Placida 3/4 Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and Tuna species inshoreAll bait, tackle, fishing license, and ice includedAccommodates up to 6 guests on threequarter day charter
If you're looking for some serious offshore action without burning your whole day, this 3/4 day trip out of Placida is exactly what you need. Man Overboard Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your arms sore and your cooler heavy. We're talking prime Gulf waters where mahi mahi crash baits, grouper lurk in the deep structure, and tuna make blistering runs that'll test your drag. With everything you need included – bait, tackle, fishing license, and ice – all you gotta do is show up ready to fish and maybe pack some snacks to keep your energy up between hookups.
This isn't your typical inshore paddle around the flats. We're heading out to where the big boys live, hitting productive offshore spots that consistently produce quality fish. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to work without getting tangled up with your buddy's line. Captain and crew know exactly where to find the action based on current conditions, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. You'll spend your time working structure for grouper, trolling for mahi and tuna, and maybe even getting into some triggerfish action if they're being cooperative. The pace stays steady but relaxed – perfect for both seasoned anglers and folks who just want to catch some good eating fish without the pressure of a tournament setting.
We'll be running a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting best. For the grouper and snapper, expect to drop baits on structure using circle hooks and heavy enough weights to get down fast in the current. The crew sets you up with the right tackle – no need to guess at leader strength or hook sizes. When we're chasing mahi and tuna, we'll pull spreader bars, ballyhoo rigs, and maybe some lures that mimic the baitfish these pelagics can't resist. The gear's all top-shelf stuff that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. If you've got your own favorite rod you want to bring, that's fine too, but everything you need is already on board and ready to fish.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter fish out here, and for good reason. These guys hang around rocky bottom and structure in 60 to 120 feet of water, and they'll absolutely hammer a well-presented bait. They're ambush predators that don't mess around – when they eat, they eat hard and head straight for the rocks. Average fish run 15 to 25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 30 or better. Best action happens during cooler months when they're more active and feeding heavy before spawning season kicks in.
Red grouper might not fight as dirty as their gag cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and table fare. These fish are more willing to come up off the bottom once hooked, making them a bit more forgiving for newer anglers. They love sandy bottom mixed with hard structure, and they're not as spooky as gags when it comes to boat noise and activity. Most reds you'll catch are in the 8 to 18 pound range – perfect eating size that fillets out nice and clean.
Grey triggerfish are the wild cards that can make or break a day depending on their mood. When they're feeding, you'll catch them faster than you can rebait, but they're notorious for being finicky. These fish have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they'll make quick work of your bait if you're not paying attention. They average 2 to 5 pounds but fight way above their weight class with a bulldogging style that's surprisingly strong.
Mahi mahi are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These offshore beauties show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually traveling in small schools. When you find one, there's almost always more nearby. They average 10 to 20 pounds but can push 30 or better if you get lucky. The colors on these fish are absolutely stunning – bright yellows, blues, and greens that fade quickly once they're in the boat. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action.
Yellowfin tuna are the speed demons of the bunch. These fish are built for one thing – going fast and pulling hard. When a yellowfin eats your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming and your arms burning. Most fish caught on this trip run 20 to 40 pounds, though bigger ones definitely swim these waters. They're excellent eating both raw and cooked, making them a favorite target for anglers who appreciate top-shelf table fare.
This 3/4 day trip hits the sweet spot between having enough time to get into quality fish without eating up your entire day. You'll come back to the dock with a cooler full of fillets, some great stories, and probably already planning your next trip out with Man Overboard Charters. The crew takes care of all the details so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat. Don't wait too long to book, especially during prime fishing months when these trips fill up fast. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with quality eating fish or just want to feel that rod bend with something substantial on the other end, this charter delivers exactly what you're looking for.
Ready to reel in some serious catches around Placida's productive waters? This well-equipped motorboat gets you to the best inshore fishing spots where Mahi Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and Tuna are biting. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS navigation puts you right on the hottest coordinates. VHF radio keeps you connected and radar cuts through morning fog so you don't miss prime feeding times. Ice box keeps your catch fresh during the 3/4 day adventure. With room for 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. All your bait, tackle, license, and ice are covered - just pack your snacks, drinks, and get ready to fill the cooler with some fantastic Florida fish!
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the ultimate offshore prize - pure speed and power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. Most fish we catch run 40-80 pounds, but 100+ pounders show up regularly. These guys live in the top 100 feet of open ocean, constantly on the move. Summer months are prime when they push closer to our waters chasing baitfish. What makes yellowfin special is the incredible fight - they can hit 50 mph and will test every part of your tackle. The meat is world-class, perfect for sushi or searing. They're year-round residents, but warmer months bring the best action. Here's my go-to strategy: when we're marking fish but they won't bite the trolling spread, switch to chunking with live or cut bait. Drop it back in the current and let it drift naturally - yellowfin are smart and spook easily from anything that looks artificial.
Balistes CapriscusTriggerfish are the quirky characters of the reef - they average 12-17 inches and have serious attitude. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-180 feet. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters but also sneaky bait stealers. They'll nibble and test your bait before committing. The meat is excellent - firm and sweet when prepared right. Best action is usually spring through early fall. They're not huge fighters, but they're scrappy and will try every trick to get off the hook. Here's what works: use small hooks with squid chunks, and when you feel them pecking at the bait, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit first. Once hooked, reel steady and fast - they'll try to cut your line on the structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper average around 20 inches, but the big ones can hit 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These bruisers love rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks in 30-200 feet of water. What makes them tricky is they're masters at hiding in structure - once hooked, they'll bolt straight for the nearest hole or ledge. The fight is all about power, not speed. They're excellent eating with firm white meat. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're more active. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock that drag down tight and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the structure and you'll be retying. Use live pinfish or cut bait near the bottom, and be ready to horse them up fast once you set the hook.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing. Most run 5-15 pounds, though we see plenty of 20-30 pounders on good days. They hang around rocky ledges, reefs, and hard bottom in 40-120 feet of water. What guests love about reds is they're aggressive feeders and excellent table fare - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They're available year-round, but spring and fall fishing is usually best when they're more active. These fish fight hard and dirty, trying to get back to their holes. My tip: use fresh cut bait like squid or grunt, and when you feel that telltale thump-thump, set the hook hard and start cranking immediately. Keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down, or you'll lose them in the rocks.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when we find them - literally. These beautiful fish average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in open water. The colors are stunning when they're first boated, flashing green, blue, and gold. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters. What guests love is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, mild, and perfect for grilling. When we spot birds working or floating grass, that's where we'll find them. My trick: once you hook the first one, keep it in the water if possible. Mahi are curious and travel in schools - that first fish will often bring its buddies right to the boat for multiple hookups.
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