Deep Sea Fishing Adventure 9 Miles Off Redington Shores
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing adventure 9 miles from shoreTarget barracuda, grouper, snapper, tuna, and mackerel speciesAll fishing equipment provided for 6guest capacity trips
Looking for a serious day of saltwater fishing? This 8-hour offshore charter takes you 9 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, where the real action happens. Maritime Operations runs this trip with up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families, buddies, or anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and into some productive waters. We're talking about targeting some of Florida's most prized species - Great Barracuda, Lane Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, and King Mackerel. All your tackle and gear comes with the trip, so you just need to bring yourself, some snacks, and the desire to bend some rods.
The morning starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're chasing fish offshore. Once we clear the Redington Shores area and head out those 9 miles, you'll notice the water color change from that inshore green to the deep blue that holds the good stuff. The Gulf structure out here is perfect for both bottom fishing and trolling, depending on what's biting and what the conditions look like. Your captain knows these waters inside and out - the ledges, the humps, and the drop-offs where fish like to hang out. With 8 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. The boat's equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need. Some trips you'll be bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, other days might call for trolling for kings and cuda. That's the beauty of offshore fishing - you never know exactly what's going to happen.
Out here, we're fishing with medium to heavy action rods that can handle both the bigger fish and the deeper water. Bottom fishing typically means using circle hooks with live or cut bait - pinfish, sardines, or squid work great for grouper and snapper. The captain will have you fishing different depths depending on the structure and what's showing on the fish finder. For the pelagic species like kings and barracuda, we'll switch to wire leaders and either troll with spoons and diving plugs or fish with live bait near the surface. Spanish mackerel are often caught while targeting other species, and they're a blast on lighter tackle. The Gulf bottom out here varies from sandy patches to rocky ledges, and knowing where to drop your line makes all the difference. Drift fishing is another productive technique, especially when the current is moving and fish are feeding actively. All the tackle is provided, but if you have a lucky lure or favorite rod, feel free to bring it along.
Great Barracuda are one of the most exciting fish you'll encounter on this trip. These silver missiles can reach 4-5 feet and hit a bait like a freight train. They're year-round residents in these Gulf waters, but summer months often produce the biggest specimens. What makes cuda fishing so addictive is their explosive strike and the way they jump when hooked. They'll test your drag and your nerves, especially when they come flying out of the water with those impressive teeth flashing.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red snapper cousins, but they're plentiful and great eating. These colorful fish typically run 8-14 inches and are perfect for beginners or kids on the boat. They're aggressive biters and can be caught year-round, though spring and summer see the best action. Lane snapper love structure, so when you find them, you'll usually find a bunch. They're also one of the best fish to keep for dinner - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect light-tackle fish. Running 1-3 pounds on average, they're fast, fun, and abundant in these waters from spring through fall. They'll often hit small jigs, spoons, or live bait, and their speed makes them a joy to fight. Spanish mackerel travel in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for multiple hookups. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Gag Grouper are the prize of many offshore trips. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers can reach 20-30 pounds or more and are known for their powerful runs toward structure. Fall and winter are prime time for gags in the Gulf, though you can catch them year-round in deeper water. They're ambush predators that love ledges and rocky bottom, and once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole. The fight is all about keeping them off the bottom - lose that battle and you'll likely lose the fish.
Red Grouper are another favorite target species. Generally smaller than gags but equally delicious, reds are more cooperative about coming to the surface once hooked. They're available year-round but peak in the cooler months. Red grouper are curious fish and will often come up to investigate the boat, making them great for kids and novice anglers. Their white, flaky meat makes them a top choice for the dinner table.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery. These pelagic predators can range from school-size fish around 10-15 pounds to true giants exceeding 40 pounds. Kings are most active from spring through fall and are typically caught trolling or with live bait. Their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps make them one of the most sought-after species in the Gulf. Finding a school of feeding kings can turn an ordinary day into something special, with multiple hookups and non-stop action.
