Offshore Fishing Adventures from Bonita Springs
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Tier 3 scuba diving adventures 1530 miles offshore from Bonita SpringsThree tank dives exploring diverse marine sites for $275 per personSingle guest capacity trips with Reel1Up Fish & Dive Charters
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and chase some serious fish, Reel1Up Fish & Dive Charters has the offshore experience you're looking for. We're talking about pushing 15-30 miles out from Bonita Springs into the deep blue Gulf waters where the big fish live. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're heading to the spots where the water drops off and the action gets real. At $275 for a full day offshore adventure, you're getting access to fishing grounds that most weekend warriors never see. The Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida is home to some of the most productive offshore fishing on the planet, and we know exactly where to find them.
Once we clear the backwaters and hit open Gulf, you'll understand why offshore fishing gets people hooked for life. We're running anywhere from 15 to 30 miles depending on where the fish are biting and what the conditions look like. The boat ride out gives you time to get your lines rigged and talk strategy, but once we hit those GPS numbers, it's game on. You'll be fishing in water that ranges from 60 feet all the way down to 150+ feet, targeting structure, ledges, and current breaks that hold everything from snapper and grouper to kingfish and cobia. The beauty of fishing this far offshore is the variety - you never know what's going to grab your bait next. One minute you're fighting a nice red grouper off the bottom, the next you've got a king mackerel screaming drag on the surface. We keep the group small with just one angler, so you get personalized attention and plenty of rod time without fighting crowds.
Offshore fishing requires a different approach than what you'd use in the bay or near shore. We're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and baits that can handle the current and attract fish from a distance. Most of our bottom fishing gets done with 6-8 ounce sinkers to get down fast and stay put in the current. Live bait is king out here - we'll have pilchards, pinfish, and sometimes threadfins depending on what's available. For the bigger predators, we'll run some trolling patterns with spoons, plugs, and rigged ballyhoo to cover water and find active fish. The electronics on board show us bottom structure, bait schools, and individual fish - technology that makes a huge difference when you're fishing in 100+ feet of water. Circle hooks are mandatory for most species to comply with regulations, and we'll show you the right technique to get solid hookups without gut-hooking fish. The current can be tricky this far out, so we'll adjust our drift and anchor strategy based on wind, tide, and where the fish are positioned.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of offshore fishing around Bonita Springs, and for good reason. These fish live on hard bottom and structure in 60-120 feet of water, and they fight like bulldogs once hooked. They'll run straight for the bottom trying to cut your line on whatever rock or coral they can find. Red grouper typically run 5-15 pounds out here, with the occasional bruiser pushing 20+. The best bite usually happens during moving water, either incoming or outgoing tide, and they're suckers for a live pinfish or chunk of cut bait. What makes them special is the fight and the table fare - few fish eat better than a fresh grouper fillet.
Gag grouper are the more aggressive cousins of the reds, and they'll absolutely hammer a bait when they're feeding. These fish like the same structure as reds but tend to be more active and willing to chase a bait up in the water column. Gags can get substantially bigger than reds, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon on the offshore grounds. They're ambush predators that use structure and current to their advantage, so presentation is key. A live bait drifted just off the bottom or a well-placed jig can trigger explosive strikes. The gag grouper season runs differently than reds, so timing your trip right is important for targeting these fish specifically.
King mackerel show up in numbers during their migration periods, typically fall through spring in our waters. These fish are pure adrenaline - fast, aggressive, and equipped with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through light tackle in seconds. Kings hunt in schools and follow bait fish, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They'll hit trolled baits at speed or live bait under a float, and the initial run will test your drag and your nerves. A decent king mackerel will peel 100+ yards of line on that first run, and they'll jump and thrash once they feel the pressure. Wire leader is absolutely essential, and these fish require careful handling due to those teeth. Kings in the 15-30 pound range are common, with smoker kings over 40 pounds always a possibility.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing - solitary fish that show up when you least expect them. These brown sharks (they're actually not sharks at all) are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing with live bait or jigs. Cobia are strong fighters that will test every knot and connection, using their broad tail and powerful body to pull drag. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Most cobia run 20-40 pounds, but fish over 50 pounds are caught every season in these waters. They're more common during warmer months and often relate to structure or floating debris.
Offshore fishing from Bonita Springs offers some of the most consistent and productive fishing in Southwest Florida. With Reel1Up Fish & Dive Charters, you're getting a captain who knows these waters and puts you on fish, not
This 28' Dusky dive boat packs serious punch with twin 250HP Mercury engines that'll cruise you out to those deep-water dive sites at a solid 40 knots. Built in 2004, she's got the sea legs to handle those 15-30 mile runs from Bonita Springs where the real underwater action happens. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful dive trip - GPS and radar keep you on course, VHF radio for safety, plus a fish finder that doubles as perfect gear for spotting structure and marine life below. There's an icebox to keep your drinks cold between dives, and yes, there's a head onboard so you're covered for those longer trips. The Dusky handles offshore swells like a champ and gives you a stable platform for gearing up and getting back aboard after exploring the depths. With room for six divers, you'll have plenty of space to store tanks and gear while staying comfortable on the ride out to Florida's prime diving grounds.
Bonita Springs, FL