Target Trophy Mahi Mahi and Kingfish in Gulf Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deep water Gulf fishing targets Mahi, Grouper, Snapper, KingfishExpert Captain Barrie Jones guides groups up to 6 guestsStateoftheart boat ensures comfort and peak fishing performance
Picture this: you're 20 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, lines in the water, with Captain Barrie Jones at the helm of a top-rated charter boat that can handle whatever these waters throw at you. Our offshore fishing adventure from Treasure Island puts you right where the big fish live – in deep water where King Mackerel patrol the drop-offs and Mahi Mahi cruise the weed lines. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough space to fish comfortably and keeping the group small enough that everyone gets personalized attention from our experienced crew.
We'll motor out past the nearshore structure to where the Gulf really opens up – that's where the magic happens. Captain Barrie knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a sixth sense for finding fish when others come up empty. The boat's equipped with everything you need: quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle to handle whatever decides to grab your hook. Don't worry about experience level – we've had everyone from weekend warriors to folks who've never held a fishing rod, and they all walk away with stories to tell. The crew will set you up with the right gear, show you the ropes, and be right there when you hook into something that makes your drag sing. These Gulf waters can serve up some serious fights, and there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush when a big King Mackerel decides to make a run or a Mahi Mahi starts jumping behind the boat.
Offshore fishing is all about covering water and presenting baits where the fish are feeding. We'll be trolling most of the time – running multiple lines at different depths with a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures that have proven themselves in these waters. The boat's rigged with outriggers to spread the lines out and downriggers to get baits down to where the bigger fish are cruising. Captain Barrie reads the water like a book, looking for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bait schools that attract predators. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot birds working, we'll set up and work that area hard. Sometimes we'll switch to bottom fishing over structure where the Grouper and Hogfish hang out, dropping baits down 60 to 100 feet to where these reef dwellers live. The gear is sized right for the job – heavy enough to handle big fish in deep water, but not so heavy that it takes the fight out of smaller species.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and for good reason. These streamlined predators can stretch over three feet long and put up a fight that'll test your gear and your arms. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move inshore to feed on the abundant bait schools. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs – when you hook one, it might peel off 100 yards of line before you even know what hit you. They're also jumpers, so keep that rod tip up and enjoy the show. What makes them special is their unpredictability – one minute you're trolling along, the next minute your reel is screaming and everyone on the boat is scrambling to clear the other lines.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are probably the most beautiful fish you'll pull out of these waters. Their electric blue and gold colors are something to see, especially when they're jumping and shaking their heads trying to throw the hook. These fish are nomads, following warm water and floating debris where small baitfish hide. They're most common during the warmer months from May through September, though we see them year-round when conditions are right. What's really exciting about Mahi is that they travel in schools – catch one, and there's a good chance his buddies are nearby. They're also incredible fighters for their size, combining speed with acrobatic jumps that'll have you wondering how they stay hooked up.
Hogfish are one of those species that doesn't get the respect it deserves. These bottom dwellers are some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're found around hard bottom and structure, using their pig-like snouts to root around in the sand for crabs and small fish. Hogfish require a bit of finesse – they're not aggressive biters like a King Mackerel, but when you feel that subtle tap-tap on your line, you better set the hook quick. They're year-round residents, though they're more active during the warmer months when they're spawning around the reefs.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and hooking one is guaranteed to get your heart pumping. These toothy predators can grow over four feet long and have a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through most leaders. They're ambush hunters, often hanging motionless near structure before exploding on their prey in a burst of speed that's almost too fast to see. Barracuda are most active during the summer months, and they're suckers for fast-moving lures that trigger their predatory instincts. The fight is pure power – no fancy jumps or tricks, just raw strength and determination to get back to the bottom.
African Pompano are probably the least common species on our target list, but they're worth their weight in gold when we find them. These deep-bodied fish are related to jacks and fight with that same bulldog determination, using their flat sides to leverage against your drag. They're typically found around structure and drop-offs, often mixed in with other species like Grouper and Snapper. African Pompano are most active during the summer months, and they're notorious for testing your knots and drag settings. What makes them special is their rarity – most anglers go years without seeing one
Our Center Console boat is built for serious offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico waters around Treasure Island. This versatile motorboat gives you 360-degree visibility to spot fish activity and navigate through both calm seas and choppy conditions with confidence. The open layout makes it easy to move around when you're fighting a big Mahi or Grouper, while the durable construction handles whatever the Gulf throws at you. Stay comfortable with the onboard icebox keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a multimedia system for those moments between bites. The GPS navigation and fish finder help locate the best fishing spots where Snapper and Kingfish lurk. With space for up to 6 anglers and convenient onboard facilities, this boat delivers the performance you need for a successful day targeting trophy fish in deep water.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican Pompano are part of the jack family and real fighters when you hook into one. These silvery, diamond-shaped fish can reach 50+ pounds and 3+ feet, though most run smaller. You'll find them over sandy bottom and structure in 30-250 feet of water. The juveniles have long trailing filaments that disappear as they mature. Spring through fall gives the best shots at them when they move into our waters. What makes them special is their powerful runs and stamina - typical jack behavior that'll test your drag. They're attracted to shiny lures and live bait, feeding on crabs and small fish. Try vertical jigging over structure or trolling bright spoons - their curiosity about moving, flashy objects often gets them in trouble.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the reef - sleek, fast, and armed with razor teeth. These silver torpedoes typically run 2-4 feet but can hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll find them near shore around coral reefs, grass flats, and structure, usually hunting alone except during spring spawning. They're curious fish that'll follow your boat, attracted to shiny objects and movement. The thrill is in their explosive strike and that initial screaming run - they hit 35 mph in short bursts. Fair table fare if you're careful about ciguatera. My advice: use wire leader and be ready for them to jump when hooked. They'll try to bite anything near them, so use a net and gloves when landing these toothy predators.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the tastiest catches in these waters, with sweet meat that rivals lobster. These pig-snouted wrasse grow to about 3 feet and 20+ pounds, using that snout to root through sand and hard bottom for crabs and shellfish. Find them around structure in 10-100 feet - rocky areas, ledges, and reef edges where they school up. Year-round fishing is good, but they're more active in warmer months. The challenge is their lightning-fast strike and small mouth - you need quick reflexes and sharp hooks. They're curious fish that'll come check you out, but getting them to bite takes finesse. Use live shrimp or small crabs on light tackle, and make some noise - they're attracted to the vibrations.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf, running 15-40 pounds on average with some pushing 90+. These olive-backed predators cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often along drop-offs and structure where baitfish gather. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is that blazing run when they hit - it's pure adrenaline as they peel line off your reel. Their razor-sharp teeth mean you'll need wire leader, but the fight and excellent table fare make it worth it. Pro tip: use a stinger hook behind your live bait since kings love to hit from behind and cut you off before you can set the hook properly.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and blue sides that light up like neon when they hit the boat. These fast-growing beauties average 15-29 pounds but can push 80+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the deeper Gulf waters. Spring through summer gives us prime fishing when the water warms up. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish go airborne multiple times and change colors right before your eyes. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. My go-to trick is trolling ballyhoo on the surface to mimic flying fish - make that bait skip and dance to trigger their predatory instincts.
Treasure Island