Troll Fishing Adventure | 6 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing trip accommodates up to six guestsTrolling and bottom fishing targets nine different species offshoreFree cancellation available up to three days before departure
Picture this: you're heading out at dawn with your crew of up to 6 anglers, the engines humming as we push into deeper waters where the big fish live. This 6-hour private charter with Great Escape Fishing isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a serious offshore adventure that gets you to the honey holes where king mackerel patrol the drop-offs and red snapper stack up on the bottom structure. Starting at 6:00 AM sharp, you'll have prime time fishing when the bite is hottest and the competition is still sleeping in. At $1,800 for your group, you're getting exclusive access to some of the best fishing grounds around, plus the flexibility of a 3-day cancellation policy because we know weather and life happen.
We kick things off by running and gunning with the trolling spread as we make our way to the productive bottom spots. This isn't wasted travel time – some of our best wahoo and king mackerel action happens during these runs, so keep your eyes on those outriggers. Once we hit the numbers, we'll drop down for the bottom dwellers where gag grouper and red snapper are waiting. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is we're not rushed – if the bite is hot on one spot, we can work it properly. If it's slow, we've got time to hit multiple locations and dial in what the fish want. You'll spend most of your time with bait on the bottom targeting the bread-and-butter species, but don't be surprised when we fire the engines back up to chase a school of bonito or blackfin tuna that shows up on the finder. The extended time on the water means better odds at filling the cooler and maybe even landing that trophy fish you've been dreaming about.
We run a spread of four to six lines while trolling, mixing diving plugs, spoons, and ballyhoo rigs to cover different depths and tempt various species. The key is speed control and reading the water – when we're marking bait or seeing diving birds, that's when the magic happens. For bottom fishing, we're talking about serious tackle and technique. We'll be using circle hooks with live or cut bait, fishing in 80 to 200 feet of water depending on what's biting best. The boat stays positioned over structure using GPS and the fish finder, so your baits are right in the strike zone. Don't worry if you're new to this – our crew will have you rigged up and fishing properly within minutes. The rods are heavy enough to handle big fish but balanced so you won't get worn out fighting smaller ones. We keep a variety of weights and rigs ready because conditions and fish preferences change throughout the day, and part of our job is staying one step ahead of what they want.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and these crimson fighters are what most folks dream about when they book an offshore trip. Running anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds on average, with the occasional 20-plus-pounder thrown in, red snapper are aggressive feeders that hit cut bait hard and fight all the way to the boat. They're structure-oriented fish, so we target specific bottom contours, ledges, and artificial reefs where they school up. The best action typically happens during moving water, either on the incoming or outgoing tide. What makes red snapper special isn't just their fight – they're absolutely delicious table fare, which is why they're such a prized catch among serious anglers.
Gag grouper are the bullies of the bottom, and hooking into a big gag is like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the seafloor. These ambush predators can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, with the bigger fish being older and warier. They love rocky bottom and structure where they can hide and ambush prey. The trick with gags is getting them away from the bottom quickly once you hook up – they'll try to cut you off on the rocks every time. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait up before committing, so patience pays off. Gag grouper are excellent eating and provide some of the most challenging fights you'll experience on the bottom.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, typically running 2 to 8 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters with beautiful coloration and excellent table quality. These fish are often found in slightly deeper water and are known for their willingness to bite when other species are being finicky. Scamp have a distinctive appearance with their mottled brown and white pattern, and they're often the fish that saves the day when the bite is tough. They're aggressive feeders that will hit both live and cut bait readily.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and when one hits your trolling bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish can reach 20 to 40 pounds and are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Kings are structure-oriented but also follow baitfish, so we target them both while trolling and around bottom structure. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth, which is why we use wire leaders. The fight is fast and furious, and landing a big king requires good technique and a little luck. They're also fantastic on the dinner table when prepared properly.
Wahoo are the ultimate surprise catch – these fish are pure speed and can reach weights of 15 to 50 pounds. When a wahoo hits your trolling bait, it's often game over in seconds if your drag isn't set right. They're known for incredible runs that can strip 100 yards of line before you blink. Wahoo prefer the edges of structure and current breaks, and they're often caught while targeting other species. Their distinctive blue stripes and torpedo shape make them easy to identify, and their white, flaky meat is considered among
Meet The Great Escape, your 58-foot Chris-Craft Convertible that's built to chase fish in serious offshore waters. This restored sportfisher packs twin 1000HP Cat engines that'll cruise you out to the prime fishing grounds at 18 knots, getting you to where the big ones bite without burning your whole day getting there. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with everything you need for a proper 6-hour fishing trip. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while you're working the trolling spread, and the fish finder will mark those bottom structures where grouper and snapper stack up. When you need a break from fighting fish, duck into the air-conditioned cabin where you'll find a full kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. Built in '86 and given new life in 2008, she's got the classic lines of a serious fishing machine with modern reliability. The radar keeps you safe when visibility drops, GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and there's even a bed and head onboard for longer runs. Whether you're pulling kings on the troll or dropping baits for red snapper and gag grouper, The Great Escape puts you in the right place with the right equipment to make it happen.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are tough customers that'll test your arm strength. Most run 15-25 pounds, but the big males can hit 40+ pounds and they're darker with distinctive patterns. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-300 feet of water. Summer and fall are your best shots when they're more active. What guests love about gags is the fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole in the rocks. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: use a heavy rod with locked drag and keep steady pressure. The moment you hook one, pump and wind to get them away from structure. Live pinfish or large chunks of cut bait work great, but make sure you're using circle hooks and heavy tackle.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, and they're built for one thing - going fast. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, bait schools, or just cruising the blue water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees. What makes kings special is that first screaming run - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish out here. Plus, they're great eating if you bleed them right away. Here's an old trick: when trolling, use a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader. Kings often hit the tail end of your bait, so that second hook back near the tail will save you from a lot of short strikes and cut-offs from those razor teeth.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most prized catches, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some monsters push 20+ pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms are your best bets. May through October is prime time when they're spawning and most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing with that sweet, flaky white meat, and they're just plain beautiful fish. Here's a tip from years on the water: when you feel that thump on the bottom, lock your reel immediately and start cranking. These guys will bolt straight for cover and cut your line on the structure if you give them any slack. Fresh squid or live pinfish work best.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are the hidden gems of the grouper family - many say they're the best tasting of the bunch. They're smaller than their cousins, usually 3-8 pounds and under 2 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in flavor. Look for them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 75-300 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when they move shallow during spawning season. Guests get excited about scamps because they're scrappy fighters and absolutely delicious - some call them "captain's choice" for good reason. Even though they're smaller, don't underestimate the fight. My tip: use lighter tackle than you would for other groupers, and try live sardines or cigar minnows. They can be spookier than gags, so a natural presentation helps.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the sports cars of the ocean, and when one hits your line you'll know it instantly. These torpedo-shaped speedsters average 20-40 pounds and can hit 60+ pounds, capable of reaching speeds that'll make your drag scream. We target them in open water and around floating debris in 30-200 feet, with peak action typically fall through winter. What gets guests pumped about wahoo is that initial run - it's absolutely electric - plus they're premium table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick with wahoo is speed: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because their teeth will slice through anything else. I like running a spread of high-speed lures, and when we hook up, everyone better hang on. That first run can strip 200 yards in seconds, so make sure your drag is set right.
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