Gulf Wreck Fishing: Bottom Action & Big Bites
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Halfday bottom fishing targeting snapper and grouper in Gulf watersFivehour trip combines bottom fishing with trolling techniques aboard Double TroubleSmall group experience accommodates up to six guests with professional crew
You know that feeling when your drag starts screaming and something heavy is peeling line off your reel? That's what you're signing up for on this 5-hour bottom fishing adventure aboard the Double Trouble. We're talking about serious Gulf of Mexico action, where the wrecks hold some of the best eating fish you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're heading out to productive structure where the big boys hang out, and you'll be using techniques that actually work in these waters.
The Double Trouble is built for bottom fishing, plain and simple. Captain and crew know these wreck sites like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that are actually biting. We keep the group small at just 6 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting forever for your turn. The trip starts with some serious bottom fishing using circle hooks and heavy enough sinkers to get down and stay down in the current. You'll be dropping chicken rigs and knocker rigs depending on what the fish are telling us that day. Between the bottom fishing sessions, we'll mix in some trolling to cover water and give you a shot at something that might just spool you if you're not ready for it. The crew handles the boat positioning and gives you the lowdown on what's working, but the fishing is all on you – that's the fun part.
We're talking about real Gulf bottom fishing here, not some light tackle nonsense that'll leave you frustrated. The boat provides solid conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle these wrecks, paired with rods that have the backbone to pull fish up from 60-80 feet of water. Circle hooks are the way to go for most of our bottom fishing – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut hooking, especially important when we're targeting red snapper during season. The sinker weight changes based on current, but expect to use 4-8 ounces to get down and stay down. For bait, we're using what works: cut squid, cigar minnows, and sometimes live pinfish when we can get them. The trolling setup is different – we'll pull spoons and diving plugs at speeds that trigger strikes from spanish mackerel and amberjack that cruise these same areas.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and these wrecks hold some real doormat-sized fish. They're structure-oriented fish that rarely venture far from their home reef or wreck. Best time to target them is early morning or late afternoon when they're most active, though they'll bite throughout the day if you put the right bait in front of them. What makes red snapper so popular isn't just the fight – though they do pull hard on the way up – it's the table fare. These fish are absolutely delicious, and a cooler full of red snapper means you're eating well for weeks. During open season, expect fish in the 16-25 inch range, with some real surprises pushing 8-10 pounds if you're lucky.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the wreck, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They don't run like snapper – instead, they head straight for the structure and try to cut you off on whatever sharp edge they can find. These fish can get seriously big, with 20-30 pounders not uncommon on these offshore wrecks. They're ambush predators that sit in holes and under ledges, waiting for baitfish to get too close. The trick with gag grouper is getting them away from the structure quickly – once they get their head down and dig in, it's often game over. They're excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Spanish Mackerel show up when we're trolling between spots, and they're fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a great fight on lighter tackle. They're seasonal visitors to these waters, typically showing up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. What's fun about spanish mackerel is how they hit – there's no subtle tap or gentle take. When a spanish hits your trolled bait, it's usually a solid hookup that bends the rod over. They're also great eating when prepared fresh, despite what some people think about mackerel. The key is bleeding them quickly and keeping them on ice.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of this bunch, and landing one on this trip would definitely be the highlight of your day. These fish are built for power, with broad shoulders and the stamina to make multiple long runs. They're typically found around the same structure as grouper and snapper, but they're more likely to suspend in the water column or cruise around the wreck rather than sitting tight to the bottom. Amberjack can show up any time of year in these waters, but they're most aggressive during their spawning periods in spring and fall. Fair warning – a big amberjack will test your tackle and your endurance, but that's exactly why anglers target them.
This 5-hour bottom fishing trip gives you the real Gulf of Mexico experience without the commitment of a full-day charter. You'll learn techniques that work on these wrecks, get hands-on instruction from crew who fish these spots regularly, and hopefully fill the cooler with some quality eating fish. The Double Trouble runs a clean operation with gear that's maintained and crew who actually want to see you catch fish. Whether you're new to offshore fishing or just want to get out and bend some rods, this trip delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to see what these Gulf wrecks are all about – just don't blame us when you start planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the smart ones - they know every hole and ledge on the bottom. These mottled gray fish average 15-25 pounds around Panama City's reefs and wrecks in 60-120 feet. Fall and winter offer the best shots at keeper-sized fish when they move shallow to feed. What makes them fun is the chess match - they'll grab your bait and head straight for cover, testing both your drag and nerves. The payoff is excellent table fare with firm, white meat. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish and big chunks of cut bait. My advice: once you hook one, don't give them an inch. Keep that rod tip up and pressure on constantly. If they get back in their hole, you're done. Circle hooks are required, and heavy tackle helps turn their head before they reach structure.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the heavyweights of the Gulf, averaging 20-40 pounds with that distinctive amber stripe running down their sides. These bruisers hang around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They'll test your tackle and your arms - once hooked, they dive straight for structure trying to cut your line. The meat's fantastic if you get one under 40 pounds. Here's the key: when you hook up, lock that drag down tight and keep steady pressure. Don't let them get their head down or they'll wrap you around the nearest wreck. Heavy tackle and live bait like blue runners work best, but they'll smash jigs too.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. Most of what we catch runs 2-8 pounds, but 15+ pounders show up regularly around our deeper reefs and wrecks in 80-150 feet. These crimson beauties love hard structure - artificial reefs, oil rigs, and natural ledges. Summer season brings the best fishing when they're spawning and aggressive. What guests love most is the combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Their white, flaky meat is restaurant quality. Pro tip: drop your bait right to the bottom, then reel up two cranks. Snapper usually hold just off the structure, and that's where you'll get bit. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish will get the big ones.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are the speed demons we pick up while trolling between bottom spots. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools near the surface. Spring through fall they're everywhere from nearshore reefs to open water, especially when baitfish are thick. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making great light tackle fun. The bonus? They're some of the tastiest fish around - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. During our trips, watch for diving birds or surface activity. When we find a school, we'll switch to lighter tackle and small spoons or jigs. Here's the trick: use a wire leader or they'll cut you off with those razor teeth, and retrieve fast to match their aggressive feeding style.
Panama City Beach