Offshore Grouper Fishing - Full Day Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore grouper fishing with trolling and bottom techniquesPrivate charter experience for one guest with Native Fishing ChartersCombination of trolling and bottom fishing methods for grouper species
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and target some serious bottom fish, this full-day offshore grouper charter is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about heading out to the deep structure where the big gag grouper live - those ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom that hold fish in the 15-30 pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 40 pounds or more. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just as the bite picks up. We give you a full day to work the best spots, adjust tactics when needed, and really dial in on where the fish are holding.
Your day starts early with a run out to proven grouper territory - we're talking anywhere from 15 to 40 miles offshore depending on where the fish have been biting. The boat ride gives you time to wake up with some coffee and get your head in the game while we cover serious ground to reach the productive waters. Once we hit our first spot, you'll see why these fish are so addictive to target. We're fishing structure that rises up from depths of 80 to 120 feet, places where gag grouper set up territories and feed heavily on the baitfish and crabs that live around these underwater features. The bite can happen fast out here - one minute you're dropping down, the next you're doubled over fighting a fish that's trying to get back to its cave. With just one angler on board, you get the full attention of the captain and crew, meaning more time with a line in the water and better instruction on reading the bottom and working your baits properly.
We run a combination approach that's proven to put fish in the boat consistently. We'll start by trolling over known structure to locate active schools and mark productive areas, then settle in for some serious bottom fishing once we find where they're holding. The trolling helps us cover water efficiently and often picks up bonus fish like king mackerel, amberjack, and sometimes even a stray cobia. When we switch to bottom fishing, we're using circle hooks with live or cut bait - typically pinfish, grunts, or squid depending on what the fish have been wanting. The key is getting your bait down quickly before the smaller fish strip it, then holding tight when that telltale grouper thump hits your rod tip. These fish don't mess around - they grab your bait and head straight for the rocks, so you've got to be ready to put pressure on them right away. We fish with heavy tackle for good reason - 50 to 80-pound class gear that can handle the initial run and keep you connected during the fight.
Gag grouper are hands down some of the smartest and most challenging fish swimming in offshore waters. These fish are ambush predators that set up shop around structure and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. What makes them so exciting to target is their combination of size, strength, and intelligence - a good gag will average 8 to 15 pounds, but the real trophies can push 30 pounds or more. They're most active during the cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed heavily before their spawn, typically from October through March. The fight is what really gets anglers hooked on grouper fishing - they hit hard, make a powerful run toward the bottom, then dig in and use every rock, ledge, and crevice to their advantage. You'll feel every headshake and direction change as they try to wrap your line around structure or simply overpower your drag. The meat quality is outstanding too - firm, white fillets that are perfect for grilling, blackening, or frying. What really keeps anglers coming back is that each fish feels like a victory - you're not just catching a fish, you're outmaneuvering one of the ocean's craftiest predators on their home turf.
If you're serious about hooking into some quality grouper and want the full offshore experience without sharing the boat with five other anglers, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. The combination of trolling and bottom fishing gives you the best shot at consistent action, while the full-day format means you're not rushed and can really work the productive areas when the bite is on. Native Fishing Charters knows these waters and has the track record to put you on fish, whether you're an experienced grouper angler or someone who wants to step up their offshore game. The single-angler capacity means personalized instruction, more time fishing, and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on conditions and what you want to learn. Book your date now and get ready to experience why offshore grouper fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season - this is the kind of fishing that creates stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Get ready to chase some serious grouper aboard this 27-foot Ameracat power catamaran! This rock-solid fishing machine cuts through offshore waters like butter, giving you the stable platform you need when those big bottom dwellers start pulling. The twin-hull design keeps things steady even when the seas get choppy, so you can focus on working your lines instead of fighting the boat. Packed with all the gear that matters - GPS to mark your honey holes, fish finder to spot the structure where grouper love to hang out, and VHF radio to stay connected. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish. When visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps you safe and on course. Whether you're dropping baits to the bottom or pulling trolling spread, this cat handles it all with impressive fuel efficiency. The wheelchair-accessible design means everyone gets a shot at landing their personal best grouper. Perfect for that solo angler looking to target some serious fish in offshore waters without dealing with crowds.
Crystal River, FL