Deep Drop Fishing Charters Port Saint Lucie
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target deepbottom species like Tilefish and Snowy Grouper offshoreAll fishing gear, licenses, and cleaning services includedSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guests
When you're looking for something different from the typical inshore grind, our deep drop fishing charters out of Port Saint Lucie deliver exactly what serious anglers crave. We're talking about targeting those prize deep-water species that most weekend warriors never even get a shot at - Tilefish, Snowy Grouper, and other bottom dwellers that live in the depths off Florida's Treasure Coast. This isn't your average half-day trip where you're fighting crowds at the popular spots. With just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention and prime real estate at the rail while we work the deep structure where the big boys hang out.
Deep dropping is a whole different game than what most folks are used to. We're heading out to depths where the pressure does half the work for you, but the technique and timing make all the difference. Our top-rated Port Saint Lucie operation handles all the heavy lifting - we've got the high-end electric reels, the specialized bottom rigs, and most importantly, the GPS numbers for productive deep water structure. You'll be fishing anywhere from 400 to 800 feet down, which means when something grabs your bait, you better hang on because these fish have been living in the pressure cooker their whole lives. The boat ride out gives you time to get your head in the game and enjoy the Florida coastline before we start working the depths. Once we're on the numbers, it's all about patience and paying attention to your rod tip.
The beauty of deep dropping is in the simplicity, but there's definitely an art to it. We use electric reels because cranking up 600+ feet of line by hand gets old real fast, especially when you're bringing up multiple fish. Our rigs are built specifically for this fishery - heavy sinkers to get down fast in the current, circle hooks that hook themselves when these bottom feeders grab your bait, and strong enough tackle to handle the pressure changes as we bring fish up from the depths. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there. We're not drift fishing or trolling around - we anchor up on specific pieces of structure and fish them methodically. Squid and cut bait work best since these deep water species are opportunistic feeders looking for an easy meal. The electric reels do most of the work, but you'll still feel every head shake and run these fish make on the way up.
Atlantic Goldeneye Tilefish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and once you taste one, you'll understand why they're such a customer favorite. These guys average 5-15 pounds and are curious by nature, which makes them perfect targets for deep dropping. They're most active during the day and love to stack up on muddy bottom areas adjacent to hard structure. The fight isn't going to blow you away, but the meat quality is world-class - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop and they become more aggressive feeders.
Snowy Grouper are the trophy fish of the deep drop world, with fish over 20 pounds being fairly common and the occasional 40+ pounder showing up to make your day. These are true deep water specialists that rarely venture above 400 feet, so this might be your only shot at one. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure until something tasty drifts by, then they crush it. The initial run when you hook a big Snowy is something else - they use that depth and their broad shoulders to make you earn every inch of line. Best action is typically from November through March when they're feeding heavily before spawning season.
Silk Snapper bring both fight and flavor to the table, typically running 3-8 pounds with occasional larger fish pushing into double digits. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, you usually find them good. These guys are more aggressive than their deep water cousins and will often hit the bait hard enough that you'll know immediately you're hooked up. The meat is premium table fare - similar to Red Snapper but with a slightly firmer texture. They're year-round residents, but fishing picks up significantly during the warmer months when bait is more abundant in the deeper waters.
Grey Tilefish are the workhorses of the deep drop game, often making up the bulk of your catch on a good day. They're smaller than their Golden cousins, typically 2-5 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers. These fish are incredibly consistent - if you're on structure in the right depth range, you're probably going to catch them. They're also excellent eating, with a mild flavor that's perfect for anglers who aren't big on "fishy" tasting fish. Peak activity is during daylight hours, and they're less seasonal than other deep water species.