This 8-hour offshore adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing what Gulf fishing is all about. With Maritime Operations handling all the equipment and local knowledge, you're set up for success from the moment you
Get ready to head 9 miles offshore from Redington Shores aboard our fully-equipped 35-foot fishing machine! This beauty handles Gulf waters like a champ and comes loaded with everything serious anglers need. The fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of the hotspots where Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, Barracuda, and Mackerel are biting. Stay cool with onboard AC between hookups, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and take advantage of the flybridge for those perfect casting angles. With a full kitchen, shower, and even sleeping quarters, you'll fish in total comfort all day long. Our radar keeps you safe when weather rolls in, and the spacious layout gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. All your tackle and gear is provided - just bring your appetite for some serious saltwater action!
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the ultimate offshore gamefish, averaging 30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds of pure muscle. These silver speedsters patrol depths from 40-150 feet, preferring the edges and structure where baitfish congregate. Spring through fall is prime season when they're feeding heavily during their migrations. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. The bigger females especially put on a show. They're voracious predators that hit live bait, spoons, and jigs with authority. Table fare is good but has higher mercury levels. Here's the secret: use a two-hook rig with wire leader because they'll bite the tail of your bait, and when you hook up, hold on tight for the ride of your life.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These gray, mottled fighters live around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-200 feet - perfect for our offshore trips. They're structure-oriented ambush predators that love live pinfish and mullet, but cut bait works too. What makes them special is the absolute war they wage once hooked - they'll try dragging your bait straight into the rocks. The meat is outstanding, firm and sweet. Season runs June through December, with fall being prime time. Here's your key to success: once you hook one, keep your reel locked tight and pull hard immediately. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you up in the structure and break you off every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are pure speed demons that travel in massive schools, averaging 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds of pure energy. They cruise near the surface in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and baitfish. Fall and spring are money time when they're migrating through our area in huge numbers. Guests love them because they hit hard, run fast, and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills beautifully. These fish are hungry predators that'll slam spoons, jigs, or live bait without hesitation. The key is staying mobile and following the birds - when you see diving action, get there quick. Once you find a school, work it fast with multiple lines because they move constantly and won't stick around long.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the most common grouper we target, averaging 5-10 pounds with rusty red coloration and white spots. They live on muddy and rocky bottoms from 40-300 feet, making them perfect for our 9-mile trips. These are year-round residents, but summer and fall offer the best bite when they're most active. What sets them apart is their incredible table quality - firm, flaky meat with a slight shellfish taste that's absolutely premium. They're aggressive feeders that love live and cut bait, especially shrimp and crab. The fight is solid but manageable compared to other groupers. Pro tip: use circle hooks and keep steady pressure once hooked. They're smart fish that'll try heading for cover, but they won't fight as dirty as their gag cousins.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the silver bullets of the Gulf, reaching 4-6 feet and hitting speeds up to 35 mph. These apex predators hang around structure and open water, usually in the top 50 feet where they hunt in packs. You'll find them year-round here, but spring and fall bring the best action when baitfish are moving. What makes them special? Pure adrenaline - once hooked, they'll make blistering runs and jump like tarpon. The fight is intense but short since they burn out fast. Fair warning: those razor teeth mean business, so we always use wire leaders and handle them carefully. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working bait, cast a shiny spoon into the chaos - barracuda can't resist the flash.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are the perfect starter fish for bottom fishing - colorful pink and silver beauties with yellow stripes that average 12-14 inches. They live around coral reefs and sandy bottoms between 70-230 feet, right in our wheelhouse out here. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love about them is they're aggressive biters but still put up a decent scrap, plus they're absolutely delicious with sweet, flaky meat. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, squid, and cut bait all work great. Here's the thing though: they're curious fish that'll often approach your bait, so keep your hooks sharp and be ready for quick strikes. Night fishing produces bigger ones if you're up for it.
Redington Shores, FL