Half Day Offshore Fishing Trip in Clearwater
Ready to get serious about fishing? This 4-hour offshore adventure with Outlaw Gunner Charters takes you 15 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico where the real action happens. Captain Gage and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming. Whether you're a first-timer or you've been chasing fish for decades, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
What to Expect on the Water
Once you step aboard, you'll notice this isn't your typical fishing charter. The boat comes loaded with comfortable bean bags that make the 17-mile ride to the fishing grounds fly by – trust me, you'll appreciate the comfort when you're battling a king mackerel on the way back. The crew handles everything from rigging your lines to keeping fresh bait coming, so all you need to focus on is hooking up and reeling them in. Spring and fall are absolutely on fire out here, but don't sleep on the summer months either. The evening 4 p.m. departures are pure magic when the afternoon bite kicks in and the Gulf starts cooling down. With only 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for rail space or waiting in line to get your fish in the boat.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Bottom fishing is the name of the game on these offshore grounds. The crew runs multiple rods with different baits and weights to target various depths and species simultaneously. You'll be fishing with medium to heavy tackle – strong enough to handle those big kings and amberjack, but sensitive enough to feel the subtle bites from grunt and sea bass. The captain positions the boat over productive bottom structure and reef systems where these fish congregate. Live bait, cut bait, and jigs all come into play depending on what's biting. The deck hands keep your hooks sharp, bait fresh, and help coach you through the fight when you hook into something substantial. No experience required – they'll teach you everything from proper hook-setting to fighting technique.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"We set out for some serious sport fishing, targeting amberjack, and we crushed it—my wife, with the help of the crew, hauled in a massive 60+ pounder! After that, we switched gears for some food fish and limited out on grunt and sea bass in no time. The boat was perfect for our group of five, and Captain Gage, Noah, and Sea Bass made the trip an absolute blast, taking great care of everyone on board. Top-notch crew, incredible fishing—100% booking with them again!" - James
"Captain and deckhand made us feel completely at home from the start. We booked an inshore trip, but after seeing the bite wasn't as hot as it should be, the captain upgraded us to a deep-sea trip at no extra cost—just to make sure my kids had an unforgettable experience for my daughter's 10th birthday trip from Texas. When I say we were hooking fish every 30 seconds, I'm not exaggerating! The deckhand kept our bait ready and had fish off the hook before we even had time to cast again. Professional, courteous, and beyond accommodating, they made the trip truly special." - Bradley
"We went out on a charter on September 18 and had an absolutely amazing time! The boat was stocked with beanbags that were hands down the most comfortable things ever, making the 17-mile ride to the fishing grounds fly by. Once we arrived, it was nonstop action—pulling up fish for a full hour! The captain and crew were incredibly knowledgeable and made the trip unforgettable." - Michael
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and Clearwater's offshore waters hold some seriously impressive fish. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 50+ pounds. Kings are most active during spring and fall migrations when they're feeding heavily on baitfish schools. What makes them special is their blistering runs – when a king takes your bait, you'll know it instantly as your reel starts singing. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who want both the fight and the feast.
Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish in the Gulf, but they're absolute workhorses when it comes to consistent action and excellent eating. These chunky bottom dwellers typically weigh 1-3 pounds and have a reputation for aggressive feeding. They school up around rocky bottom and structure, making them perfect targets for this type of offshore fishing. Sea bass bite year-round, but they're especially active during cooler months. Their firm, white meat is prized by chefs and home cooks alike.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that provide non-stop action when they're schooled up. Running smaller than their king mackerel cousins at 1-3 pounds, they make up for size with sheer numbers and fighting spirit. These fish are notorious for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times before coming to the boat. Spanish mackerel are most abundant during warmer months and are perfect for anglers who love constant action over trophy hunting.
Red Porgy are one of the Gulf's best-kept secrets among bottom fishing enthusiasts. These deep-water residents typically weigh 2-5 pounds and are known for their distinctive pinkish coloration and strong fighting ability. Porgy are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're most active during fall and winter months when they move into shallower waters to feed. What makes porgy special is their willingness to bite when other species are finicky – they're the reliable producers that keep your cooler full.
Time to
5.0(11 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Clearwater, FL
Professional captain provides all fishing gear and expertise
