Half Day Or Full Day Grouper, Mackerel And More
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target grouper, snapper, and kingfish up to 45 miles offshoreCaptain Mark provides all gear and local fishing expertiseHalf or full day options available for 2 guests maximum
When you're ready to leave the inshore crowds behind and get after some serious fish, Captain Mark knows exactly where to take you. This offshore adventure puts you anywhere from 5 to 45 miles out in the Gulf, targeting the heavy hitters that call deeper waters home. Whether you've got half a day or want to go the distance with a full day charter, you'll be working structure and open water for species that'll test your drag and leave you with stories worth telling. With just two anglers max, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make St. Petersburg one of Florida's top offshore destinations.
Captain Mark runs a tight ship focused on putting you on fish, not just burning fuel. Depending on conditions and what's biting, he'll adjust the distance and spots to maximize your chances. Half day trips usually keep you within 15-20 miles, hitting proven structure and ledges where grouper stack up and mackerel run the edges. Full day adventures open up the playbook completely – we're talking 30-45 miles out where the big mahi schools roam and amberjack own the deeper wrecks. The small group size means you're not fighting for rod time or the best spot at the rail. Captain Mark provides all tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that separates a good day from an epic one. Just bring your fishing license, food, drinks, and be ready to work some fish.
This isn't your typical bottom bouncing trip – Captain Mark mixes it up based on conditions and target species. You'll be working both live and cut bait on the bottom for grouper and snapper, often with heavy tackle to muscle fish up from 80-120 feet of water. For the pelagics like kingfish and mahi, expect to troll with planers and wire leaders, covering water until you hit a school or floating debris line. When barracuda are active, sight fishing with tubes and spoons gets your heart pumping. The captain brings medium-heavy to heavy spinning and conventional setups, rigged and ready for whatever shows up. Circle hooks are the standard for most bottom fishing to ensure clean releases, while the trolling spread runs a mix of lures designed to trigger strikes from cruising predators.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of St. Petersburg offshore fishing, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to smoker kings pushing 40+ pounds. These speed demons patrol the 60-100 foot range, especially around structure and bait schools. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, when cooler water temperatures stack them up thick. What makes kings special is the initial run – they'll scream drag and put on an aerial show that gets everyone's attention. Mahi Mahi bring tropical vibes to the Gulf, showing up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. These gorgeous fish average 10-25 pounds locally, with bulls occasionally hitting the 40-pound mark. Spring through fall offers the best mahi action, and their acrobatic fights combined with excellent table fare make them a customer favorite. Permit are the wild card species that can show up anywhere from nearshore to the deep ledges. These disc-shaped fighters are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn attitude once hooked. While not as common as other species, a good permit will test your patience and skill like few other fish. Great Barracuda patrol the edges of structure and open water, ambushing anything that moves too slowly. These toothy predators average 15-30 pounds in our waters and are known for explosive strikes and impressive jumps. They're active year-round but peak during warmer months when baitfish are most abundant. Gag Grouper are the backbone of the bottom fishing action, with fish ranging from legal keeper size up to true giants over 30 pounds. These structure-loving bruisers live around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs in 60-150 feet of water. Fall through early spring provides the most consistent gag action, and their bulldogging fights combined with excellent eating quality make them a top target for serious offshore anglers.
Captain Mark's offshore trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and weather windows are prime. The two-angler limit means you get personalized service and maximum fishing time, but it also means fewer available spots. Whether you choose the half day option to sample the offshore action or commit to a full day adventure for the best shot at trophy fish, you're investing in a top-rated charter experience that delivers results. The captain's local knowledge, quality tackle, and commitment to putting you on fish make this the kind of trip that turns into an annual tradition. Deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly, but the fishing memories you'll create are worth every penny. Don't wait – the best offshore fishing days fill up quick, and you don't want to be stuck on shore when the bite is on.
Captain Mark's restored 2005 Dorado center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in St. Petersburg waters. This 33-knot speedster runs on a reliable 300HP Suzuki 4-stroke that'll get you out to the prime fishing grounds fast. Whether you're chasing grouper 5 miles out or hunting mahi mahi 45 miles into the Gulf, this boat's built for the job. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on target. When weather gets sketchy, radar keeps you safe. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. Between fishing spots, stay comfortable with onboard entertainment and facilities including a head and sleeping area for longer trips. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and shore. Perfect setup for 2 anglers looking to land kingfish, snapper, amberjack, and barracuda in deeper waters where the big ones live.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid, bottom-dwelling fighters that average 5-15 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds. They're mottled gray with a marbled pattern and love hanging around hard structure like reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they move shallower to spawn. What guests love is the hard fight - once hooked, they dive straight for their hole and it becomes a tug-of-war. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white, flaky meat. The key is getting them away from structure fast because they'll wrap you up in a heartbeat. My advice: use heavy tackle with 40-50 pound line, lock that drag down tight, and don't give them an inch. Live pinfish or cut bait works great on circle hooks.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are sleek, toothy predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts - they're built for speed with that torpedo-shaped body. Most run 10-20 pounds, but we see some monsters over 40 pounds out here. They patrol near-surface waters around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs, and you'll often spot them following other fish. Year-round fishing is good, but they're most active in warmer months. What makes them fun is that initial strike - it's explosive - followed by runs, jumps, and acrobatic fights. They're curious fish that will often check out the boat. Here's what works: shiny lures or live bait on wire leader because those teeth will slice through anything else. Keep the bait moving fast - barracuda are ambush predators that react to speed and flash.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. They're speed demons - only Wahoo swim faster - and they'll test your drag when they make their signature long runs. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall are prime months when they're most active. What makes Kings special is that explosive fight and the way they leap when hooked. They're also great eating if you bleed them right away. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with wire leader because they love to bite the back half of your bait with those razor-sharp teeth. Live bait like blue runners work best, but keep it moving - these fish like action.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-25 pounds but bulls can hit 40+. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in deeper water past 100 feet. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. What guests love about Mahi is they're aggressive feeders that fight hard with lots of jumps, plus they're absolutely delicious eating - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. They often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water because the school will stay around to see what's happening to their buddy.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - these silver, disc-shaped fish are notoriously difficult to fool. They average 20-30 pounds but can reach 50+, with those golf-ball eyes that see everything. Juveniles hang in shallow grass flats, while adults prefer deeper wrecks and reefs offshore. Spring through fall offers the best action during spawning season, though we catch them year-round in our warm waters. What makes Permit special is the challenge - they're extremely spooky and selective feeders. When you do hook one, they make powerful runs and use that flat body to really pull. They're decent eating but most folks release them. My tip: blue crabs are the go-to bait, and you need to be patient. Present it naturally and don't move until they commit - any sudden motion will send them running.
Anna Maria Island