Deep Sea Bottom Fishing in Pensacola Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target grouper, snapper, and mahimahi in Gulf watersBottom fishing adventure spans 46 hours offshoreSingle guest charter with At Ease Fishing Charters
If you're looking for some serious action on the water, this 4-6 hour deep sea fishing adventure with At Ease Fishing Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about dropping lines in the deep Gulf waters off Pensacola Beach, where the bottom structure holds some of Florida's most sought-after fish. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading out to where the big boys live, and trust me, they're hungry. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before, this charter is designed to put fish in the boat and smiles on faces. The Gulf of Mexico has been good to us this season, and the fish are cooperating beautifully.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how we like it in the fishing world. We'll meet at the dock while the coffee's still hot and the Gulf is calm. This is bottom fishing at its finest – we're targeting structure anywhere from 60 to 120 feet deep, depending on what the fish are telling us. The boat ride out takes about 45 minutes to an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the sun come up over the water. Once we hit our spots, it's game time. You'll be dropping heavy rigs loaded with cut bait down to where grouper, snapper, and triggerfish call home. The beauty of bottom fishing is that you never know what's going to grab your hook – could be a nice keeper red snapper, a chunky grouper, or maybe something that'll surprise us both. The action can be steady when we're on the right numbers, and I'll make sure we're moving around to find where they're biting best.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf is all about reading the structure and presenting your bait right. We use heavy sinkers – typically 6 to 12 ounces depending on current – to get down fast and stay down. The rigs are simple but effective: circle hooks on 60-80 pound leaders with enough weight to punch through the current. I'll have everything rigged and ready, but I'm always happy to show you how it's done if you want to learn. The key is feeling that bottom, then reeling up a few cranks so you're just off the structure. That's where these fish live and feed. When you get a bite – and you'll know it – let the fish load up on that circle hook before you start reeling. No big hookset needed, just steady pressure and let the rod do the work. We're fishing with conventional reels spooled with braid, which gives you the sensitivity to feel what's happening 100 feet below and the backbone to muscle fish up from the deep.
Grey triggerfish are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and they're absolute fighters pound for pound. These fish have attitude – they'll grab your bait with those powerful jaws and head straight back to their hole in the rocks. Don't let their smaller size fool you; a good triggerfish will test your drag and make you work for every inch of line. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly May through September, and they love structure like artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural hard bottom. What makes catching triggerfish so rewarding is their fight – they're smart, strong, and they don't give up easy. Plus, they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when they're in season, there's nothing quite like hooking into a good one. These fish are built like bulldogs – thick shoulders, big heads, and an attitude to match. They typically hang around structure in 80-200 feet of water, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. Red snapper don't mess around; they'll make a hard run for the bottom, testing your drag and your patience. The best fishing for reds happens during their season, which varies by regulations, but when they're open, they're worth every bit of effort. A good red snapper can weigh anywhere from 5 to 20+ pounds out here, and they're as good on the plate as they are fun to catch. The meat is sweet, flaky, and perfect for just about any preparation you can think of.
Bottom line – this is world-class fishing in one of the Gulf's most productive areas, and At Ease Fishing Charters knows how to put you on fish. The 4-6 hour window gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. Remember to bring your fishing license, sun protection, and maybe some snacks since meals aren't included. I'll handle everything else – bait, tackle, ice, and the local knowledge that comes from fishing these waters year-round. The Gulf has been fishing well this season, and there's no better time than now to get out there and bend some rods. Give us a call and let's get you booked for a day of bottom fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before we even head back to the dock.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy fighters that'll keep you on your toes. These medium-sized fish average 12-17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. They're smart, aggressive feeders with razor-sharp teeth that can crack sea urchins and crab shells. You'll find them around hard bottom structure, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water. They're notorious bait stealers - they'll nip and test your offering before committing. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them. What makes triggerfish special is their attitude - they fight harder than their size suggests and have great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use squid chunks and drop your bait near grouper or snapper. Triggers get jealous and charge in to steal the meal, giving you a better hookup than waiting for them to nibble.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These beautiful red fish typically run 16-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, though trophy fish can push 20+ pounds. They live around structure in 80-200 feet - think artificial reefs, oil rigs, and rocky ledges. Summer months offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What draws anglers back is the combination of a solid fight and outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They're smart fish that'll test your drag and head straight for cover when hooked. The season is tightly regulated, so check current rules before your trip. My go-to trick is using live or fresh-dead cigar minnows on a knocker rig. Drop it straight down and keep tension - red snapper have soft mouths, so steady pressure beats jerky rod work every time.
Pensacola Beach