2 Day Tuna Fishing Charter - Santa Rosa Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Twoday offshore charter targeting Yellowfin Tuna at deepwater rigs120mile run aboard 38foot Fountain with triple Mercury outboardsAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included for six guests
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.
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.
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.
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
This 38' Fountain center console is built for serious offshore tuna fishing, powered by triple Mercury 350s that'll get you to those deepwater oil rigs fast and reliably. The boat handles big Gulf swells like a champ with plenty of deck space for working fish and casting lines. Outriggers keep your spread wide for trolling, while the radar and fish finder help locate schools and navigate in any conditions. Between fishing sessions, crash on the bean bags and grab cold drinks from the icebox. The head keeps everyone comfortable during the long haul offshore, and the multimedia system passes time during transit. With room for 6 anglers, there's space to fight yellowfin without getting tangled up, plus storage for all your gear and catch. The GPS gets you back home safe after two days chasing pelagics in blue water.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll find out here. These speed demons average around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. They cruise the surface waters around 30-65 feet deep, hunting in schools and using their bills to stun baitfish. The warmer months are prime time, especially when water temps hit 75-80°F. What makes them special is the show they put on - jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors from blue to black during the fight. They're pure adrenaline on light tackle. My tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them eat it and start their first run before you tighten down.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the apex predators out here - true giants that can push 400+ pounds for males and over 1000 pounds for females. These cobalt-blue missiles patrol the deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, usually in 100+ feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when warm water pushes closer to shore. What draws people to these fish is the raw power and aerial displays - they're built to fight and will test every piece of your gear. The meat's decent but most folks are here for the battle and bragging rights. Since they tire from their size, patience is key. When one shows up behind your spread, resist the urge to rush - let them get a good look at the bait and commit before you touch anything.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin Tuna are the holy grail of offshore fishing - massive, powerful fish that average 200-400 pounds but can push 800+ pounds out here in the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped fighters prefer cooler water and can dive over 1000 feet deep, making them tough to predict. Spring and fall give you the best shots when they're moving through following bait schools. What sets them apart is the combination of size, speed, and stamina - they'll make blistering runs then sound deep, testing every inch of your tackle. The meat quality is world-class, especially for sushi. When you hook up, prepare for a marathon fight. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't overdo it early. Let them tire themselves out on the first few runs, then gradually increase the heat. These fish have incredible endurance.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite Marlin are the smaller cousins of the blues, but don't let that fool you - they're still apex predators running 80-180 pounds with serious attitude. These silver and blue billfish patrol the deep water around canyons and current breaks, constantly moving since they need to swim to breathe. Peak season runs late spring through fall when water temps are right. What makes them special is they're thinking fish - they'll study your baits and test your patience. The fight is pure athleticism with crazy jumps and long runs. When trolling for them, watch the area around your baits, not just the baits themselves. They're sneaky and will appear from nowhere. Once they take the bait, don't horse them - let them make their first run before applying pressure or you'll pull the hook.
Hyporthodus FlavolimbatusYellowedge Grouper are deep-water bruisers that live around those oil rigs we'll be hitting. These chunky red fish with bright yellow fin edges typically run 20-40 pounds and sit in 400-600 feet of water. They're solitary fish that claim territory around structure, so once you find one spot, there's usually more nearby. Year-round fishing is solid, but cooler months can be more productive. People love targeting them because they're pure muscle - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging power straight down. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating you'll find - flaky white fillets that hold moisture better than most fish. When you drop down to them, use multiple baits and be ready to set the hook hard. These fish have tough mouths and the water pressure works against you.
undefined, undefined