Premium Offshore Fishing Adventures in Clearwater
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore trips targeting grouper, snapper, and tunaVentures 2040 miles offshore for prime wreck fishingAccommodates up to 6 guests on freezerfilling charters
If you're looking to get way out there and load up the cooler, Big Angler Fishing Charters has you covered with some serious offshore action in Clearwater. We're talking 20 to 40+ miles out into the deep blue Gulf of Mexico, where the water turns that gorgeous cobalt color and the fish get bigger and hungrier. These aren't your typical half-day trips close to shore – we're running 8, 10, and 12-hour adventures that locals call "freezer trips" because you'll come back with enough fish to stock up for months. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, hitting the best wrecks and bottom structures where snapper, grouper, amberjack, and tuna like to hang out. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to spread out and work different spots without bumping elbows.
Your day starts early – we're talking pre-dawn departure to maximize fishing time and hit the prime morning bite. The ride out takes about an hour to 90 minutes depending on which spots we're targeting, and it's a beautiful run watching the sunrise paint the Gulf. Once we reach the fishing grounds, it's all business. We'll anchor up on productive wrecks and ledges where the bottom drops off into deeper water. The boat comes rigged with everything you need – heavy tackle for the big boys, circle hooks to help with fish survival, and plenty of ice to keep your catch fresh. Don't worry about bringing lunch since meals aren't included – most folks pack their own cooler with sandwiches and drinks for the long day ahead. The crew will keep you busy moving between different spots, reading the fish finder, and adjusting techniques based on what's biting. Some days the action is non-stop, other days you might have to work for your dinner, but that's offshore fishing for you.
This isn't trolling around looking for surface action – we're dropping heavy lead weights and big baits down 80 to 150 feet to where the trophy fish live. You'll be using stout conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, because when a big grouper or amberjack grabs your bait, it's going to try to wrap you around the nearest piece of structure. The technique is straightforward but requires some muscle: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and hold on. We fish with cut bait like bonito, sardines, and squid that really gets the snapper fired up. The wrecks we hit are old Navy vessels, freighters, and artificial reefs that have been down long enough to grow a solid ecosystem. Fish use these structures for shelter and feeding, so you'll often find multiple species stacked up at different depths. When something big hits, the rod doubles over and the real fun begins – it's you versus a fish that doesn't want to come up from its home turf. The crew will coach you through the fight and handle the gaff work when it's time to boat your catch.
The Gulf waters off Clearwater are loaded with Pacific Bonito, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These silver bullets are pure muscle, typically running 3 to 8 pounds, and they fight way above their weight class. What makes bonito special is their incredible speed – they'll take line off your reel faster than almost any other fish their size. Plus, they make fantastic bait for bigger predators and are actually pretty tasty if you bleed them right away and keep them cold. Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when the season opens, our spots consistently produce quality fish in the 5 to 15 pound range. These bright red beauties are smart and structure-oriented, hanging tight to the bottom around wrecks and hard ledges. They're famous for their white, flaky meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to elegant dinners. Spanish Mackerel show up in good numbers during spring and fall migrations, usually running 2 to 4 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes. They're a blast on lighter tackle and make great table fare when prepared fresh. Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of the deep, typically weighing 10 to 25 pounds with dark red meat that's perfect for searing or making sashimi. These fish are built for speed and endurance, often found around temperature breaks and current lines in deeper water. King Mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are the apex predators that can grow over 40 pounds and provide heart-stopping runs that will test your tackle and your stamina. They're most active during warmer months and are prized for their fighting ability and excellent eating when prepared properly.
This is world-class offshore fishing that puts you on some of the most productive waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Big Angler Fishing Charters has built a reputation for finding fish and putting clients on quality catches that make these long days totally worth it. Whether you choose the 8-hour trip for a solid day of action or go all-in with the 12-hour marathon, you're getting access to fishing spots that take years to learn and perfect. The boat is top-rated for a reason – professional crew, quality gear, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between coming home with a few fish versus filling up the freezer. These offshore adventures book up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting out there. Give them a call and reserve your spot for what could be the best fishing trip of the year.
Meet the 30' Island Hopper, your gateway to the productive offshore waters surrounding Clearwater. This sport fishing boat cuts through Gulf swells with confidence thanks to its powerful 420HP Caterpillar engine, cruising at a comfortable pace out to those prime fishing grounds 20-40 miles from shore. Recently restored in 2023, she's equipped with everything serious anglers need - GPS navigation to mark those honey holes, radar for safe travel, and fish finder technology to locate schools of snapper, grouper, amberjack, and tuna. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers with room to work the lines, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days targeting bottom fish around wrecks and structure. With a private head and reliable electronics, the Island Hopper handles extended trips in Gulf waters where the big fish live.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, averaging 5-15 pounds but reaching up to 40+ pounds. These dark-backed speedsters with golden side stripes school in deep water 100-600 feet, often near the continental shelf. Fall through spring is prime time here in Florida when they move into warmer Gulf waters. What gets anglers excited is their incredible fight - they're built for speed and endurance. The meat is outstanding, rich and perfect for searing or sushi. They have excellent eyesight, so scale down your tackle. Use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks, and try vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards to bring schools up.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are apex predators averaging 15-30 pounds, with trophy fish over 50 pounds. These olive-backed torpedoes patrol 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs, ledges, and around structure. Spring through fall is peak season when they follow baitfish migrations. Kings are pure adrenaline - their initial runs can peel off 100+ yards of line in seconds. The meat's good smoked or grilled, though it's oily. They have wicked teeth that'll slice through mono instantly. Always use wire leaders and rig live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings often attack from the rear, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Sarda LineolataPacific Bonito are scrappy fighters that average 3-8 pounds, though they can hit 25+ pounds. These tuna-shaped fish have dark blue backs with distinctive slanted stripes and silver bellies. We find them in schools from the surface down to 100+ feet, often following baitfish. They're most active June through November when water temps are right. What makes them popular is their aggressive strikes and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat's decent grilled or smoked, and they make great bait for bigger fish. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, get your feathers and spoons ready because bonito are probably feeding underneath.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of our deep-water trips, averaging 2-10 pounds with some real bruisers pushing 35+ pounds. These crimson beauties live around structure in 60-200 feet of water, holding tight to wrecks and rocky bottom. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and feeding heavy. Guests love them because they fight hard on the way up and taste even better on the plate - sweet, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. When you hook one, they'll try to cut your line on structure, so keep steady pressure and reel fast. My tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and don't let them get back to the wreck.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast-moving schooling fish that typically run 1-3 pounds with silver sides dotted with yellow spots. You'll find them near the surface around structure, jetties, and over grass flats in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through fall they're most active, especially when baitfish are thick. Anglers enjoy their speed and acrobatics - they'll make several jumps and long runs. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked with a mild, non-fishy taste. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Look for feeding birds or bait schools on the surface, then cast small spoons or jigs ahead of the school and retrieve fast.
Clearwater, FL