Deep Water Giants Await You in Clearwater
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. We're talking about a serious offshore adventure that takes you 30+ miles into the Gulf's deep blue water where the real monsters live. Eight hours on the water gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots, work the best wrecks, and put you on fish that'll make your arms burn. You'll be fishing from a brand-new 2025 28' Freeman with twin 300HP Yamahas - this boat gets us out there fast so we can spend more time with lines in the water instead of burning daylight on the ride out.
What to Expect on the Water
We launch from Belleair Bluffs before sunrise and make the run out to the prime offshore structure. This trip targets the heavy hitters - Red and Gag Grouper, Amberjack, and those thick Mangrove Snapper that live on the deep wrecks. Depending on the season, we might also run into some Mahi cruising the weed lines or maybe even hook into some Tuna if conditions are right. The Freeman's twin engines get us to the fishing grounds in about an hour, which leaves us seven solid hours to work the bottom and chase whatever's biting. We'll hit multiple wrecks and hard-bottom areas throughout the day, moving around to stay on active fish. This isn't a trip for beginners - we're fishing in 80-120 feet of water with heavy tackle, and these fish don't give up easy.
Techniques & Tackle
We're primarily bottom fishing with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test. Most of our fishing happens right on the structure using live bait like pinfish, grunts, and sardines, plus we'll throw some cut bait and large jigs depending on what the fish are wanting. The grouper and snapper stay tight to the wrecks, so we're dropping baits right into the structure and working them vertically. For the Amberjack, we'll often fish higher in the water column since they like to suspend around the wrecks. All the tackle is top-shelf stuff - Penn and Shimano reels paired with heavy action rods that can handle 20+ pound fish without breaking a sweat. We provide everything including your Florida fishing license, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the day.
Target Species
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here in the Gulf. These chunky bottom dwellers love rocky structure and wrecks in 60-100 feet of water. They're not flashy fighters, but they're bulldogs that use their broad bodies and the structure to try and break you off. A good Red Grouper runs 8-15 pounds, with the occasional 20+ pounder showing up to make your day. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're most active and feeding heavily before the spawn.
Gag Grouper are the more aggressive cousins of the Reds and probably the most sought-after fish on these deep trips. They hit harder, fight stronger, and grow bigger - trophy Gags can push 30+ pounds. These fish are ambush predators that hide in caves and under ledges, then explode out to crush a bait. They're smart fish that have seen plenty of hooks, so they can be finicky about what they'll eat. Spring and fall are prime time for Gags when they move into shallower structure to spawn.
Amberjack are the freight trains of the Gulf. When you hook a big AJ, you'll know it immediately - they make screaming runs that'll test your drag and your back muscles. These fish can easily hit 40-50 pounds and they don't know how to quit. They school around wrecks and feed aggressively on baitfish, making them one of the most reliable catches on offshore trips. Summer months are peak season when the big schools move in, but you can find them year-round on the deeper wrecks.
Mangrove Snapper in deep water are a completely different animal than their shallow water cousins. Out on the wrecks, these fish grow thick and heavy, with 3-5 pound specimens being common and the occasional 6+ pounder showing up. They're incredibly smart and bait-shy, requiring light leaders and perfect presentations. But when you do hook one, they're bulldogs that use every bit of cover they can find. The deep water Mangoes are most active during summer months when they gather on offshore structure to spawn.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're in season. These beautiful fish with their bright red coloration and excellent table fare are what many anglers dream about. They're structure-oriented fish that live around wrecks and hard bottom, typically running 3-8 pounds with some real giants pushing 15+ pounds. Reds are aggressive feeders but can be selective, often requiring specific baits or presentations to get them fired up. Season dates vary by regulations, but when they're open, there's nothing better than a cooler full of these tasty fish.
Time to Book Your Spot
This deep water charter is built for serious anglers who want to tangle with the Gulf's biggest residents. With only 6 spots available, the boat fills up quick, especially during prime fishing months. The Freeman's speed gets us to the fishing grounds fast, and Captain Just Fish knows where the fish live. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or looking to land that personal best grouper, this trip delivers the goods. The Gulf's deep wrecks are loaded with fish year-round - the question is when you're ready to come get them.