Private 12 Hour Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour deep sea adventure targeting grouper, snapper, and tunaVenture 60 miles offshore to premium bottom fishing locationsSplit day between bottom fishing and trolling for diverse catches
Captain Matt Graves knows how to make the most of your time on the water. This top-rated 12-hour deep sea fishing charter gives you all day to chase whatever's biting, from trophy grouper on the bottom to screaming wahoo on the surface. With 60 miles of open ocean ahead and a captain who's put in the hours to find the fish, you're looking at the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place. Pack your cooler with ice and get ready to fill it with some of the best eating fish the Atlantic has to offer.
We're talking about a serious fishing day here – not your typical half-day run to the local reef. This world-class charter heads out 60 miles to Captain Matt's proven bottom spots where the big fish live. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels to a fish box that can handle whatever you bring up from the depths. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is the flexibility – we can pound the bottom structure for grouper and snapper in the morning, then switch it up and troll for pelagics when the bite slows down. You're not locked into one style of fishing, which means more shots at different species and a cooler full of variety at the end of the day. Captain Matt reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan, whether that means staying deep on the structure or chasing birds and bait schools on the surface.
Bottom fishing at 60 miles out means we're working in serious water – the kind of depths where the big grouper and snapper call home. We'll be using heavy tackle with enough backbone to turn a gag grouper's head before it gets back to the rocks. Circle hooks are the name of the game for the bottom fish, rigged with enough weight to get down fast and stay put in the current. When we switch to trolling mode, the spread goes out – a mix of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers designed to pull mahi, wahoo, and whatever else is cruising the blue water. The captain's got the electronics to mark fish and structure, plus the local knowledge to know which spots are firing on any given day. We're not just dropping lines and hoping – this is targeted fishing based on years of putting clients on fish in these waters. The gear stays maintained and tournament-ready, because when you hook into a 40-pound cobia or a blazing wahoo, you want equipment that can handle the heat.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of this offshore game, and for good reason. These bronze bulldogs can push 50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They show up around structure and wrecks, often cruising near the surface where you can sight-cast to them – one of the most exciting ways to fish offshore. Spring and early summer are prime time for big cobia, and they're incredible table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. When one of these beasts inhales your bait, get ready for a long, dogged fight that'll test your tackle and your stamina.
Red snapper remain the customer favorite for bottom fishing, and it's easy to see why. These crimson fighters are abundant around the deeper structure we fish, and a good day can mean multiple keeper-sized fish in the box. They hit hard and fight smart, using their broad sides to bulldoze toward the bottom structure. Peak season runs through summer and early fall, when they're feeding heavily and putting on weight. The meat is legendary – sweet, flaky, and perfect for everything from grilling to ceviche. A limit of quality red snapper is the kind of success that makes the long run offshore worth every mile.
Gag grouper are the kings of the bottom, and landing a trophy gag is what offshore dreams are made of. These ambush predators can exceed 30 pounds and live in the rockiest, most structure-heavy spots we fish. They hit like a freight train and immediately try to get back to their holes, making the first few seconds of the fight absolutely critical. Fall and winter offer the best shots at big gags, when they're feeding up before the spawn. The fillets are thick, white, and mild – perfect for the fish fry that'll follow your successful trip.
Blackfin tuna bring the speed and acrobatics that make offshore fishing addictive. These smaller cousins of yellowfin tuna rarely exceed 30 pounds, but they make up for size with pure athletic ability. They travel in schools and can provide fast action when you find them, often hitting trolled baits or jumping on live bait presentations. Year-round residents in these waters, blackfins are excellent sashimi fish with deep red meat and rich flavor. When they're up and feeding, it's not uncommon to boat several in quick succession.
Atlantic sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing excitement. These billfish are pure spectacle when hooked, clearing the water in a series of tail-walking jumps that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their cameras. They're catch-and-release fish, so the thrill is in the fight and the photos. Sailfish can show up any time of year in these waters, but spring and fall migrations often provide the best action. They'll hit trolled ballyhoo, live bait, or even lures, and landing one is a badge of honor that marks you as a serious offshore angler.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a full day commitment to chasing whatever's biting in some of the most productive offshore waters around. Captain Matt Graves has built his reputation on putting anglers on fish, and this 12-hour charter gives you the time and range to make it happen. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or that trophy fish photo you've been chasing, this renowned charter delivers the goods.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard our 2007 Yellowfin 34', a serious fishing machine built for long offshore runs. Twin 350hp Suzuki engines power this beast to a smooth 38 mph cruise, getting you to the deep water bite zones fast. The stable hull keeps you comfortable while fighting big grouper and snapper 60 miles out, plus there's plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to work the rails. Whether we're bottom fishing for monster grouper and cobia or switching gears to troll for screaming mahi and wahoo, this boat handles it all. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to fish without getting tangled up, and the reliable power means more time with lines in the water. Perfect setup for filling the fish box on those epic 12-hour adventures where the real trophies live.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the ultimate offshore prize, averaging 7-8 feet and 50 pounds with that signature sail dorsal fin. These blue-gray speedsters cruise the surface in 30-65 feet but will hunt deeper when chasing bait. Winter months bring the best action, especially off South Florida's "Sailfish Alley." What makes sails special isn't just their beauty - they're incredible fighters that leap, dive, and run like nothing else in the ocean. Most anglers release them since they're not great table fare, but the fight is worth the trip alone. Here's the secret: when teasing one up, wait for the fish to fully commit before setting the hook. They'll tap the bait several times first. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and let them run - fighting too hard early will pull the hook.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are speed demons that'll test your tackle, typically running 15-30 pounds with that classic tuna body built for power. These dark-backed fish with yellow sides cruise warm offshore waters, usually near continental shelves and drop-offs. Fall through spring is peak season here, especially when water temps stay above 68°F. Anglers love blackfins because they're fierce fighters that make screaming runs, plus they're fantastic sushi-grade fish with rich, red meat. We catch them trolling or chunking around structure. My best tip: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluorocarbon and use smaller 5/0 circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes and will refuse heavy tackle. When you hook up, keep steady pressure - they'll tire themselves out with those powerful runs.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary hunters that average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious targets on our offshore runs. These dark brown fish cruise around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-300 feet of water, often mistaken for sharks due to their dorsal fin. Spring through summer is prime time when they're spawning and migrating through our area. What makes cobia special is their incredible fight - they're aggressive predators that'll test your gear. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. My tip: when you spot one cruising the surface, cast a bucktail jig ahead of where it's swimming, not right at it. They spook easily but once hooked, get ready for a battle.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but growing up to 80 pounds on our offshore structure. These mottled gray fish live around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks where they ambush prey. They're most active during cooler months when they move to deeper water. What makes gags exciting is the initial fight - once hooked, they immediately try to drag your bait back into their rocky hideouts. They're excellent eating with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. The key to landing one is keeping your reel locked tight and your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive straight into a hole. Look for stone crab traps too - gags love hanging around them since they're always hunting crabs and shrimp.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of our bottom fishing trips, typically running 1-2 feet long and under 10 pounds, though we've seen monsters over 35 pounds. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-620 feet of water, loving rocky bottoms and artificial reefs. May through October is spawning season when they're most active and aggressive. Guests love snapper for two reasons - they put up a solid fight, trying to drag your line back into the rocks, and they're absolutely delicious table fare with that sweet, mild flavor everyone craves. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump on the bottom, lock your reel immediately and lift hard. Don't let them run to cover or they'll cut you off on the structure every time.
Titusville