Pensacola Wreck Fishing for Trophy Snapper
Shared Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target red snapper, triggerfish, mahimahi and king mackerel on Gulf wrecksShared charter with individual seats available for solo anglersAll fishing gear, rods, reels, bait and tackle provided onboard
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action? This Pensacola fishing charter takes you straight to the productive wreck sites where red snapper, king mackerel, and other Gulf favorites hang out. We're talking about those structure-loving fish that make their homes around sunken vessels scattered across the nearshore waters. Native Son's Charters runs these shared trips when they can fill at least eight seats, so you'll be fishing alongside other anglers who know what they're after. All your gear is covered – rods, reels, bait, and tackle – so just bring yourself and get ready to drop some lines on productive bottom.
This is a shared charter experience, meaning you'll be fishing with other folks who love chasing Gulf species just as much as you do. The captain knows these wreck sites like the back of his hand, and he'll position the boat right where the fish are holding. You're looking at a solid day of bottom fishing mixed with some opportunities for pelagic species when conditions are right. The boat accommodates up to two guests for this particular trip, creating an intimate fishing experience where you'll get plenty of personal attention. Weather plays a big role out here, and the captain won't hesitate to call off the trip if conditions aren't safe or productive. That's the mark of a professional operation that puts safety and fish-catching success above everything else.
Wreck fishing is all about precision and patience. You'll be dropping baited rigs straight down to structure, sometimes in 60 to 100 feet of water where these artificial reefs create perfect habitat. The captain will use his electronics to mark fish and position the boat just right so your bait lands in the strike zone. Heavy tackle is the name of the game here – you need enough backbone to pull snapper and grouper away from the structure before they can cut you off. Circle hooks are standard for bottom fishing, and you'll be using chunks of cut bait that really get the fish fired up. When kings are around, the crew might switch tactics and pull out some live bait or small lures to target those aggressive pelagic hunters cruising the water column above the wrecks.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf wreck fishing, and these Pensacola waters hold some real quality fish. These guys are smart and structure-oriented, holding tight to wrecks and artificial reefs where they can ambush smaller fish. Red snapper season runs during specific times of the year, and when it's open, these fish provide some of the most rewarding bottom fishing you'll find. They fight hard on the way up and make excellent table fare. A good red snapper will pull drag and test your skills, especially when they try to get back to their home on the wreck.
King mackerel bring a completely different energy to the trip. These speed demons patrol the waters around structure, looking for schools of bait fish to crash. Kings can show up any time during the warmer months, and when they're around, the action gets fast and furious. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are essential. A king mackerel will make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming, and they often put on an acrobatic show when hooked. These fish can range from schoolie-sized up to real trophies pushing 40 pounds or more.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These colorful fish are year-round residents around structure, and they're always ready to eat. Lane snapper are perfect for keeping the action steady between bites from larger species. They're scrappy fighters for their size and excellent in the cooler, making them a favorite target for anglers who like consistent action.
Red porgy are one of those underrated species that really shine when you get into them. These deep-bodied fish love hard bottom and structure, often holding in the same areas as snapper but sometimes at slightly different depths. Red porgy have a distinctive look with their pinkish coloration and robust build. They're strong fighters that use their body shape to maximum advantage, and they're outstanding eating fish that many anglers overlook in favor of more famous species.
This shared charter format gives you access to top-rated Pensacola wreck fishing without having to book the entire boat. The captain needs at least eight anglers to make the trip happen, so availability depends on other fishing enthusiasts signing up for the same day. Your deposit locks in your spot, but remember it's non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date. The crew provides all the fishing equipment you need, from heavy bottom rigs to the right bait for whatever species are biting. Call Native Son's Charters directly to check availability and secure your place on this productive Gulf fishing adventure. These wreck sites have been producing quality fish for years, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a nice red snapper or king mackerel up from the depths.
Our well-equipped motorboat gets you to Pensacola's best wreck sites where red snapper and king mackerel are waiting. Built for Gulf fishing with GPS to find those productive spots, plus a fish finder that'll show you what's swimming below. VHF radio keeps us connected out there, and there's an onboard toilet so you can stay comfortable during the trip. The boat handles nearshore waters perfectly, taking you to structures where the big fish hang out. With space for small groups, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up with other anglers. All the fishing gear is ready to go - just bring yourself and get ready to hook into some quality Gulf species around those underwater wrecks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are fast, aggressive fish that'll give you a real fight once hooked. These silver speedsters typically run 10-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 40+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around our nearshore wrecks and structure, especially during spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes them popular is their blistering runs and aerial shows - plus they're great eating with that rich, flaky meat. Kings are known for hitting the back half of live bait, so we always rig with a stinger hook through the tail section of our baits. When trolling or drifting, keep your drag loose at first - they'll spool you if you lock down too tight on that initial run.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are those colorful little scrappers you'll find mixed in with our bottom fishing. Running 10-14 inches and 1-3 pounds, they're smaller than reds but make up for it with attitude. These pink and yellow striped fish hang around the same reefs as red snapper, typically in 60-150 feet. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them, especially March through September during spawning season. Guests enjoy their scrappy fight and the fact that they're not line-shy like some species. The meat is sweet and mild, perfect for the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders, so keep your bait small - shrimp, squid pieces, or cut bait work great. Once you find a school, you can usually load the boat since they travel in good numbers.
Pagrus PagrusRed porgy are one of those underrated fish that really surprise first-time guests. These pale reddish, deep-bodied fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though the bigger ones can hit 8-10 pounds. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 80-200 feet, often mixed with snapper but usually sitting a bit deeper. Spring and summer months are prime time when they're more active. What makes them special is that sweet, delicate white meat that flakes perfectly - some say it's better than snapper. They can be a bit finicky, preferring smaller baits like pieces of squid, clam, or small crabs. Here's the key: red porgy are shy around the boat, so longer leaders and lighter sinkers help. Once the bite slows up shallow, drop down another 20-30 feet where the porgy are waiting.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize fish of our Gulf trips, and for good reason. These deep-bodied beauties average 2-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds on the bigger wrecks. They live around structure in 60-200 feet, holding tight to our artificial reefs and natural bottom. Summer months during snapper season offer the best action, though we catch them year-round. What guests love is their bulldog fight - they'll try to cut your line on every piece of structure they can find. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly. Let them sit on the bottom too long and they'll wrap you around something or get their swim bladders over-expanded.
Pensacola, FL