Private Nearshore Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 6hour nearshore charter targets multiple fish species offshore22' Pathfinder boat equipped with GPS, fishfinder, and live bait wellAll licenses, bait, and tackle included with free 7day cancellation
Nothing beats the satisfaction of dropping lines over productive wreck sites where big fish stack up like they're waiting for you. This 6-hour private charter aboard Captain Tanner's 22' Pathfinder puts you right in the sweet spot – up to 9 miles offshore where the bottom structure holds everything from hefty grouper to lightning-fast cobia. You'll have the boat to yourself (plus one guest), which means no rushing, no crowds, and plenty of time to work each promising spot until you find the bite.
Your day starts with a smooth ride out to some of the most productive nearshore wrecks and structure along the coast. The Pathfinder's shallow draft gets you into spots bigger boats can't reach, while the fishfinder and GPS keep you right on top of the fish-holding structure. Captain Tanner knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on wrecks where grouper hole up during the day and structure where permit cruise looking for an easy meal. The live bait well keeps your offerings fresh and frisky – because when you're targeting smart fish like permit and cobia, presentation makes all the difference. You'll have access to both light and heavy tackle setups, so whether you're finessing sheepshead around pilings or muscling a gag grouper out of the wreck, you've got the right tool for the job.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait to the fish while keeping it out of the structure – easier said than done. You'll be using a mix of bottom fishing with circle hooks for grouper and snapper, plus some sight fishing with spinning gear when cobia and permit show up in the water column. The captain sets you up with the right weight to get down fast but not so heavy you're constantly snagged up in the wreck. Live bait like pinfish and grunt work magic around structure, while cut bait brings in the bigger predators from a distance. When conditions are right, you might even get some shots at cruising cobia or permit that come up to check out the boat. The trolling motor lets the captain hold position perfectly over productive spots without spooking fish with engine noise – a game-changer when you're dealing with smart, structure-oriented species.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of nearshore wreck fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers put up a serious fight when hooked in their home territory. They typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, with occasional bruisers pushing double digits. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some trophy-sized fish when they move into deeper structure. What makes red grouper so appealing is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – plus the satisfaction of winning a tug-of-war against a fish that knows every nook and cranny of its rocky home.
Gag grouper are the wildcards of the wreck fishing game, showing up when you least expect them and disappearing just as quickly. These aggressive predators average 5-12 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making blazing runs toward the safety of the wreck structure. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrate around the wrecks. Gags are notorious for their quick, powerful runs and their habit of trying to cut your line on sharp metal or coral – which makes landing one feel like a real victory.
Cobia are the ultimate sight fishing target, cruising the water column around wrecks like underwater submarines looking for an easy meal. These brown sharks (as locals sometimes call them) can show up any time from spring through fall, with peak activity during the warmer months when they're most active. A typical cobia runs 20-40 pounds of pure muscle, and when one decides to eat your bait, you'll know it immediately. They're curious fish that often come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you heart-stopping moments as you watch them decide whether to commit to your offering.
Permit are hands-down the most challenging fish you'll encounter on these wrecks, and that's exactly why serious anglers get obsessed with them. These silvery speedsters are notoriously picky eaters, often following your bait right to the boat before turning away at the last second. When you do hook up, expect a fight that combines the endurance of a tarpon with the speed of a bonito. Most nearshore permit run 8-20 pounds, and they're most active during the warmer months when crabs and small baitfish are abundant around the structure.
Blacktip sharks add some serious excitement to the mix, especially when they show up in schools around active wrecks. These athletic predators average 3-6 feet and put on an aerial show that rivals any gamefish in the Gulf. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit live bait, cut bait, or even lures, and once hooked, they typically make multiple jumps while stripping line from your reel. Spring and summer offer the most consistent blacktip action, though they can show up year-round when baitfish are thick around the structure.
This top-rated private charter experience gives you everything needed for a world-class day of wreck fishing – expert local knowledge, quality gear, fresh bait, and access to some of the most productive nearshore structure along the coast. With fishing licenses, tackle, and bait included, all you need to bring is sunscreen and your favorite beverages. The 7-day free cancellation policy takes the pressure off planning around weather, so you can book with confidence knowing you'll only go out when conditions are right for fishing. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the best nearshore wreck fishing action – reserve your private charter with Captain Tanner today.
Jump aboard our freshly restored 22' Pathfinder and get ready to chase down some serious fish! This nimble motorboat packs a 225 HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise you out to the wrecks at 30 mph, cutting through the waves like butter. We've loaded her with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to navigate straight to the hotspots, fishfinder to locate schools below, and a live bait well to keep your offerings lively. The wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly over structure without spooking the fish, while the fighting chair gives you leverage when battling bigger species. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold throughout the trip. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for grouper and snapper or working the water column for cobia, this boat handles beautifully in nearshore waters. The 2023 restoration means reliable performance and comfortable fishing all day long.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter - they're the ones with distinctive black markings on their fin tips and a reputation for jumping clear out of the water when hooked. These guys typically run 3-6 feet and 30-80 pounds, making for a solid fight on medium tackle. They patrol reefs and structure in 30-100 feet, often cruising near the surface where you can spot them. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them fun is their acrobatic nature - they'll jump, spin, and put on a real show. They're also surprisingly fast, hitting 20+ mph in short bursts. Pro tip: get some oily fish like mackerel or sardines for chum, then use circle hooks with wire leaders. Once you get them fired up, the action can be non-stop.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of my favorite fish to target - they look like brown sharks but fight twice as hard and taste even better. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, making for serious battles on medium tackle. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-100 feet, often cruising near the surface where we can sight-fish them. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them special is they're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat to investigate. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. My go-to technique: throw a bucktail jig when you spot one cruising - doesn't matter much on color. Just be ready for a long, tough fight once you hook up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the scrappiest of the grouper family - grey fish with a marbled pattern that can really test your tackle. They typically run 15-25 pounds but we've seen some push 40+ pounds. These fish love rocky bottoms, reefs, and ledges in 40-120 feet, always looking for structure to hide in. They're most active during cooler months when they move inshore to feed. What makes them special is their attitude - they hit hard and immediately try to get back to the rocks, making for intense short fights. They're also excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. The key is using heavy enough tackle and not giving them any slack once hooked. Live pinfish or cut bait works great, but be ready to horse them up fast before they can wrap you around structure.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - silver, disc-shaped fish that average around 20-30 pounds but can hit 40+. They've got those distinctive black-tipped fins and are incredibly spooky with golf ball-sized eyes that see everything. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-80 feet, though they also cruise shallow flats. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them special is they're notoriously difficult to fool - they study your bait like they're getting a PhD. When you do hook one, they make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Here's the key: use live or fresh blue crab on a circle hook, and when you see one, don't make any sudden movements. Patience pays off with these fish.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable targets, with that distinctive rusty-red color and white spots making them easy to identify. These fish typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky bottoms, reefs, and ledges in 20-100 feet of water, making them perfect for our nearshore trips. What makes them special is the fight - they're tough customers that'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find, with firm, flaky meat that tastes almost like shellfish from their crab and shrimp diet. My tip: once you hook one, keep that rod tip up and don't give them an inch - they'll head straight for cover if you let them.
Fort Myers, FL, United States