Full Day Private Offshore Weekday Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore reef fishing in Gulf of Mexico watersProfessional captain guides groups to most productive fishing spotsPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Picture this: it's a weekday morning, the Gulf waters are calm, and you've got the entire boat to yourself and three buddies. That's exactly what you get with our full-day private offshore charter. We'll push off between 8 and 10 AM – your call – and spend the day working some of the most productive reef structures in the Gulf of Mexico. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with 30+ years of experience, he'll put you on fish that'll make your arms sore and your cooler heavy. Whether you've been fishing these waters your whole life or this is your first time dropping a line in the Gulf, we're here to make sure you go home with stories worth telling.
When you step aboard, you're getting a true Gulf Coast fishing experience. We'll head out to depths ranging from 60 to 120 feet, targeting the natural and artificial reef structures that hold the big fish. The beauty of a full-day trip is we're not rushing – if the bite is hot at one spot, we'll stay put. If it's slow, we've got plenty of time to move around and find where they're feeding. Your captain will handle all the navigation and fish-finding, while you focus on what you came here for: pulling in some serious Gulf seafood. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and a cooler full of ice to keep your catch fresh. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and maybe a cooler if you're planning on taking a lot of fish home.
We're talking serious bottom fishing here – the kind that puts meat in the cooler. We'll be using stout conventional reels spooled with 40-60 pound test, because when you hook into a big gag grouper or goliath, you need gear that can handle the fight. Most of the time, we're fishing with cut bait – pilchards, pinfish, and sometimes live bait when we can get it. The technique is straightforward but requires patience: drop your rig to the bottom, lift it up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale thump. The reefs we fish are ledges and hard bottom structure where these fish like to hang out, ambushing baitfish. Your captain will position the boat perfectly, accounting for current and wind, so your bait stays in the strike zone. When you feel that bite, don't hesitate – set the hook hard and start cranking. These Gulf bottom fish don't give up easy, and that's what makes landing them so satisfying.
The Gulf of Mexico off our coast is home to some serious fish, and each species brings its own challenge and reward. Mutton snapper are the bread and butter of our reef fishing – they're aggressive feeders that'll hit cut bait hard, and they fight like fish twice their size. Most run 3-8 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 15 pounds, especially during their spawning season in summer. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Gag grouper are the prize most anglers are after, and for good reason. These fish can reach 20-30 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fight – they'll try to get back to their hole in the reef, and it's your job to stop them. Peak season for gags is fall through early spring when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning.
Red grouper are another Gulf favorite, typically smaller than gags but just as tasty. They're more common in the 5-15 pound range and have a distinctive reddish coloration. What makes red grouper special is they're usually easier to catch than their gag cousins – they're not as structure-oriented and will often come up off the bottom to feed. Black drum are the bulldozers of the reef. When you hook into a big drum – and we're talking 20-40 pounds – you're in for a workout. They don't jump or make flashy runs; they just pull with steady, relentless pressure. Young drums are great eating, while the big ones are usually catch-and-release trophies. The real showstopper is the goliath grouper. These giants can reach 200+ pounds and are protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release. But landing a goliath is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years. They're most active in warmer months and often lurk around wrecks and large reef structures.
Here's the deal – weekday charters like this book up fast, especially during prime fishing season. You're getting a full day on the water with just your group, professional guidance, and access to some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds. The combination of our captain's local knowledge, quality gear, and productive reef locations gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with premium Gulf seafood. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, want to introduce someone to offshore fishing, or just need a day away from the daily grind, this charter delivers. The memories you'll make and the fish you'll catch make this more than just a fishing trip – it's a day that'll have you planning your next one before you even get back to the dock. Give us a call and let's get you set up for a day of serious Gulf Coast fishing.
Hit the Gulf's productive reefs aboard this sleek 30-foot 2023 Solace center console that's built for serious offshore fishing. Twin 400HP Mercury engines push this beauty up to 62 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to port with your catch. The spacious center console design gives you and up to 3 fellow anglers plenty of room to work the lines while the captain uses the fish finder and GPS to locate the best spots. When you need a break from reeling in red snapper and grouper, grab a cold drink from the icebox or use the onboard facilities. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the radar ensures safe navigation even when visibility drops. This fishing machine has everything you need for a full day chasing Gulf species on the offshore reefs.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are powerful bottom-feeders that typically run 10-30 pounds, with some monsters reaching 50+ pounds in our waters. They love brackish areas, oyster beds, and muddy flats where they cruise around crushing shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is peak season, especially during spawning when they school up and are easier to target. What guests enjoy is their steady, bulldogging fight - they don't jump, but they'll pull hard and test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big bulls get tough and stringy. They make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Fresh crab is hands-down the best bait - blue crab, fiddlers, or peeler crabs work great. Here's my tip: bounce your bait on the bottom to create noise and vibration. These fish hunt by sound and feel, so that commotion will draw them in from a distance.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average 5-20 pounds, though we've seen some push 40+ pounds over the years. The females show that marbled gray pattern while males get darker with reticulated fins. They love hanging around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Fall and winter months are best when they're more aggressive and grouped up. What makes gags special is their strong initial run - they'll head straight for cover once hooked, so you need to be ready. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. They prefer live bait like pinfish and mullet, but cut bait works too. Pro tip: once you hook one, lock that reel down immediately and don't give them any slack. They'll dive into the nearest hole or structure if you let them run, and that's game over.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - these massive fish can reach 200-400 pounds and provide a once-in-a-lifetime fight. They hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 60-150 feet, often the same spots year after year. Summer months are prime when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is that first pull - it's unlike anything else out here and will test every piece of your gear. Remember, these are strictly catch-and-release only - they're protected and must go back unharmed. They'll eat big baits like whole jacks or large crabs. The key to success is using heavy tackle (80-pound class minimum) and anchoring at just the right distance from structure. Too close and they'll break you off in the rocks, too far and they won't come out. When you hook one, that first run will surprise you every time.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are one of our most prized catches out here, running 5-15 pounds on average with that distinctive olive-to-pink coloration and blue streaks around the face. You'll find them around reefs and sandy areas in 80-250 feet, though we often hook into them in the 130-180 range. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're more active and feeding. These fish are real fighters - they'll make strong runs toward the bottom once hooked and try to get back into structure. What guests love is the combination of a solid battle and some of the best eating you'll find. The meat is firm and sweet, perfect for the grill. Here's a key tip: use the freshest bait possible and keep your sinker light. Muttons are picky, and natural presentation makes all the difference in getting them to commit to the bite.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are our bread-and-butter reef fish, averaging 5-15 pounds with that rusty red color and white spots scattered across their bodies. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges typically in 80-200 feet, though we catch plenty in shallower water too. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're feeding more aggressively. These fish are tough fighters that'll dig hard toward the bottom once hooked - not the fastest, but they've got power and endurance. The meat is top-notch with a firm, flaky texture and mild flavor that's perfect for any recipe. They're opportunistic feeders and will hit live or cut bait readily - pinfish, grunts, and squid all work well. Key tip: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll head straight for the rocks and cut you off every time.
Fort Myers