Full Day Florida Gulf Spearfishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
14hour private charter targeting trophy Hogfish, Grouper, and Snapper offshore100 miles to Middle Grounds deepwater ledges aboard stabilized 35ft CobiaAdvanced spearfishing trip accommodates up to five experienced divers
Picture this: you're 100 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, cruising over legendary Middle Grounds ledges where massive grouper and trophy hogfish rule the depths. This isn't your typical weekend spearfishing trip – it's a serious 14-hour mission designed for hunters who want to push their limits and bring home dinner worth bragging about. Captain and crew at Liquid Silence Dive Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that most spearos only dream about.
We launch from Pete's Pier in Crystal River before dawn, giving us maximum bottom time at the Middle Grounds. The 35-foot Cobia is built for these long hauls – equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer that keeps you comfortable during the 50-mile run offshore. You'll cover serious ground, hitting deep-water ledges, natural bottom, and productive wrecks that hold the kind of fish that make grown hunters weak in the knees. This is a private charter for up to five spearos, so you're not fighting crowds or dealing with inexperienced divers who spook the fish. Ice and water are provided, but bring your own food – you'll work up an appetite dropping down to 80-100 feet all day. The captain expects advanced divers only; if you're not comfortable with deep water and strong currents, this trip isn't for you.
Bring your A-game gear because you're going to need it. We're talking deep drops on structure where big fish live, so pack a reliable gun with enough range to reach hesitant grouper hiding in ledge cracks. Polespears work great for hogfish, but you'll want a proper speargun for the bigger stuff. The Middle Grounds fish are smart – they've seen plenty of divers over the years. Successful hunters here move slow, stay low, and know when to take the shot. Most drops are in 80-120 feet of water, so your bottom time is limited. Make every dive count by checking your holes methodically and keeping noise to a minimum. The current can run strong out here, especially on the ledges, so drift diving techniques come in handy when the conditions call for it.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Middle Grounds spearfishing, and for good reason. These crimson rockets gather in schools around structure, often stacked from the bottom to 30 feet up the water column. Prime season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish averaging 5-15 pounds. What makes red snapper special is their willingness to approach curious divers – until that first shot goes off. After that, they wise up fast, so make your first shot count. The meat is phenomenal, and a cooler full of quality reds makes the long boat ride worth every minute.
Gag Grouper are the ultimate Gulf trophy for serious spearos. These bruisers lurk in caves and under ledges, often reaching 20-40 pounds in the deeper water we fish. Gags are ambush predators with incredible acceleration – they can disappear into a hole faster than you can blink. Best hunting happens during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn, typically November through March. Landing a big gag requires patience, proper shot placement, and the strength to wrestle them away from structure before they cut you off. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the smart guys of the reef. They cruise the edges of structure in loose schools, always ready to bolt at the first sign of trouble. These fish rarely exceed 5 pounds, but they make up for size with flavor and fight. Peak season runs through summer and early fall when they're most active in deeper water. What spearos love about grey snapper is their predictable behavior – they'll circle back to check you out if you stay still long enough.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of Gulf bottom fishing, and they're everywhere on good structure. These rust-colored heavyweights average 5-20 pounds and aren't as spooky as their gag cousins. They prefer sandy bottom near rocks and ledges, often sitting in the open where a good shot is possible. Red grouper bite consistently year-round, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that holds together well on the grill.
Hogfish are the crown jewel of Gulf spearfishing – a beautiful, delicious fish that commands respect from every serious hunter. These pink and white beauties cruise over sandy bottom near structure, using their elongated snouts to root out crustaceans. Prime hogfish water is 60-100 feet, right in our wheelhouse for this trip. They're spooky and smart, often requiring long breath-holds and careful stalking. A good hogfish runs 3-8 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing double digits. The meat is legendary – sweet, flaky, and worth every ounce of effort required to put one on the boat.
The Middle Grounds don't fish themselves, and weather windows for these long-range missions are precious. This world-class spearfishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are thick and the conditions cooperate. You're getting 14 hours of guided hunting in some of Florida's most productive Gulf waters, complete with local knowledge that takes decades to develop. The memories and cooler full of premium fish make this trip a customer favorite among serious spearos. Don't wait for the perfect day – the best trips happen when you commit to getting offshore and putting in the work. Book your spot with Liquid Silence Dive Charters and get ready for the kind of spearfishing adventure that keeps hunters coming back year after year.
Our 2021 Cobia 350 is built for serious spearfishing trips to the Middle Grounds. Triple Yamaha 300s push this 35-footer to 65 mph, getting you to those deep-water ledges and wrecks fast. The Seakeeper stabilizer keeps things steady during the long run offshore and while you're gearing up for dives. Garmin radar and GPS handle navigation in any conditions. With room for five hunters, this boat covers the 100-mile journey to prime hogfish and grouper territory with comfort and speed. The stable platform makes shot preparation easier, and there's plenty of space for gear and your catch.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the toughest fighters you'll tangle with out here. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we regularly see 40+ pounders on the deep ledges and wrecks. They're ambush predators that love rocky structure, caves, and overhangs from 60-200 feet. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding before and after spawning. What guests love is the battle - once hooked, they'll bulldoze straight back to their hole with incredible power. The meat is excellent too, firm and white. Here's the thing about gags: the second you feel that thump, lock down your drag and start cranking. Don't give them an inch or they'll bury themselves in the rocks and you'll never get them out. It's all about winning that first 10 seconds.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as most folks call them, are smart cookies that'll test your patience. They typically run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds, though the deeper wrecks can hold some 5+ pound bruisers. These guys love structure - ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom from 40-150 feet. Night diving is when they really come alive, but daytime hunting works too if you're patient. What makes them fun is they're incredibly wary and selective, so landing one feels like an accomplishment. The meat is fantastic - white, flaky, and sweet. My advice: move slow and keep your distance when you spot one. They spook easily but their curiosity often brings them back. Wait for that perfect shot because you might not get another chance.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are the holy grail for spearfishers - beautiful, challenging, and absolutely delicious. These colorful wrasse typically run 3-8 pounds and up to 2 feet long, with that distinctive pig-like snout. They love hard bottom, coral heads, and rocky ledges from 30-100 feet where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring through fall gives us the best opportunities when they're active during the day. What makes them special is the challenge - they're curious but skittish, and hooking them traditionally is nearly impossible due to that snout. The meat is sweet and mild, some say better than grouper. Here's the key: they're naturally curious about divers and attracted to noise. Move slowly, let them come investigate you, and be ready for that perfect shot when they get comfortable.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are probably our most reliable target species out at the Middle Grounds. These rusty-red fish typically run 5-15 pounds, with some bigger ones pushing 30+ on the deeper spots. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 60-200 feet and aren't as structure-dependent as other groupers. Year-round action is solid, but spring and fall are peak times. What guests love is they're aggressive feeders and fantastic eating - the meat has this sweet, almost shellfish-like flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They fight hard but fair, not as sneaky as gags about getting back to cover. Pro tip: they're suckers for live or fresh-dead bait, especially crabs and shrimp. When you see that red color coming up from the depths, you know dinner's going to be good.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard out here at the Middle Grounds. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we see bigger ones pushing 20+ pounds on the deeper ledges. They love structure - wrecks, rocky bottoms, and drop-offs from 80-200 feet down. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight back to cover once hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-tier - mild, sweet, and flaky. Plus, they're just gorgeous fish. My tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack. They'll try to wrap your line around every piece of structure they can find. Get them up and away from the bottom quick.
Crystal River, FL