Deep Sea 3/4 Day Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Offshore bottom fishing trip for groupers and snappersRelaxed 3/4 day format suits all experience levelsSmall group capacity of three guests maximum
Perfect for anglers who want a solid taste of deep sea action without committing to a marathon day on the water. This three-quarter day offshore adventure with Florida Gulf Coast Charter Fishing gets you out to productive bottom fishing grounds where grouper and snapper are waiting. Whether you're bringing grandparents who can't handle 12 hours in the sun or kids who need to be back for dinner, this trip delivers the goods without wearing anyone out. With just 3 spots available, you'll get personalized attention from our captain and plenty of elbow room at the rail.
We'll head offshore to structure-rich bottom where the fish stack up thick. This isn't a sight-seeing cruise – we're going fishing, and we're going to put you on fish. The shorter timeframe means we focus on proven spots where we can load the boat with keeper grouper and snapper. You'll be fishing in depths typically ranging from 60 to 120 feet, working around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs that hold big concentrations of bottom dwellers. The intimate group size means everyone gets prime fishing real estate and our captain can coach you through landing those bigger fish. Expect steady action once we reach the grounds, with multiple species often hitting on the same drift. The Gulf's offshore waters stay fishable most of the year, making this a reliable choice for putting meat in the cooler.
We're talking serious bottom fishing here – heavy tackle, strong line, and baits that get down fast in the current. You'll be using conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle pulling big grouper off structure. Our go-to rigs include knocker rigs and chicken rigs loaded with circle hooks, typically running 6/0 to 8/0 depending on what's biting. Fresh cut bait works best – think sardines, cigar minnows, and pinfish that we'll have ready to go. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your bait to the bottom, engage your reel, and hold on. When a grouper hits, you need to put the wood to them immediately or they'll duck back into their hole. Snappers are more cooperative but can be line-shy, so we'll adjust leader size based on conditions. The captain will position the boat over productive structure using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's up to you to get your bait in front of hungry fish.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, running anywhere from keeper size at 20 inches up to hefty 10-pounders that'll test your arms. These fish love structure and are aggressive feeders, especially during cooler months when they're more active. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, but we catch them year-round. What makes red grouper exciting is their fight – they hit hard and immediately try to get back to their rocky hideout, so you need to muscle them up quickly. Gag Grouper are the prized catch when we find them, typically larger and more challenging to land. They're smart fish that require finesse, often requiring lighter leaders and smaller baits. Gags have a more aggressive appearance with their broad mouth and mottled coloring, and they're considered the best eating of all groupers.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel when they're in season, though regulations change frequently so we always fish within current limits. These beautiful fish with their bright red coloring and distinctive profile are found around the same structure as grouper but often suspend higher in the water column. They're incredibly line-shy, so we often need to use lighter tackle and fluorocarbon leaders. When hooked, they make blistering runs and put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat. Lane Snapper are abundant year-round and great for steady action when the bite is tough on bigger species. They're smaller but feisty, perfect for kids or anyone who enjoys catching fish consistently. Their yellow and pink stripes make them one of the prettiest fish we catch. White Grunt round out our target list as reliable bottom dwellers that bite when other species are finicky. They're excellent eating despite their smaller size, and schools of grunts can provide fast action when you need to put some fish in the box.
This world-class bottom fishing experience gives you everything a full day trip offers but in a more manageable timeframe. You'll head home with a cooler full of fresh Gulf seafood and fishing stories that'll last until your next trip. The small group size means you get the attention you deserve, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Our captain knows these offshore waters like his backyard and will put you on fish while keeping the trip comfortable for everyone aboard. With only 3 spots available, this top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak season. Book now with Florida Gulf Coast Charter Fishing and get ready to experience some of the best offshore bottom fishing the Gulf has to offer.
The Castaway is perfect for anglers who want to experience deep sea bottom fishing without the commitment of a full day trip. This reliable 27' Parker 2520 cuts through offshore waters with ease thanks to twin Yamaha 150 engines, getting you to productive grouper and snapper spots quickly. The boat comes equipped with everything needed for successful bottom fishing - radar and GPS for navigation, fish finder and side-scan sonar to locate the best structure, plus Spot-Lock trolling motor to hold position over prime fishing areas. Comfortable amenities include a large sunshade for relief from the sun, bean bag chairs for relaxing between bites, porta potty, and icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With space for up to 6 passengers, the fish box has plenty of room for your grouper and snapper haul. The onboard multimedia system and VHF radio round out the package, making this 3/4 day adventure ideal for fishing enthusiasts of all ages who want to bring home some delicious deep sea rewards.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are serious bottom dwellers that test your tackle and fill your cooler. These gray, marbled fighters average 20 inches but can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds around the right structure. Find them near rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They love hiding in holes and crevices, so look for hard structure. Peak fishing is spring through fall when they're most active. What sets them apart is their bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag you back to the rocks every time. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat. Pro tip: once hooked, lock that drag and keep your rod low. Don't let them freewheel or they'll dive straight into a hole and break you off.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are great bonus fish on our bottom trips. These pink and silver beauties with yellow-striped "lanes" typically run 10-14 inches and weigh 1-3 pounds. They hang around coral reefs and sandy areas with vegetation in 25-150 feet of water. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. Guests enjoy them because they're aggressive biters, put up a decent scrap for their size, and make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. They're often caught while targeting bigger snappers, which is why we call them "bonus fish." Key tip: they feed most actively at night, so late afternoon trips work best. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp - they're not line-shy like their bigger cousins.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid fighters that make our bottom fishing trips worthwhile. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds on a good day. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, crab, and cut bait all work well. What guests love most is the fight and the dinner afterward - red grouper has some of the best-tasting meat in the Gulf with a firm, flaky texture. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to dive back into the rocks and cut your line, so don't give them a chance to think about it.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing trips. These bright red fighters average 2-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds around deep structure. Look for them on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a serious fight and premium table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They'll make powerful runs toward cover when hooked, so be ready. My advice: use live pinfish or fresh squid on a heavy weight, and the second you feel that bite, set the hook hard and start reeling. Don't give them time to reach the rocks.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt are perfect for our 3/4 day trips - they bite consistently and put food in the cooler. These silvery fish with blue and yellow stripes average 6-12 inches and rarely get bigger than a pound, but they make up for size with numbers. You'll find them around reefs, docks, and structure in 10-100 feet of water. They're night feeders, so late afternoon trips can be productive. Guests appreciate that they're easy to catch, great for kids learning to fish, and surprisingly tasty with sweet, flaky white meat. The grunting sound they make when caught always gets a laugh. Best tip: use small hooks with shrimp or cut bait and fish right on the bottom where they feed.
Carrabelle, FL, United States