5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half Day Wreck Fishing - Pensacola, FL
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Threequarter day offshore fishing trip with Captain AlexTarget snapper and grouper using topquality gear and live baitAccommodates up to 4 anglers with fishing license included
Captain Alex knows where the fish hang out, and trust me, you're going to love what these Gulf wrecks have to offer. This 3/4 day fishing adventure with Bandit Fishing takes you straight to Pensacola's most productive structure fishing spots, where snapper, grouper, and plenty of other hard-fighting species call home. We're talking about real wreck fishing here – the kind where your drag screams and you wonder if you've hooked the bottom or a beast. With room for up to 4 anglers, top-shelf gear, and Captain Alex's years of local knowledge, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. We're heading out to where the Gulf's underwater structure holds serious fish, and Captain Alex has dialed in these spots over years of running charters. The boat's equipped with everything you need – from circle hooks to heavy tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. We'll start by running to the productive wrecks and structure that dot the nearshore waters, places where currents bring baitfish and the predators follow. Your fishing license is covered, so all you need to bring is sunscreen, snacks, and maybe a cooler for your catch. The beauty of this extended half-day format is you get the full wreck fishing experience without committing to a marathon day on the water. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to sample what Pensacola's structure fishing is all about.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. Captain Alex positions the boat over known structure using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's game time. We're talking bottom fishing with live bait when available, plus cut bait that triggers those feeding responses from resident species. The technique here is straightforward but effective – heavy enough sinkers to get down fast, strong enough tackle to pull fish away from structure, and sharp hooks that find their mark. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pickup and hanging bottom, how to work a fish up from 60-80 feet of water, and when to let Captain Alex handle the net. The wrecks hold fish year-round, but they also hold your tackle if you're not careful. That's why we use circle hooks and teach proper bottom fishing technique – you'll go home with fish stories, not just stories about the ones that got away in the structure.
"Captain alex is the best! He annually puts me on fishies. Love going with him." - Caden
Grey Triggerfish are one of those species that'll surprise you with their fight. These guys love hanging around wrecks and structure, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and small fish. They're most active during warmer months, roughly May through October, and they'll test your drag with short, powerful runs. What makes triggerfish so fun to catch is their unpredictability – one minute they're nibbling your bait like a pinfish, the next they're screaming line off your reel. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Redfish around Pensacola's nearshore wrecks behave differently than their shallow water cousins. These structure-oriented reds tend to be larger, often in the 20-30 inch range, and they use the cover to ambush passing baitfish. Fall and winter months can be particularly productive as schools of reds move through the area. When you hook into a good red near structure, they'll immediately try to wrap you around whatever cover they can find. The key is keeping steady pressure and letting Captain Alex work his magic with boat positioning. These copper-colored bruisers are why so many anglers become addicted to Gulf Coast fishing.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the wreck fishing world. These powerful fish can easily reach 30-50 pounds around Pensacola's offshore structure, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Spring and early summer are prime time for AJ fishing, when they're most aggressive and willing to hit both live and dead baits. The fight is legendary – they pull straight down using their broad sides and powerful tails, making you question whether your tackle is up to the task. What makes amberjack special is their pure strength and determination. They're not fancy fighters, just relentless pullers that'll have your arms burning by the time Captain Alex slides the net under them.
Cobia are the wild cards of wreck fishing. These curious, shark-like fish often cruise just under the surface around structure, and they're notorious for following hooked fish to the boat. Spring migration brings some of the best cobia fishing to Pensacola waters, with fish ranging from 20 pounds up to legitimate monsters. They're sight fishing opportunities when conditions are right, but they also respond well to live bait presented near wrecks. Cobia have this habit of following the boat, giving you multiple chances if the first presentation doesn't work. Their excellent eating quality and impressive size make them a top target for any serious Gulf Coast angler.
Captain Alex has built his reputation putting anglers on fish year after year, and this extended half-day format gives you the perfect taste of what Pensacola wreck fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to serious fishing, test your skills against some hard-fighting species, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends, this trip delivers. The boat's equipped, the captain knows his stuff, and the fish are waiting. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so once you're booked, you're committed to what could be your best fishing day of the year. Don't wait around – good charter captains book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Step aboard this completely rebuilt 1999 Morgan powered by a reliable 200hp Suzuki that'll get you to Pensacola's productive wreck sites with ease. This solid fishing platform comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting snapper and grouper - GPS to navigate the Gulf waters, fish finder to locate those productive bottom structures, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over the wrecks without spooking the fish below. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Alex knows these waters and will put you on the best spots while providing top-quality gear and expert guidance whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - brown sharks with attitude that aren't actually sharks at all. These loners average 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds, cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is peak season when they move through our waters heading north. What makes them special is the sight fishing - spotting them just under the surface and making that perfect cast. They fight like bulldogs and the meat is restaurant-quality, firm and sweet. Since they're solitary fish, each one is a trophy. Bucktail jigs work great, but they'll hit topwater and live bait too. Local secret: look for rays and sharks on the surface - cobia often follow them around picking up scraps. When you see that dark shadow, cast ahead of where they're swimming and work your lure slow.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf, averaging 30-40 pounds but capable of reaching 6 feet and serious weight. These silver-sided bruisers live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in deeper water, usually 60-200 feet down. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. What guests love most is the fight - these fish will test your tackle and your back with powerful runs straight down. The meat is excellent when fresh, firm and flavorful. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to jigs and plugs. You'll need heavy tackle though - 50-pound test minimum. Here's what I tell everyone: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up. They'll try to wrap you around structure, so get them up and away from the bottom fast as possible.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are tough customers that average 12-17 inches but can push 2 feet and 13 pounds. These guys hang around reefs, ledges, and hard bottom areas in 60-180 feet of water throughout the Gulf. Their leather-like skin and sharp teeth make them perfect for crunching sea urchins and crabs. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost any bait, but they're sneaky about it, often nibbling before committing. The meat is excellent eating, firm and mild. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit, then reel fast and steady. They love to steal bait from other fish, so if you see snapper or grouper around, drop your squid chunk right in the mix.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing here in Pensacola. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love cruising the flats in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them around oyster bars, grass beds, and muddy bottoms throughout the year, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavy. What gets folks hooked is watching them cruise the shallows and seeing that explosive topwater strike. They fight hard and taste great too - mild, sweet meat that's perfect on the grill. The black spot near their tail isn't just for looks; it confuses predators. My go-to tip: work a topwater lure slow and steady over the grass beds early morning. When you see that wake coming at your bait, resist setting the hook until you feel weight.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain alex is the best! He annually puts me on fishies. Love going with him.
Pensacola Beach, FL, USA