6-Hour Offshore Reef & Wreck Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
6hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper, Grouper, King MackerelEarly 6 AM departure reaches productive reefs and wrecksAll equipment, bait, tackle, and licenses included for groups
Ready to drop lines on some of the Gulf's most productive bottom structure? This full-day charter takes you straight to the fish-holding reefs and wrecks scattered across Pensacola's offshore waters. We're talking about serious fishing here – the kind where your drag screams and coolers fill up fast. At 6 AM sharp, you'll be heading out through Pensacola Pass with Captain and crew who know exactly where the fish stack up on these underwater hotspots. With six hours on the water, there's plenty of time to work multiple spots and put together a mixed bag that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're running out to the real deal offshore structure where the big boys live. The boat's loaded with top-shelf electronics that'll show us exactly what's happening down below, from baitfish clouds to the predators hunting them. You'll spend your day anchored up on productive reefs and artificial structures, dropping baits into 60-120 feet of water where red snapper, grouper, and king mackerel call home. The crew handles all the technical stuff – finding the spots, rigging your lines, and keeping you on fish while you focus on the fun part. Weather permitting, we'll hit multiple locations throughout the day, adjusting our game plan based on what's biting and where the action's hottest. Don't worry about bringing anything except your appetite for fishing – all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and licenses are provided.
Most of our day revolves around bottom fishing these productive structures using heavy conventional tackle that can handle the depth and current. We're talking stout rods paired with reels loaded with enough line to reach bottom and muscle fish up through 100+ feet of water. The crew rigs everything from traditional bottom rigs with circle hooks to specialized grouper setups designed to keep fish out of the rocks. When we're moving between spots, we'll often pull trolling spreads behind the boat – this is prime king mackerel territory, and you never know when a smoker king will crash the party. Live bait, cut bait, and artificials all have their place depending on conditions and what species we're targeting. The captain reads the electronics constantly, adjusting our position to stay on the most productive parts of each structure where fish are actively feeding.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Pensacola's offshore reefs hold some real quality fish. These crimson rockets average 3-8 pounds but don't let their size fool you – they'll test your drag with powerful runs toward the structure. Red snapper are most active during summer months when federal seasons typically open, though regulations change yearly. What makes them special is their incredible table quality and the way they fight – pure aggression from the moment they feel the hook. They school heavily on these reefs, so when you find them, the action stays hot.
Red Grouper are the bulldogs of the deep, using their massive mouths and brute strength to inhale baits and head straight for the rocks. These bottom dwellers can range from keeper-sized fish around 20 inches up to true giants pushing 30+ pounds. Peak grouper action happens during cooler months when they're most active, but you'll find them year-round on Pensacola's offshore structure. Landing a big grouper is all about winning that first critical battle – once they get into the rocks, game over. The fight is pure power, and the reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf.
King Mackerel bring the speed and excitement factor to offshore fishing around Pensacola. These silver bullets cruise the edges of reefs and wrecks hunting baitfish, and when they hit, your reel sounds like a motorcycle revving up. Kings range from schoolie-sized fish around 10-15 pounds up to real smokers exceeding 40 pounds. Spring through fall offers the best king mackerel action, with larger fish typically showing up during cooler water periods. What anglers love about kings is the explosive strikes and screaming runs – they're built for speed and they use every bit of it when hooked.
Six hours of world-class offshore fishing on proven Gulf Coast structure – that's what you get with Proud Pelican Charters. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your fish count or someone new to offshore fishing wanting to experience what the Gulf has to offer, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of productive fishing grounds, experienced crew, and quality equipment makes for the kind of day that turns into fish stories you'll tell for years. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. Don't wait – grab your crew of up to six anglers and get ready for some serious Gulf Coast fishing action.
This 35-foot express sport fisher was built for serious Gulf fishing, powered by twin 440hp Yanmar engines that cruise at 30 knots to get you out to the productive reefs and wrecks fast. The boat handles Pensacola's offshore waters with confidence, whether you're trolling for Kings or deep dropping for Grouper and Red Snapper around those fish-holding structures. Onboard, you'll find everything needed for a comfortable day on the water – air conditioning to beat the Gulf heat, a full galley with refrigerator for cold drinks, and even a bed if someone needs to rest between fishing spots. The flybridge gives the captain great visibility for navigating to the best fishing areas, while the radar and GPS ensure safe travel in any conditions. The fish finder and modern electronics help locate active schools, and there's plenty of deck space for up to 6 anglers to work the rods. An icebox keeps your catch fresh, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. This setup handles everything from bottom fishing the deeper wrecks to working the reef edges where the action heats up in Pensacola's Gulf waters.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speedsters of our offshore trips, and they'll give you a run you won't forget. These silver bullets typically range from 15-30 pounds out here, though we hook into some real monsters pushing 50+ pounds during peak season. They cruise the open waters around our reefs and wrecks in 40-150 feet, especially when baitfish are thick. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot. What guests love is the initial run - these fish will peel drag like nothing else and make multiple screaming runs. The meat is rich and flaky when cooked right. They're opportunistic feeders that love live bait and trolled spoons. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing - because kings love to bite the back half of your bait.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of the most rewarding fish to target on our reef and wreck trips. These rusty-red beauties with their white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds on the deeper structures. They love hanging around rocky bottom and ledges in 60-200 feet of water, making our offshore reefs perfect habitat. What makes them special is the fight - they're absolute bulldogs that'll test your tackle and try to get back to their holes. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with that shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They're aggressive feeders, so fresh cut bait works great. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure or you'll lose them in the rocks every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and there's good reason they're so sought after. Most of what we catch runs 2-8 pounds, but those deeper wrecks can hold some real trophies pushing 15+ pounds. These bright red fish live on hard bottom structure - reefs, ledges, and artificial reefs in 80-200 feet of water. When snapper season opens, it's game on from late spring through summer. What makes them special is they're scrappy fighters that'll head straight for cover, plus the table fare is unbeatable - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They're bottom feeders with big appetites for squid, cigar minnows, and cut bait. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep constant pressure and reel fast - if you give them any slack, they'll wrap you up in the structure and cut you off every time.
Pensacola Beach, FL