Private 4 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip | 24ft Pathfinder
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore bottom fishing adventure on 24ft PathfinderTarget bottomdwelling species with expert guidance and top equipmentAccommodates up to six guests for private charter experience
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action? This 4-hour offshore charter puts you right where the fish are biting. We'll take you out beyond the inshore crowds to the productive bottom structure where red snapper, grouper, and amberjack call home. The 24ft Pathfinder gives us the perfect platform to reach those prime fishing grounds while keeping your group of up to 6 anglers comfortable and safe. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're ready to try offshore fishing for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season.
We launch early and head straight to the proven fishing spots where the bottom structure holds the best fish. The ride out gives you a chance to get your sea legs and watch for dolphins or sea turtles along the way. Once we reach our first spot, it's all about getting your bait down to where the fish are feeding. The beauty of bottom fishing is that you're targeting species that fight hard and taste even better. We'll anchor up over structure or drift depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Expect to spend your time dropping rigs, feeling for bites, and hopefully hauling up some quality fish. The offshore environment can be different each day - sometimes it's glass calm, other days you'll get that classic Gulf chop that reminds you you're really fishing offshore waters.
Bottom fishing offshore means targeting fish that live near or on the seafloor around structure like rocks, reefs, and wrecks. We'll set you up with the right tackle - typically heavier rods and reels that can handle bigger fish and the deeper water. Your rig will have enough weight to get down fast and stay put in the current. We use circle hooks for better hook-sets and fish survival, baited with cut bait, squid, or whatever the fish are hitting that day. The key is feeling your weight hit bottom, then reeling up a crank or two to keep your bait just off the structure where the fish feed. When something bites, you'll know it - these offshore species don't mess around. The fight from 60+ feet of water gives even smaller fish some serious pull, and when you hook into a big grouper or amberjack, you're in for a real battle.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of offshore bottom fishing, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds when you find the right spot. They're most active during summer months when the season opens, though we see them year-round. What makes snapper so popular is their aggressive bite and excellent table fare - they're hard to beat in the cooler and on the dinner table. Gag Grouper are the thinking angler's fish. These chocolate-brown fighters love structure and can grow massive, with 20+ pounders always a possibility. They're smart fish that require patience, but when you connect, the fight is pure power as they try to get back to their rocky home. Red Grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and attitude. These reddish-brown fish are year-round residents and often provide consistent action when other species are being picky. King Mackerel bring the speed to your offshore experience. While we're primarily bottom fishing, kings cruise these same waters and will hit a bait on the way down or coming back up. These silver rockets can stretch 20-40+ inches and provide blistering runs that test your drag system. Greater Amberjack are the bullies of the bottom. These amber-colored bruisers can exceed 40+ pounds and will test every piece of tackle you've got. They live around the same structure as grouper but fight with even more attitude, making powerful runs toward the bottom that will make your arms burn.
This top-rated offshore fishing experience gives you everything you need for a memorable day on the water. With Fish N' Tales Charters providing the expertise, equipment, and local knowledge, all you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and the desire to catch fish. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for getting offshore, hitting multiple spots, and still having energy to clean your catch when you get back. Whether you're planning a family fishing trip, celebrating with friends, or just need to get your fishing fix, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait - the best fishing spots fill up fast, especially during prime season. Book your private offshore fishing adventure now and get ready to drop some lines where the big ones live.
Our 24-foot Pathfinder center console is built for serious offshore bottom fishing. This fishing machine comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and packs a 300HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise at 30 knots to get you to the productive fishing grounds fast. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder that helps locate those bottom-dwelling species hiding near structure, while the GPS keeps you locked onto the best spots. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive areas without spooking fish below. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. Whether you're targeting snapper, grouper, or whatever's biting on the bottom, this Pathfinder handles offshore conditions with ease. Perfect for experienced anglers and newcomers alike - just drop your lines and start reeling them in.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - once they grab your bait, they're heading straight for the rocks to cut you off. Most average around 20 inches, but the big boys can hit 4+ feet and really test your gear. Look for them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-200 feet. They love anything that gives them cover to ambush from. Best fishing happens spring through early fall when they're more active. What guests love about gags is that pure strength - it's a real tug-of-war once you hook up. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: soon as you feel that bite, lock down your drag and horse them up fast. Don't give them a chance to dive into a hole or you'll be retying.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the heavyweight champions of offshore structure fishing. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+ pounds of pure muscle. They patrol wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 100+ feet, always looking for an easy meal. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season. What gets anglers fired up about AJs is that incredible pulling power - it's like being tied to a freight train. The meat quality is excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Best approach is heavy tackle with live bait or large jigs worked vertically over structure. Here's the trick: when you hook one, pump and wind constantly. If you let them rest, they'll dive for cover and likely break you off on the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and drag system. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can top 50+ when conditions are right. You'll find them cruising 40-150 feet over open water, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. What makes kings exciting is that blazing run when they hit - nothing matches that first screaming drag. They're also great table fare when handled right, though the meat's a bit oily. My go-to setup uses a dual-hook rig with live bait - one hook in the nose, one trailing near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, so that stinger hook back there saves a lot of missed fish. Wire leader is a must with those razor teeth.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are scrappy fighters that'll give you a workout on every hook-up. These rusty-red fish typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some 20+ pounders that'll really bend the rod. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 30-300 feet, often hanging around ledges and structure. Unlike their cousins, reds are open year-round which makes them a reliable target. What makes them popular is that aggressive strike and stubborn fight - they don't give up easy. The meat is top-notch too, firm and flaky with a slightly sweet taste from their crab and shrimp diet. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh crab or shrimp, and when you hook one, keep steady pressure. They'll try every trick to get back to the bottom, so don't let your guard down until they're in the boat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize fish of offshore bottom fishing - those bright red beauties that make every trip worthwhile. Most run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but we've seen some real monsters push 20+ pounds out here. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet - rocky bottoms, reefs, wrecks, anywhere they can ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes them special? They fight hard, they're absolutely delicious with that mild, nutty flavor, and they're just plain pretty fish. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them run back to cover. They'll try to cut your line on anything sharp they can find. Fresh squid or cigar minnows on a heavy rig works best.
Panama City, FL