8 Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure in Tarpon Springs
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour deepsea fishing adventure targeting Groupers and SnappersOffshore charter accommodates up to six guests maximum capacityBottomdwelling species fishing with Bottoms Up Fishing Excursions
When you're looking for a serious offshore fishing trip that gets you into the good stuff, Bottoms Up Fishing's 8-hour charter is where it's at. We're talking about getting out to those productive bottom structures where the big grouper and snapper hang out, miles offshore from Tarpon Springs. This isn't your typical half-day run – we've got the time to hit multiple spots, work different depths, and really put you on the fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to spread out and fight these powerful bottom dwellers without getting tangled up.
We'll be running out to depths anywhere from 60 to 120 feet, depending on what's biting and where the fish have been holding. The Gulf waters off Tarpon Springs are loaded with natural and artificial reefs that hold incredible numbers of grouper, snapper, and other bottom species. You're looking at a solid 6-7 hours of actual fishing time once we reach our spots, which gives everyone a real shot at filling the cooler. The boat's equipped with all the heavy tackle you'll need for these hard-fighting fish – we're talking 50-80 pound class rods with enough backbone to turn these bruisers away from the structure. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and drinks – we've got the rest covered.
We'll be doing serious bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks to get down to where these fish live. Most of the time we're using 8-12 ounce weights to punch through the current and stay in contact with the bottom. The key is keeping your bait right on the structure where the grouper and snapper are feeding. We use a mix of live and cut baits – sardines, cigar minnows, and cut bonito work great for most species. When a big gag grouper grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately – they hit hard and head straight for the rocks. That's when you've got to lean into them and use the drag system to slowly work them up and away from cover. The boat's equipped with electric reels for those deeper drops when your arms start feeling it after a few hours of cranking up fish from 100+ feet.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, and these chunky fighters are absolutely delicious on the table. They typically run 5-15 pounds out here, with the occasional 20+ pounder showing up to make your day. Reds are pretty consistent year-round, but they really turn on during the cooler months from October through March. They're not the fastest fish in the Gulf, but they're strong and stubborn – perfect for anglers who want to feel that steady, powerful pull. What makes them so popular is they're relatively easy to catch once you find them, and they're one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're in season, and there's nothing quite like the fight of a good-sized snapper. These fish are incredibly smart and can be picky eaters, which makes landing them that much more rewarding. They typically run 3-8 pounds in our area, but 10-15 pounders show up regularly on the deeper structures. Snappers are most active during their season from June through July, and they hit baits with authority before making blistering runs toward the bottom. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the finest table fare in the Gulf, which is why they're so highly sought after by both recreational and commercial fishermen.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but these feisty little fighters make up for size with numbers and attitude. They typically run 1-3 pounds and are excellent for keeping the action going when the bigger fish slow down. Lanes are active year-round and are perfect for newer anglers or kids because they bite readily and put up a fun fight on lighter tackle. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find plenty more. Their smaller size makes them perfect for the frying pan, and many locals prefer them over larger snappers for their sweet, delicate flavor.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of our regular catches, often reaching 20-40 pounds and providing battles that'll test both angler and tackle. These fish are incredibly strong and smart, often requiring perfect timing and technique to land successfully. Gags are most active from late fall through early spring, and they prefer the deeper, more complex structures where they can ambush prey. When a big gag hits your bait, it's like hooking into a freight train – they make long, powerful runs and use every bit of structure they can find to try to break you off. Landing a keeper gag is a real accomplishment and provides enough excellent eating for the whole family.
Black Sea Bass round out our target species list and provide consistent action throughout the trip. These fish typically run 1-4 pounds and are incredibly abundant on our offshore structures. They're active year-round but really turn on during the spring and fall months. Sea bass are perfect for filling out your bag limit and keeping everyone busy when the larger grouper and snapper are being finicky. They hit baits aggressively and put up a scrappy fight that's fun on lighter tackle. Their firm, white meat makes excellent fish tacos or fish and chips, and they're a favorite among families because kids can easily handle the fight.
This 8-hour deep sea adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing what Gulf fishing is really all about. You'll be working productive waters that consistently produce quality fish, using proven techniques that put meat in the cooler. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or a newcomer who wants to learn what offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers the
Step aboard our reliable 30' Baha Cruiser and get ready to chase some serious fish in the Gulf waters off Tarpon Springs. This 2005 sport fishing boat packs twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 40 knots when the fish are biting and time matters. Built for offshore action, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate those productive ledges, fish finder to mark the structure below, and a comfortable flybridge where you can scan for birds working bait. The multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride out, while the onboard facilities mean you can stay focused on fishing all day long. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines whether you're dropping for grouper and snapper or battling whatever decides to grab your bait. This boat has seen plenty of action over the years and knows how to handle the Gulf's moods, giving you confidence to fish hard and fish smart.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are reliable fighters that make for steady action on our trips. They typically run 1-4 pounds with dark, mottled coloring and those distinctive white markings. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom in 30-120 feet. What's cool is the males turn bright blue during spawning and develop a hump on their head. They're great on medium tackle and the meat's sweet and firm. Best fishing runs late spring through summer when they move inshore. They'll hit squid strips, small jigs, or cut bait. Here's what works: use a double-hook bottom rig and keep moving until you find a school. Once you locate them, you can often catch several before they wise up and move off the structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are serious fighters that'll put your tackle to the test. They average 15-25 inches but can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. Look for them around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks in 40-200 feet. The mottled gray pattern and darker males with reticulated fins help identify them. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - they'll try to get back to their hole no matter what. The meat's top-notch, white and flaky. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and fall are prime time. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but they'll take cut bait too. Key tip: keep your rod low and reel locked tight when you hook up. Don't let them get their head down or they'll drag you straight into the rocks.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are scrappy little fighters with those distinctive pink and yellow stripes running down their sides. They typically run 1-3 pounds and rarely get bigger than 5 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy areas with grass in 20-80 feet. They're aggressive biters and great on light tackle. The meat's excellent - sweet and firm. Best fishing happens March through September during their spawning season when they school up heavy. They'll hit shrimp, small pieces of squid, or cut bait readily. Local trick: fish at night if you want numbers. They feed most actively after dark, and you can often catch them two at a time on a double-hook rig.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are tough fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. Most run 5-10 pounds, but we've seen them push 30+ pounds out here. They love rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. The rusty red color and white spots make them easy to ID. What guests love most is the battle - they'll try to drag you straight into structure once you hook up. The meat's outstanding too, firm and flaky with a sweet taste. Best fishing happens year-round, but spring through fall gives you the most action. Pro tip: once you feel that bite, lock down your drag and pull hard right away. Don't give them a chance to reach cover or you'll lose them in the rocks every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are what most folks dream about when they book a Gulf trip. These beauties average 3-8 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds if you're lucky. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet - reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom. The bright red color and that classic snapper profile make them unmistakable. They fight hard and the meat is pure gold - mild, sweet, and perfect for any recipe. Best action runs May through October when they're most active. They'll hit live pinfish, squid, or fresh cut bait. Here's the trick: drop your bait to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. Red snapper often suspend just off the structure, and that's where you'll hook the bigger ones.
Tarpon Springs, FL, United States