5.0(4 Reviews)Half Day Offshore Fishing at Madeira Beach
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing trip targeting reefs 59 miles outTarget species include snapper, grouper, mackerel, and pompanoSmall group experience with maximum two guests per charter
Ready to get your lines wet in some of the Gulf's most productive waters? This 4-hour offshore charter puts you right where the fish are biting, just 5-9 miles from Madeira Beach. We're talking about established reef systems that hold serious numbers of snapper, grouper, and whatever else decides to crash the party. With FishWisher Charters, you're getting a no-nonsense fishing trip that focuses on putting fish in the cooler while keeping things fun and relaxed on the water.
This isn't your typical dock fishing or shallow water adventure. We're heading offshore to productive reef structures where the water's cleaner and the fish are bigger. The boat holds up to 2 anglers, so you're getting a personalized experience without feeling crowded or rushed. Captain Kyle knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on spots that consistently produce. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas and target multiple species without wearing yourself out. You'll be fishing in 20-60 feet of water over hard bottom and artificial reefs that attract everything from snapper to sharks. Don't be surprised if you spot dolphins, sea turtles, or even a manatee during the trip - the Gulf's wildlife loves these productive waters just as much as we do.
We're primarily bottom fishing these reefs using live and cut bait. Think circle hooks with enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, feel free to bring them along. We'll be anchoring up on productive spots and letting the fish come to us, though don't be surprised if we make a few moves throughout the day to stay on the bite. The key out here is reading the fish finder, understanding the current, and putting the right bait in the right spot. When the snapper are being finicky, we might switch to smaller hooks and fresh cut bait. When the grouper are aggressive, we'll beef up the tackle and drop larger baits right into their living room. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
"Great morning fishing and had the best time! Highly recommend these guys they are the best!!" - Amanda
"We booked a 4-hour fishing charter and had a great time overall. The captain and crew were professional, friendly, and really helpful throughout the trip. The bite was a little slow that day, but they worked hard to keep us on the fish and made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. We still managed to bring home 8 fish, which was a nice bonus! Even when the action slowed down, the crew kept things fun and made sure everyone was comfortable. A solid trip, and we'd definitely go out with them again." - Ryan
"Captain Kyle showed us a great time, we caught plenty of fish for our enjoyment. He promptly dealt with any bait or tackle issues and we even got to see dolphins and a manatee. We would recommend him and we would book with him again." - Jason
Cobia are the heavy hitters of this fishery, and when one shows up, you know you're in for a fight. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) cruise the reefs looking for crabs and small fish, and they'll absolutely demolish a live pinfish or crab. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish running 20-50 pounds being pretty common. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll actually come up to the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight fishing these bruisers. Once hooked, they make long, powerful runs and aren't shy about trying to wrap you around the nearest obstruction.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf reef fishing, and these Madeira Beach reefs hold some beautiful fish. During snapper season, expect fish in the 15-25 inch range with plenty of keeper-sized fish hitting the deck. They're smart, so light leaders and fresh bait make all the difference. Reds are structure-oriented, living right in the rocks and coral heads, which means you need to get them up and away from cover quickly. The fight isn't the longest, but their hard head shakes and the satisfaction of putting quality table fare in the cooler makes every red snapper special.
Black grouper are the bulldogs of the reef. These guys don't run far, but they pull hard and try to get back to their hole in the rocks. You'll find them year-round on these offshore reefs, with fish ranging from smaller gag grouper to big black grouper that can push 30+ pounds. They're ambush predators, so a big chunk of cut bait dropped right to the bottom often gets their attention. The key is stopping that first run - once they get back to structure, you're usually done.
Spanish mackerel add speed and excitement to the mix. These guys are fast, aggressive, and absolutely delicious when prepared right. They'll hit both live bait and small jigs, often when you're targeting other species. Spring and fall migrations can produce non-stop action, with schools of macks moving through the area. They've got sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. At 2-4 pounds, they're not huge, but the fight is all speed and acrobatics.
