Full Day Advanced Fishing Trip in Carrabelle, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour private charter targets Gulf species offshore CarrabelleRed Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper fishing availableAll fishing gear, rods, reels, and tackle included
Get ready for a serious day of offshore fishing with Captain Scott and the crew at Renegade Charters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking eight full hours on the productive Gulf waters off Carrabelle, targeting some of the hardest-fighting fish in these waters. Red Snapper, Grouper, and King Mackerel are the name of the game here, and with a full day charter, you'll have the time to really work the best spots and put together an impressive cooler full of fresh Gulf seafood. This private charter accommodates up to six anglers, so bring your crew of serious fishermen who know their way around offshore tackle.
Captain Scott runs a top-rated operation that caters specifically to experienced anglers who want to maximize their time on productive offshore structure. You'll be heading out to depths where the big Gulf species hang out – think 60 to 120 feet of water over hard bottom, artificial reefs, and natural ledges that hold Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, and Red Grouper. The boat comes fully rigged with all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle you'll need, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorite setups. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, because when you hook into a big Gag Grouper, you need the muscle to turn its head before it gets back to the rocks. The action can be steady throughout the day, especially when we find schools of fish stacked up on structure. Between bottom fishing for Snapper and Grouper, we'll often make trolling passes for King Mackerel, especially during the cooler months when they're thick offshore.
This trip focuses on bottom fishing with conventional tackle and live or cut bait. We'll be using circle hooks to comply with regulations and improve fish survival, along with enough weight to get your bait down quickly in the current. Typical rigs include knocker rigs for Snapper and chicken rigs when the Grouper bite is hot. Live pinfish, grunts, and cigar minnows are prime baits, along with cut threadfin herring and squid. When trolling for Kings, we'll pull spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind planers or downriggers. The key to success on these longer trips is moving between spots – if the bite slows down, we're not sitting around waiting. Captain Scott knows these waters inside and out, from the nearshore artificial reefs to the deeper natural bottom further offshore. GPS numbers are earned through years of fishing these waters, and the productive spots change with seasons, weather, and bait movements. You'll learn why local knowledge trumps fancy electronics every time, though the boat is equipped with quality fish finders and GPS to locate structure and mark fish.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Carrabelle's offshore waters hold some beautiful fish. These guys are structure-oriented and incredibly aggressive when feeding, but they're also masters at cutting you off on the rocks if you don't apply pressure quickly. Red Snapper season typically runs from June through July in federal waters, and these fish average 3-8 pounds with plenty of bigger ones mixed in. They fight hard all the way to the boat and make some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf. Their crimson color and distinctive profile make them one of the most recognizable catches, and there's nothing like seeing that red flash come up from the depths.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, and they'll test your tackle and technique every time. These fish can exceed 20 pounds and have the power to break you off in a heartbeat if you're not ready for their initial run toward cover. Gags are most active during the cooler months from October through December, and they're ambush predators that inhale baits near structure. Their mottled gray and brown coloration provides perfect camouflage around rocky bottom, and they're known for their incredible table fare. Landing a quality Gag Grouper requires heavy tackle, a tight drag, and the experience to know when to give them line and when to put the heat on them.
Red Grouper are more common year-round and typically smaller than their Gag cousins, but they're equally delicious and provide consistent action. These fish average 5-15 pounds and are less structure-dependent than Gags, often found over sandy bottom with scattered rocks or shell. Red Grouper are excellent eating and more cooperative fighters, making them perfect for building confidence and keeping the action steady throughout the day. Their distinctive reddish coloration and white spots make them easy to identify, and they're often the backbone of a successful Gulf bottom fishing trip.
King Mackerel add speed and excitement to any offshore trip, especially when trolling between bottom fishing spots. These pelagic predators can exceed 30 pounds off Carrabelle and are known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Kings are most active during the fall and winter months when water temperatures drop, and they school up around bait pods and structure edges. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their speed means you need sharp hooks and tight drags. There's nothing like the screaming run of a King Mackerel to get everyone's attention on the boat, and their firm, white meat is perfect for grilling or smoking.
Eight hours on the water with experienced crew, all tackle provided, and access to some of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds – that's what makes this charter a customer favorite among serious anglers. Remember that fuel surcharge is additional and due on departure day, so factor that into your budget. The boat accommodates six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for groups who want a private charter experience without paying for unused spots. Call Captain Scott directly
The Renegade II is your ticket to serious Gulf fishing off Carrabelle's coast. This solid motorboat hauls up to 6 anglers out to the prime offshore spots where grouper, snapper, and mackerel are waiting. Captain Scott has rigged her with everything you need for a productive day on the water - a reliable fish finder to mark schools, GPS to hit the honey holes, and a good-sized icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for those long 8-hour runs. She's built for anglers who know their way around offshore tackle and want to make the most of Florida's Gulf waters. All your rods, reels, bait and gear are ready to go - just bring yourself and get ready to put some serious fish in the boat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the ultimate ambush predators around here. Most run 15-25 inches, but don't be surprised when a 30+ pounder comes up from the depths. They love rocky structure, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet, though the big ones often sit deeper. The mottled gray pattern helps them blend with the bottom perfectly. Spring and fall are your best bets when water temps are in that sweet spot. What draws folks to target them? Pure brute strength - they'll try to drag you straight into their cave and they don't give up easy. The meat is firm and tasty too. These fish are smart, so live pinfish or cut squid works best. Pro tip from years out here: once you hook one, lock that drag and keep steady pressure. Don't pump the rod or you'll give them a chance to get back in the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll give you the fight of your life. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when the big females move through. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet, following baitfish and temperature breaks. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree range. What makes them special? Lightning-fast runs that'll scream drag off your reel, plus they're excellent eating despite what some folks say. They're ambush hunters, so trolling with live bait or spoons works best. The trick around here is using a wire leader and dual hook setup - one through the nose, one in the back. Kings love to hit bait from behind and those razor teeth will cut mono in a heartbeat. When one hits, let it run before setting the hook.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the workhorses of our reef system out here. Typically running 5-15 pounds, they've got that rusty red color with white spots that makes them stand out on the deck. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 30-300 feet, often mixed in with the ledges and structure we fish for other species. Best action happens spring through fall when they're feeding heavy. What guests love about them is the solid fight and fantastic table fare - some say it's the best-tasting grouper thanks to their shellfish diet. They're not as line-shy as some fish, making them great targets for newer offshore anglers. The key to landing them consistently is using circle hooks with fresh shrimp or crab. Once hooked, they'll make one strong run toward the bottom, but keep pressure on and you'll win the battle.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but we've seen some push 20+ pounds that'll test your arms. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet - rocky bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs are prime spots. The bright red color deepens as they mature, making them easy to identify. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving for cover the second they feel steel. Plus, you won't find better eating - that mild, sweet flavor is why restaurants pay top dollar. Summer through early fall gives us our best shots when they're actively feeding. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep constant pressure and reel fast. Give them slack and they'll wrap your line around structure every time.
Carrabelle, FL