Full Day Family Fishing in Carrabelle Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour offshore fishing adventure for familiesTarget Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and seasonal GrouperAll fishing equipment and tackle provided aboard charter
Captain Scott knows how to make a family fishing trip memorable without all the stress that usually comes with getting everyone out on the water together. His 8-hour charters from Carrabelle put you right in the heart of some of Florida's best Gulf fishing grounds, where Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper are waiting to make your day. This isn't one of those cattle-boat operations either – you're getting a private charter for up to 6 people, which means plenty of room for the kids to move around and everyone gets personal attention from a captain who's been working these waters for years.
Your day starts early at Carrabelle's marina, where Captain Scott will have everything rigged and ready to roll. The boat heads out into the Gulf where the real magic happens – those productive bottom structures that hold the fish you're after. This is a hands-on experience, so don't worry if someone in your group has never held a fishing rod before. Scott walks everyone through the basics and keeps things moving at a pace that works for your crew. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is there's no rushing – plenty of time to let everyone get comfortable, take breaks when needed, and really enjoy being out there together. Kids especially love seeing their drag screaming when a nice snapper decides to make a run for it.
You'll be doing most of your fishing on the bottom using standard Gulf Coast tactics that have been producing fish in these waters for decades. Captain Scott provides all the tackle, which typically means medium-heavy conventional reels spooled with enough line to reach those 60-80 foot depths where the good fish live. The technique is straightforward but effective – drop your bait down to the structure, keep contact with the bottom, and stay ready for that telltale thump when a grouper or snapper picks it up. Bait varies depending on what's working, but expect to see cigar minnows, pinfish, and other local favorites that these fish can't resist. The captain handles all the navigation to the productive spots, so your job is just focusing on keeping your line tight and helping the family boat some great fish.
Red Grouper are the bullies of the bottom structure, and they fight like it. These chunky fish typically run 5-15 pounds in Carrabelle waters, though bigger ones definitely swim around out there. They're ambush predators that like to hunker down in holes and ledges, waiting for an easy meal to drift by. What makes them so fun to catch is that initial run when they realize they're hooked – pure power heading straight back to their rock pile. Red Grouper are open year-round in federal waters, making them a reliable target no matter when you book your trip.
Red Snapper are what most folks think of when they picture Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their bright red coloration and aggressive attitude make every hookup exciting. They typically range from 2-8 pounds in this area, but they punch way above their weight class when it comes to fighting. Red Snapper are highly regulated with specific seasons, usually running from June through July, so timing your trip during the open season is crucial if these are your primary target.
Gag Grouper are the acrobats of the grouper family, known for making impressive runs and sometimes even jumping when hooked. They're typically larger than their Red Grouper cousins, often hitting the boat in the 10-20 pound range. Gags prefer slightly different structure than Reds, often relating to higher relief areas and ledges. Their season typically runs from July through December in federal waters, and they're considered by many anglers to be the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Captain Scott's family-friendly approach and consistent fish production make his calendar fill up fast, especially during peak season when the snappers are biting. The fuel surcharge isn't included in the base price, so factor that into your budget and give him a call at 850-251-0784 to get the current rate and lock in your dates. Carrabelle's location puts you closer to the productive offshore structure than many other Gulf Coast ports, meaning more fishing time and less running. Eight hours on the water with your family, targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species, with all gear and expertise provided – that's the kind of day that creates fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Meet the Renegade II, your floating command center for chasing grouper and snapper in the Gulf waters off Carrabelle. This reliable motorboat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family fishing adventures where everyone gets their chance at the rod. Captain Scott's boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a fish finder to locate those bottom-dwelling grouper, GPS to navigate to the best fishing spots, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour trip. The onboard toilet means no cutting the fishing short for bathroom breaks. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or competing to see who lands the biggest red snapper, the Renegade II provides a stable platform for casting lines and making memories in Florida's productive Gulf waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are serious bottom dwellers that pack a punch way above their weight class. These mottled gray fighters typically run 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ pounds around deeper offshore structure. You'll find them hugging rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 80-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active and feeding heavy. What sets them apart? They're absolute bulldogs that'll test your tackle and your back. Plus, the meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Local trick: look for stone crab trap areas since gags love following crabs around. Once you hook up, lock that reel down tight and don't give an inch. They'll dive straight for the rocks to break you off, so it's a tug-of-war from the start.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid fighters that'll give you a real workout once hooked. Most run 5-10 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into a 20-pounder. These rusty-red beauties love hanging around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live pinfish, cut bait, or fresh shrimp. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. What makes them special? That firm, flaky meat with a sweet, almost shellfish-like taste that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll try to wrap you around anything they can find, so be ready to muscle them up quick.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish everyone talks about, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 2-8 pounds but can push 20+ pounds if you're lucky. They live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet, though we often find them in shallower water during summer months. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and more aggressive. What draws folks back? The fight is fantastic - they'll run hard for cover - and the eating is even better. Sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality every time. Pro tip from years out here: use a heavy rod and don't give them any slack once hooked. They'll head straight for the nearest ledge to cut your line, so winch them up fast and keep that drag locked down tight.
Carrabelle, FL