Bottom & Troll Fishing | 5 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Five-hour private charter targeting multiple offshore speciesBottom fishing and trolling techniques for diverse catch opportunitiesAccommodates up to six passengers with early morning departure
Ready to hit the deep blue for some serious action? This 5-hour private charter with Peacemaker Charters is exactly what you've been looking for. Starting bright and early at 6:00 AM, you'll have the boat all to yourself and up to 5 buddies for $1,250 – that's about $208 per person for a full day of world-class offshore fishing. We're talking about a combination trip that covers all the bases: bottom fishing for those heavyweight reef dwellers and trolling the open water for pelagic speedsters. It's the kind of trip that keeps anglers coming back because you never know what's going to slam your line next.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Five hours gives us the time to really work different areas and techniques, switching things up based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. We'll start by running out to productive bottom structure where the reef fish hang out, then transition to trolling spreads as we cover water looking for pelagics. The beauty of this combo approach is that you're always in the game – if the bottom bite slows down, we're already rigged and ready to put out the trolling spread. The early start time isn't just about beating the heat; dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, and you'll be positioned perfectly to take advantage of that morning bite when fish are most active.
We run the full arsenal of techniques on this trip, and that's what makes it so productive. Bottom fishing means dropping heavy tackle rigs down to structure where the big snappers, groupers, and triggerfish live. We're talking about serious gear here – heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line, circle hooks, and enough weight to get your bait down in the current and keep it there. Jigging and popping come into play when we're working structure for cobia and other predators that like to cruise the mid-water column. The trolling game is a whole different beast – we'll deploy a spread of lures and baits behind the boat as we cover water, targeting everything from king mackerel to mahi mahi to bluefin tuna. The captain knows exactly which lures to run at what speeds, and how to read the water to put you on fish. When something hits the trolling spread, you'll know it – these fish are moving fast and they hit hard.
The variety of species you can encounter on this trip is what makes it special. Skipjack tuna are absolute demons on light tackle – these 5-15 pound rockets will test your drag system and put a serious bend in your rod. They school up in good numbers and once you find them, it's often non-stop action. Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, with their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights. These dolphinfish average 10-30 pounds and are known for their blistering runs and spectacular jumps. Cobia are the bruisers of the bunch – these brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) can push 40-60 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're curious fish that will often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. Bluefin tuna are the holy grail when they're around, with smaller schoolies providing heart-stopping action on heavy tackle. Redfish add inshore flavor to the offshore mix, especially around structure, and these copper-colored battlers never give up easy.
Skipjack tuna might be the smallest tuna species, but don't let their size fool you – pound for pound, these fish fight harder than almost anything else in the ocean. They show up in schools from late spring through fall, and when you find them, you can expect multiple hookups and constant action. What makes them exciting is their speed and stamina; they'll make long, blistering runs that will have your reel screaming. Mahi mahi are every angler's favorite because they're beautiful, delicious, and put on an amazing aerial show. These fish are most active around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. The males (bulls) have distinctive square heads and can reach impressive sizes, while the females (cows) are typically smaller but often travel in schools. Cobia are like underwater submarines – they're curious, powerful, and known for following boats and other large objects. Spring and fall are prime times for cobia, and they're often found around wrecks, buoys, and other structure. What makes them special is their intelligence and fighting ability; they'll use every trick in the book to break you off. Bluefin tuna are the apex predators that every serious angler dreams about. Even the smaller school fish are incredibly strong and fast, known for making long runs that can empty a reel in seconds. They're highly migratory and can show up unexpectedly, making every encounter special. Redfish might seem out of place on an offshore trip, but these copper-colored fighters are often found around nearshore structure and provide consistent action when other species are finicky.