Scamp Grouper are the wildcards of deep drop trips - you never know when one is going to show up, but when they do, it's game on. These are true grouper with all the attitude that comes with it. They average 5-15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, using every piece of structure they can find to try and break you off. They're more common during the cooler months and tend to be solitary hunters rather than schooling fish. The reward for landing one is some of the best eating you'll find in these depths - firm, flaky meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Deep drop fishing out of Port Saint Lucie isn't something you can do from your buddy's 20-foot center console, and that's exactly what makes it special. We've invested in the right equipment, put in the time to find productive bottom, and perfected the techniques that put fish in the boat consistently. With everything included - gear, licenses, cleaning service - all you need to bring is
Get ready to drop lines in deep Florida waters aboard our well-equipped Tidewater Center Console! This reliable motorboat handles the offshore run to prime wreck sites where tilefish, snowy grouper, and blackbelly rosefish call home. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with everything anglers need - GPS to navigate to those productive bottom spots, fish finder to mark structure, VHF radio for safety, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. After battling fish in the depths, rinse off with the onboard shower. With room for up to 4 anglers, this boat delivers you comfortably to Port Saint Lucie's best deep dropping grounds. Whether you're targeting dinner or bragging rights, our Tidewater puts you on the fish while keeping you safe miles offshore. The real fishing happens in deep water over wrecks - this boat gets you there and back with all the gear and space you need for a productive day on the water.
Caulolatilus ChrysopsThese beautiful tilefish run 24-39 inches and can hit 40-65 pounds, making them solid targets on our deep drops. You'll find them dwelling around 250-800 feet over sandy bottoms, sporting that distinctive olive-green back with golden spots. They feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and worms, so cut squid and eel work great as bait. What guests love most is the excellent table fare - the meat is firm and sweet. Spring through summer gives you the best action when they're most active. Here's a tip that works well: let your rig sit on bottom for a few seconds before starting a slow lift. These fish aren't shy about biting, but they like to mouth the bait first. Once you feel that initial tap, give them time to really grab it before setting the hook. The fight isn't explosive, but they use their size and the depth to test your gear.
Caulolatilus MicropsGrey tilefish, or bluelines as we call them, are the "poor man's lobster" - and trust me, that's high praise. They average 5-8 pounds and 25 inches, with that distinctive blue line running from nose to eye. These bottom dwellers live in burrows at 250-400 feet over muddy and sandy bottoms. Winter months in Florida are prime time when they're most abundant. What guests love is the sweet, lobster-like meat and the steady action - they're not bait-shy and often hit in multiples. Squid, eel, and bonito chunks work best on 5/0-7/0 circle hooks. Here's my go-to technique: use just enough weight to reach bottom in the current, then be patient. Don't horse them up when you feel that first tap - let them get a good bite first. Set your drift around 2 knots and don't be afraid to run multiple rigs. These fish school up and hitting doubles or triples isn't uncommon.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamps are the crown jewel of the grouper family - hands down the best eating you'll find. They average 4-6 pounds but can reach 32 pounds, with that chocolate brown color and elongated tail rays that make them easy to spot. You'll find them around structure at 75-300 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. February through May is spawning season when they move shallower and bite best. What makes them special is that bulldog fight combined with meat so good it's called "Captain's Meat" on charter boats. They're slow but incredibly strong, so expect a real battle. Live pinfish, sardines, and cigar minnows are your best bets, though cut bait works too. My advice: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't give them time to think. They'll try to get back to structure and break you off, so turn them quick and keep them coming up.
Lutjanus VivanusSilk snappers are the deep-water gems that serious anglers target for their outstanding table quality. These pink-red beauties average 17 inches but can stretch to 32 inches and 18 pounds. What sets them apart is those distinctive yellow eyes - other snappers have red ones. They hang deep during the day at 400-500 feet, then move shallower at night. That's when your best bite happens - early morning or evening. The deeper you catch them, the better they taste, which is why guests love targeting them on our deep drops. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish, so fresh squid, mackerel, and crab make excellent baits. Pro tip: keep your bait moving naturally on the hook instead of impaling it hard. These fish are smart and want that natural presentation. Use non-stainless hooks with live bait, and be patient - they'll reward you with some of the finest eating in the ocean.
Epinephelus The snowies are what deep dropping dreams are made of - chunky fish averaging 30 pounds and 3 feet, with some monsters reaching 70 pounds. They live on rocky bottom structure 300-600 feet down, and they're territorial ambush predators with serious appetites. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-vessel limit, so every shot counts. What makes them special is that aggressive strike when they commit - plus they're absolutely delicious eating. Their coppery brown color with white spots makes them easy to identify. Best baits are whole squid, bonito strips, and mackerel. Here's what I always tell guests: when you feel that first thump, resist the urge to immediately crank. Let them eat it for a few seconds, then come tight. Electric reels make sense down there since hand-cranking from 400+ feet gets old fast, especially when you hook something this size.
Stuart, FL