Florida Fishing Charters | Private 8-10 Hour Adventures
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended 810 hour offshore fishing adventure with expert captainsTarget multiple species including Amberjack, Cobia, and King MackerelPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests departing 6:00 AM
When you're serious about fishing and want to maximize your time on the water, this extended offshore charter delivers exactly what you're looking for. Running 8 to 10 hours with early 6 AM departures from March through May, you'll have plenty of daylight to work multiple spots and really dial in on the fish. Our seasoned captains know these Florida waters like the back of their hand, and with this much time, they can cover serious ground to put you on the best bite of the day. We're talking about a private charter for up to 6 anglers, so you're not dealing with crowded boat situations or sharing space with strangers who might not know proper fishing etiquette.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. With 8 to 10 hours, we can really work the offshore structure and follow the fish as conditions change throughout the day. The early start means we're on the prime fishing grounds while the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. Your captain will start by reading the conditions - water temperature, current, bait activity - then make the call on whether to start trolling the blue water for pelagics or drop down on structure for bottom species. The beauty of this extended trip is flexibility. If the kingfish are running hot on the surface, we can stay with them. If the grouper bite turns on later in the day, we've got time to capitalize. You'll be fishing multiple techniques and targeting different species as opportunities present themselves, which keeps things interesting and productive throughout the day.
We run a full spread when trolling offshore - typically four to six lines with a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures depending on what's working. For kings and wahoo, we'll pull wire line with spoons, diving plugs, and rigged cigar minnows or blue runners. When we mark good bottom structure, we switch to heavy conventional tackle for grouper and snapper work. We're talking 50 to 80-pound class gear with circle hooks and enough weight to get down fast in the current. Live bait is king for amberjack and cobia - nothing beats a frisky blue runner or pinfish when these fish are cruising. For the drum and redfish, we might work closer to structure with cut bait on the bottom. All tackle, bait, and ice are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites. Just remember to bring your Florida fishing license, plenty of sunscreen, snacks and drinks for the long day, and a good cooler if you want to take your catch home.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during our March through May season. These fish are aggressive feeders that love the cooler water temperatures and abundant bait schools. Kings typically run 15 to 40 pounds in these waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. They're fast, they jump, and they'll test your drag system. What makes them so popular is their willingness to bite and the fact that they're excellent eating when handled properly. Look for them around structure in 60 to 120 feet of water, often suspended mid-column following bait schools.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll hook offshore. These bulldogs will give you a workout on medium tackle, often running 10 to 25 pounds. They're opportunistic feeders that show up around bait schools and structure. While they're not table fare, they're pure fun on the rod and often indicate that other gamefish are in the area. Jacks are also great for getting kids and inexperienced anglers hooked on fishing since they bite aggressively and fight hard.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing when they're in season. These beautiful fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. They typically run 5 to 15 pounds in our area, with larger fish holding on deeper structure. Reds are sight feeders that prefer live or fresh dead bait, and they can be finicky about presentation. The key is getting your bait down quickly to avoid bait stealers, then being ready for their characteristic head-shaking fight.
Black Grouper are the heavy hitters of the bottom fishing game. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and will test both your tackle and technique. They're ambush predators that live around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges. When you hook a big black, the fight is straight down - they'll try to get back to their hole and cut you off on the structure. You need heavy tackle, a solid drag, and the technique to turn them before they reach cover. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Gag Grouper are another prized bottom species, typically smaller than blacks but equally delicious. They're more active swimmers and can be caught trolling as well as bottom fishing. Gags have excellent table quality and are less restricted by seasons than other grouper species. They're curious fish that will often follow baits up from the bottom, giving you multiple opportunities if you work them right. Look for them around live bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 40 to 100 feet of water.
This extended offshore adventure gives you the best shot at a variety of species while maximizing your time on the water. With experienced captains who know how to read conditions and adapt throughout the day, you're setting yourself up for success. The March through May timeframe puts you right in the sweet spot for multiple species, with comfortable weather and active fish. Whether you're looking to load the cooler, test your tackle against big fish, or just spend a quality day on the water with friends or family, this charter delivers the goods.
Get ready to hit Florida's offshore waters aboard Reel Crazy Charters' impressive 35' Wellcraft Scarab center console! This beautifully restored 2021 vessel packs serious power with twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at speeds up to 45 knots. Built for serious anglers, she comfortably handles up to 6 passengers with plenty of room to fight those big fish. The boat comes fully rigged with everything you need for a successful day – GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, live bait well to keep your bait fresh, and an icebox for cold drinks and storing your catch. There's even a functioning toilet onboard for those long 8-10 hour adventures. Whether you're targeting Amberjack, Cobia, King Mackerel, Wahoo, or Grouper, this center console gives you the perfect platform to land whatever's biting in Florida's productive offshore waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing, typically running 10-40 pounds with some real monsters over 80 pounds lurking around our deeper structures. We target them around wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 60-300 feet, depending on the season - they move shallower in cooler months. Spring offers great fishing when they're more active before the heat sets in. These fish are pure power once hooked, using every rock and crevice to try breaking you off. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, mild white meat that's perfect any way you cook it. Black grouper don't nibble - they inhale their prey whole. The moment you feel that weight, crank hard and don't stop. Lock your drag down tight and keep them coming up. Let them get back to the bottom and they'll wrap you around structure every time.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of Florida waters, typically running 3-15 pounds but capable of hitting 30+ when you find the big schools. Look for them around seagrass flats, reefs, and any structure they can use to ambush baitfish. They're here year-round but spring brings the best action when they're actively feeding in shallower water. Guests love these fish because they fight way above their weight class - pure muscle that'll test your drag and shoulders. While they're not great table fare, they're perfect for sport and photos. Watch for diving birds - that's your best sign of feeding jacks pushing bait to the surface. Pro tip: cast past the school and retrieve fast. These aggressive feeders can't resist something fleeing, and the faster you work your lure, the more likely you'll trigger that strike.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters typically running 5-20 pounds, with some reaching 30+ pounds around our deeper reefs and wrecks. We find them around rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 40-200 feet, with younger fish staying closer to shore. Spring fishing is prime time when they're more aggressive before spawning season. What makes gags special is their combination of a tough fight and excellent eating - sweet, white meat that rivals any fish we catch. They're ambush predators that use structure to their advantage, so expect a battle once you hook up. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works best, but fresh cut squid and crab produce well too. Key tip: look for stone crab traps - gags love hanging around them for easy meals. Keep your drag locked tight and don't let them dive back into the rocks where they came from.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target, typically running 10-30 pounds with the occasional monster hitting 50+. They cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Spring through early summer gives us the best action when they're moving through our waters. These fish are pure speed - once hooked, they'll peel line like nothing else, making long screaming runs that get everyone's attention. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, though it's rich so a little goes a long way. Here's the key: use a two-hook setup with a strong wire leader. Put one hook in the bait's nose, let the second dangle by the tail. Kings always hit the back half of their prey, so that trailing hook is what seals the deal.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most prized catches, averaging 2-8 pounds with occasional 15+ pound fish that really make your day. We find them around structure in 60-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom where they can ambush prey. The best fishing happens during our spring season when regulations allow, typically in federal waters. What makes snappers special is the combination of a solid fight and exceptional table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They'll make strong runs toward structure when hooked, so you need to muscle them up quickly. The trick with snapper is getting your bait right to the bottom where they live. Use a heavy weight to punch through the current, and when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start cranking. Don't give them a chance to reach cover.
Jackson