8 Hour Deep Sea Fishing - Redington Shores
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple saltwater speciesProfessional equipment provided for Barracuda, Grouper, and Tuna fishingSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximum
Get ready to hit the deep waters off Florida's Gulf Coast for some serious saltwater action. This 8-hour charter takes you 9 miles offshore where the big fish roam and every cast counts. You'll be fishing prime Gulf waters that local anglers have relied on for decades, targeting everything from aggressive barracuda to prized grouper. With all gear provided and a full day on the water, this trip gives you the best shot at landing multiple species in one epic day.
Your day starts early at Redington Shores, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's biting. The 9-mile run offshore puts you in 60-80 feet of water where structure holds fish year-round. This isn't your typical nearshore trip - we're talking about real Gulf fishing where the water changes from green to blue and you know you're in fish country. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques. Weather permitting, you'll spend a solid 8 hours working productive bottom structure, ledges, and artificial reefs that consistently produce fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the spots that are firing. Pack your own lunch and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to worry much about eating.
Bottom fishing is the name of the game out here, and all your tackle comes with the trip. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, because when a big gag grouper decides to head for the rocks, you need the muscle to turn him. Circle hooks are standard for the grouper and snapper - they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut hooking. For the mackerel and barracuda, expect to troll with spoons, plugs, and live bait when available. The key is reading the electronics and working the structure properly. Drop your bait right on the edge of the ledge, not in the sand. Keep your drag set correctly - tight enough to set the hook but loose enough that a big king mackerel won't snap you off on the initial run. When bottom fishing, feel for that tick-tick-tick of a snapper or the solid thump of a grouper inhaling your bait. The captain will coach you through it, but being ready when that rod tip starts dancing makes all the difference.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and they'll test your reflexes every time. These silver bullets can stretch 4-5 feet and hit a trolled lure like a freight train. They're most active during warmer months and love to patrol the edges of structure where smaller fish gather. What makes them special is the pure aggression - a barracuda strike will get your heart pumping and remind you why offshore fishing beats sitting on the couch. Their razor teeth mean you need wire leaders, but the fight is worth every precaution.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red snapper cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that keep the action steady. These yellow-striped beauties run 12-16 inches typically and bite year-round in our Gulf waters. They're perfect for kids and beginners since they're aggressive biters, but don't underestimate their fight on light tackle. Lane snapper are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who want to take dinner home.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that love to hit small spoons and jigs. Peak season runs spring through fall, and when they're schooled up, you can catch them one after another. They average 2-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. The silver sides and yellow spots make them beautiful fish, and their white, flaky meat is perfect for the grill. They're also great bait for bigger fish when the bite slows down.
Gag Grouper are the prize of Gulf bottom fishing, with their mottled brown colors and bulldog attitude. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and will immediately head for the nearest rock pile when hooked. Gags are most active during cooler months and require heavy tackle and quick reflexes. The moment you feel that bite, you need to winch them up before they get into structure. Their firm white meat makes them a top choice for dinner, which is why they're so popular with serious anglers.
Red Grouper are the classic Gulf bottom fish, with their brick-red coloration and big mouths. They're typically more cooperative than gags, often coming up without the same structure-hugging fight. Reds bite best on cut bait and live pinfish, and they're active year-round in our waters. A 15-20 pound red grouper is a trophy that will feed the whole family, and their mild flavor makes them perfect for any recipe.
King Mackerel are the ultimate Gulf Coast game fish, capable of blazing runs that will test your equipment and skills. These silver torpedoes can exceed 30 pounds and are most active during spring and fall migrations. Kings love live bait and trolled baits, and when one hits, you'll know it immediately. The initial run can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, and the fight often includes spectacular jumps. They're also outstanding eating when prepared fresh, making them the perfect combination of sport and table fare.
This 8-hour offshore adventure gives you the best chance to experience real Gulf Coast fishing at its finest. With 6 different target species and proven fishing grounds, you're looking at a day that combines consistent action with trophy potential. The all-inclusive tackle setup means you just show up ready to fish, while the experienced local knowledge puts you on productive water from the start. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing, this trip delivers
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this fully-equipped offshore fishing machine! This motorboat handles the 9-mile run to the fishing grounds with ease, powered by reliable engines and guided by GPS and radar systems. The fish finder will help locate schools of Grouper, Snapper, Tuna, Barracuda, and Mackerel in the deeper waters off Redington Shores. Stay comfortable during your 8-hour adventure with onboard air conditioning, plus a full galley with refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait activity. When you need a break from fighting fish, there's a proper head, shower, and even sleeping quarters if someone wants to rest up for the next bite. With space for 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of room to work their lines without tangling. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring your appetite for some serious Gulf Coast action. The captain knows these waters and will put you on the fish while you enjoy the amenities of this well-appointed fishing platform.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed merchants that'll make your reel scream like nothing else. These olive-green torpedoes average 30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. We find them in 40-150 feet over structure and drop-offs, following bait schools throughout the water column. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84°F and they're most active. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - they're one of the fastest fish in the Gulf. Plus, they're great eating when prepared fresh. The challenge is that explosive strike followed by long, powerful runs that test your drag and your arms. Here's the trick: use a double-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Kings hit the tail first, so that trailing hook is crucial for hook-ups.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bruisers hiding around every wreck and ledge out here. These gray, marbled fish average 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet around hard bottom, reefs, and offshore structure. Spring and summer offer the best fishing when they're most active. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole and break you off in the rocks. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. All start life as females, then change to males as they mature, which is pretty unique. Here's the secret: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down. Keep that rod tip up and reel like your life depends on it for the first 30 seconds.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that travel in massive schools, making for some fast-paced action when we find them. These silvery fish with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds, swimming at incredible speeds near the surface. We target them from spring through fall around structures, flats, and drop-offs in 10-50 feet of water. They're fantastic fighters despite their size, and the meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, smokes, or fries beautifully. When they're schooling, you can catch them one after another. The key is staying mobile and watching for diving birds or bait balls on the surface. Once you spot a school, drift into position quietly - these fish spook easily if you motor right up on them. Light tackle with small spoons works best.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the most common grouper we target, and for good reason - they're willing biters and excellent eating. These rusty-red fish with white spots average 5-10 pounds but can push 50+ pounds and four feet long. They hang around rocky bottom, reefs, and ledges in 10-300 feet, though we catch most in 30-100 feet. Year-round fishing is good, but avoid January through April when they're spawning and season is closed. What guests love is their aggressive nature - they'll hammer live or cut bait, especially shrimp and crab. The fight is classic grouper: short but powerful runs trying to reach cover. The meat has that sweet, shellfish-like taste that makes them a favorite dinner fish. My tip: use circle hooks and once you feel that thump, just start reeling steadily - no hook set needed.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the apex predators out here, reaching 4-6 feet and hitting 35mph in short bursts. These silver bullets hang around wrecks and reefs in 20-100 feet, using their razor-sharp teeth to ambush everything from sardines to small tuna. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes them special? That explosive strike and screaming run will test your drag like nothing else. They're curious fish too - often following the boat before deciding to hit. Here's the trick: when trolling, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds first, then slam it home. Those teeth can cut through wire, so heavy leader is a must if you want to land one.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are the perfect starter fish - pink and silver beauties with yellow racing stripes running head to tail. Most run 10-14 inches and 3-7 pounds, making them ideal for light tackle fun. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with good vegetation in 70-230 feet, though we catch plenty in shallower water too. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavily. What guests love is how aggressive they are - not spooky like other snappers, and they put up a solid scrap once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: they feed most actively at night, so if the bite slows during the day, try dropping some cut shrimp or squid right at dusk.
Redington Shores, FL