15-Hour Offshore Marathon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
15hour deepsea charter targeting marlin and yellowfin tunaDeparts 2am to reach Gulf oil rigs by sunriseAccommodates six anglers with tackle and licenses included
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip. When you sign up for our 15-hour marathon charter with Proud Pelican Charters, you're committing to the real deal – a serious offshore adventure that separates the weekend warriors from the hardcore anglers. We're talking about a 2:00 AM departure that gets you to the deep-sea oil rigs by first light, when the big fish are actively feeding. This is bucket-list fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, targeting elite gamefish like Blue Marlin, Atlantic Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi. With our boat's 100-mile range and high cruising speed, we can reach the prime fishing grounds that day-trippers simply can't access. Your group of up to six anglers gets the entire boat, all heavy-duty tackle, and the expertise of our seasoned crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
Let's be honest – this trip isn't for everyone. Starting at 2 AM means you're going to be tired, but that early departure is what puts you on fish when other boats are still tied to the dock. We'll cruise out in darkness, timing our arrival at the offshore structure for dawn patrol when billfish and tuna are most active. The ride out takes us through multiple depth zones, and depending on conditions, we might make strategic stops for bait or work some ledges for Grouper and Snapper on the way. Once we hit the deep water around the oil rigs and seamounts, it's game time. You'll be trolling high-speed lures, working live bait around structure, and staying ready for those heart-stopping moments when a marlin comes up behind the boat. The Gulf of Mexico's offshore waters are legendary for a reason – this is where world-class gamefish roam, and on any given day, you could hook into the fish of a lifetime. Expect long periods of anticipation punctuated by explosive action that'll get your adrenaline pumping.
Out here in the blue water, we're running a serious spread of lures and baits designed to attract apex predators. We'll be pulling large offshore trolling lures – think horse ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and high-speed wahoo bombs – at speeds between 7-12 knots depending on what we're targeting. The tackle is all heavy-duty stuff: 50-80 pound class rods with reels that can handle long, screaming runs from billfish and tuna. We'll also deploy live bait when conditions are right, using circle hooks and wind-on leaders that give us the best shot at landing these powerful fish. The oil rigs and natural bottom structure hold baitfish, which in turn attract the predators we're after. Our fish finder and GPS keep us positioned over productive water, but reading the signs – bird activity, water color changes, floating debris – is just as important. When we mark fish or see surface activity, we'll adjust our spread accordingly, maybe switching to lighter tackle for Mahi or dropping down some vertical jigs for anything holding deep on the structure.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate prize in Gulf waters, with fish ranging from 200-pound juveniles to genuine granders that can top 500 pounds. These apex predators cruise the deep water around oil platforms and drop-offs, feeding on tuna, wahoo, and large baitfish. Summer months from June through September offer the best shot at blues, when warm water currents bring them close to the Florida Panhandle. When a blue marlin comes up on the spread, everything changes – this is what serious offshore anglers live for. The initial run can peel off 300 yards of line in seconds, and the fight that follows tests both angler skill and equipment limits.
Atlantic Sailfish are more common than marlin but no less exciting to catch. These acrobatic billfish typically run 40-80 pounds in Gulf waters and are famous for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Sailfish often travel in small schools, so when you hook one, there's always the possibility of multiple hookups. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, when they move closer to shore following bait schools. The Gulf's sailfish are particularly aggressive, making them perfect targets for both live bait and high-speed trolling techniques.
Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf are built like torpedoes and fight like freight trains. These fish typically range from 40-150 pounds in our waters, with occasional giants pushing 200-plus. Yellowfins are structure-oriented, holding around oil rigs and underwater mountains where they feed on smaller tuna, flying fish, and squid. They're year-round residents but peak during summer months when bait is most abundant. What makes yellowfins special is their incredible stamina – even a 60-pound fish will test your endurance with long, powerful runs and dogged resistance all the way to the boat.
