50 Mile Offshore Fishing Trip-Full Day
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing trip targeting grouper and mahimahiExpert guides navigate up to 50 miles from Crystal RiverSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
Want to experience the real deal when it comes to deep water fishing off Crystal River? This full-day offshore adventure takes you 50 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, where the water gets deep blue and the fish get serious. We're talking about an 8-hour charter that targets some of the most prized species in these waters. With our experienced captain at the helm and top-notch gear ready to go, you'll have everything you need to land the fish of a lifetime. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the offshore grounds where the big boys live.
Your day starts early, meeting us at the dock before sunrise to make the most of prime fishing hours. The ride out to our fishing grounds takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to wake up with some coffee and watch the sun come up over the Gulf. Once we reach the 50-mile mark, you'll notice the water color change to that deep sapphire blue that offshore anglers live for. The boat carries up to 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from our crew. We fish multiple spots throughout the day, moving around to find where the fish are biting. Don't worry about bringing tackle – we've got everything covered with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal gear you'll need. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish using proven techniques and local knowledge that only comes from years of fishing these same grounds.
We use a combination of trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your chances out there. Trolling works great for pelagic species like King Mackerel and Cobia – we'll pull a spread of lures and live bait behind the boat at different depths and distances. When we find structure or good bottom, we'll anchor up and drop down for species like Grouper, Hogfish, and Black Sea Bass. The gear is matched to what we're targeting, from heavy spinning tackle for bottom fishing to lighter setups when we're working the middle of the water column. Live bait is king out here, and we come prepared with plenty of pinfish, sardines, and whatever else is running fresh. Circle hooks are standard for most bottom fishing to help with fish survival, and we'll show you the proper techniques if you're not familiar. The electronics on board include fish finders, GPS, and radar to help us locate structure and schools of bait fish that attract the gamefish we're after.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Crystal River's waters hold some real monsters. These fish typically run from 15 to 40 pounds in our area, with larger specimens showing up during peak season from spring through fall. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, making them one of the most exciting fish to battle on medium tackle. Kings love to make long runs and jump, giving you a fight you won't forget. The trick is getting them to the boat without getting cut off – their teeth can slice through mono like butter.
Hogfish are hands down one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, and they're a real prize when you hook into one. These guys are bottom dwellers that love structure and hard bottom areas. They can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon in deeper waters. Hogfish are smart and can be finicky, often requiring a delicate presentation with live or fresh cut bait. Their unique appearance with the elongated snout and vibrant colors makes them a favorite for photos before they hit the cooler.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world, known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting style. These brown sharks (as some call them) can reach massive sizes, with fish over 50 pounds caught regularly in our area. Spring and early summer are prime time for Cobia, when they move through our waters in good numbers. They're curious fish that will often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing – one of the most exciting ways to target them.
White Margate are underrated fighters that provide steady action when other species are being finicky. These silver beauties typically run 2 to 8 pounds and are excellent table fare. They school up around structure and can provide non-stop action once you dial in the right depth and bait presentation. Margate are perfect for newer anglers to cut their teeth on, but don't let their size fool you – they fight hard for their weight.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than some of the other target species, but they make up for it with numbers and taste. These bottom dwellers are structure oriented and can be found around rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs. They're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of baits, making them a reliable species when the fishing gets tough. Sea Bass season has specific regulations, so we always stay current on the rules to ensure a legal and sustainable fishery.
This 50-mile offshore adventure represents some of the best deep water fishing Crystal River has to offer. With our experienced crew, quality equipment, and proven fishing grounds, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the dock. The diversity of species and fishing techniques keeps things interesting all day long, whether you're a seasoned angler or new to offshore fishing. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and drinks for the day – we provide the fishing expertise and gear, but meals aren't included. The early morning start and full 8-hour day means you'll get maximum time on the water when the fishing is at its peak. Book now to secure your spot on this top-rated offshore charter and experience why anglers keep coming back to fish these productive Gulf waters with Native Fishing Charters.
Your 27-foot Ameracat power catamaran cuts through Gulf waters like butter, delivering you and three fellow anglers to productive fishing grounds up to 50 miles offshore from Crystal River. This stable twin-hull design handles choppy seas with ease while you hunt for grouper, mahi-mahi, and whatever else is biting in deeper waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need stealth, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools below. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation on those early morning runs to the fishing grounds, and the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and marine traffic. Built for serious offshore fishing, this cat's fuel efficiency means more time with lines in the water instead of burning through gas. The wheelchair-accessible layout welcomes all anglers ready to test their skills against Gulf Coast gamefish during this full-day adventure.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable fighters and fantastic eating - perfect for families since they're not too big but still fun to catch. Most run 2-4 pounds, though the big males can hit 8+ pounds and turn bright blue with a pronounced hump during spawning season. These grouper relatives love structure - wrecks, reefs, rocky bottom in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. They're born female and change to male as they grow, which is pretty cool. What makes them great targets is they're aggressive bottom feeders that'll hit squid, cut bait, or small jigs. The fight is solid until they break the surface, then they give up. Here's my tip: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid strips - they can't resist it and you'll often double up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are bruisers that fight like bulldogs and taste even better. These brown, shark-looking fish average 6 feet and can hit 100+ pounds around here. They're loners, not schooling fish, so when you spot one cruising the surface there's usually more nearby. Spring migration from March through May is peak season when they move through our waters heading north. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs from shallow water down to 300 feet. What guests love is the sight fishing - watching these giants cruise just under the surface before the hookup. They're incredible table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to trick is a 6-8 oz bucktail jig in any color. When you see one, get that jig down fast and work it aggressively - cobia are curious and aggressive feeders.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most prized catches out here, and for good reason - they taste better than grouper with that sweet, mild flavor. These wrasse family members grow up to 3 feet and 22 pounds, using their pig-like snouts to root through hard bottom for crabs and shellfish. You'll find them around coral reefs, ledges, and rock piles in 10-100 feet of water. They're curious fish that'll actually swim up to check you out, but hooking them takes quick reflexes since they're fast strikers. Best months are warmer water periods when they're most active. Here's the secret: make some noise. Tap the hull or drop something heavy - the vibrations attract them thinking there's food around. Live shrimp or mud crabs work best on small hooks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a real workout. They average around 30 pounds, but we've seen them push 90+ pounds out here. These speed demons cruise the 40-150 foot depths, hunting blue runners, jacks, and squid. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they're nearly as fast as wahoo. Plus, they're excellent eating with that rich, flaky meat. The key trick? Use a two-hook rig on wire leader - one hook in the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish. They're curious and aggressive, making them perfect for our offshore runs.
Haemulon AlbumWhite margate are the biggest of the grunt family and make excellent table fare - think red snapper meets hogfish. These silver-gray fish with the rubbery lips typically run 10-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 30 inches and almost 20 pounds. They hang around reefs and wrecks during the day in 50-150 feet of water, then move over sand flats to feed at night. Since they're nocturnal feeders, your best shot is early morning or late evening trips. They're not big fighters, but what they lack in battle they make up for on the dinner plate. The meat is light, moist, and delicious. Best technique is bottom fishing with small circle hooks and cut bait or live shrimp around structure. Pro tip: if the meat smells strong, just soak it in salt water for 30 minutes - removes any odor completely.
Crystal River, FL