Private Offshore Charter - 6 Hours Deep Sea
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour private offshore charter targets multiple snapper speciesAll tackle, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning includedOptional shark fishing adds excitement to the adventure
Getting out on a private offshore charter with Nicole Fishing Charters means you're signing up for some serious fishing action. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore - we're talking about a full 6-hour adventure that starts early and gets you into the deep waters where the real fish live. You and up to 5 buddies get the entire boat to yourselves, which means no crowds, no strangers hogging the best spots, and captain's attention focused entirely on putting your group on fish. We kick things off at 6:00 AM sharp because that's when the fish are most active, and trust me, you'll want every minute of this trip once you see what's down there.
Your day starts before sunrise, but there's something magical about watching the coastline disappear as we head into deeper waters. The ride out takes about 30-45 minutes depending on where the fish are holding, and that's when you know you're getting into the good stuff. We're looking for structure, temperature breaks, and all those underwater features that hold baitfish - because where there's bait, there's dinner. The boat comes fully rigged with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, fresh bait, and even your fishing license is covered. Captain Nicole knows these waters like the back of her hand, so while you're getting your lines ready, she's already plotting our course to the hottest spots. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility - if one area isn't producing, we're moving until we find the action.
Most of our time is spent bottom fishing over structure where the snappers and grouper like to hang out. We're talking about 60-120 feet of water, sometimes deeper if that's where the fish are. The technique is straightforward but effective - heavy sinkers to get down through the current, circle hooks to keep the fish pinned, and fresh cut bait or live bait when we can get it. The captain will have you fishing multiple rods per person when it's hot, and you'll learn quick why they call it a "snapper slam" when these fish are feeding. We also keep an eye out for surface action - birds working, bait balls getting hammered - because that's when we break out the spinning gear and go after whatever's causing the commotion. Could be cobia cruising the surface, could be a school of jacks, or if we're really lucky, something with teeth looking for an easy meal.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of this trip, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste even better, and when you find a good school, you can load the cooler in a hurry. They average 3-8 pounds out here, but don't let that fool you - a 5-pound red snapper will give you a workout in 80 feet of water. Best part is they're pretty consistent once you find structure they like. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, but we catch them year-round. What makes them so popular with our guests is they're aggressive feeders and excellent table fare. You'll know you've got one on before you even see it - that distinctive head-shaking fight and the way they try to dive back to the bottom.
Cobia are the wild cards that make every trip exciting. These fish are curious, aggressive, and will absolutely test your drag system. They're sight fishing targets when we spot them cruising near the surface, and that's when things get interesting fast. Cobia can show up anywhere from 20-50 pounds, and they've got the power to match their size. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Best time for cobia is typically spring and fall when they're moving along the coast, but we see them throughout the warmer months. What our anglers love most about cobia is you never know when one might show up, and when it does, it's all hands on deck.
Vermilion snapper keep the action going when things get slow. They're smaller than their red cousins but make up for it in numbers and attitude. These fish school up heavy over structure and will hit just about anything you put in front of them. Great for kids or anyone who just wants to feel that rod bend. Triggerfish are another bonus species that puts up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're tough to hook with their small mouths, but once you get one on, they'll pull like something twice their size. Both species make excellent eating and fill out the cooler nicely.
At $1,500 for up to 6 people, you're looking at $250 per head for a full day of top-shelf offshore fishing. That includes everything - bait, tackle, licenses, fish cleaning, and most importantly, a captain who knows where to find the fish. We run Monday through Saturday, and trust me, the early start is worth it when you're pulling fish over the rail while other boats are still looking for their first bite. Free cancellation with a week's notice means you can book with confidence and watch the weather. This is the kind of trip that turns good days into great memories, and with your own private boat, you're guaranteed the full attention and best spots we know. The fish are out there waiting - question is, when are you coming to get them?
Step aboard our reliable 2000 Grady White 30-footer, your floating base camp for serious offshore action. This center console runs smooth with twin 300HP Yamahas that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 35 knots, getting you to where the Red Snapper and Cobia are biting without burning the whole morning getting there. The boat handles six anglers comfortably with plenty of room to work the rails when the fish are running hot. You'll have GPS and radar to navigate safely, plus a quality fish finder to locate those bottom structures where the big ones hang out. There's even a head onboard for those long days chasing Vermilion Snapper and Triggerfish. Whether you're dropping baits deep or hunting sharks for some serious photo ops, this proven offshore platform gives you the stability and power to make the most of Apache waters. Clean, well-maintained, and built for Florida's demanding offshore conditions.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world - these dark brown bruisers can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them a real trophy catch. They're usually cruising solo around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30 feet or less, though you'll sometimes find them deeper near oil rigs. Spring migration and spawning season from June to August is prime time for sight fishing when they cruise just under the surface. What guests love most is the aggressive strike and bulldogging fight these fish put up. Plus, cobia is top-shelf table fare with firm, flaky meat. My go-to trick is a 4-8 oz bucktail jig worked around structure - color doesn't matter much, but presentation does. Watch for that distinctive shark-like silhouette.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize catch out here - these bright red bottom dwellers average 1-2 feet and pack serious fight when hooked. You'll find them around structure in 30-620 feet of water, and they love rocky bottom and debris where they can ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 50-70 degrees. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that'll try to run you into cover, plus they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: use fresh squid or live pinfish and keep your drag tight. Once they feel the hook, they'll make a beeline for the nearest structure to cut your line.
Montgomery