8-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter - Pensacola Beach
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targeting snapper, grouper, and mahi mahiFull refunds provided for weather or maintenance cancellationsAll fishing licenses, bait, tackle, and equipment included
You know that feeling when you're standing on the dock at 5:45 AM, coffee in hand, watching Captain fire up the engines? That's exactly where you'll be with Proud Pelican Charters' top-rated 8-hour offshore adventure. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious day of fishing the Gulf's most productive waters off Pensacola Beach. With a 6:00 AM departure, you'll beat the crowds and get first crack at some of the best fishing grounds in the northern Gulf. Our 35-foot sportfisher cruises at 30 knots, which means more time with lines in the water and less time burning fuel getting there.
This charter is built for anglers who want the full offshore experience. You're looking at eight solid hours targeting everything from bottom-dwelling grouper to high-speed pelagics like wahoo and mahi. The beauty of this extended trip is flexibility – we can adjust our game plan based on what's biting and what you want to target. Early morning usually starts with some serious bottom fishing on productive structure, then we'll shift gears and start trolling the blue water as the day heats up. With up to six anglers on board, there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets their shot at the action. All your licenses, bait, tackle, and equipment are handled – just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks for the ride. The boat's equipped with everything from heavy bottom rigs to high-speed trolling setups, so we're ready for whatever swims by.
Here's where this trip really shines – we're mixing the best of both worlds. The morning typically kicks off working the artificial reefs and wreck sites where the bottom fish stack up. We're talking about serious structure that holds red snapper, grouper, and triggerfish in good numbers. The key is getting your bait down fast and keeping it in the strike zone. We'll be using circle hooks with cut bait, squid, and live pinfish when we can get them. Once we've worked the structure, it's time to cover some water trolling. This is where the kings, mahi, and wahoo come into play. We'll pull a spread of lures at different depths and speeds – maybe some deep-diving plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and high-speed lures for the wahoo. The 30-knot cruise speed means we can hit multiple spots throughout the day, following the fish and adjusting to conditions as they change.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste incredible, and can reach impressive sizes around the offshore structure. Peak season runs from June through early fall, and they're typically found in 60-120 feet of water around reefs and wrecks. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their aggressive strike – when one hits, you know it immediately. They'll make several strong runs toward the bottom, testing your drag and your patience.
Red Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef. These bottom dwellers can easily reach 20-30 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're masters at using structure to their advantage, trying to break you off on the nearest ledge or wreck. Best fishing happens year-round in 80-200 feet of water, and they're notorious for that initial powerful run straight down. The key with grouper is setting the hook hard and immediately applying maximum drag pressure.
King Mackerel are pure speed and aggression. These torpedo-shaped fighters are perfect for trolling, typically found in 40-100 feet of water from spring through fall. Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, often clearing the water completely when hooked. They school up around bait, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. A 20-30 pound king will give you a workout you won't forget.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and excitement to any offshore trip. These brilliant gold and green fish are incredibly acrobatic, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're typically found around floating debris, sargassum lines, or temperature breaks in 100-300 feet of water. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, and they often travel in schools. A bull mahi over 30 pounds is a true trophy and one of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These sleek predators are typically caught trolling in deeper water, often as a surprise when targeting other species. They're known for their incredibly sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes that can smoke a reel in seconds. Wahoo fishing is best from fall through early spring, and anything over 40 pounds is considered a monster. Their white, flaky meat is prized by both anglers and restaurants.
This world-class fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. Eight hours gives you the best shot at multiple species and a cooler full of quality fish for the dinner table. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Gulf species to your list or a group wanting to experience the best offshore fishing Pensacola Beach has to offer, this charter delivers. The full refund policy for weather or maintenance cancellations takes the worry out of booking in advance. Don't miss your chance to fish some of the most productive waters in the northern Gulf with a crew that knows where to find them and how to put you on the fish.
Our 35-foot Express Sport fisher cuts through Gulf waters at 30 knots, powered by twin 440hp Yanmar diesels that get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for serious offshore action, this sportfisher handles both trolling runs for pelagics and deep drops on productive wreck sites where red snapper and grouper call home. The flybridge gives you commanding views while scanning for bird activity and bait schools, while modern electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar keep you locked onto structure and targets. Air conditioning provides relief between fishing sessions, and the full galley with refrigerator keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the long day. Comfortable sleeping quarters let you rest during travel time to distant spots, while the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting kings on the troll or dropping for bottom dwellers around structure, this well-equipped vessel delivers the stability and speed needed for productive Gulf fishing adventures.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of our Gulf waters. These silver rockets average 15-30 pounds but we regularly see 40+ pounders during peak season. They cruise the blue water from 40-150 feet, often following bait schools near drop-offs and current edges. Best fishing runs from April through October when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What gets anglers fired up? The blistering runs and aerial shows - kings will peel line like nothing else out there. Plus, the meat is excellent eating with a rich, flaky texture. Here's the key: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Kings love to smash a ballyhoo or cigar minnow that's dancing across the waves like a wounded baitfish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch in the Gulf - electric blues and greens that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Bulls run 15-30 pounds while females stay smaller at 10-20. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the blue water. Summer months from May through September are prime time when water temps climb above 75 degrees. Guests love their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, dive, and bulldoze like crazy. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality with a mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look around for floating debris or birds. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more waiting nearby.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20-30 pounds on the deeper ledges. They hang around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. What makes guests love them? They fight like bulldogs once hooked, diving straight for cover, and the meat is top-shelf - firm, flaky, and sweet with that shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. My tip: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a few seconds, then drive the hook home and start cranking fast to keep them off the bottom structure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing. These bright red beauties average 3-8 pounds, though we catch plenty in the 10-15 pound range around the deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, artificial reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Summer season brings the best action during our federal season openings. What makes them so popular? They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, and the table fare is unmatched - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. Here's my secret: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, resist the urge to jerk. Let the fish load up the rod, then reel down tight and lift. The circle hook will find the corner of their mouth every time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the ultimate speed machine - hitting 60 mph and capable of smoking your drag in seconds. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds with their distinctive zebra stripes and razor-sharp teeth. Find them in the deep blue water past 100 feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. Fall and winter months produce the best wahoo fishing when they move closer to shore. What makes them special? The blistering initial run that'll test your tackle and nerves, plus some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf - white, flaky meat with a delicate flavor. Key tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. These fish will cut through mono or fluoro like butter, so don't cheap out on your terminal tackle if you want to land one.
Pensacola Beach, FL