Afternoon Gulf Fishing Adventures with Captain John
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Afternoon halfday fishing trip in Gulf of Mexico watersTarget Red Snapper, Grouper, and Tuna with professional equipmentFourperson capacity with Captain John Fishing Charters
Looking for the perfect way to spend your afternoon on the water? Captain John's PM fishing charter in the Gulf of Mexico hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to sleep in and still get their lines wet. This half-day bottom fishing adventure targets some of the Gulf's most prized species – Red Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, and Cobia – using proven techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. At $850 for up to four passengers, it's a solid deal that includes all the gear you need to make it happen.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the morning rush dies down, giving you time to grab coffee and ease into vacation mode. Captain John runs a tight ship with top-notch electronics and quality tackle that's built for Gulf fishing. You'll head out to productive bottom structure where the big fish hang out – think ledges, wrecks, and rocky outcrops that hold Red Snapper and Grouper year-round. The afternoon bite can be fantastic, especially when the sun gets high and baitfish start moving. With space for four anglers, everyone gets plenty of elbow room to work their lines without getting tangled up. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and puts you on fish, not just pretty scenery.
We're talking serious bottom fishing here – heavy weights, circle hooks, and fresh bait that gets down to where the action is. Captain John's got the electronics to mark fish and structure, so you're not just dropping lines and hoping for the best. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from 5-pound Mahi to 30-pound Grouper without breaking a sweat. Most of the fishing happens in 60 to 150 feet of water where Red Snapper stack up on hard bottom. You'll be using cut bait, live bait when available, and sometimes jigs depending on what the fish are wanting. The key is staying tight to structure and being ready when these Gulf heavyweights decide to bite. Don't worry if you're new to this – the captain walks you through everything from rigging to fighting fish properly.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the Gulf, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These bright yellow and green beauties love floating debris and weed lines, often traveling in schools that can turn a slow day into pure chaos. They typically run 10 to 25 pounds in these waters and fight like fish twice their size. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their spectacular jumps that'll have you scrambling for your phone.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These ruby-red fighters live on hard bottom and structure, growing up to 20 pounds or more in deeper water. They're surprisingly strong for their size and will test your drag when they make their initial run. Red Snapper season typically runs summer into fall, and the bite is often best during incoming tides. They're picky eaters sometimes, preferring fresh bait over frozen, but when they're feeding, you can load the boat. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for grilling or frying.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, using their powerful bodies and big mouths to inhale baits and head straight back to their holes. These guys can reach 30 pounds and will absolutely humble you if your drag isn't set right. They're structure-oriented fish that love ledges, rocks, and wrecks in 80 to 200 feet of water. Gags are open year-round in federal waters with a bag limit, and they're one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. The fight is pure power – no fancy runs or jumps, just brute strength trying to get back home.
Cobia are the unexpected bonus fish that can make your whole trip. These brown, shark-looking fish are curious by nature and often come right up to the boat to check things out. They can reach 40 pounds or more and fight like a freight train once hooked. Cobia love structure but also cruise open water, especially around floating objects or other fish. They're excellent table fare and fun to catch because they're so interactive. When you see one swimming around the boat, it's game on – these fish will often eat live bait, jigs, or even topwater lures.
Captain John's afternoon Gulf charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fishing without the early morning rush. The combination of proven bottom fishing techniques, top-rated equipment, and a captain who knows where the fish live makes this a customer favorite among Gulf fishing options. Whether you're targeting dinner or just want to bend some rods, this trip puts you on productive water with species that fight hard and eat well. At $850 for four people, it's competitive pricing for world-class Gulf fishing. Don't wait around – good afternoon slots book up fast, especially during prime fishing months.
Our well-equipped motorboat gets you to the prime fishing spots in the Gulf where Red Snapper, Grouper, and Tuna are waiting. With GPS navigation and fish finder technology, we'll put you right on top of the action for productive bottom fishing. The boat features a wireless trolling motor for stealthy positioning, radar for those hazy Gulf afternoons, and a spacious ice box to keep your catch fresh. Perfect for afternoon trips when you want to skip the early morning rush but still want serious fishing results. The setup handles up to 4 anglers comfortably with room to move around and fight those Gulf heavyweights. Whether you're targeting dinner or bragging rights, this boat has the gear and capacity to make it happen on the offshore waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary hunters that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds - think of them as the Gulf's brown sharks without the bite. These dark brown fish with lighter bellies cruise alone around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs, usually in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll go deeper. Peak season runs from spring spawning through summer when they move to their structure haunts. What draws anglers? They're strong, aggressive fighters and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. You'll often spot them just under the surface during sight fishing trips. My go-to technique is a 4-8 oz bucktail jig worked around the structure - color doesn't matter much, but keeping it moving does. When you hook one, be ready for a serious tug-of-war.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win any beauty contests with their mottled gray appearance, but they're serious fighters that anglers respect. These bottom dwellers average around 20 inches but can reach 57 inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure where they can ambush prey. They're more active during cooler months when they move into shallower waters to feed. What makes them worth targeting? They put up one heck of a fight, trying to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideouts, and they're excellent eating. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but cut crab and squid do the trick too. Key tip: lock that reel down tight and keep your rod low - once they grab your bait, it's a wrestling match to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are one of the most colorful fish in the Gulf, with brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-29 pounds and around 39 inches, though we've seen them bigger. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in open water. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They're absolute fighters - strong swimmers that'll test your tackle - and the meat is firm, white, and tastes fantastic grilled. Here's a tip: when trolling for them, make your bait skip on the surface like a flying fish. They can't resist that action.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 35+ pounds. They live on hard bottom structure, reefs, and wrecks in 30-620 feet of water. The season typically runs during regulated periods, usually summer months. What makes them special? They're true warriors that'll give you a real scrap, trying to run back to cover and break your line on the structure. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect with just salt, pepper, and lemon. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure once hooked. Don't let them get back to the rocks.
Pensacola, FL