Deep-Sea Bottom Fishing off Pensacola
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Deepsea bottom fishing targeting impressive offshore speciesSmall group charter accommodates maximum four guestsFlexible departure times based on optimal weather conditions
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Gulf of Mexico, this bottom fishing charter delivers exactly what anglers dream about. Captain and crew from Perdido Key Fishing Charters – II know these waters like the back of their hand, taking you to productive bottom structure where trophy fish hang out. You'll be fishing the deeper waters off Pensacola where big grouper, hefty drum, and other prized species call home. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about real offshore fishing where every drop could be the fish of a lifetime. The boat handles up to 4 anglers, so you've got plenty of room to work without bumping elbows.
Your day starts with the captain making the final call on departure time based on weather and tide conditions – that's how you know you're fishing with professionals who put safety and success first. Once we clear the pass and head into the Gulf, you'll understand why Pensacola has built such a reputation for world-class bottom fishing. The ride out gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game before we reach the fishing grounds. When we hit our spots, you'll be dropping heavy sinkers and big baits down to structure that holds some serious fish. The captain will position the boat over productive bottom, and that's when the real fun begins. Every angler gets a shot at the prime fishing, and with only 4 people max, you're not fighting for deck space or the captain's attention.
Bottom fishing in the Gulf means using the right tackle and technique to reach fish holding 60 to 100+ feet down. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line, stout rods that can handle big fish and strong currents, and enough weight to keep your bait planted on the bottom. The crew will have you rigged up with circle hooks and fresh bait – typically squid, cut bait, or live offerings depending on what's working that day. The key is getting your bait down to the structure where grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers are feeding. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish pickup and your sinker bouncing on the rocks. When something grabs hold down there, you'll know it immediately – these fish don't mess around when they decide to eat.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of this fishery, and while they're typically caught higher in the water column, they're absolute blast on light tackle. These fish run anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They're most active during the warmer months and love to hit fast-moving baits. When you hook one, get ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and the way they can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes.
Gag Grouper are the prize everyone's after when bottom fishing these waters. These bruisers can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40+ pounds and they know how to use every ounce of that weight against you. Gags are ambush predators that hang around structure, waiting for an easy meal to drift by. Fall and winter are prime time for these fish, and they're notorious for making one powerful run straight back to the rocks when hooked. The fight is all about keeping them out of the structure – lose that battle and you're probably losing your fish and tackle.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the Gulf, with big fish commonly weighing 20 to 50+ pounds. These fish are bottom huggers that use their broad sides and powerful tails to wage war against your tackle. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. What makes drum fishing so addictive is the way they fight – no fancy jumps or speed runs, just pure, stubborn power that will test your endurance and your drag system.
Redfish in the offshore waters are a different animal than their inshore cousins. These copper-colored fighters average 15 to 30 pounds and they're famous for their bulldogging runs. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, and when you find them, you've often found a school. Reds are prized not just for their fighting ability but also for their excellent table fare. They're one of those fish that anglers target specifically because they deliver both excitement and dinner.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the wildcards of any offshore trip. These colorful speedsters can show up almost any time during the warmer months, and when they do, it's game on. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays and blazing fast runs. They typically run 10 to 25 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish are always possible. What makes mahi so special is their unpredictability – you might be bottom fishing for grouper when a school of dolphin appears and turns the whole trip upside down in the best possible way.
This bottom fishing charter offers everything serious anglers want: experienced crew, productive fishing grounds, and the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's top-rated game fish. The 4-person capacity means you're getting a more personalized experience than those crowded party boats, and the captain's flexibility with timing ensures you're fishing when conditions are right. Whether you're after a trophy gag grouper or just want to experience what real offshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The combination of diverse species and proven techniques makes this a customer favorite for both experienced anglers and those ready to step up their fishing game. Don't wait around – spots fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and everyone wants in on the action.
This 2021 24' Skeeter Bay Boat cuts through Pensacola's offshore waters with serious power, thanks to its 300HP Yamaha engine hitting speeds up to 58 knots. Built for bottom fishing adventures, she's equipped with everything you need to find and land your catch - GPS navigation guides you to the best spots while the fish finder shows what's swimming below. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those long fishing days. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without bumping elbows. The captain adjusts departure times based on weather and tides, so you're fishing when conditions are prime for pulling up snapper, grouper, and whatever else is biting on the bottom.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some reaching 50-plus. These bottom feeders love oyster beds, mudflats, and shallow bays where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning in 5-15 feet of water. What guests love is their surprising power - they'll make long, steady runs that test your drag. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger fish get tough and stringy. Fresh blue crab is the ticket, but don't overlook cut mullet or shrimp. Pro tip: listen for their drumming sound underwater - it sounds like a motor boat idling. When you hear that, drop your bait right there because you've found the school.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are bottom dwellers that typically run 20-30 inches and fight like they're twice that size. Look for them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-120 feet of water. They love hiding spots and ambush their prey. Spring and fall produce the best action when they move up from deeper water to feed. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial strike and their bulldogging fight as they try to get back to the rocks. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for any recipe. These fish are smart - they'll inspect your bait. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, but here's the key: once you feel that bite, lock down your drag and horse them up immediately. Give them any slack and they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are offshore speedsters that average 15-30 pounds and put on a color show like no other fish. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100-1000 feet of water. Summer months are best when they follow the warm water north. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors from gold to green to blue. The meat is firm, mild, and perfect for grilling. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Trolling ballyhoo or rigged squid works great, but here's my trick: once you hook the first one, leave it in the water while others cast to the school. Mahi are curious and will stay around their hooked buddy, giving everyone a shot at the action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of shallow water fishing, averaging 20-35 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 1-6 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing here, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their explosive strikes on topwater and that bronze flash as they fight in skinny water. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. The secret is staying quiet and making long casts. These fish spook easily in shallow water, so kill your motor and pole or drift into position. Once you find one, work the area thoroughly because they usually travel in groups.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving, schooling fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. You'll spot them by their silver bodies with yellow oval spots and that greenish back. They love surface waters near structure, weedlines, and drop-offs, usually within 20 miles of shore. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. These speedsters put up a great fight with screaming runs, and the meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, fries, or smokes beautifully. When you find a school, work fast because they move constantly. My go-to trick is using small spoons or jigs trolled at 6-8 knots. Once you hook one, keep your line in the water because where there's one mackerel, there's usually a whole bunch more ready to bite.
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