Extended Half Day Offshore Fishing in Clearwater
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this extended half-day trip with Outlaw Gunner Charters takes you where the big fish live. We're talking 20-30 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico, where the water runs deep blue and the bottom structure holds everything from hefty red grouper to tasty vermilion snapper. Captain Gage and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've built a reputation for putting anglers on fish consistently. With room for up to 4 guests, this trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure and productivity - you'll have enough time to get into multiple species without feeling rushed.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical inshore grind - we're heading to the real fishing grounds where structure and current create perfect hunting conditions. The ride out gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game while Captain Gage shares intel about what's been biting and where we're likely to find them. Once we reach our first spot, expect steady action as we work the bottom for grouper and snapper, then move around to different structures based on what the fish are telling us. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to navigation and fish-finding, but you'll be hands-on with the actual fishing - from setting the hook to battling these hard-fighting Gulf species back to the boat.
Bottom Fishing Tactics & Gear
We're primarily bottom fishing on this trip, using heavy tackle that can handle both the depth and the muscle these offshore species pack. The crew sets you up with conventional reels spooled with enough line to reach 80-120 feet of water, depending on where the fish are holding. You'll be dropping cut bait and live bait down to rocky ledges and artificial reefs where grouper like to ambush prey, while snapper cruise the mid-water column looking for an easy meal. The key is feeling the bite through all that line and water, then setting the hook hard enough to drive it home before these smart fish can spit your offering. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - Noah and the crew are there to coach you through every step, from reading your rod tip to pumping and winding technique that saves your arms during longer fights.
Customer Stories
"If you're searching for the ultimate fishing experience, look no further than Outlaw Gunner Charters! Captain Gage and deckhand Noah were absolutely top-notch. After three other trips, we've found our go-to crew and won't be booking with anyone else! I told Captain Gage exactly what we were looking for, and he delivered big time—monster fish and an epic fight! My arms are still sore! We'll definitely be back—Cap's knowledge and skill are unmatched, and he knows how to put you on the fish. Noah was not only super helpful but also hilarious, making the trip even more fun. It was my wife's first time fishing, and thanks to Noah's guidance, she's completely hooked! Can't wait for the next adventure!" - Brandon
"What an amazing experience! We booked the monster trip and it didn't disappoint. 350lb Goliath Grouper, Amberjack, Cobia and Barracuda all caught in our 4 hour trip. They definitely know what their doing, friendly and fun. I'm using them again next year when we come back to Florida, highly recommend." - Brad
"We had a great 6hr trip with captain Gage and frist mate Noah. We were on fish from the time we reach out our destination until we had to head back. Awsome day looking forward to coming back to fish with them again." - Jon
Target Species You'll Hook
Red Grouper are the kings of these offshore ledges, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 20+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size, using every rocky crevice and ledge to their advantage. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though you'll find keeper-sized fish year-round if you know where to look. What makes red grouper so special is their incredible strength combined with their tendency to dive straight for cover the second they feel the hook. You've got maybe three seconds to turn their head before they wrap you up in the rocks, which makes every hookup a real test of angling skill and tackle strength.
Vermilion Rockfish might not have the raw power of grouper, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and fantastic table fare. These gorgeous red and pink fish school up around the same structures as grouper, often providing steady action when other species are being finicky. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, and they're particularly active during dawn and dusk hours. What anglers love about vermilion snapper is their willingness to bite and their perfect eating size - most fish run 12-16 inches, which means great fillets without the waste of larger fish.
Lane Snapper are the perfect species for keeping rods bent when the bigger fish are playing hard to get. These smaller cousins of red snapper are abundant year-round and absolutely fearless when it comes to taking baits. They rarely exceed 14 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight-to-weight ratio. Lane snapper are also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the frying pan or grill. They're particularly active during summer months and provide great action for newer anglers learning offshore techniques.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, though seasons and regulations change frequently. When they're open, these fish provide some of the most rewarding offshore fishing you'll find anywhere. Adult red snapper are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful fish that can live over 50 years and reach impressive sizes. They're structure-oriented like grouper but tend to suspend higher in
5.0(5 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Clearwater, FL
Offshore fishing 20
