5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Pensacola
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting grouper and triggerfishCaptain Bill guides trips for up to 4 guestsOpportunities for redfish, flounder, and spotted seatrout
Captain Bill knows these Pensacola waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this half-day charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back year after year. We're talking about targeting some of the Gulf's most prized species - Red Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and when conditions are right, those beautiful Mahi Mahi that'll give you a fight you won't forget. With room for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between productive fishing time and getting everyone in on the action.
Captain Bill runs a tight ship but keeps things fun and relaxed. You'll head out from Pensacola into some of the most productive fishing grounds the Gulf has to offer. The beauty of this half-day setup is that we can hit multiple spots depending on what's biting. One minute you might be working the bottom for some hefty Grouper, the next you're battling a Spanish Mackerel that's putting on an aerial show. The captain's got decades of experience reading these waters, so he knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, bait activity, and seasonal patterns. Don't worry about bringing tackle - everything's provided, from quality rods and reels to fresh bait and terminal tackle. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks if you want them, and maybe a cooler for your catch.
We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what species we're targeting. For the Grouper and Snapper, we're talking serious bottom fishing with heavy tackle and fresh cut bait. Captain Bill uses circle hooks and knows exactly how much weight to put on based on current and depth. When we're after Triggerfish, it's all about patience and feeling those subtle bites - these guys are notorious bait stealers, but once you get the hang of it, they're a blast to catch. For the Mahi and Mackerel, we might switch to trolling with spoons, small lures, or even live bait if we can catch some. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so the captain can mark productive spots and return to them throughout the trip. You'll learn proper fish-fighting techniques, how to work the drag, and the best ways to handle different species once they're boatside.
"What an absolutely amazing time. Captain Bill was outstanding. Between friendly, knowledgeable, and fun he made our trip worth it. My husband and I have ocean fished before but my brother and sister-n-law haven't. We all caught fish, and even had quite a few keepers!! Husband landed a huge amberjack, and I caught the so ugly it is cute fish." - Sam
Grey Triggerfish are some of the smartest fish in the Gulf, and that's exactly what makes them so much fun to target. These guys typically run 2-4 pounds and are absolute masters at stealing bait without getting hooked. You'll find them around structure and artificial reefs, usually in 60-100 feet of water. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active during the day. What makes Triggerfish special is their incredible table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Plus, watching them work your bait is like a chess match, and when you finally hook up, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the crown jewels of any Gulf Coast fishing trip. These stunning fish with their electric blue and gold colors can range from schoolie-size "chickens" around 5-10 pounds up to bull dolphins pushing 30-40 pounds. They're typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or color changes in the water from late spring through early fall. What makes Mahi fishing so addictive is their aggressive nature and spectacular jumps when hooked. They'll often travel in schools, so landing one usually means there are more around. The meat is outstanding - mild, flaky, and perfect for just about any preparation.
Red Snapper are the holy grail of Gulf fishing, and Pensacola's waters hold some real trophies. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with keeper-sized fish typically running 4-8 pounds, though monsters over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, there's nothing quite like the solid thump of a big Snapper hitting your bait. They're strong fighters that will try to cut you off in the rocks, and their bright red color makes them one of the most recognizable catches in the Gulf. The eating quality is world-class - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to elegant dinner preparations.
Black Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, and landing a good one is something you'll remember forever. These guys can range from just-legal 24-inchers up to true giants over 50 pounds. They're ambush predators that live around rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs, typically in 80-200 feet of water. What makes Grouper fishing so challenging and rewarding is their habit of immediately diving for cover when hooked. You've got to turn their head and muscle them up off the bottom before they can wrap you around the structure. Black Grouper are most active during cooler months and are prized for their thick, meaty fillets that are perfect for grilling, frying, or blackening.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're around.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard Captain Bill's reliable 26-foot Grady White center console, a proven workhorse that's been making anglers happy since 2004. Twin 150HP Yamaha engines push this boat to a smooth 40-knot cruise, getting you to the fishing grounds fast so you can spend more time with lines in the water. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to move around when fighting fish, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Modern electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate those productive spots where grouper and triggerfish are biting. When you need to sneak up on spooky redfish in shallow water, the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's room to spread out without tangling lines, plus conveniences like a restroom and multimedia system for the ride back to the dock.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bruisers of the deep - olive-gray with dark blotches, averaging over 2 feet but capable of growing massive. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 30-300 feet, moving shallow in winter and deep in summer. They're not picky eaters but they are incredibly strong fighters that'll test your gear and your arms. The payoff is some of the best table fare in the Gulf - mild, firm meat that's perfect for steaks or fillets. You'll need heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag and 80-pound braid to handle these fish. They don't nibble - when a grouper hits, it's like flipping a switch. My advice: the second you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them a chance to get back to the rocks or you'll be retying.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are solid fighters that average 12-17 inches and make excellent table fare. You'll find them around hard bottom structure, reefs, and ledges in 30-180 feet of water. They've got tough, leathery skin and sharp teeth that can crack sea urchins, so they're built tough. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them fun is their scrappy attitude - they'll fight hard and try to wedge into rocks using their trigger-lock dorsal fin. The meat is sweet and firm, perfect for the dinner table. My tip: use squid chunks about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better. When you feel that first nibble, don't wait - they like to steal bait, so set the hook fast and reel steady to keep them from diving back into structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These surface dwellers average 15-29 pounds and love warm water around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps climb. They're fast swimmers and strong fighters that'll give you a real workout on the rod. The meat is firm, white, and has a mild sweet flavor that's hard to beat on the table. Look for frigate birds working the surface - they'll lead you right to the fish. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep it in the water if possible because the others in the school will often stick around, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - bright red beauties that average 1-2 feet and fight like they're twice that size. These bottom dwellers live around structure in 30-200 feet of water, and they're absolute warriors when hooked. Season runs May through October, with summer being prime time. What makes them special is that tough fight combined with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect any way you cook it. They'll run straight for cover when hooked, so you need to muscle them up fast. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish will get you the biggest fish. Here's the key: once you feel that bite, don't hesitate - crank hard and keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure before they cut you off.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons with silver sides covered in yellow spots, typically running 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. These fast swimmers school up near the surface around structure, flats, and nearshore waters. Spring through fall is peak season when they migrate through our waters. They're a blast on light tackle - fast runs and acrobatic jumps that'll keep you busy. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's great grilled, smoked, or fried. Look for schools working the surface, often marked by diving birds. They move fast, so trolling with spoons or casting jigs works best. Pro tip: use a wire leader or they'll cut you off with those razor-sharp teeth, and when you find a school, work it quickly because they don't stick around long.
5.0 out of 5.0What an absolutely amazing time. Captain Bill was outstanding. Between friendly, knowledgeable, and fun he made our trip worth it....
Pensacola