Private 10 Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting multiple premium speciesTrolling and bottom fishing techniques for diverse catchesPrivate 10hour trip accommodates up to six guests
Captain Matt Graves knows what serious anglers want – a full day on the water with enough time to really get after it. This 10-hour deep sea charter gives you the complete offshore experience, switching between trolling the blue water for pelagics and dropping down to the bottom for structure fish. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without crowding each other when the bite gets hot. This isn't a rushed half-day trip where you barely get your sea legs – you'll have time to dial in on what's biting and really put some fish in the box.
Your day starts early, heading out to the prime offshore grounds where Captain Matt has been putting clients on fish for years. The first half of your trip focuses on trolling, covering water to find those fast-moving pelagics that make your drag scream. You'll be working the spread with a mix of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers, watching the outriggers and waiting for that telltale pop when something big decides to eat. Once you've had your fill of the high-speed action, it's time to switch gears and head to the hard bottom where the reef fish live. Here's where you'll drop baits down to structure, feeling for that thump-thump of a big grouper or the head shakes of a quality snapper. Captain Matt provides all the tackle and bait you need, plus the local knowledge that separates a good day from a great one.
The beauty of this charter is experiencing two completely different styles of fishing in one trip. When trolling, you'll be working with medium to heavy conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, pulling a spread of baits at 6-8 knots. The key is keeping those baits dancing in the clean water behind the boat while covering ground to locate fish. Captain Matt reads the water, looking for color changes, weed lines, and bait activity that holds pelagics. When it's time to bottom fish, you're switching to circle hooks and heavier sinkers, dropping baits like sardines, squid, and cut bait down 80-200 feet to where the reef fish hang out. The technique here is all about feel – knowing when you're on structure, recognizing different species by how they fight, and keeping steady pressure to get them up off the bottom before they can cut you off in the rocks.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These crimson fighters typically run 15-25 pounds in these waters, with occasional bruisers pushing 30-plus. They're structure-oriented fish that live around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and natural ledges. Red snapper are known for their powerful runs toward the bottom when hooked, trying to get back to their rocky home where they can break you off. The best action usually happens during summer months when they're most active, though you can find them year-round in deeper water. What makes them so special isn't just their fight – they're absolutely delicious on the table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, built like tanks and fighting twice as hard as their size suggests. These guys average 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're masters at using their home turf advantage. When you hook a gag, they immediately dive for the nearest hole or ledge, putting everything they have into that first run. They're ambush predators that sit in caves and overhangs, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall and winter are prime time for gags, when they move up from deeper water to feed heavily before spawning season. Their thick, flaky white meat rivals any fish in the Gulf, making them a top target for anglers who appreciate both the fight and the feast.
Atlantic Sailfish are pure adrenaline on a fishing line, known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. These magnificent pelagics cruise the blue water looking for schools of ballyhoo, sardines, and other baitfish. When a sail eats your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately – they often come completely out of the water, gill plates flared and that distinctive sail fully extended. They typically range 40-70 pounds in these waters, with their speed and acrobatics making them feel much larger. Winter and spring provide the most consistent sailfish action, when they move closer to shore following bait migrations. Most anglers release these beautiful fish, making them a true trophy catch that's all about the experience.
