5.0(2 Reviews)Monster Trip: Big Game Fishing in Clearwater
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing trip targeting giant grouper and sharksSmall group capacity of four guests for personalized attentionDeep-sea adventure focusing on large predator species
When you're ready to test your mettle against the ocean's apex predators, this 6-hour monster trip delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that separates the weekend warriors from serious anglers. We're talking about going toe-to-toe with Goliath grouper that can tip the scales at 400+ pounds, lightning-fast king mackerel, and bull sharks that'll make your drag scream. Captain Gage and his crew at Outlaw Gunner Charters know exactly where these giants hang out in the Gulf waters off Clearwater, and they've got the heavy tackle and local knowledge to put you on fish that'll have your arms burning and your adrenaline pumping.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're hoping for a few snapper to take home for dinner. We're heading to the deep structure and wrecks where the big boys live, usually 15-25 miles offshore where the bottom drops off into serious blue water. You'll be fishing with heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-100 pound test, because when a 500-pound bull shark decides it wants your bait, light tackle becomes expensive bird's nest in a hurry. The crew handles all the rigging and knows exactly how to present baits to these monsters – whether we're dropping live bait to the bottom for grouper or trolling the edges for kings and mahi. Expect to work for these fish; they don't call it a monster trip because the fish are small and cooperative. But that's exactly why anglers from all over Florida keep coming back for more.
We're running heavy conventional gear exclusively on this trip – Penn Internationals and Shimano Tiagras that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. For the grouper, we're talking about straight vertical jigging with 12-16 ounce leads and circle hooks big enough to handle fish that could swallow your cooler. The crew rigs everything with 200-pound fluorocarbon leaders because these fish live around structure that'll cut lighter line without a second thought. When we're targeting kings and mahi, we switch to trolling spreads with deep-diving plugs and rigged ballyhoo, covering water until we mark bait or find debris lines where the predators stack up. For the sharks, it's a whole different game – we're talking about fresh-cut bait on 16/0 circle hooks with wire leaders, because a big bull shark will bite through 200-pound mono like it's sewing thread.
"My recent fishing trip with Outlaw Gunner Charters was nothing short of a 5-star experience from start to finish! Gage and Peyton were outstanding—knowledgeable, professional, and fun, making the trip both exciting and successful. We had nonstop action, landing four impressive sharks, and the entire day ran smoothly thanks to their expertise. If you're looking for a top-tier fishing adventure, I can't recommend this charter enough!" - Danielle
"Friendly crew and very easy to work with. We caught an 8 foot, 500lbs bull shark! Biggest fish I have ever seen in person, let alone catching it." - Ted
Goliath Grouper are the undisputed kings of the bottom around here, and these prehistoric-looking bruisers can exceed 6 feet and 400 pounds. They're curious fish that live around ledges, wrecks, and artificial reefs, and when one decides it wants your bait, you better hang on tight. The best action happens during the summer spawn from July through September when they aggregate around known sites. What makes them so exciting isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. A big goliath will try to get back to its hole in the structure, and stopping one is like trying to turn a Mack truck with a fishing rod. We practice catch and release with these gentle giants since they're protected, but getting one to the boat is a bucket-list experience that'll leave your arms shaking.
King Mackerel are speed demons that patrol the offshore waters year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the real monsters within range. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and weigh 30-50 pounds, and they hit trolled baits like silver bullets. What makes kings so addictive is their initial run – when a big king eats your bait, it's going to peel 200 yards of line in about 15 seconds while jumping and tail-walking across the surface. The Gulf waters off Clearwater are famous for producing tournament-winning kings, especially around the offshore structure where baitfish concentrate. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Mahi Mahi might be the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with their electric blue and gold colors that light up when they're feeding. These fish travel in schools around floating debris, and when you find one, you'll usually find a dozen. They grow fast and fight hard, with fish in the 10-30 pound range being common during peak season from April through October. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fighting style – they'll jump, spin, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing their phones. Plus, they're arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and the offshore waters around Clearwater hold some real monsters. During snapper season (which varies by federal regulations), we target fish in the 8-15 pound range around structure in 80-120 feet of water. These fish are smart and finicky, requiring precise presentations and sharp reflexes to set the hook before they steal your bait. What makes sn
Your fishing platform for this Clearwater adventure is a reliable 2003 27-foot Grady White center console that's built to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you. Twin 250HP Yamaha engines will get you out to the productive waters at a solid 40 knots, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to four anglers without anyone getting tangled up during the action. Essential gear includes a fish finder to locate those snapper schools, GPS to mark your hotspots, and radar for those afternoon weather changes that roll through Florida waters. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the extended trip. The center console design gives everyone room to move around when fighting fish, and there's even a head onboard for those long days chasing mackerel and whatever else decides to bite. This setup has proven itself in Clearwater's offshore waters, delivering anglers to the fish consistently and safely.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive fish are true ocean giants, reaching up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. Around Clearwater, we find them near reefs, wrecks, and structures in 40-150 feet of water. They're ambush predators that hang around the same spots year-round, making them reliable targets. What makes them special is that intense first run - they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole. The fight is short but brutal. Remember, all Goliath grouper must be released immediately due to conservation laws, but the photo opportunity with these gentle giants is worth it. My tip: use heavy tackle and keep constant pressure to pull them away from structure right after the hookup.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot range along drop-offs and structure during cooler months, especially fall through early spring. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll scream line off your reel on blazing runs. Guests love them because they fight hard and make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. We usually troll with live bait or spoons, but here's a local trick: use a stinger hook setup when live baiting because kings often hit the tail section of your bait first. Wire leader is a must - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, also called false albacore or bonito, are 8-15 pound torpedo-shaped fish that show up in schools near shore during fall and winter. They hang around jetties, inlets, and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water, often feeding aggressively on baitfish. These guys are pure fun on light tackle - they'll make screaming runs and fight way above their weight class. While their dark, red meat isn't everyone's favorite, they're perfect for those wanting fast action and sport. We catch them trolling small spoons or casting to surface-feeding schools. Local tip: listen for the commotion when they're feeding - they get loud and create quite a splash when tearing through baitfish schools.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with brilliant gold and green colors that change as they fight. They typically run 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps hit the upper 70s. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. We usually troll ballyhoo or pitch live bait to schools. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly - mahi are schoolfish and others will often come up to investigate, giving you multiple shots.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds with some real slabs pushing 15+ pounds. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water year-round, though summer brings the best bite during our legal season. These fish are scrappy fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked. Guests love targeting them because they're challenging to catch and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. We fish them with heavy tackle and fresh bait like squid or pinfish. Here's the key: drop your bait right to the bottom and be ready to muscle them up quickly before they wrap you around structure.
5.0 out of 5.0My recent fishing trip with Outlaw Gunner Charters was nothing short of a 5-star experience from start to finish! Gage and Peyton ...
Friendly crew and very easy to work with. We caught an 8 foot, 500lbs bull shark! Biggest fish I have ever seen in person, let al...
Clearwater, FL