12 Hour Deep Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour deep sea charter targeting red snapper and grouperTravels 80-120 miles offshore with electric reels and tackle includedCaptain Frank guides all skill levels with 6-person maximum capacity
Captain Frank's 12-hour deep offshore adventure takes you 80-120 miles into the Gulf where the big fish live and the crowds disappear. This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're talking serious blue water fishing in depths where red snapper, grouper, and other prized bottom fish call home. With electric reels, top-shelf tackle, and a captain who knows these waters like his own backyard, you'll experience what offshore fishing is really about. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this charter delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
We shove off at 6:00 AM sharp from Treasure Island, giving us maximum fishing time in the productive deep water. The run out takes us past the crowded nearshore spots where weekend warriors drop their lines, into the real deal – structure-rich bottom in 100+ feet of water where keeper fish roam freely. Captain Frank has been working these offshore grounds for years, marking productive ledges, wrecks, and natural bottom that consistently hold fish. You'll fish with quality electric reels that take the backbreaking work out of deep dropping, plus we provide all the rods, tackle, and terminal gear you need. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up. We cover fuel costs, and you're welcome to bring whatever food and drinks you want for the long day ahead. All safety gear is on board, and we follow Coast Guard regulations to the letter.
Deep offshore fishing is all about precision and patience. We use heavy conventional reels loaded with braided line to get baits down fast in the current and maintain bottom contact in 80-120 feet of water. The electric reels are game-changers when you're pulling fish up from serious depths – no more cranking until your arms burn. We'll set up with multiple hook bottom rigs, typically using cut bait like sardines, squid, and local baitfish that grouper and snapper can't resist. Captain Frank reads the bottom structure with his electronics, positioning the boat over ledges, rocks, and drop-offs where fish concentrate. You'll learn to feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact, how to work a fish up through the water column without losing it, and proper technique for landing bigger specimens. The key to success out here is staying on the fish – when we find them, we work the area hard before moving on.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of these offshore waters, with fish ranging from keeper size up to genuine bragging-rights specimens. They love rocky bottom and structure, sitting tight to cover until the right bait comes along. These fish fight hard on the way up, using their broad sides and powerful tails to pull drag. Red grouper season runs strong through fall and winter months, and they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Gag Grouper are the more aggressive cousins, often found in slightly shallower water but still requiring the long run offshore to find legal-size fish. They're stronger fighters than reds, with more speed and stamina on the line. Gags have a distinctive mouth full of teeth and mottled gray coloration that makes them stand out in the fish box. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, and they're prized for their sweet, flaky meat.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're in season. These bright red beauties live around hard bottom and artificial reefs, often schooling up in impressive numbers. They're aggressive biters but require quick reflexes – snapper have sharp teeth and know how to throw a hook. The deep offshore waters hold the bigger breeding-size fish that make the long trip worthwhile.
Mahi Mahi show up as a bonus catch, especially during warmer months when they follow floating debris and weed lines. Also called dolphinfish, these colorful speedsters put on an aerial show when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. They're fast-growing fish that travel in schools, so finding one often means finding several. Fresh mahi is some of the best eating in the ocean.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – these brown, shark-looking fish cruise open water and around structure, growing to impressive sizes. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving anglers sight-fishing opportunities. Cobia fight with power and endurance, making long runs and testing your drag system. They're excellent on the table and always a welcome surprise in the cooler.
This 12-hour offshore charter with SKIRTCHASER CHARTERS represents serious value for anglers wanting to experience world-class Gulf fishing. Captain Frank's knowledge of the deep water structure, combined with quality gear and a comfortable boat, gives you the best shot at filling the cooler with keeper fish. The long run to less-pressured waters means better fishing and bigger fish than you'll find closer to shore. With free cancellation up to three days out, there's no risk in booking your dates early. Remember that customary gratuity runs around 20% for the mate's hard work keeping your lines straight and the fish iced down. Don't wait on this one – prime offshore fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot.
Captain Frank's 36' Yellowfin is built for serious offshore fishing adventures. This fishing machine cuts through Gulf waters at 45 mph thanks to triple 350 HP Suzuki engines, getting you to the deep water fishing grounds fast. With space limited to just six anglers, everyone gets plenty of room to work their lines without bumping elbows. The boat comes loaded with Garmin electronics and fish finders to locate those productive bottom spots where red snapper and grouper hang out. A Carolina fish box keeps your catch fresh, while the onboard cooler handles your drinks and lunch. You'll also find GPS navigation, radar for those hazy mornings, and a head for convenience during those long 12-hour trips. Captain Frank knows these waters and the fish that call them home.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. They're loners, usually found cruising around structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move through during spawning season. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - once hooked, they just pull and pull without giving up. The meat is top-shelf too, often compared to shark but better. They're curious fish that'll often come up to investigate the boat. Here's a guide tip: if you spot one near the surface, don't spook it with a heavy splash. Present a bucktail jig or live bait quietly ahead of where it's swimming, and let the cobia find it naturally.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the smartest fish we target, and they'll test your skills as an angler. These gray, marble-patterned fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach 30+ pounds. They love rocky structure, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water, always looking for a place to hide. Fall and winter months tend to be most productive when they're feeding heavy. What makes them popular is that sneaky bite followed by a bulldogging fight straight for the rocks. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and sweet. Here's the key to landing more gags: the second you feel that thump-thump bite, lock down your drag and horse them up immediately. Don't give them a chance to think about it, because once they get their head down and start for a hole, you're probably done. Keep your rod low and pull hard.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch out here - brilliant gold and blue colors that change like a light show when they come out of the water. They typically run 15-30 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually near the surface. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are warm. What guests love about mahi is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus, the meat is outstanding, firm and mild. Here's something that'll help you land more: when you see one mahi, there's usually more around. Keep one hooked fish in the water while others cast - the school will often stick around to investigate their buddy in trouble.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the most reliable bottom fish we target out here. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some real bruisers pushing 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. What makes them special is that aggressive strike - they'll hammer just about anything that looks like food, especially live or cut bait like pinfish and squid. The meat is fantastic too, firm and flaky with that sweet taste grouper are known for. Here's a tip that'll save you some headaches: once you hook one, keep that rod tip low and crank hard right away. They'll try to dive straight back into the rocks, and if you let them get their head down, you're probably losing that fish and your tackle.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of deep water bottom fishing - there's a reason they're so regulated. These pink-to-red beauties average 2-8 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 15+ pounds on our deep trips. They live on hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 80-300+ feet of water. Summer months give us our best shot during the limited federal season. What makes them special is that classic snapper fight - they'll pull hard toward the bottom and test your drag. The meat is perfect too, sweet and flaky. Guests love the challenge and the table fare. Here's something that'll put more in the box: use the heaviest sinker you can handle to get down fast, and when you feel that tick-tick bite, don't hesitate - set the hook hard and start cranking immediately before they wrap you up in the structure.
Treasure Island, FL