Carrabelle Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday Gulf offshore fishing targeting Red Snapper and GrouperModern 31foot Bluewater vessel with twin 300 HP enginesAll equipment, bait, licenses, and deckhand service included
Ready to get after some serious Gulf of Mexico action? Drop Zone Fishing's full-day offshore charter puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking 20 miles out in the deep blue, where the structure holds everything from trophy red snapper to monster grouper. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the productive offshore waters that make Carrabelle one of Florida's top fishing destinations. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have you talking for years.
Your day kicks off bright and early at 7 AM from Timber Island Boat Ramp. The 31-foot Bluewater is built for these offshore runs – twin 300 HP Suzukis get you to the fishing grounds fast and comfortable. You've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or join up with other serious fishermen. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need to tangle with Gulf heavyweights. Your experienced deckhand handles bait, helps with hookups, and makes sure everything runs smooth so you can focus on fishing. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water, which gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. The crew provides all your bait, tackle, fishing licenses, and water – just bring your own food, drinks, and don't forget the sunscreen because you'll be out there all day.
Offshore fishing in the Gulf means working structure in 60 to 100+ feet of water. We're bottom fishing over wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural hard bottom that holds the big snappers and groupers. The technique is all about precise boat positioning and getting your bait down to the strike zone quickly. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with heavy line – typically 50 to 80-pound test – because these fish will head straight for cover when hooked. Circle hooks are the standard for snapper to reduce gut-hooking, and the crew rigs everything properly for maximum hookup rates. Live bait like pinfish and cigar minnows work great, but cut bait and frozen options produce too. The key is staying tight to the bottom where these fish feed. When a big grouper grabs your bait, it's all about winching power – no finesse here, just steady pressure to turn the fish away from structure.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf offshore fishing, and Carrabelle's waters produce some beauties. These fish are structure-oriented and typically found in 60-120 feet of water around wrecks and reefs. Prime season runs from June through July during federal season, though state waters offer opportunities too. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their aggressive bite and the challenge of getting them up before they cut you off. A 10-15 pound snapper is a solid fish, but 20+ pounders swim these waters and provide serious fights on the way up.
Red Grouper are year-round residents that love the rocky bottom and structure offshore. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can push 20+ pounds for trophy specimens. They're ambush predators that inhale baits quickly, so you need to be ready with a solid hookset. Red grouper have a distinctive grunt when brought to the surface and make excellent table fare. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active, but summer fishing can be productive too.
Gag Grouper are the fighters of the grouper family and what many consider the best-eating fish in the Gulf. These fish prefer deeper structure and can reach impressive sizes – 20 to 30-pound gags aren't uncommon in Carrabelle's offshore waters. They're more aggressive than reds and will often hit moving baits. Gag season runs from July through December in federal waters, and they're worth targeting for both the fight and the dinner table.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf, known for powerful runs and stamina that'll test your endurance. These fish cruise around structure and wrecks, often in schools, and can weigh anywhere from 20 to 60+ pounds. AJ season typically runs from May through July, and they're incredible fighters that dive deep and fight hard all the way to the boat. Many anglers target amberjack specifically for the workout they provide – it's not uncommon to be sore the next day after battling a few big jacks.
This offshore experience delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back to Carrabelle year after year. You're getting a full day on productive Gulf waters with experienced crew who know how to find and catch fish. The 31-foot Bluewater is a serious fishing machine that handles the offshore conditions comfortably, and having everything included means you just show up ready to fish. Whether you're after dinner for the family or looking to tangle with some Gulf bruisers, this charter puts you in the right place with the right setup. Keep in mind deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons for snapper and grouper.
Step aboard our brand-new 31' Bluewater 2025 and get ready to chase some serious fish in the Gulf of Mexico. This beauty runs on twin 300 HP Suzuki engines that'll cut through the water like butter, getting you to the productive offshore grounds around Carrabelle in no time. We've loaded her up with all the tech you need – GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for when the weather gets sketchy, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The live bait tank keeps your bait frisky, while the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails without bumping elbows. The full safety package gives you peace of mind when you're 20 miles out hunting red snapper, grouper, and amberjack. This vessel delivers the smooth, stable platform you want when you're battling Gulf monsters in blue water.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are crafty predators that live around hard bottom, ledges, and offshore structure in 80-300 feet. They're typically grey with darker marbling and average 15-25 pounds, though 30+ pounders show up regularly. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs, squid, and smaller fish. What sets gags apart is their intelligence - they're warier than red grouper but fight just as hard once hooked. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf with firm, sweet white meat. These fish will immediately head for the rocks when hooked, so you need to muscle them up fast with heavy tackle and locked drag. Pro tip: look for stone crab traps on your electronics - gags love hanging around them waiting for an easy crab meal. Live pinfish or large squid chunks work best, but keep your bait moving slightly off bottom.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf - thick, powerful fish that average 20-40 pounds and can stretch your tackle to its limits. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs in 80-300 feet, especially during spring and early summer when they're most active. These fish are pure muscle and will make multiple deep runs that'll have you questioning your gear choices. What draws people back is that raw power combined with excellent eating - white, meaty fillets that grill up perfectly. The key to landing big jacks is staying patient during those long fights and keeping steady pressure. Here's a local tip that works well: when you hook one, immediately try to turn its head and get it away from structure. Once they wrap you around a wreck, it's game over. Heavy tackle with 50+ pound line isn't overkill - it's necessary.
Epinephelus MorioThese rusty-red beauties are some of the most reliable fighters we target in 60-200 feet around rocky bottom and ledges. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They're aggressive feeders year-round, though fall and winter fishing tends to be most productive when they're fattened up. What makes them special is the incredible table fare - firm, flaky white meat with a sweet, almost shellfish-like flavor that's hard to beat. Red grouper are tough customers that'll immediately try to get back to their holes, so here's the trick: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch. The moment you feel that thump, start cranking and get their head up quick. Live pinfish and cut squid work great, but fresh shrimp on a heavy jig head is my go-to when they're being picky.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These crimson-colored fish typically run 2-8 pounds with some reaching 15+ pounds around deeper structure. You'll find them holding tight to rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet during our season. What makes them so popular is that perfect combination of a solid fight and world-class table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality every time. They're smart fish that require finesse, especially the bigger ones that have seen plenty of hooks. Summer is prime time when the season opens, and they'll eagerly hit live bait or fresh cut squid. My best advice: use circle hooks and keep your bait right on bottom. Snapper are notorious for stealing bait, so when you feel that tap-tap, resist the urge to jerk - let the circle hook do its job as you reel steady.
Carrabelle, FL