Full Day Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore adventure targeting multiple bottom fish species 50 miles outLane snapper, vermilion snapper, and red grouper fishing with steady actionSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests maximum
Picture this: you're 50 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by nothing but deep blue water, with your lines dropping into some of the most productive fishing grounds off Clearwater's coast. This isn't your typical half-day trip close to shore – we're talking about a serious 8-hour offshore adventure that'll have you battling some of the Gulf's hardest-fighting fish. With Outlaw Gunner Charters, you'll experience world-class deep-water fishing where the coolers fill up fast and the action stays hot all day long. We're targeting the heavy hitters: greater amberjack, hogfish, mahogany snapper, and gag grouper – fish that'll test your arms and reward your efforts with some of the best table fare you'll ever taste.
Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. We'll cruise out past the nearshore reefs and artificial structures, heading into depths where the big boys live. This is bottom fishing at its finest – we're talking 80 to 150 feet of water where the structure holds serious fish. The ride out gives you time to rig up, grab some coffee, and watch the sun paint the Gulf in colors you don't see from shore. Once we hit our spots, it's game on. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and live baits down to rocky ledges and hard bottom that's been producing fish for decades. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're cranking up a hefty amberjack that's trying to drag you around the boat, the next you're finessing a hogfish off the bottom. With a maximum of 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, and everyone gets their shot at the action.
We're fishing the deep stuff here, so we're using conventional reels loaded with heavy braid – usually 50 to 80-pound test. The current can be tricky this far out, so we'll be using 8 to 16-ounce sinkers to keep your baits in the strike zone. For amberjack, we'll drop large jigs and live pinfish or cigar minnows, while the grouper and snapper respond well to cut bait like sardines and squid. The key to success out here is reading the bottom machine and understanding how these fish relate to structure. Hogfish are finicky – they want smaller baits presented just right, while amberjack will absolutely hammer a big jig worked aggressively near the bottom. I'll have all the tackle you need, from circle hooks sized perfectly for each species to the heavy spinning gear that can handle these bruisers. We'll anchor up on productive ledges and work the bottom methodically, moving when the bite slows down. The Gulf's structure is incredible – underwater cliffs, rock piles, and ledges that concentrate fish like you wouldn't believe.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep – these fish will absolutely wear you out. They typically run 30 to 60 pounds out here, with the bigger fish holding in deeper water around structure. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're incredibly aggressive when feeding. What makes them special is the fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and try to wrap you around any structure they can find. The meat is excellent when prepared right, with a firm texture that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Hogfish are the prize catch for many anglers, and for good reason. These colorful fish are incredibly selective feeders, making them a challenge to hook consistently. They average 3 to 8 pounds in our waters, with the occasional monster pushing double digits. They prefer small live baits or fresh cut shrimp, and you need to stay focused because their bite is often subtle. What sets hogfish apart is the table quality – many consider it the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky white meat that's absolutely phenomenal.
Mahogany snapper are steady producers throughout the year, with fish ranging from 12 to 20 inches being common. They school up around structure and will hit both live and cut baits readily. These fish are underrated fighters for their size, and they're fantastic eating. They respond well to smaller hooks and lighter presentations, making them perfect for keeping the action going between larger fish.
Gag grouper are the kings of the reef, and catching one is always a highlight. These fish are ambush predators that hide in caves and ledges, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. They typically range from 5 to 20 pounds in our area, with the bigger fish being incredibly smart and hard to pull away from structure. The key is getting them up quickly before they can wrap your line around the rocks. Their white, flaky meat is restaurant quality, making them one of the most sought-after species in the Gulf.
This full-day offshore adventure represents some of the best deep-water fishing you'll find in the Clearwater area. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. You're not just booking a fishing trip – you're investing in a top-rated experience that combines serious fishing with the kind of memories that last a lifetime. The combination of world-class fishing grounds, diverse species, and steady action makes this a customer favorite for both local anglers and visitors looking to experience the Gulf at its finest. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the fish are biting, the weather's been great, and your cooler's waiting to be filled with some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Your fishing platform for this deep-water adventure is a reliable 2003 27-foot Grady White center console that's built to handle the Gulf's offshore conditions. Twin 250HP Yamaha engines push this boat to a comfortable 40-knot cruise, getting you to those productive 50-mile fishing grounds efficiently. The spacious center console layout gives all four anglers plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up during the action. This Grady comes equipped with everything needed for a successful bottom fishing trip. The fish finder will help locate those honey holes where the lane snapper and red grouper stack up, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots trip after trip. When the Gulf gets choppy or visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps you fishing safely. An icebox handles your drinks and snacks, plus there's a head onboard for those long 8-hour trips. The wide beam and solid construction mean you'll stay comfortable even when working deep drops in Gulf swells, letting you focus on putting quality eating fish in the cooler.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, typically running 3-15 pounds with occasional monsters pushing 30+. These ambush predators love rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-150 feet, with peak season running October through March when they're feeding heavily before spawn. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight - they'll try to dive straight into the rocks the moment they feel steel. The meat is outstanding, firm and white with a mild flavor that's perfect for grilling. They're structure-oriented fish that won't venture far from cover. Here's the key: once you hook up, lock that drag down and horse them up fast - give them time to think and they'll find a hole to break you off in.
Seriola dumeriliThese powerful fighters average 20-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds in our Gulf waters. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet, especially during cooler months from November through March when they're most active. Amberjacks are aggressive predators that'll slam live bait or heavy jigs without hesitation. What makes them special is that freight-train fight - they'll dive straight for cover the second they feel the hook, testing your drag and your arms. The meat's excellent when properly prepared, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. My tip: keep your reel locked tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge in seconds.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of our most prized catches, averaging 2-8 pounds with that distinctive pig-like snout they use to root around for crabs and shrimp. You'll find them on hard bottom areas, coral heads, and structure in 20-100 feet year-round, though spring and fall fishing is best. What guests love most is the challenge - these guys are notorious bait stealers with lightning-fast reflexes. The payoff is worth it though, as hogfish are hands-down some of the best eating fish we catch. They're curious and will often approach the boat, but hooking them takes finesse. Pro tip: use a small circle hook with live shrimp and keep your drag light - they'll feel any resistance and drop that bait instantly.
Lutjanus MahogoniThese colorful little snappers run 12-18 inches and are perfect for filling out a mixed bag on our offshore trips. Look for them around rocky bottom, coral heads, and structure in 40-200 feet, with best action during summer months when they're most active. They school up during the day and feed heavily at night, making them great targets for our deep drops. Guests enjoy their scrappy fight on light tackle and they make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're not picky eaters and will hit cut bait, shrimp, or small jigs readily. My trick: use a small circle hook with cut sardine and fish right on the bottom near structure - they'll usually be the first to bite.
Clearwater, FL