7 Hour Homosassa Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
7hour offshore charter targeting grouper, snapper, and cobia24foot boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortablyAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included
If you're serious about fishing the Gulf's deeper waters off Homosassa, this 7-hour offshore charter is where you want to be. Running from September through March, we're talking prime time for some of the best bottom fishing you'll find along Florida's Nature Coast. We'll push out 9 to 40 miles depending on where the fish are stacking up, targeting structure and ledges that hold grouper, snapper, and other quality fish. This isn't a quick trip - you're getting a full day on the water with enough time to work multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting. The 24-foot Blazer Bay handles the Gulf chop like a champ and keeps our group small at just three anglers, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from your captain.
Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp, which puts us on the fishing grounds right when things start heating up. The early start pays off big time - we're talking about beating the crowds and hitting prime feeding windows when these fish are most active. Depending on conditions and what's been producing, we might run anywhere from the nearshore reefs to the deeper offshore ledges where the big boys hang out. The Blazer Bay is rigged specifically for this kind of fishing - plenty of rod holders, a solid fishfinder setup, and all the deck space you need to work fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. We keep the group tight at three anglers max, which means no fighting for space at the rail and your captain can really focus on putting everyone on fish. Kids are absolutely welcome on this trip, and we've got the gear sized right for younger anglers who want to get in on the action.
This is classic Gulf bottom fishing at its finest, mixed with some drift fishing and live bait work depending on what we're seeing out there. We're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and dropping baits down to structure that's holding fish. The bottom fishing game is all about reading your electronics, finding the right depth, and staying patient while the fish move in to feed. When we're working ledges and hard bottom, we'll anchor up and really work an area methodically. But don't think it's all sit-and-wait fishing - when the cobia are around or we're seeing fish cruising in the water column, we'll switch tactics to live bait and sight fishing. Your captain comes loaded with everything you need: rods, reels, terminal tackle, fresh bait, ice for your catch, and even handles your fishing license for the day. All you need to bring is yourself, some snacks, drinks, and a cooler if you want to take your fish home.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and these guys are absolute brutes when they grab your bait. They'll stack up on ledges and rocky bottom in 40 to 80 feet of water, and once you hook one, it's game on. Gags average 5 to 15 pounds but we see plenty of fish pushing 20-plus pounds, especially during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their fight - they'll head straight for the rocks the second they feel that hook, so you've got to muscle them up fast. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic on the dinner table with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Red grouper are another staple that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. These fish love sandy bottom mixed with hard structure, and they're usually a bit more cooperative than their gag cousins once you get them hooked. Reds typically run smaller than gags, averaging 3 to 8 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers - when you find a good school of red grouper, you can really load up. They're active feeders during the day and not as spooky as some other species, making them perfect for less experienced anglers or kids who want steady action.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of this trip, and if you can master sheepshead fishing, you can catch just about anything. These black-and-white striped convicts have some of the best eyesight in the Gulf and are notorious bait thieves. They hang around structure, pilings, and reefs where they feed on barnacles, crabs, and other crustaceans. Sheepshead require finesse - light tackle, small hooks, and the patience to feel their subtle bite before they steal your bait. But when you hook into a good sheepshead in the 3 to 5-pound range, they put up a surprisingly strong fight and are incredible eating with sweet, flaky meat.
Hogfish are probably the most unique species you'll encounter on this trip, both in looks and behavior. These guys have an almost pig-like snout and brilliant colors that change as they age and during different seasons. Hogfish are sight feeders that cruise over sandy bottom looking for buried crustaceans and small fish. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a chance to see them before you hook up. Most hogfish run 2 to 4 pounds, but their meat is considered some of the best in the Gulf - sweet, delicate, and perfect for ceviche or simply grilled with butter and lemon.
Cobia are the wild card that can show up anytime during the season, and when they do, it's pure excitement. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious, powerful fish that will cruise up to the boat and give you a shot at sight fishing. Cobia can range from 20 to 50-plus pounds, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. They're not always around, but when conditions are right - usually during warmer periods in early fall or late winter - they'll show up around structure and floating debris. Landing a cobia is a career
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this 24' Blazer Bay center console, built for serious offshore fishing out of Homosassa. The 300HP Mercury gets you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 55 knots to maximize your time on productive reefs and ledges 9-40 miles offshore. This 2020 bay boat handles Gulf swells with confidence while keeping up to 4 anglers comfortable during long bottom fishing sessions. The flybridge gives you elevated sight lines for spotting structure and bait schools, while the fish finder pinpoints exactly where grouper, snapper, and cobia are holding. GPS and radar keep you locked onto productive spots even when visibility drops. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over sensitive areas without spooking fish. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and stay entertained between bites with the multimedia system. Perfect platform for targeting Gulf species around hard-bottom structure where the big ones live.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown torpedoes that'll give you a heart-stopping fight in open water. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can easily hit 60+ pounds during peak season. They cruise around structure in 30-100 feet - oil rigs, reefs, and current breaks are prime spots. Spring through fall is when we see them most, especially during their migration periods. What gets guests fired up is the sight fishing - you'll actually see these fish swimming near the surface before casting to them. They're also top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat. The secret is watching for their dark silhouette just under the surface near structure, then dropping a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of them - they're usually pretty aggressive once they see it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your tackle around offshore reefs and ledges. These fish typically run 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones push 30+ pounds. You'll find them holding tight to structure in 40-120 feet of water - rocky bottoms, ledges, and hard relief are prime spots. Our fall through winter season is perfect timing since they're more active in cooler water. What makes gag grouper special is their stubborn fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white flakes. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch when you hook up, or they'll wrap you around structure every time.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most unique catches we target - that pig-like snout and bright colors make them stand out. They typically run 3-8 pounds, with bigger ones hitting 15+ pounds around the right structure. Look for them on hard bottom reefs and ledges in 30-100 feet, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Our season timing is perfect since they stay active in cooler water. What makes hogfish special is they're curious fish that'll actually swim up to investigate the boat. The eating quality is unmatched - sweet, mild meat that's better than grouper. Key trick: use live shrimp on light tackle and make some noise in the water - they're attracted to vibration and will come check out what's happening.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing - rusty red color makes them easy to spot in the fish box. Average fish runs 5-10 pounds, but we regularly see 20+ pounders on the deeper spots. They prefer muddy and rocky bottom from 60-200 feet, often mixed with gag grouper on the same reefs. Fall and winter fishing is prime time when they're feeding heavy before cooler water sets in. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and put up a solid scrap once hooked. The meat quality is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet with that shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Best tip: use circle hooks with cut bait, and be ready for a long fight - these fish are bulldogs that won't quit.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-8 pounds around here, but we see some hefty 15+ pounders on the right structures. They love hanging around any hard bottom with barnacles - oil rigs, ledges, and reef edges in 20-80 feet. Peak season runs through our cooler months when they're more aggressive. What guests love is the challenge - sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with light, finicky bites. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky meat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll steal your bait otherwise.
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