2 Day Tuna Fishing Charter - Santa Rosa Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
2-day offshore charter targeting Yellowfin Tuna at deepwater rigs120+ mile run aboard 38-foot Fountain with triple outboardsAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included for 6 guests
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and chase real fish in the deep blue, this 2-day tuna charter from Santa Rosa Beach is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a serious offshore adventure that puts you 120+ miles out in the Gulf, targeting yellowfin tuna around the oil rigs where these fish feed and fight like nothing you've hooked before. This isn't your typical half-day trip - it's a commitment to getting after the pelagics that make the Emerald Coast famous among serious anglers.
You'll board our 38-foot Fountain center console at noon, giving us plenty of daylight to make the long run to the productive waters around the deepwater rigs. Triple Mercury outboards push us through the miles efficiently, and with up to 6 anglers max, there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The boat's designed for this kind of offshore work - stable platform for fighting fish and comfortable enough for the extended trip. Bean bags are set up so you can actually rest between fishing periods, which you'll appreciate when you're 24 hours in and still wanting to make every cast count. We handle all the gear, bait, and licensing, so you just need to show up ready to fish hard and stay focused on what these waters can deliver.
Out here, it's all about covering water and presenting baits that trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. We'll be running a spread of high-speed trolling lures, ballyhoo rigs, and live bait when conditions allow it. The key is reading the water around these rigs - watching for bird activity, bait schools, and temperature breaks that concentrate the fish. Our tackle is sized for the job: heavy conventional reels with enough drag to stop a charging yellowfin, and rods that can handle the sustained pressure of a long fight. When we hook up, it's all hands on deck - clearing lines, getting the gaff ready, and making sure whoever's on the rod has room to work. The techniques change based on what we're seeing, but the goal stays the same: putting quality fish in the boat using methods that work in open water.
Atlantic Sailfish show up when conditions line up right, usually around temperature breaks and current edges near the rigs. These fish are pure athleticism - long runs, multiple jumps, and the kind of fight that gets your heart pounding. They're typically in the 40-80 pound range here, and while they're not always predictable, when they're around, you'll know it. The cooler months tend to be more productive for sails, especially when the water's got some structure to it.
Blue Marlin are the fish every offshore angler dreams about, and the deep waters off Santa Rosa Beach hold some real quality fish. These are apex predators that can exceed 400 pounds, with the power to test every piece of gear on the boat. Summer months bring the best shot at blues, particularly around the deeper rigs where they patrol for tuna and other baitfish. When you hook one, everything else stops - it's all about the fight and making sure every detail is handled right.
Yellowedge Grouper inhabit the deeper structure around these offshore rigs, offering a completely different fishing experience from the pelagics. These fish are strong, stubborn bottom-dwellers that use every rock and crevice to their advantage. They're excellent table fare and provide a nice change of pace from the high-speed trolling action. Fall and winter tend to be prime time for yellowedge, when they're more active in the cooler water.
White Marlin are smaller than their blue cousins but make up for it with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish are often more cooperative than blues, making them perfect for anglers who want that billfish experience without quite as much physical demand. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities, especially when we're working areas with good bait concentrations and active water.
Bluefin Tuna represent some of the most powerful fishing available in the Gulf, with fish ranging from school-size models to true giants over 200 pounds. These fish are built for speed and endurance, capable of stripping line faster than you'd think possible. Winter months typically bring the best bluefin action to our area, when they're following bait schools and feeding aggressively around the offshore structure.
This 2-day charter represents serious offshore fishing at its best - no compromises, no shortcuts, just quality time in productive water targeting fish that will test your skills and your equipment. With only 6 spots available and the kind of fishing that builds stories you'll tell for years, these trips book up fast among anglers who understand what real offshore fishing looks like. The combination of our experienced crew, quality boat, and access to some of the Gulf's most productive waters makes this a top-rated choice for anyone ready to step up their game. Deep Charters has the reputation and the results that keep serious anglers coming back, and this extended trip showcases exactly why the deepwater rigs off Santa Rosa Beach are considered world-class fishing grounds.
Get ready to chase trophy tuna aboard this beast of a fishing machine - a 38' Fountain center console that cuts through Gulf waters like butter. Triple Mercury 350s deliver serious power for the 120+ mile run to deepwater oil rigs where the yellowfin are waiting. This offshore warrior comes loaded with outriggers, radar, FLIR, and fish finder tech to put you on the bite. The spacious layout handles 6 anglers comfortably with room to work multiple lines when the action heats up. Between fishing sessions, crash on the bean bags while cruising to the next hot spot. An onboard head, icebox for cold drinks, and GPS navigation round out the package. Built for stability in big water, this center console delivers the range and reliability serious tuna hunters demand for extended offshore adventures.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are pure speed and show - they'll run up to 35mph and jump repeatedly when hooked. These beautiful blue-gray billfish average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. You'll find them in warm surface waters around 30-65 feet, often following baitfish schools. They hunt cooperatively and can change colors when excited. Peak season runs through winter and spring in our waters. What makes them special is that acrobatic fight - they'll tailwalk and leap like nothing else. My tip: when one shows up behind your bait, don't get excited and pull it away. Let them tease it first, then when they commit and that sail goes up, count to five before setting the hook. They like to slap baits with that bill before eating.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the apex predator out here - massive, powerful billfish that can reach 12+ feet and over 1,000 pounds. Females grow much larger than males, with anything over 1,000 pounds called a "grander." They cruise warm offshore waters following the current breaks and temperature changes. Summer through fall gives us our best shots in the Gulf. These fish are pure muscle and attitude - they'll make blistering runs and put up an aerial show that'll test your gear and your back. The meat's good but most folks are after the fight and bragging rights. Here's what I've learned: Blue marlin love a bait that fights back, so don't worry if your live bait looks beat up. They want to see some struggle. When one shows, stay patient and let them eat.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin Tuna are the ultimate prize - massive, powerful fish that average 200-400 pounds but can hit 1,000+. These torpedo-shaped speedsters are built for long runs and deep dives, reaching 40+ mph. They prefer cooler water and travel in schools, often showing up around structure or temperature breaks. Spring and fall migrations offer the best chances in our area. Bluefin are prized for their sashimi-quality meat and legendary fighting ability - they'll make screaming runs that'll empty your reel in seconds. The fight can last hours with a big one. Federal permits are required and there are strict regulations. Here's my tip: when trolling for them, watch for bird activity and bait schools. Once you hook up, tighten your drag gradually - they'll burn it out if you lock down too early.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller, scrappier cousins of the Blues - usually 6-8 feet and around 50-80 pounds. These billfish are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and need to keep moving to breathe properly. You'll find them in deep blue water around temperature breaks and current edges. They're curious fish that will come up behind baits and tease you before deciding to eat. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temps are right. What guests love is their aggressive nature and jumping ability - pound for pound they fight as hard as any billfish. The trick with White Marlin is patience. When one shows up behind your ballyhoo, resist pulling it away. Let them play with it, and when they turn on the bait with their bill, count to ten before setting the drag.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge Grouper live in deep water around 400-600 feet, usually near structure or muddy bottoms. They're chunky red fish with distinctive yellow fin edges, averaging 20-40 pounds. These are solitary fish that claim territory around ledges and holes. Best fishing happens year-round since they don't migrate much, but cooler months can be more productive. People love them for the table - the meat's firm, flaky, and holds moisture better than most fish. They taste like a cross between bass and halibut. The fight's not flashy but they're strong and will test your drag on the way up from those depths. My advice: use multiple hooks with fresh squid or mackerel, and be ready to horse them up quick. They'll duck back into structure if you give them slack.
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