Florida pompano are the premium table fare of this trip. These silver bullets are picky eaters but absolutely worth the effort. They prefer sand fleas, shrimp, and small crabs, often feeding in the sand patches around the reefs. Pompano fishing requires finesse - light tackle, small hooks, and fresh bait. They're most active during cooler months, and a cooler full of pomps means you're eating like royalty. The fight is steady and strong, and that distinctive silver flash when
Head out to the productive reefs around Madeira Beach aboard this reliable 23-foot Proline center console. Built in 2005 and powered by a 200HP Suzuki outboard, this fishing machine cruises at 35 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to work your lines and fight those hard-pulling snapper and grouper. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder that helps locate structure and schools, while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots 5-9 miles offshore. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the action. When nature calls, there's a convenient onboard head so you don't miss prime fishing time. This boat handles the Gulf waters with confidence, offering a stable platform whether you're bottom fishing the reefs or casting for cobia and barracuda. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's space to spread out and fish comfortably. The open layout makes it easy to move around when the bite gets hot and multiple lines are going off.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldozers of our reefs. These olive-gray bruisers with dark blotches typically run 10-30 pounds, though the big boys can hit 50+. They hang tight to structure - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 40-150 feet where they ambush anything that swims by. Fall through spring is when they're most active in our area. What makes them special? Pure raw power. Once hooked, they'll test every ounce of your tackle trying to get back to their rocky home. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - mild, firm white meat. My advice: bring heavy gear (at least 50lb leader) and the second you feel that bite, start cranking hard. Give them an inch and they'll break you off in the rocks.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the coolest fish you'll encounter out here. These dark brown bruisers average around 30-50 pounds, though we've seen some push 80+ pounds. They're loners most of the time, cruising solo near the surface around our reefs and wrecks in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight like tanks and taste amazing - firm, white meat that's restaurant-quality. The best part is sight fishing for them when they're cruising just under the surface. Pro tip: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by a few feet with a bucktail jig and work it slow - they'll usually turn and crush it.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida pompano are pure gold both in the water and on the plate. These silver, high-bodied fish with yellow fins typically run 1-3 pounds and are the most sought-after species we target. They cruise sandy bottom near reefs and structure in 15-40 feet, feeding on crabs and mollusks. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're most active. What makes them special? They're phenomenal table fare - rich, buttery meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. Plus they fight way above their weight class. Guests go crazy for them because landing one means dinner is sorted. Here's my secret: use small hooks with live shrimp and keep your bait moving along the bottom. They have tiny mouths, so downsize your tackle and be patient.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our reef trips. Most run 2-8 pounds with that classic pink-red color, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 15+ pounder. They live around structure in 30-100+ feet - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where they can ambush baitfish. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're most active. These fish are pure gold - they fight hard, pulling straight down to cover, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf with that sweet, flaky texture. Guests love them because they're both a great fight and a great dinner. Here's the key: once you feel that thump, reel fast and steady. Don't let them get back to the rocks or they'll cut you off every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all day. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in large schools near the surface. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and open water in 20-60 feet, especially when bait is thick. Spring through fall is prime time, with cooler months being best. They're pure fun - fast strikes, acrobatic fights, and they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters that even kids can handle. Pro tip: use small spoons or jigs and keep them moving fast. When you find a school, work it quickly - they'll move on fast but you can fill the cooler in minutes.
5.0 out of 5.0Great morning fishing and had the best time! Highly recommend these guys they are the best!!
We booked a 4-hour fishing charter and had a great time overall. The captain and crew were professional, friendly, and really help...
Captain Kyle showed us a great time, we caught plenty of fish for our enjoyment. He promptly dealt with any bait or tackle issues ...
Had an awesome fishing experience with Captain Kyle! Caught a good amount of fish to take home for dinner, had a big sea turtle sw...
Madeira Beach, FL, United States