2 Day Tuna Fishing Charter - Santa Rosa Beach
When you're serious about chasing yellowfin tuna in the Gulf, there's no substitute for getting way offshore where the big fish live. This 2-day adventure with Deep Charters puts you right in the action at the deepwater oil rigs, over 120 miles from Santa Rosa Beach. You'll be fishing aboard a fast 38-foot Fountain center console that'll get you out there in style, powered by triple Mercury outboards that can handle the long run to the productive waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about a real offshore experience where you'll have time to work multiple rigs and really dial in on what the fish want.
What to Expect on the Water
We shove off at noon, which gives you time to grab breakfast and get your gear sorted before the adventure begins. The ride out takes several hours, but that's part of what makes this trip special - we're heading to waters that most boats can't reach. Once we hit the rigs, you'll see why this is where the serious tuna hunters go. These towering structures create their own ecosystems, attracting baitfish that draw in the predators you're after. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so you won't be bumping elbows while fighting fish. Bean bags are set up on deck for those times when you need to rest between fishing periods - trust me, after battling a few yellowfins, you'll appreciate having a comfortable spot to recharge. The captain knows these rigs like the back of his hand and will position the boat where the fish are most active.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
This is pelagic fishing at its finest, which means we're targeting fast-moving fish in open water using techniques designed for these conditions. Trolling is the name of the game out here, pulling lures at varying depths and speeds to mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. The boat comes rigged with all the heavy tackle you'll need - we're talking 50 and 80-pound class gear that can handle the strength of a 100-pound yellowfin on a long run. Live bait fishing around the rigs is another productive method, especially when the fish are holding tight to structure. Chunking is also in the playbook when conditions are right, creating a slick that draws fish up from the depths. The crew handles all the rigging and bait preparation, so you can focus on what you came for - hooking and fighting fish. Just remember, this is strictly pelagic fishing - we're not dropping to the bottom for grouper or snapper on this trip.
Target Species Breakdown
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. These beauties typically show up in our waters during the cooler months, from November through March, when water temperatures drop into the mid-70s. Most sails you'll encounter range from 40 to 80 pounds, and they're absolute dynamite on lighter tackle. What makes them special is their aggressive nature when feeding - they'll often come up hot on a trolled bait and put on an aerial show that'll have your heart racing. The thrill comes from their unpredictability and the way they use their entire body as a weapon during the fight.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of Gulf fishing, the fish that legends are made of. These giants patrol our deepwater rigs from May through October, with peak action typically in summer months when water temperatures soar into the 80s. A smaller blue might weigh 200 pounds, while the monsters can push 500 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that cruise the edges of the continental shelf, following bait schools and looking for an easy meal. When a blue eats your bait, everything changes - the reel screams, the rod bends double, and you're connected to one of the ocean's most powerful predators. The fight can last hours, and landing one is a achievement that'll stay with you forever.
Yellowedge Grouper are the deep dwellers that inhabit the rocky bottom around oil rig structures, typically found in 200 to 400 feet of water. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during fall and winter months when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. They average 10 to 30 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're prized for their excellent table fare. What makes yellowedge special is their fighting style - once hooked, they dive straight for the structure, testing your drag system and your patience. They're also one of the more challenging grouper species to target, requiring precise bottom fishing techniques and the right bait presentation.
White Marlin are the smaller cousins of blue marlin but don't let their size fool you - pound for pound, they're some of the toughest fighters in the Gulf. Peak season runs from June through September, when these 50 to 150-pound speedsters follow warm water currents along the continental shelf. They're more common than blues but just as exciting, known for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude. White marlin have a reputation for being selective feeders, often following baits for long distances before committing. When they do eat, the hookup is explosive, and the fight that follows will test every ounce of your fishing skill.
Bluefin Tuna are the powerhouses of the tuna family, built like living torpedoes and capable of speeds that'll shock you. Our Gulf bluefins are typically in the 100 to 300-pound range, though larger specimens do show up. They're most active during winter months when water temperatures drop, often feeding aggressively around the rigs where baitfish concentrate. What sets bluefin apart is their incredible stamina and ability to sound deep during a fight. They'll strip line off your reel in runs that seem to go on forever, then change direction without warning. Landing a big bluefin requires teamwork, patience, and a lot