Full Day Offshore Fishing - Carrabelle's Best
Captain Scott at Renegade Charters knows exactly what new anglers need to build confidence on the water. This 8-hour private charter takes you out to the productive Gulf waters where Red Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper call home. You'll learn the ropes while actually catching fish, not just watching lines in the water. Perfect for beginners who want hands-on experience with a captain who's patient enough to teach but skilled enough to put you on fish. All gear, bait, and expert guidance included - just bring yourself and get ready to see why Carrabelle's offshore fishing keeps people coming back year after year.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical "hope and pray" fishing trip. Captain Scott's approach focuses on building your skills while keeping the action steady. The 8-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunities to practice different techniques, learn to read the water, and understand how different species behave. You'll start the day learning basic bottom fishing setups, then progress to more advanced techniques as your confidence grows. The Gulf waters off Carrabelle offer consistent action, especially around the natural and artificial reefs that hold these fish. Expect to move around to different spots throughout the day - this keeps things interesting and maximizes your chances of filling the cooler. With up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and everyone gets quality time learning from the captain.
Bottom Rigs and Gulf Tactics
Bottom fishing in the Gulf requires the right approach, and Captain Scott has it dialed in. You'll use sturdy circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get your bait down through the current to where the fish are holding. The boat's fish finder and GPS mark productive spots, but reading the structure is an art form you'll pick up throughout the day. Natural baits like pinfish, grunts, and squid work best for the species you're targeting. The captain handles all the rigging, but pay attention - you'll learn how to tie the knots and set up the rigs yourself. When fishing 40-80 feet of water, you need to feel the bottom and keep your bait in the strike zone. The boat's positioning is crucial, and you'll see how wind, current, and structure all play into a successful drift.
Customer Stories
"great people. very friendly. great fishing all year round." - Quinn
"Best experience with Seth and Austin! We Wil definitely be back." - Cady
Species You'll Want to Hook
King Mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf, and when they hit your line, you'll know it immediately. These fish average 15-30 pounds in Carrabelle waters, with larger specimens pushing 40+ pounds during peak season from April through October. Kings are aggressive predators that love live bait and will make blistering runs that test your drag and your nerves. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump, dive, and make long runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh, and many anglers consider a good King Mackerel the highlight of their offshore day.
Red Snapper represent the gold standard of Gulf fishing, and Carrabelle's reefs hold healthy populations of these prized fish. During the federal season (typically June and July), you'll target these ruby-colored beauties in 50-100 feet of water around hard bottom and artificial reefs. Red Snapper are smart, structure-oriented fish that require finesse and patience. They average 5-15 pounds, but the larger breeding females can push 20+ pounds and provide serious arm-burning fights. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the Gulf, making every Red Snapper a trophy worth celebrating.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, using their powerful bodies and stubborn nature to test your tackle and technique. These fish love rocky bottom and ledges where they can ambush prey and retreat to cover when hooked. Gags are open year-round with a 24-inch minimum size, and the fish in Carrabelle waters typically run 5-25 pounds. What makes Grouper fishing addictive is the initial strike - often just a subtle tap followed by dead weight as the fish tries to get back to its hole. You have to turn them quickly and keep steady pressure, or they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure. The firm, white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Time to Book Your Spot
This beginner-friendly charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is hot and the weather's perfect. Captain Scott's patient teaching style combined with Carrabelle's consistent fishing makes this trip ideal for anyone wanting to learn offshore fishing the right way. Remember, fuel surcharge is due on the day of your trip, so factor that into your budget. For direct bookings and questions about availability, call Captain Scott at 850-251-0784. Don't wait until the last minute - the best fishing days book weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss your chance to experience why Carrabelle's Gulf waters have earned their reputation as some of Florida's most productive offshore fishing grounds.
5.0(3 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Carrabelle, FL
Full
