel species.Spacious 56foot vessel accommodates groups up to 30 guests comfortably.All equipment, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning services included.
If you're looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that gets you into productive Gulf waters without burning a full day, Captain Joe Genovese's morning charter is exactly what you need. This isn't some cramped boat experience - we're talking about a spacious 56-foot Duffy that handles the Gulf swells like a dream and gives your group plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're bringing the family, planning a corporate outing, or just want to get your friends together for some serious fishing, this St. Petersburg charter delivers consistent action on species that'll put up a real fight.
Your morning starts early - that's when the fish are most active and the Gulf is typically at its calmest. Captain Joe and his crew have this routine down to a science. All your gear, bait, and licenses are handled, so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat. The 56-foot Duffy isn't just about size - it's about stability and comfort when you're battling a big gag grouper or when that king mackerel decides to make a blistering run. With capacity for up to 30 anglers, there's still plenty of elbow room at the rail. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Plus, they'll clean your catch at no extra charge - because nothing beats taking home fillets ready for the dinner table.
This is primarily a bottom fishing operation, and that's exactly what you want when you're targeting grouper and triggerfish in 60-100 feet of water. The crew runs a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. You'll be dropping heavy sinkers with circle hooks loaded with cut bait for the grouper, while also running some lighter tackle for the mackerel when they're around. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle anything from a 5-pound triggerfish to a monster Goliath grouper that might show up to crash the party. Live bait makes all the difference out here - fresh sardines and pinfish are grouper candy, and Captain Joe makes sure the live wells are stocked. When the mackerel are running, expect to switch to trolling spoons or deploy some live bait on downriggers to get down to where the big kings are cruising.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 40-80 feet of water, and when you hook one, they'll immediately dive for the nearest ledge or hole. A good gag will go 15-25 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 30-plus. Best action typically runs from late fall through early spring when they're more aggressive and feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes gags so popular with anglers is their fighting ability - they don't jump like a tarpon, but they'll test your drag and your patience with powerful runs toward cover.
Red grouper are the workhorses of the Gulf, and you'll find them scattered across sandy bottom mixed with shell and rubble. They're typically smaller than gags - most reds run 10-18 pounds - but they're numerous and excellent table fare. Reds are less structure-oriented than gags, which means they're often easier to land once hooked. They feed year-round but are most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. The beauty of red grouper fishing is consistency - when you find them, you can usually count on steady action.
Goliath grouper encounters are what legends are made of. These prehistoric giants can exceed 400 pounds and will absolutely humble any angler who tangles with one. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the experience of hooking into a fish the size of a small car is something you'll never forget. Goliaths hang around wrecks, bridges, and deep structure, and when one eats your bait, there's no question what happened - your rod doubles over and the fight begins. They're most active during summer months and are surprisingly common in these St. Petersburg waters.
King mackerel bring speed and aerial acrobatics to your fishing day. These silver rockets can reach 30-40 pounds and are notorious for their blistering initial runs and impressive jumps. Kings move through these waters following baitfish schools, particularly during fall and spring migrations. They'll hit live bait, spoons, and diving plugs with aggressive strikes that'll wake up anyone dozing in their fighting chair. The key to landing kings is keeping steady pressure without overdoing it - their mouths are soft and hooks can pull free if you're too aggressive.
Grey triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters and outstanding eating. These bottom dwellers have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so you'll need strong hooks and leaders. Triggers typically run 2-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using their flat bodies to leverage against your line. They're most abundant during warmer months and can provide steady action when grouped up over hard bottom. Don't underestimate these fish - they're smart, aggressive, and will keep your rod bent when the bigger species aren't cooperating.
Captain Joe's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the weather's cooperating and the fish are biting. This is a top-rated charter operation that's built its reputation on putting clients on fish while providing professional service and a safe, comfortable experience. The value here is outstanding - you get quality gear, knowledgeable crew, productive fishing grounds, and fish cleaning service all wrapped into one package. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate
This 56' Duffy motorboat cuts through St. Petersburg's Gulf waters with authority, powered by twin 450hp Cummins engines that get your group of up to 30 anglers to the productive fishing grounds 8-12 miles offshore. Captain Joe's boat comes fully rigged with fighting chairs for battling big grouper, outriggers for trolling king mackerel, and live bait tanks to keep your bait fresh in the Gulf heat. The air conditioning provides relief between fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate those productive bottom structures where gag grouper and red grouper hold. An icebox keeps your catch fresh, and the onboard facilities make the 5-hour trip comfortable for everyone. With all tackle, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included, this boat delivers everything needed for a successful morning chasing grey triggerfish and whatever else the Gulf serves up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average 20 inches but can hit 50+ pounds. They love structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-120 feet of water. You'll find them year-round, but fall and winter offer the best action when they're feeding heavy before spawning season. What makes gags special is their attitude - they hit hard and immediately try to drag your bait back to their hideout. The fight is all about power, not speed. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and be ready to muscle them up quickly.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs, reaching 400+ pounds and living up to 50 years. These massive fish hang around shallow wrecks, ledges, and structure in 30-100 feet. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they're most active. What guests love is the sheer power - that first run will test your grip and gear like nothing else. The fight is short but intense, pure brute strength. Remember, these are protected fish, so it's strictly catch and release. They're curious and will often approach divers or the boat. My tip: use 50-80 class tackle with 400+ pound test line and big circle hooks. When you hook one, hold tight and pump hard - they'll try to break you off on structure immediately.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight class. These 12-17 inch fish have attitude and sharp teeth that'll cut through your line if you're not careful. They hang around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-180 feet, often mixed in with grouper and snapper. Spring through fall offers the best action. What's fun about triggers is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything, but they're also notorious bait thieves. They nibble and test your offering before committing. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet. My trick: use small chunks of squid on a sturdy hook, and when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it, then reel fast and steady to avoid the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and drag. These silver rockets average 15-30 pounds but can top 50, and they're built for one thing - speed. We find them trolling the 8-12 mile range over structure and baitfish schools, especially during spring and fall migrations. What makes kings exciting is that explosive strike followed by blistering runs that'll peel line off your reel. They're also great eating with rich, flaky meat. Summer fishing can be tough due to heat, but cooler months offer prime action. Here's the key: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting - kings often hit the tail end of baitfish, so that trailing hook is crucial for hookups.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 5-10 pounds with some pushing 20+. They prefer hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-200 feet, though we catch plenty in shallower water too. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall when they're most active. Anglers love them because they're aggressive biters, strong fighters, and absolutely delicious - some say the best-tasting grouper around. Their firm, flaky meat has a slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They'll hit live or cut bait hard, especially if you're using their favorite foods like shrimp or crab. My advice: use a sturdy rod with 40-pound line and be ready for a solid fight to the boat.
St. Pete Beach, FL