Mahi Mahi (or dolphin fish) are the most colorful fighters in the Gulf, with their brilliant gold and green sides lighting up when hooked. These fast-growing fish typically run 10-30 pounds, though bulls can reach 50-plus. Mahi are structure and debris oriented, often found around floating sargassum, logs, or any floating object that attracts small baitfish. They're most abundant from spring through fall, and what makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays. Plus, they're arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and table fare.
White Marlin are the smallest of the Gulf billfish but pound-for-pound among the most athletic. These fish typically run 50-100 pounds and are known for their incredible jumping ability and never-give-up attitude. They prefer slightly cooler water than their blue marlin cousins
This 35-foot Express Sport fisher is built for serious Gulf fishing with twin 440hp Yanmar engines that cruise at 30 knots, getting you to the productive oil rigs fast. The 2017 electronics package includes GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those deep-water gamefish. With a flybridge for spotting fish and trolling spread management, plus a comfortable cabin featuring AC, kitchen, bed, and head, this boat handles 15-hour marathons with ease. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during long runs to the 100-mile range. Perfect for up to 6 anglers targeting marlin, tuna, and wahoo in the deep blue Gulf waters off Pensacola.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are some of the fastest predators in the Gulf, hitting speeds around 30+ mph with that iconic sail dorsal fin. These beauties average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, though we've seen bigger. They love warm surface waters between 30-65 feet, often around floating debris or temperature breaks. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when water temps hit that sweet spot of 75-80°F. What makes them special? That fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're gorgeous table fare. Here's a tip: when you see that sail come up behind your bait, don't get excited and yank. Let them eat it, count to five, then set the hook firm.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the apex predators of our deep-water trips - true bucket-list fish. Males run 200-400 pounds while females can hit 800+ pounds, earning the nickname "granders" past 1,000. These bruisers cruise the deep blue around oil rigs and temperature breaks, usually 100+ feet down. Summer through early fall gives us the best shots when warm currents push baitfish closer. The fight is legendary - powerful runs, aerial displays, and pure stamina that'll test your limits. They're strong enough to break tackle if you're not prepared. We use industrial-grade gear for good reason. Pro tip: when trolling for blues, keep your baits skipping on the surface. They love chasing flying fish, and that splashing action triggers their predator instincts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are probably our most colorful catch - bright gold, electric blue, and green that shifts like a light show when they come up. They average 15-30 pounds and hit 39 inches, but we get some real bulls pushing 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and oil rigs in the upper water column. They're surface dwellers that love structure. Spring through fall is prime time in these warm Gulf waters. What makes them popular? Fast, aggressive fights plus some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm, mild, white meat that's perfect grilled. They travel in schools too, so when you find one, there's usually more. My tip: once you hook up, keep another rod ready. These guys often hunt in packs.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller, scrappier cousins of the blue marlin, averaging 80-180 pounds and 8-9 feet. Don't let the size fool you - they're lightning fast apex predators with serious attitude. These fish roam deep water around underwater structure, canyons, and temperature breaks, constantly on the move since they need to swim to breathe. Peak season runs late spring through summer when water temps are right. They're prized for their acrobatic fights - lots of jumping and head-shaking that'll keep you busy. The challenge is part of the appeal - they're smart hunters that know how to fight. Key tip: when trolling dead bait like ballyhoo, watch the water around your spread, not just the bait. These thieves strike fast and disappear before you know it.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the speed demons of the deep Gulf - torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 50 mph with bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most run 60-80 pounds, but we've pulled 200+ pounders off those deep rigs. They cruise the upper 300 feet of water around structure and temperature breaks. Year-round fishing here, but late spring through early fall is prime when baitfish are thick. These fish are pure muscle - long, bulldogging runs that'll test your arms and your tackle. Plus, they're sushi-grade table fare, second only to bluefin for quality. The meat's rich and clean. Here's the key: when they go deep and won't bite on the troll, switch to jigging. Drop a butterfly jig down to where they're marking and work it fast.
Pensacola Beach, FL