5.0(2 Reviews)Premium Afternoon Offshore Fishing with Red Snapper
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting multiple offshore speciesProfessional captain provides handson coaching and premium equipmentSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
Looking to skip that brutal 5 AM wake-up call but still want to get into some serious offshore action? Captain Wayne's afternoon charter is exactly what you're after. This 5-hour private fishing trip takes just you and one buddy out to the best reefs, wrecks, and grass flats where the big boys hang out. You'll be fishing from a fast, well-equipped boat with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. No crowds, no rushing – just quality time on the water targeting everything from feisty Speckled Trout to heavyweight Grouper and acrobatic Mahi-Mahi.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. With just two anglers max, Captain Wayne can tailor the entire trip to what you want to catch and how you want to fish. The afternoon timing is perfect – you'll avoid the early morning boat traffic and hit the water when fish are actively feeding. The boat comes loaded with premium rods and reels matched to whatever species you're targeting, plus all the bait, ice, and bottled water you'll need. Captain Wayne's hands-on coaching means whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll be working fish like a pro. The boat moves between productive spots quickly, so you're maximizing your time with lines in the water rather than burning daylight running to distant marks.
Captain Wayne runs a mix of drifting and trolling techniques depending on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. When working the reefs and wrecks, you'll often drift with live or cut bait, letting the current carry your presentation naturally through structure where Grouper, Red Snapper, and various Snappers ambush prey. The trolling game comes into play when targeting pelagic species like King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Mahi-Mahi. You'll pull a spread of lures at different depths and speeds, covering water efficiently until you find active fish. The grass flats get worked differently – here it's all about precision casting and working baits through the structure where Speckled Trout and Redfish cruise for food. Captain Wayne reads the water conditions, tide, and fish activity to determine the best approach for each spot, switching techniques as needed to keep the action hot.
"First time fishing for my friend Trena and I with our husbands. We had an amazing experience! Captain Wayne put us on some great fish and we caught Vermillion snapper, sea-bass and Trigger fish! Such a great experience and we had so much fun!! Captain Wayne not only cleaned all the fish, but he gave us an amazing fish taco recipe! As you can see it was quite delicious!! Thanks Captain Wayne!!" - Tammy
"Captain Wayne is a great guide and seasoned angler. He was very easy to work with, and he did not discourage. If you're looking for a good experience on a charter get with this man and you'll get a one of a kind experience that's personalized to your small group! Can't beat and must try for yourself! #ThanksWayne! #DeckhandOfferPending!" - Harrison
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf reef fishing, and for good reason. These ruby-red fighters typically run 5-15 pounds, though larger specimens push 20+ pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that hang around reefs and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Red Snapper are most active during spring through early fall, with peak action in summer months. What makes them special is their combination of strong runs and excellent table fare – they're smart fish that require finesse, but once hooked, they'll test your drag and technique. The fight is characterized by powerful head shakes and determined runs back to structure.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around. These sleek speedsters typically weigh 2-4 pounds but make up for size with pure athleticism. They school up heavily in spring and fall migrations, creating some of the fastest fishing you'll experience. Spanish Mackerel are surface-oriented predators that respond well to small spoons, jigs, and live bait. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make for exciting light-tackle fishing. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
King Mackerel are the bruisers of the Mackerel family, commonly running 15-40 pounds with giants pushing 50+ pounds. These apex predators patrol offshore waters year-round but are most abundant during warmer months. Kings are typically caught trolling with live bait or large spoons and plugs. Their initial run is legendary – a big King will strip line off your reel in seconds, often jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're challenging to land due to their speed, sharp teeth, and tendency to cut lines on structure. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf when properly prepared.
Grey Triggerfish might look unusual, but they're genuine fighters that'll surprise you with their power. These disc-shaped fish typically weigh 2-8 pounds and inhabit reefs and wrecks in 80-300 feet of water. Triggerfish are year-round residents but are most active in warmer months. They have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll test your knots and drag system. What makes Triggers special is their unpredictable fighting style – they'll use their flat bodies to plane through the water like a surfboard, creating maximum resistance. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to Grouper.
Crevalle Jack are pure muscle wrapped in silver scales. These powerful fish typically range 5-
Meet "Just Add Water" – your ticket to prime fishing grounds without the early morning rush. This 26-foot NauticStar center console cuts through chop with twin 150 HP Yamaha engines, getting you to the best reefs and wrecks fast. The spacious deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to work lines while the captain targets everything from snapper to grouper. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. Two live bait tanks keep your bait frisky, and the built-in icebox ensures your catch stays fresh. After hours of battling fish under the afternoon sun, rinse off the salt with the freshwater shower before heading back to dock. With a full head onboard, comfort's covered for the long haul offshore.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are pure muscle, typically running 3-15 pounds with brassy sides and a bulldog attitude. They roam both shallow flats and deeper waters up to 100+ feet, often hunting in aggressive schools that push baitfish to the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when birds are working over bait schools. These fish are all about the fight - they'll test your tackle with powerful runs and never give up easy. While not the best table fare, they're perfect for catch-and-release fun. Look for diving birds as your best indicator of feeding schools. Pro tip: when you find them feeding on top, cast past the school and retrieve fast through the edges - they're competitive feeders and that aggressive retrieve triggers their predatory instincts.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough, scrappy fighters that average 12-17 inches and make excellent table fare. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 30-180 feet, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs, urchins, and shellfish. These fish have attitude - they'll steal bait right off your hook if you're not paying attention. The bite is typically best in summer and fall when they're most active. What guests enjoy is their feisty nature and the fact that they're some of the best eating fish we catch - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're notorious bait thieves, so here's my trick: use small chunks of squid and keep your bait moving just off the bottom. When you feel that distinctive nibbling bite, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and run before you reel hard.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the bruisers of the mackerel family, averaging 15-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. These fish are built for speed and will test your drag system with blistering runs. Best action comes during warmer months when they follow bait migrations closer to shore. Anglers chase them for the pure adrenaline rush - there's nothing quite like a big king taking off with 200 yards of line. The meat's good eating too, though oilier than their smaller cousins. My go-to setup uses a stinger rig with two hooks on wire leader - kings typically grab bait from behind, so that trailing hook is crucial. Troll at 6-8 knots to trigger their predatory instincts.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are some of the most prized catches in these waters, typically running 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though bigger ones can hit 20+ pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water - reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where they feed on smaller fish and crabs. The fish turn that classic bright red color as they mature, making them easy to spot in the box. Guests love them for the solid fight they put up and because they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're available year-round but fishing is hottest in summer and early fall. Pro tip: once you hook one, reel fast and keep steady pressure - they'll head straight for the nearest ledge or structure to cut you off if you give them slack.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that run in big schools, usually weighing 1-3 pounds with silver sides covered in yellow spots. These fish cruise near the surface over grass flats, around structure, and along beaches in 10-50 feet of water. They show up strong in spring through fall when water temps are right, often following bait schools. What makes them popular is their lightning-fast strikes and drag-screaming runs - plus they're fantastic on the dinner table with mild, flaky meat. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds or bait getting pushed to the surface. Here's the key: use light tackle with small spoons or live bait, and keep your drag loose. They hit hard and fast, so if your drag's too tight, they'll snap your line on that first run.
5.0 out of 5.0First time fishing for my friend Trena and I with our husbands. We had an amazing experience! Captain Wayne put us on some great f...
Captain Wayne is a great guide and seasoned angler. He was very easy to work with, and he did not disappoint. If you're looking fo...
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