5.0(2 Reviews)Gulf Fishing Charter - 6 Hour Shared Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour shared Gulf fishing trip targeting Red Snapper and CobiaBottom fishing at nearshore reefs and offshore wrecksSmall group capacity limited to two guests maximum
Ready to get serious about Gulf fishing? This 6-hour shared charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive waters off Pensacola. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, you'll join Captain Brian or Captain Scooter for a day that covers everything from nearshore action to deeper offshore structure. We're talking red snapper, king mackerel, cobia, and amberjack – the fish that make the Gulf of Mexico famous. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching from guides who've been working these waters for years. Don't worry about bringing tackle or bait – we've got you covered with everything you need to put fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical harbor cruise – we're heading out to where the fish actually live. The morning starts early because that's when the bite is hottest, especially during summer months when the water temperature climbs. Your captain will have already checked the weather, tides, and recent fishing reports to put together a game plan. We'll hit a mix of structure throughout the day: artificial reefs loaded with snapper, nearshore wrecks that hold cobia and amberjack, and open water spots where kings cruise the baitfish schools. The shared trip format means you'll be fishing alongside another angler, which actually makes things more fun – there's nothing like having someone else get excited when you hook into a big fish. Expect to cover some serious water as we follow the bite, and don't be surprised if we make 4-5 different stops depending on what's biting best.
We specialize in bottom fishing because that's where the biggest and tastiest fish hang out in the Gulf. You'll be using medium to heavy tackle with circle hooks – they're required for snapper and honestly just work better for most species anyway. The technique is straightforward but there's definitely an art to it. We'll rig you up with enough weight to get down to the bottom quickly, usually 4-8 ounces depending on current and depth. When we're over structure, you'll drop your bait straight down and feel for that telltale thump when it hits bottom, then reel up a turn or two. The key is staying in contact with your bait while keeping just enough slack to let the fish eat. When we're targeting kings or cobia, we might switch to live bait or trolling, but bottom fishing is our bread and butter. Your captain will coach you through reading your rod tip, setting the hook properly, and fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
"I'll begin by saying we had a really good trip out with Captain Scooter. We went out targeting red snapper and although they weren't on fire Scooter kept us moving picking up several along the way. Scooter was very knowledgeable and willing to share his experience as a guide with the kids. Highly recommend Scooter and his charter business. Appreciate it, good times!" - Gregory
"Thanks captain Brian it was an awesome trip!" - John
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and for good reason. These crimson beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds when you find the right spot. They're structure-oriented fish that love artificial reefs, natural ledges, and shipwrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Snapper have excellent eyesight and can be finicky, especially on calm, clear days when they get a good look at your setup. What makes them special isn't just the fight – though they'll surprise you with their power – it's the incredible table fare. Fresh snapper grilled with lemon and butter is hard to beat. Season runs June through July typically, though regulations change, so we always fish within current limits.
King Mackerel are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These speed demons can hit 20-40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Kings are pelagic fish, meaning they roam open water following baitfish schools, especially in spring and fall when they're migrating along the coast. They've got razor-sharp teeth and a habit of jumping when hooked, so there's always drama when you tie into one. We typically find them in 40-100 feet of water, often around structure but sometimes just cruising blue water. The bite can be feast or famine with kings – when they're feeding, you might catch several, but they can also be incredibly picky about bait presentation and boat positioning.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the nearshore Gulf, averaging 20-50 pounds with a distinctive shark-like appearance and brown coloration. What sets cobia apart is their curious nature – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight-fishing. They love structure like reefs and wrecks but also cruise open water, especially around floating debris or other boats. Spring migration in March and April brings the biggest numbers through Pensacola waters. Cobia fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps, and they're notorious for making one last surge right at the boat. The meat is white, flaky, and rivals any fish in the Gulf for eating quality.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, known for their incredible strength and determination. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can exceed 50, and they'll test every knot in your tackle. Amberjack live around deep structure – shipwrecks, artificial reefs, and natural bottom in 80-200 feet of water. When you hook one, expect a straight-down fight as they try to get back to their structure and cut you off. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they're more active. The key to catching big amberjack is getting your
This 24-foot Blazer Bay center console is your ticket to serious Gulf fishing action. Built in 2017 with a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine, she'll get you out to the productive waters where Red Snapper, Cobia, and King Mackerel are waiting. The boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate those bottom structures, GPS for precise navigation to the best reefs and wrecks, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish. Perfect for bottom fishing techniques targeting Gag Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, and Spanish Mackerel. With space for up to 6 anglers, this center console design gives everyone room to work their lines and fight fish. Whether you're dropping baits on nearshore reefs or heading further offshore for the big ones, this reliable fishing machine will handle the Gulf waters with ease and get you into the action.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds. They're usually solitary, cruising shallow waters around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet during spring and summer. Often mistaken for sharks at first glance, they're actually curious fish that will follow the boat. The fight is bulldogging strength combined with surprising speed, and the meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and mild. Spring migration from March through May is prime time. Best approach is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait, but here's the secret: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet and work the bait naturally past their nose. They'll usually turn and follow before striking.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are serious bruisers, commonly running 30-60 pounds with some giants pushing 80+ pounds. They hang around deep wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move up to feed. These fish will absolutely punish you - they make long, powerful runs straight for the bottom and fight dirty by trying to wrap your line around structure. The reward is some of the best eating in the Gulf with firm, white meat. Live bait works best, but here's what separates success from failure: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound test and the second you hook up, turn that fish's head and get it away from structure. Don't give them an inch.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy fighters that average 2-4 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds on a good day. You'll find them around our hard-bottom areas, reefs, and wrecks in 60-180 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during summer months. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything you drop down, and they fight way above their weight class with quick, jerky runs. The meat is firm and white, fantastic on the table. They're notorious bait stealers though, so here's the trick: use small chunks of squid on a circle hook and when you feel that first nibble, don't set the hook right away. Let them really take it before you start reeling.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around our offshore reefs and wrecks, especially during spring and fall migrations. These fish are pure speed - when one hits, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. The meat is excellent eating with that rich, oily texture that grills perfectly. Best technique is trolling with live bait or spoons, but here's the key: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When you hook up, keep steady pressure and be ready for multiple runs.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the Gulf's most prized bottom fish, typically running 3-8 pounds with occasional brutes over 15 pounds. They live around hard structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Summer season brings the best action, though they bite year-round. These fish are tough fighters that dive straight for cover when hooked, and the table fare is legendary - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect any way you cook it. They're also smart, so fresh bait is crucial. Pro tip: when you hook a snapper, immediately apply maximum pressure and get their head turned up. If you let them reach the structure, they'll wrap you up every time. Heavy tackle and no mercy is the only way.
5.0 out of 5.0I’ll begin by saying we had a really good trip out with Captain Scooter. We went out targeting red snapper and although they were...
Thanks captain Brian it was an awesome trip!
Pensacola Beach, FL