Carrabelle Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting Red Snapper and Grouper speciesModern 31foot vessel accommodates up to 6 guests comfortablyAll equipment, bait, licenses, and deckhand service included
When you're ready to get serious about Gulf fishing, Drop Zone Fishing's offshore charter puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking 40 miles out into the deep blue, where the bottom drops off and the real action starts. This isn't some half-day bay trip – it's a full commitment to chasing quality fish in quality water. You'll leave Timber Island Boat Ramp at first light and spend the day working productive structure that consistently holds fish. The 31-foot Bluewater with twin 300s gets you there fast and comfortable, while the experienced crew puts you on fish that'll make your arms tired in the best way possible.
Your day starts early with a 7:00 AM departure, which puts you on the fishing grounds when the bite is hot. The ride out takes you through some beautiful Gulf country, but the real show starts when we reach those offshore reefs and wrecks. These structures are magnets for everything from snapper to grouper to amberjack, and they're where we'll spend most of our time. The boat handles the Gulf chop like a dream, so you can focus on fishing instead of hanging on. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work different spots around the structure. The deckhand keeps your lines straight, helps with hookups, and makes sure you're always fishing effectively. All your bait, tackle, and licenses are covered, plus they keep you hydrated with water throughout the day. It's a well-oiled operation that's designed to maximize your time with a line in the water.
Most of your fishing happens straight down on heavy tackle designed for deep water and big fish. We're talking 80 to 120 feet of water over hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs that hold massive schools of fish. The technique is straightforward but requires good gear – heavy spinning rods or conventional setups loaded with enough weight to get your bait down fast and keep it there. Circle hooks are the standard for most species, especially snapper, since they hook fish in the corner of the mouth for easy releases. The deckhand rigs everything and shows you the right technique for dropping baits, working the bottom, and fighting fish without getting tangled up with other lines. When you hook up in this deep water, you're in for a fight – these fish have plenty of room to run and they use every inch of it. The key is staying patient, keeping steady pressure, and letting the fish tire itself out before trying to muscle it up from the depths.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Carrabelle's offshore waters produce some absolute slabs. These fish average 3 to 8 pounds but don't let that fool you – they fight way above their weight class and taste even better. Red snapper are structure-oriented fish that school up on reefs, wrecks, and ledges, making them perfect targets for this type of fishing. The best bite usually happens during federal season in summer, but when they're open, it's some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere. They hit cut bait, live bait, and jigs with equal enthusiasm, and watching that rod tip slam down never gets old.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of the deep Gulf, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 20-inchers up to genuine monsters over 30 pounds. These bottom-huggers live in caves and crevices around hard structure, and they'll absolutely punish light tackle. Red grouper bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they move shallower to feed. They're ambush predators that inhale baits and immediately try to get back to their holes, so you need to turn them quick and keep them coming up. The meat is some of the best you'll eat, with firm white fillets that work for everything from grilling to frying.
Gag Grouper are the athletes of the grouper family, known for long runs and bulldogging fights that test your tackle and your patience. These fish prefer slightly different habitat than reds, often suspending around structure or cruising open bottom nearby. Gags average bigger than reds in this area, with 25 to 40-pound fish being common and真正的 giants pushing 50-plus showing up regularly. Fall and winter are prime time for gags, when they school up for spawning and feed heavily. They're more finicky eaters than reds but once hooked, they put up a fight that's hard to match.
Greater Amberjack are the speed demons that'll test your drag system and your back muscles. These fish cruise the water column around structure, often in schools, and when they decide to eat, they hit like freight trains. AJs in this area commonly run 30 to 60 pounds, with occasional fish over 80 pounds showing up to really make things interesting. They're most active during warmer months and will hit both live and dead baits, though they definitely prefer something with some action. The fight is all about endurance – they make long, powerful runs and don't quit easily. Many anglers consider them the hardest-fighting fish in the Gulf, pound for pound.
This is the kind of fishing trip that creates lasting memories and puts quality fish in the cooler. Drop Zone Fishing runs a top-rated operation that consistently puts clients on fish, and their offshore program is built around productive fishing rather than just a boat ride. The 31-foot Bluewater is a serious fishing platform with the range and comfort to fish the best spots, while the experienced crew knows these waters like their backyard. With everything included except your lunch and beverages, it's a turnkey operation that lets you focus on fishing. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so book when you're ready to commit to a serious day of Gulf fishing. These offshore trips fill up fast, especially during
Hit the deep waters of the Gulf aboard our brand-new 31' 2025 Bluewater, built for serious offshore fishing adventures. Twin 300 HP Suzuki engines power you up to 40 miles out where the big fish live - Red Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack are waiting on those productive reefs and wrecks. This modern fishing machine comes loaded with everything anglers need: advanced fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, live bait tank to keep your bait frisky, and a spacious icebox for your catch and cold drinks. The smooth-riding hull cuts through Gulf swells like butter, keeping you comfortable during the long run to prime fishing grounds off Carrabelle. With room for 6 anglers and full safety gear onboard, you'll fish in confidence knowing you're on a top-notch vessel designed specifically for Gulf fishing conditions.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the scrappy fighters of the grouper family - grey with dark, wavy patterns that help them blend into rocky structure. They typically run 3-15 pounds, with the occasional 20+ pounder showing up on the deeper reefs. These fish love hard bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200+ feet where they can ambush prey like crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Fall through spring gives us the best shots at them when they're feeding heavy before and after spawn. They're popular because they fight hard and taste great - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Live pinfish or mullet work best, though cut squid and crab will produce too. Here's what I always tell folks: once you hook a gag, lock that drag down and horse them up. They'll head straight for the rocks to break you off, so don't give them an inch or you'll lose them in the structure.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - built for power with that distinctive amber stripe down their blue-grey sides. These guys average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when we find the big schools. They cruise around wrecks and deep structure in 80-300 feet, often suspended mid-water hunting for baitfish and squid. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavy. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make long, punishing runs and test every bit of your tackle. The meat is excellent too, though we recommend keeping the smaller ones for the table. Metal jigs work great, but live bait like blue runners or pinfish really gets them fired up. Here's the key: when you hook one, stay on top of them. They'll try to wrap you around the structure, so keep steady pressure and work them away from the bottom.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are easy to spot with their rusty red color and white spots from head to tail. Most run 5-10 pounds, but we've seen some push 20+ pounds out on the deeper reefs and wrecks. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 60-200 feet, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. These fish are aggressive eaters and will hit bait hard, then try to drag you straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is fantastic - firm, flaky, with that sweet shellfish taste from their diet. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that reel locked tight and pump them up fast. Give them any slack and they'll dive straight into the rocks and cut you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - bright red with that classic snapper profile. Most run 2-8 pounds, though the big females can hit 15+ pounds on the deeper spots. They stick tight to hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, feeding on small fish, crabs, and squid. Summer is peak season when they're most active and the regulations allow us to target them. What makes them special is the combination of great fight and even better table fare - mild, sweet, and flaky. They're smart fish that can be picky, so fresh bait is key. Cigar minnows and squid work well, but live pinfish or grunt will get the bigger ones. My tip: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure. They'll try to get back in the rocks, so work them up quick and clean.
Carrabelle, FL