12 Hour Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targets snapper, grouper, and amberjackCaptain provides all equipment, bait, and fishing licenses includedEarly 5 AM departure maximizes time on distant fishing grounds
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 12-hour deep sea charter with Captain DJ is exactly what you need. Starting at 5:00 AM, you'll have maximum daylight hours to work the distant reefs and wrecks where the big fish live. This isn't a half-day tourist trip – it's a full commitment to finding trophy-sized snapper, grouper, and whatever else decides to bite in the deep blue waters of the Gulf. Captain DJ has put together a top-rated operation that handles everything from tackle to fish cleaning, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
You'll meet at the dock before dawn because the best fishing happens when you're already on the grounds as the sun comes up. Captain DJ runs his boat to fishing spots that casual weekend warriors never see – we're talking 60 to 100 feet of water over structure that holds serious fish. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to work their lines without getting tangled up with your buddies. Heavy tackle is the name of the game here, because when you hook into a 30-pound gag grouper or a monster red snapper, you need gear that can handle the fight. The captain provides all rods, reels, fresh bait, and tackle, plus your fishing license is covered. His crew knows how to rig your lines properly and they're right there to help land fish and get your line back in the water fast. By the time you head back to port, you'll have put in a full day of fishing that separates the serious anglers from the weekend crowd.
This charter focuses on bottom fishing over reefs, wrecks, and natural ledges where Gulf species congregate. Captain DJ uses heavy conventional reels spooled with 50 to 80-pound test line because the fish down there don't mess around. You'll be dropping fresh cut bait and live bait down to the bottom, sometimes in 80+ feet of water where the pressure and current require serious tackle. The boat's fish finder and GPS take you to productive spots that have been marked over years of fishing – artificial reefs, shipwrecks, and natural bottom structure that attracts baitfish and the predators that follow them. Circle hooks help reduce deep hooking, and the crew knows how to work fish up from depth without losing them to pressure changes. When you're fishing this deep, technique matters as much as luck, and that's where Captain DJ's experience really shows. You'll learn how to feel the difference between a fish pickup and bottom structure, how to set the hook on a fish 70 feet down, and how to pump and wind big fish to the surface without breaking them off.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and these deep reefs produce some real beauties. During red snapper season, you'll find fish in the 15 to 25-pound range, with some pushing 30+ pounds if you're lucky. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait hard, but they're also smart fish that will test your drag and try to cut you off in the structure. The fight is what makes them special – red snapper pull hard and don't give up easily, making every fish feel like a trophy. Best fishing is typically spring through fall when they're most active.
Gag Grouper are another target species that make this trip worth the early wake-up call. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fight – they'll try to get back to their hole in the reef and break you off on the rocks. Gags are curious fish that will often hit live bait or large cut baits, and they're excellent eating. They're most active in cooler months from late fall through early spring, making them a reliable target when other species slow down.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of the Gulf, and while you can't keep them, hooking into a 200 to 400-pound goliath is a fishing experience you'll never forget. These massive fish live around the same structure as their smaller cousins, but when one grabs your bait, you'll know immediately that you're connected to something special. The fight can last 30 minutes or more, and getting one to the boat for photos before release is a real accomplishment that few anglers ever experience.
Red Grouper are smaller than gags but just as feisty, usually running 15 to 25 pounds with some larger fish mixed in. They're year-round residents of Gulf reefs and wrecks, making them a dependable target when weather allows you to reach their deeper haunts. Red grouper are excellent table fare and fight harder than their size suggests, often surprising anglers with their tenacity.
King Mackerel show up around the same offshore structure, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. Kings are speed demons that make blistering runs and aerial jumps, providing a different type of fight from the bottom fish. They're typically caught on live bait or trolled baits, and fish in the 20 to 40-pound range are common in these waters. The crew knows how to switch tactics when kings are around, giving you a chance at different species throughout the day.
This 12-hour deep sea charter represents serious fishing for anglers who want to target the Gulf's best offshore species. Captain DJ's operation combines local knowledge, proper equipment, and a commitment to putting you on fish that make the early morning and long day worthwhile. With all gear, bait, tackle, and licenses provided, plus professional fish cleaning included, you're getting a complete fishing package that lets you focus on the fun part. The Gulf of Mexico produces world-class fishing year-round, but spots on quality charters like this fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're after a personal
Your fishing platform for this 12-hour Gulf adventure is the 2024 Twin Vee 340 GFX, a serious offshore catamaran built to handle the deep waters where the big fish live. Twin Mercury 400 V10 engines push this stable hull through Gulf swells with ease, getting you to those distant reefs and wrecks where snapper and grouper are waiting. The cat design cuts through chop smoothly while giving you plenty of deck space to work multiple lines and fight fish without getting in each other's way. Bean bag seating makes the long run comfortable, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding your targets. An icebox keeps drinks cold and bait fresh during the full day, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. GPS and radar keep you on the productive spots even when weather moves in. This boat is designed for serious Gulf fishing - built to get you there, keep you comfortable, and bring home a cooler full of quality fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll encounter out here. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we've pulled up 40-pounders that'll make your back ache. These gray, mottled fish live around offshore reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times when they're feeding heavy before and after spawning season. What guests love about gags is that first run - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks and won't give up easy. The meat is excellent too, firm white fillets that taste great grilled or fried. Here's the trick: once you hook a gag, lock that drag tight and don't let them freewheel. Keep your rod low and pull them up and away from structure fast, or they'll wrap you around the reef and it's game over.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of the Gulf - true monsters that can hit 200-400 pounds and stretch over 6 feet long. These massive fish hang around shallow reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-150 feet, often sitting motionless until something catches their eye. Summer months bring the best shots at these behemoths when they're more active. Remember, these are catch-and-release only - protected by law. What makes them special is the sheer power and size. That first pull will nearly yank the rod from your hands, and the fight is pure brute strength. You need heavy tackle - 80-pound gear minimum. The secret is positioning your boat close enough to the structure so they'll come out to feed, but far enough that you can muscle them away before they dive back into their cave and break you off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These silver torpedoes average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds when we find the big ones. They roam open water from 40-150 feet, usually following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love about kings is that explosive strike and blistering run - nothing hits harder or faster. The meat is rich and flavorful, though a bit oily. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. The trick is trolling with live bait on a stinger rig - hook the baitfish through the nose with one hook and let a treble hook trail behind it. Kings typically bite the tail end of their prey, so that trailing hook is money.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing. These rusty-red fish typically run 5-15 pounds, though 25-pounders show up regularly on the deeper reefs. You'll find them on rocky and muddy bottom structure from 50-200 feet, with the bigger fish usually holding deeper. They're aggressive year-round but really turn on during spring and fall. What makes reds so popular is their fighting spirit - they'll give you a solid battle - and their excellent eating quality. The meat is firm, white, and has a mild flavor that's perfect for any recipe. Pro tip: use fresh dead bait like cut squid or shrimp and bounce it right off the bottom to get their attention. They're not shy about hitting a bait that's making some commotion down there, and once hooked, they'll put a good bend in your rod.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These beautiful red fish average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we regularly see 20+ pounders that'll test your arms. They live around structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet of water. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and their mild, sweet meat is restaurant-quality. The key to landing more snapper is getting your bait right on the bottom. They won't come up for it, so drop that cigar minnow or fresh squid down to where they live. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack to run back into the structure.
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