This top-rated 5-hour combo trip gives you the best of both worlds – the excitement of high-speed trolling action and the steady productivity of bottom fishing. With techniques ranging from heavy tackle bottom rigs to light tackle popping, there's something here for every angler regardless of experience level. The $1,250 price point for up to 6 passengers makes this an incredible value when you consider you're getting a private boat, professional captain, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds available. The 6:00 AM start time might seem early, but it puts you on the water when the fish are most active and gives you the full 5 hours to work different techniques and areas. Whether you're looking to target a specific species or
Get ready to fish the deep blue waters aboard this beautifully restored 35-foot Henriques sportfisher! This 1987 classic got a complete makeover in 2022 and now packs twin 240HP Perkins engines that'll cruise you to the hottest fishing spots at 16 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for serious fishing – fish finder to locate the schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and full refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while you scan for birds and baitfish. When you need a break from battling big kings or mahi, kick back with the onboard multimedia system or grab some shade with the air conditioning. There's even a bed, toilet, and kitchen so you can stay comfortable during those long offshore sessions. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for triggerfish and sheepshead or pulling trolling spreads for tuna and cobia, this boat handles it all with classic style and modern reliability.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the ultimate offshore challenge - these powerhouses average 100+ pounds and can reach 400+ pounds of pure muscle. Find them in deep water around structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish concentrations, often 30+ miles offshore. Fall and winter offer prime fishing when they're feeding heavily before migration. What draws anglers is their legendary fight - long screaming runs that test heavy tackle to its limits, plus they're prized for their rich, buttery meat that's perfect for sashimi. These fish require serious preparation and heavy gear. Chunking with fresh bait and trolling cedar plugs work best, but be ready for a battle that can last hours. Local tip: when chunking, keep a steady stream of small baits going and be patient. When they show up, they'll often circle the boat several times before committing to bite.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise near the surface like brown sharks, but don't let that fool you - they're aggressive fighters averaging 30-50 pounds. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best sight fishing opportunities when they're moving through in warmer water. What makes cobia special is their curious nature and willingness to eat almost anything, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat similar to grouper. They often follow rays and sharks, so keep your eyes peeled. Bucktail jigs and live bait work great, but they'll smash topwater too. Here's the key: when you see one, get ahead of where it's swimming and drop your bait right in its path. They rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi put on one of the best light shows you'll see - brilliant gold, green, and blue colors that change as they fight. These fast-growing fish average 15-30 pounds, with bulls showing that distinctive blunt forehead. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, or any structure in deep blue water 20+ miles offshore. Warmer months bring the best action when they're feeding aggressively near the surface. Guests love mahi for their acrobatic jumps, strong runs, and excellent eating - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. They school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. We troll ballyhoo rigs or pitch live bait when we find them. Pro tip: once you hook up, leave one fish in the water while the others cast to the school. That hooked fish acts like a teaser and keeps the school around for multiple hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are easily spotted by their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black eyespots near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, though big bulls can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love shallow structure - oyster bars, grass flats, and around jetties in 1-4 feet of water. Spring and fall fishing is prime when they're actively feeding. What guests love about reds is their powerful runs and bulldogging fight, plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm meat. You'll often see their backs out of water when they're tailing in skinny water. They hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, but soft plastics work great too. Here's a local trick: when you spot a tailing red, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait sit still. They spook easy, so patience pays off big time.
Katsuwonus PelamisThese smaller tunas average 2-3 feet and 20 pounds, but their torpedo-shaped bodies pack serious speed and fight. You'll find them in schools near the surface in warm offshore waters, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. They hit trolled feathers, spoons, and ballyhoo hard, making them perfect for light tackle action. Spring through fall offers the best bite when water temps climb. What makes skipjack special is their aggressive nature - once you hook into a school, the action stays hot. They're also the main tuna in your canned light tuna, so they eat well too. Pro tip: when you spot birds working or see fish breaking the surface, get your hoochie rigs ready and troll through at 4-6 knots. Don't get too close too fast - they spook easily, so circle wide and let your baits drift into the school.
Fort Morgan, AL