10 Hour Full Day Wreck Fishing - Shalimar
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday saltwater fishing targeting snappers, grouper, and sharksChoice between Gulf waters or Bay fishing locationsFourperson capacity with Captain Alex's local expertise
When you want serious fishing time in some of Florida's most productive waters, Captain Alex delivers with this top-rated 10-hour adventure out of Shalimar. You're looking at a full day on the water where the fish are stacked up and the action rarely slows down. Whether you're drawn to the deep Gulf wrecks or prefer working the productive bay systems, this trip gives you the flexibility to fish where the bite is hottest. With a small group of just 4 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make for legendary days on the water.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Ten hours means you can hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in what's working. Captain Alex knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the local intel on which wrecks are holding fish and what they're eating. You might start the morning dropping bottom rigs on structure loaded with snapper and grouper, then switch gears to work the flats for redfish when the conditions are right. The beauty of this trip is having enough time to adapt - if the bite slows at one spot, you've got hours left to find where they're feeding. Pack your cooler with drinks and snacks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to worry much about lunch.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and knowing how to work structure without losing your tackle in the process. Captain Alex runs quality gear designed for these demanding conditions - heavy enough to pull fish up from depth but sensitive enough to feel those subtle grouper taps. You'll be dropping baits right into the strike zone around artificial reefs, shipwrecks, and natural bottom structure where these fish set up shop. The technique varies depending on current, depth, and what species you're targeting, but expect to fish with cut bait, live bait when available, and jigs that can get down fast and stay in the zone. The Gulf side offers deeper water fishing where you're working 60-100+ foot depths, while bay fishing puts you in shallower water using lighter tackle for species like redfish and trout. Captain Alex handles the navigation and positioning, so you can focus on keeping your bait in the fish zone and being ready when they bite.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf wreck fishing, and when they're in season, these ruby-red fighters make every drop count. They typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish are always a possibility around the right structure. Snappers are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder, making long powerful runs toward the bottom. They're most active during summer months, and there's nothing quite like seeing that bright red flash coming up from the depths.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the wreck fishing world, known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting style. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can push much larger, and they have this frustrating habit of trying to cut your line on the nearest piece of structure the second they feel the hook. Gags are most cooperative during cooler months from fall through early spring, and experienced anglers know to tighten the drag and horse them up fast before they can reach cover.
Scamp Grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, typically running 2-6 pounds, but they're absolutely delicious and put up a spirited fight for their size. Scamps have this beautiful golden coloration with distinctive spots, and they're often found in slightly deeper water than other grouper species. They're available year-round but seem to bite best during spring and fall transitions when baitfish are moving through the area.
Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are probably the smartest fish you'll tangle with on this trip. They're notorious for stealing bait and testing leaders, but once hooked, these 1-4 pound fish are absolute dynamite on light tackle. Greys are available year-round and incredibly abundant around Shalimar's structures. They require finesse and patience, but veteran anglers love them for their challenge and excellent table fare.
Grey Triggerfish round out the target species list with their unique fighting style and distinctive appearance. These fish run 2-6 pounds typically and have some of the strongest jaws in the Gulf, capable of crushing shellfish with ease. Triggers fight differently than other species, using their flat profile to plane through the water and make surprising directional changes. They're most abundant during summer months and provide consistent action when other species might be finicky.
A 10-hour fishing charter with Captain Alex represents serious value for anglers who want maximum time on productive water. You're getting a full day with a seasoned guide who knows exactly where to find fish and how to put you on them consistently. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time, personal instruction, and the best chance at filling the cooler with quality fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone who wants to experience world-class Gulf fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Captain Alex's motorboat is built for serious saltwater fishing around Shalimar's Gulf and bay waters. This well-equipped 4-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing snappers, grouper, and whatever else is biting. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while the GPS keeps you on the best spots. Stay connected with the VHF radio and keep your catch fresh in the icebox. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly over productive areas without spooking fish. Whether you want to target specific species or let the captain's local knowledge guide the trip, this boat handles both Gulf wrecks and inshore bay fishing with ease. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites during your 10-hour adventure on Florida's Emerald Coast waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are tough customers that'll give you a real workout. Most run 15-25 pounds around here, but we've pulled up some 40+ pounders that'll test your gear. They hang around offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet, always looking for structure to ambush from. Best fishing is fall through spring when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love is the fight - these fish are pure muscle and will try everything to get back to their hole. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that rod low and reel fast. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock and you'll be retying.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll keep you on your toes. They average 1-3 pounds inshore but can hit 8+ pounds around offshore structure. Look for them around docks, mangroves, reefs, and any cover in 10-100 feet. They're active year-round but fish best at night or during moving tides. What makes them fun is they're opportunistic - always looking for an easy meal but spooky as heck. The white, flaky meat is top-notch table fare. My advice: use light tackle and live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink naturally and don't jerk when you feel that first tap - they'll mouth the bait before committing. Give them a second, then set that hook.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that'll surprise you with their attitude. They average 12-17 inches but their tough, leathery skin and sharp teeth make them feel bigger. Find them around reefs, ledges, and structure in 20-180 feet throughout the Gulf. They're active spring through fall and will hit just about any bait, though squid chunks work best. What's fun is their aggressive nature - they'll charge in and steal bait from other fish. The meat's good eating once you get through that tough skin. Here's the trick: use heavy sinkers to get down fast and keep steady pressure on your line. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that tap, reel fast and steady.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize fish most anglers dream about out here in the Gulf. These beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but we've seen some monsters push 20+ pounds. They live around structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special? That famous fight where they dive straight for cover, plus they're hands-down the best eating fish in these waters - sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: use heavy tackle and keep that drag locked tight. Soon as you hook one, horse it up fast before it gets back to the rocks and cuts you off.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper might be the best-kept secret out here. They're smaller than their cousins, averaging 4-6 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in taste - many call them the best eating grouper. You'll find them around ledges, wrecks, and reefs in 75-300 feet, though they come shallow during spawning season February through May. The chocolate brown color with those distinctive tail streamers makes them easy to spot. They're strong fighters despite their size and will give you a good battle. Here's my trick: use lighter tackle than you'd think and keep that bait moving slightly off bottom. They're more finicky than other grouper, so patience pays off with these tasty fish.
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