Private Offshore Bottom Fishing in Fort Pierce
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore bottom fishing trip for up to 4 guestsTarget hardfighting species on productive reefs and wrecksExpert guidance and toptier gear provided by FAFO Charters
There's nothing quite like heading out from Fort Pierce into the deep blue water of the Atlantic, where the bottom fishing action gets serious and the fish fight hard. This private charter with FAFO Charters puts you and up to three buddies on some of the most productive reefs and wrecks along Florida's Treasure Coast. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish that'll make your drag scream. Whether you've been bottom fishing for decades or you're still figuring out how to tie a proper sinker rig, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers talking long after they're back at the dock.
Your day starts at the Fort Pierce Inlet, where you'll meet the crew and get familiar with the boat before heading offshore. The ride out to the fishing grounds gives you time to rig up and get your game face on – we're talking 15 to 30 miles offshore where the real structure lies. Fort Pierce sits perfectly positioned to access some legendary bottom fishing spots, from natural reefs to military wrecks that have become underwater cities for fish. The water depth ranges from 80 to 150 feet, which means you're fishing in that sweet spot where grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers love to hang out. The boat comes equipped with all the heavy tackle you need, but if you've got your own favorite rod and reel combo, bring it along. The crew will have you dialed in with the right weights, hooks, and bait to match the conditions and what's biting that day.
Bottom fishing offshore is all about precision and patience. You'll be dropping heavy sinker rigs loaded with circle hooks down to structure where fish congregate. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom, then lifting it just a foot or two off the deck – that's where the magic happens. Live bait like pinfish, grunts, and sardines work best, but cut bait definitely has its place when the bite gets tough. The crew will show you how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and your sinker bouncing on the rocks. When something grabs your bait down there, you'll know it immediately. These fish don't mess around – they hit hard and head straight for the nearest structure to break you off. That's why we use stout rods with plenty of backbone and reels with smooth drags that can handle 20 to 50-pound fish without missing a beat. GPS and fishfinder technology help pinpoint the exact spots where fish are holding, but reading the water and understanding fish behavior is what separates good bottom fishing from great bottom fishing.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Fort Pierce offshore bottom fishing, and these chunky fighters are exactly what you hope to see coming up from the depths. They typically run 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 40-plus. Red grouper love structure and they're not shy about eating – live pinfish or cut sardines will get their attention fast. Peak season runs from October through April when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them so exciting is that initial hit followed by their bulldogging fight straight down toward the rocks. Land one of these and you've got dinner sorted with some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean.
Mutton Snapper bring speed and acrobatics to your bottom fishing game, and Fort Pierce waters hold some real trophy fish. These beauties average 8 to 15 pounds but can reach 20-plus in the right spots. They're notorious for their wariness – one wrong move and the entire school disappears. Summer months from June through September offer the best mutton snapper action when they move into shallower reef areas to spawn. Their fights are characterized by powerful runs and head-shaking jumps that'll test your drag system. The reward is some of the finest table fare you'll find, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Vermilion Snapper, or "beeliner" as locals call them, provide non-stop action when you find a good school. These smaller snappers typically run 2 to 5 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. They're perfect for getting kids or new anglers hooked on bottom fishing since they bite aggressively and fight well for their size. Peak action happens during summer months when massive schools move through the area. Drop a small hook with cut squid or shrimp and you'll often have doubles and triples on multiple rods. While they might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, vermilion snapper are excellent eating and provide the kind of consistent action that makes a fishing trip memorable.
Fort Pierce offshore bottom fishing with FAFO Charters gives you access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on Florida's east coast, combined with local expertise that can't be beat. This private charter means you're not sharing the boat with strangers – just you and your crew focusing on catching fish and having a great time on the water. The Treasure Coast earned its name for a reason, and the underwater structure that claimed those old ships now provides world-class fishing opportunities. Book your trip and get ready to experience why serious bottom fishermen keep coming back to Fort Pierce waters year after year.
Get ready to fish the productive waters off Fort Pierce aboard our reliable 26' Cobia! This versatile fishing boat packs a 225HP engine that'll get you to the best bottom fishing spots at a cruising speed that maximizes your time with lines in the water. Built for both inshore and offshore adventures, the Cobia delivers a smooth, stable platform perfect for targeting those hard-fighting species around the Treasure Coast's most productive reefs and wrecks. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the bottom without crowding each other. The boat's design handles the offshore conditions beautifully, keeping you comfortable while you focus on landing your catch. VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fishing intel from other boats in the area. Whether you're after grouper, snapper, or whatever's biting on the reefs, this Cobia gets you there efficiently and brings you back with your cooler full. The 40 mph top speed means less travel time and more fishing time on Fort Pierce's prime offshore grounds.
Fort Pierce