King Mackerel, or "kings" as locals call them, are razor-toothed speed demons that patrol the blue water in search of an easy meal. These silver bullets typically range from 20-40 pounds, with occasional smoker kings pushing 50-plus pounds. They're known for their initial blistering run when hooked, often taking 200-300 yards of line before you can even think about fighting them back. Kings are opportunistic feeders that follow bait schools, making them perfect targets for trolling operations. They're most active during the warmer months, though you can find them year-round in the right conditions. Their rich, oily meat is perfect for smoking or grilling, and their aggressive nature makes them a favorite among anglers who love fast action.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are the most colorful fighters in the ocean, flashing brilliant gold, green, and blue as they dance across the surface. These beautiful pelagics are pure muscle, known for their acrobatic jumps and never-give-up attitude. They typically run 15-30 pounds, though bull mahi can exceed 50 pounds and provide arm-burning battles. Mahi are often found around floating debris, sargassum weed, or
Meet your fishing platform for the day - a 2007 Yellowfin 34' that's built to get you to the fish and keep you comfortable while you're working the water. Twin 350-horsepower Suzuki engines push this boat to a 38 mph cruise, cutting down travel time so you spend more hours with lines in the water instead of just getting there. This isn't some basic charter boat - the Yellowfin's deep-V hull slices through offshore swells while staying stable enough for serious bottom fishing. Whether you're trolling the blue water for mahi and sailfish or anchored up over structure targeting grouper and snapper, the wide beam gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The boat handles both ends of your 10-hour trip perfectly - fast enough to reach the offshore trolling grounds where the big pelagics hunt, then rock-solid steady when you're dropping baits deep for those reef dwellers. Your captain knows where to find the bite, and this Yellowfin has the power and stability to get you there and keep you fishing hard all day long.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of the deep, reaching up to 10 feet long and averaging around 50 pounds. These metallic blue beauties with their signature sail-like dorsal fins cruise the surface waters from 30-65 feet, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. You'll find them in warm water 70-80°F, making winter through early spring prime time here. What makes sailfish fishing special is the aerial show - they'll leap, dive, and tail-walk like no other fish when hooked. Their speed and acrobatics create memories that last forever. They hunt in schools, often working together to corral baitfish. The meat is decent, but most folks release these magnificent fish. Key tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and your boat moving slowly. When one hits, resist the urge to set the hook hard - let them run first, then apply steady pressure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of our most challenging bottom fish, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 4+ feet and 80 pounds. These gray, mottled fish are ambush predators that hang around rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 40-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What guests love about gags is the serious battle they provide - once hooked, they'll make a beeline for the nearest hole or structure to break you off. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The females start as gray with wavy patterns, while mature males turn darker with distinctive markings. Here's the key to landing them: keep your rod low, reel locked tight, and muscle them up immediately after hookset. Use live pinfish or cut bait on circle hooks, and don't give them an inch or they'll disappear into the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are serious speed merchants, averaging 30 pounds with the big ones topping 90. These olive-backed, silver-sided torpedoes cruise in 40-150 feet of water, preferring the temperature range of 68-84°F. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and following bait schools. Fall and spring migrations offer the hottest action when they're moving through in numbers. Kings are popular because they're lightning fast and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're also excellent eating with their rich, flaky meat - just watch the mercury levels. These fish have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat, so wire leaders are a must. Here's a pro tip: when using live bait, rig with two hooks - one in the nose and a trailing hook mid-body, because kings often attack from behind and you want to be ready when they do.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi put on one of nature's best light shows with their golden sides and electric blues that flash as they fight. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and 3 feet, living only 4-5 years but packing a lifetime of energy into every battle. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm surface waters. Spring through fall offers prime fishing when water temperatures hit 70°F+. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight and the fact that where you find one, you'll usually find more. Plus, they're arguably the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, mild, and perfect on the grill. They change colors dramatically when hooked, shifting from brilliant golds to silvers. Pro tip: when you hook your first one, keep it in the water if possible - the school will often stay with their hooked buddy, giving you shots at multiple fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the trophy fish every angler wants on their wall. These beautiful pink-to-red fish typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though the big ones can hit 30+ pounds. You'll find them in 30-200 feet of water around rocky bottoms, reefs, and structure. They're bottom dwellers that love to hide near anything that offers cover. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes snapper fishing so popular is the solid fight they put up - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to the rocks and cut your line. The meat is outstanding too, with that sweet, mild flavor that makes them a dinner table favorite. Here's a tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them run to structure. Use heavy tackle and circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows for best results.
Titusville