Extended Half Day Grouper & Shark Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore bottom fishing adventure targeting grouper and snapperExpert crew provides toptier gear and guidance for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charter
Picture this: you're 20 miles offshore in the emerald waters of the Gulf, lines down on productive bottom structure, waiting for that telltale thump of a big grouper or the screaming drag of a blacktip shark. That's exactly what you'll get on this 6-hour afternoon charter with Full Contact Charters. We're talking serious bottom fishing here – the kind that separates weekend warriors from real anglers. With only 6 spots available, you'll get personalized attention from our crew while targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your fish count or someone ready to graduate from pier fishing, this trip delivers the goods.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're giving you a full 6 hours to make it count. We'll head out in the afternoon when the bite often picks up, running to proven bottom spots where grouper and snapper call home. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using heavy tackle designed for pulling big bottom fish up from 60-100 foot depths. Expect to use 6-8 ounce weights with circle hooks and fresh cut bait – this is meat fishing at its finest. The smaller group size means more room to fight fish, better instruction from the crew, and a higher fish-to-angler ratio. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and a cooler for your catch – we've got the rest covered.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf is all about reading structure and understanding fish behavior. We'll anchor up on productive reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where these fish congregate. The technique is straightforward but requires patience – drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks to stay off the structure, and wait for that distinctive grouper thump or snapper tap. Circle hooks are mandatory for red snapper, and they work great for everything else too. The crew will show you how to set the drag properly – too loose and you'll never turn a big grouper's head, too tight and you'll get broken off on the initial run. We fish with conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound braid because when a 20-pound gag grouper heads for his hole, you need stopping power. Shark fishing adds another dimension – when one picks up your bait, get ready for a drag-screaming battle that'll test your endurance.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These bright red beauties typically run 3-8 pounds around Destin, though bigger ones show up regularly. They're most active during daylight hours and absolutely love structure – artificial reefs, natural bottom, and wrecks. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their aggressive bite and excellent table fare. The season timing varies, but when they're open, limits come quickly on good days. Gag grouper are the bruisers of the bottom fishing world, with fish ranging from keeper size at 24 inches up to monsters pushing 30+ pounds. These ambush predators sit in holes and under ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. When you hook a big gag, expect a short, powerful fight as they try to get back to their hole – that's why you need heavy tackle and tight drags. Grey triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the Gulf, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. They've got a weird bite pattern – sometimes they'll destroy your bait in seconds, other times they'll nibble delicately. Blacktip sharks add serious excitement to any bottom fishing trip. These 3-6 foot speedsters will grab a snapper or grouper bait and take off like a rocket. Their acrobatic fights include multiple jumps and long runs that'll have you questioning your tackle choices.
Here's the deal – this extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds. You get serious fishing time without committing to a full day, and the afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal. With only 6 anglers per trip, you're not fighting for rail space or waiting for instruction. The crew has the experience to put you on fish and the knowledge to make sure you're fishing effectively. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with quality fillets or just want to experience what real Gulf bottom fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Red snapper season creates a feeding frenzy among local anglers, and grouper are always in season. Sharks are year-round residents, so there's always something pulling drag. Don't sleep on booking – the best trips fill up fast, especially during prime fishing months. Get your spot locked in and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This freshly restored 38ft Luhrs cruiser is your ticket to some serious bottom fishing in the Gulf waters off Destin. Twin 485HP Detroit engines push this beauty at 25 knots, getting you to those prime grouper and snapper spots without burning the whole afternoon getting there. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to navigate and spot working water, while the fish finder helps locate structure where the big ones hang out. Down below, you've got air conditioning to cool off between bites, plus a full kitchen and fridge to keep drinks cold and snacks fresh during the 6-hour haul. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, and if someone needs a break from the action, there's a comfortable bed for a quick rest. GPS and radar keep you safe and on course, while the icebox handles your catch and keeps everything properly chilled for the ride back to dock. Perfect setup for up to 6 anglers ready to tangle with Gulf bottom fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for jumping clean out of the water when hooked. They average 4-5 feet but can reach 9 feet and over 270 pounds. These sharks patrol our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and artificial reefs. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're chasing baitfish. What guests love is their aerial show - they'll leap 20+ feet trying to throw the hook. They're also one of the more approachable sharks for beginners. The key to landing them is using heavy braided line (30-50 pound test) with circle hooks. Here's what works: get some oily fish like mackerel or sardines, make a chum slick, then fish live or cut bait in the slick. They're scent-driven hunters, so a good chum line brings them right to you.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bullies of the reef, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching nearly 5 feet and 80 pounds. These mottled gray fighters live around rocky structure, wrecks, and hard bottom in 40-120 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is prime when they're most active. What makes them a favorite is their brute strength fight - they'll try to drag you back to their cave every time. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. The trick with gags is winning the first few seconds after hookup. Keep your drag locked tight and don't let them run to structure. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but fresh cut squid and crab produce too. Pro tip: look for stone crab traps - gags love hanging around them for easy crab meals.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish average around 17 inches but can push 2 feet and 13 pounds. These tough-skinned fish hang around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 60-180 feet of water. What makes them fun to target is their sneaky feeding style - they'll nip at your bait before committing, unlike snapper that just grab it. They put up a solid fight once hooked and make decent table fare. You'll find them year-round in our Gulf waters, but they're most active during warmer months. Here's a local trick: when you see snapper or grouper feeding, drop your bait near them. Triggerfish are opportunistic and will rush in to steal the meal from other fish. Use squid cut into inch-wide chunks - it stays on the hook better than other baits when they're being picky.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of Gulf bottom fishing - they average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but monsters over 30 pounds cruise our deeper waters. These crimson beauties live on structure from 60-200 feet, loving wrecks, artificial reefs, and hard bottom. June through August during our federal season is prime time, though we catch them year-round on state waters trips. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and table fare that can't be beat - mild, sweet, and flaky. They're true warriors that'll head straight for cover when hooked. My go-to technique: use circle hooks with fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, and keep steady pressure once you hook up. Don't give them slack or they'll wrap you around structure. The bigger ones are smart - they've seen plenty of baits before.
Destin