4-6 HR Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target snapper and grouper species 920 miles offshoreBottom fishing natural hard bottoms with experienced crew guidanceCatch cleaning and bagging service included after trip
Picture yourself 9-20 miles offshore, where the water runs deep blue and the bottom holds some serious fish. This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're talking about getting out to where the big boys live on natural hard bottoms and ledges that have been producing quality catches for decades. Anna Maria Offshore Fishing runs a tight ship with an experienced crew that knows exactly where to put you on fish, whether you've been doing this for years or you're just getting your feet wet in the offshore game.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. We'll cruise out past the nearshore spots where everyone else is fishing and head to proven bottom structures that consistently hold fish. The boat maxes out at 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn to get a line down. This small group setup means more personal attention from the crew and better fishing for everyone on board. The captain's been working these waters long enough to know which ledges are firing and when to make the move to a new spot. You'll spend your time bottom fishing over structure that's loaded with snapper and grouper, plus whatever else decides to bite. Don't worry about the cleaning – we take care of filleting and bagging your catch so you can head home with dinner ready for the freezer.
We're running heavy tackle here because these fish don't mess around. You'll be dropping baits down to depths where the pressure starts getting serious, and the fish have the current and structure to use against you. The crew will rig you up with the right weights to get down fast and circle hooks that give you the best shot at landing what you hook. We fish natural ledges and hard bottom areas where the grouper like to hole up and the snapper school in good numbers. The technique is straightforward – get your bait to the bottom, feel for the structure, and be ready when something grabs hold. These fish hit hard and head straight for the rocks, so there's no time to hesitate when you get bit. The crew will coach you through the fight and make sure you're doing everything right to boat your fish.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love hanging around structure in 60-120 feet of water, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. They'll run 5-20 pounds typically, with the bigger ones pushing even heavier. Red grouper are most active during the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare – sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat.
Gag Grouper bring a different kind of fight to the table. These guys are more aggressive than reds and will absolutely smoke you if you're not ready. They love deeper structure and ledges, often holding in 80-150 feet of water. Gags are notorious for their powerful runs and their ability to find every piece of structure between them and your boat. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. Land one of these bruisers and you'll understand why serious bottom fishers target them specifically.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than the grouper, but they make up for size with numbers and taste. These colorful little fighters school up over the same structure that holds grouper, and when you find them, you can load the boat. They typically run 8-14 inches and are perfect for families with kids who want consistent action. Lane snapper bite year-round, but they're most cooperative during the warmer months when they're feeding aggressively. Their pink and yellow coloration makes them one of the prettier catches of the day.
Mahogany Snapper are the sleepers of this trip. They don't get the press that other species do, but they're fantastic eating and put up a respectable fight. Also called mutton snapper, these fish can surprise you with their size – the bigger ones push 10-15 pounds. They're more common during the summer months and prefer deeper water structure. What sets them apart is their wariness – they're smart fish that require finesse and the right presentation to consistently catch.
Great Barracuda add some spice to the day when they show up. These toothy predators patrol the same areas we're fishing and will absolutely destroy a live or cut bait meant for grouper. They're lightning fast and acrobatic fighters that can reach 3-4 feet long. Barracuda are most active during the warmer months and often show up when you least expect them. While they're not everyone's favorite eating fish, they provide some of the most exciting fights of the day and are perfect for photos before release.
This trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fish, experienced crew, and productive waters that consistently produce. The 4-angler limit means you get the attention and space you need to fish effectively, while the 4-6 hour timeframe gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and put together a solid catch. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with premium table fare or just want to experience what offshore bottom fishing is all about, this trip checks all the boxes. The crew handles everything from rigging your tackle to cleaning your catch, so you can focus on what matters – catching fish. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season when these small-boat trips fill up fast.
Our 28-foot Pro Sport Prokat center console is built for serious offshore fishing, powered by twin 250HP Suzuki engines that'll get you out to those productive 9-20 mile fishing grounds quickly and efficiently. This 2003 center console hits a comfortable cruising speed of 31 knots, giving you more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting there. The boat's equipped with GPS navigation to mark those sweet spots, radar for safe travel when visibility drops, and a quality fish finder to locate structure and baitfish where snapper and grouper like to hang out. With room for up to 6 anglers total, there's plenty of deck space to move around while fighting fish or switching spots along the hard bottom ledges. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for bottom fishing multiple rods or making quick moves between productive areas. Whether you're targeting mangrove snapper around the structure or hoping to hook into a nice gag grouper, this boat handles offshore conditions well and gets you back to the dock safely with your cleaned and bagged catch ready to take home.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the workhorses of our grouper fishing, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ inches and 80 pounds. The females are pale gray with wavy marbled patterns, while males get darker with black bellies. They love rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs in deeper water, though juveniles hang closer to shore. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're feeding up. What guests love is the serious fight they put up - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their cave, so you need to horse them up quickly. The meat is top-shelf eating. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so look for stone crab traps or any hard bottom. Use live mullet or pinfish, and keep your drag locked tight. The second you feel that thump, crank hard - give them an inch and they'll find a hole to hide in.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can push 6 feet and really test your gear. You'll find them cruising near the surface around reefs and structure, especially during spring when they're spawning. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the fight they put up - they'll make screaming runs and jump like crazy. They're curious fish too, often following the boat before deciding to hit your bait. We mostly catch and release since the meat can be risky, but the thrill is what brings folks back. My advice: use a wire leader and be ready for that first run. When you see one following your lure, slow it down - they like to study their prey before attacking.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are the colorful candy cane fish of the snapper family, with pink and yellow stripes running their whole body. They average around 14 inches but can hit 20 on a good day. These fish love coral reefs and sandy areas with vegetation, usually in 70-230 feet of water. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What makes them fun is how scrappy they are for their size - they'll put up a good fight once hooked. They're also pretty aggressive, so they're great for beginners who want steady action. The meat is excellent table fare too. They often show up as bonus fish when we're targeting grouper or other snappers. Night fishing works best since that's when they feed most actively. Use shrimp or squid, and don't overthink it - these guys aren't line shy.
Lutjanus MahogoniMahogany Snappers are smaller fish that pack a lot of attitude. Running 15-19 inches on average, these silver beauties have a distinctive black spot behind their gills and big eyes that earned them the nickname "Ojanco" in Spanish. They love rocky bottoms and coral areas in 50-200 feet, often schooling up during the day. Spring through summer gives you the best action when they're most active. What guests love is how aggressive they are - they'll hit almost any bait you drop down. The meat is decent eating, though some folks worry about ciguatera in tropical waters. My trick: use small hooks with live shrimp or cut squid, and fish near any kind of structure. They're not picky eaters and will snap at your bait before the grouper even notice it's there.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most popular targets out on the hard bottom ledges. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky structure and coral ledges in 60-180 feet of water, making them perfect for our offshore runs. What makes them special is that incredible fight - once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to their hole, so you need to winch them up fast. The meat is fantastic too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste from their diet of crabs and shrimp. Best months are fall through early spring when they're more active. Pro tip: use a heavy sinker and keep steady pressure - if you let them get their head down, they'll wrap you around the bottom structure every time.
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