6 Hour Treasure Island FL Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixperson offshore charter targeting snapper and grouper speciesCaptain Frank provides all equipment and expert fishing guidanceMorning and afternoon departures with free threeday cancellation policy
Captain Frank knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour charter out of Treasure Island takes you where the big boys live – 25 to 35 miles offshore where red snapper stack up on the ledges and gag grouper hide in the rocks. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives your crew plenty of elbow room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of deep water fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler, Captain Frank's got the local knowledge and gear to make it happen.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are hungry and the Gulf is typically at its calmest. Captain Frank runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, so you'll feel comfortable whether this is your first offshore trip or your fiftieth. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes about an hour, giving you time to rig up and get your game face on. Once you hit the numbers, it's all business. You'll be bottom fishing the hard structure where snapper and grouper call home, using everything from live bait to cut squid depending on what's biting. The captain reads the fish finder like a book and moves around until he finds the bite. Don't worry about bringing anything – rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all included, plus Captain Frank will walk you through the techniques if you're new to offshore fishing.
Out here in 80 to 120 feet of water, you're fishing a different game than the nearshore trips. We're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and enough weight to get your bait down through the current to where the fish are holding. The structure out here is mostly natural limestone ledges and artificial reefs – perfect habitat for the species you're targeting. You'll be using conventional reels spooled with 50-pound test, because when a big gag grouper grabs your bait and heads for the rocks, you need the muscle to turn him around. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse – drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and wait for that telltale tap-tap-tap of a snapper or the solid thump of a grouper. Captain Frank positions the boat to drift over the structure, so you're constantly covering new water and finding fresh fish.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Treasure Island's offshore waters hold some beauties. These crimson fighters typically run 15 to 25 pounds out here, with bigger fish possible on the right day. They're smart, finicky eaters that require fresh bait and a gentle presentation. When snapper season is open, usually summer and fall, they're incredibly aggressive and will stack up on good structure. What makes red snapper special is their fight – they pull hard and steady, trying to get back to their rock pile home. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Lane snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and attitude. These yellow-striped scrappers are usually the first fish in the boat and they bite year-round. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're aggressive biters and fun to catch on lighter tackle. Most lanes run 12 to 16 inches, and while they're not huge, they're excellent eating and great for fish tacos or whole fried fish. They school up tight, so when you find one, you'll usually find a bunch.
Gag grouper are the bullies of the deep structure, ambush predators that can inhale a bait and disappear into the rocks before you know what hit you. These mottled gray fighters can reach 30 pounds or more, and they use every ounce of that weight to try and break you off. Gags are most active in cooler months, from November through March, when they move into shallower water to spawn. The key to catching big gags is getting your bait tight to the bottom near structure and being ready for a lightning-fast hookset. Their meat is sweet and flaky, making them one of the most sought-after table fish in the Gulf.
Red grouper are the workhorses of the grouper family, more common than gags but just as tasty. They're reddish-brown with a blotchy pattern and tend to be a bit more cooperative than their gag cousins – meaning they won't immediately try to cut you off in the rocks. Reds are active year-round but peak in spring and summer. They're curious fish that will often come up off the bottom to investigate your boat, making them excellent targets for sight fishing when the water's clear. Most reds you'll catch range from 5 to 20 pounds, with their mild, sweet meat perfect for any preparation.
Barracuda are the wild cards of offshore fishing – you never know when one of these silver bullets will crash your snapper party. These toothy predators can reach 4 feet long and are absolutely explosive when hooked, making blistering runs and jumping clear out of the water. They're most active in warmer months and are attracted to anything shiny, so they'll often hit a bait meant for other species. While some anglers consider them a nuisance, barracuda are actually excellent eating when prepared properly, and they provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience offshore.
This 6-hour offshore adventure gives you the real Gulf fishing experience without the marathon commitment of a full-day trip. Captain Frank's local knowledge, quality gear, and patient instruction make this charter perfect for mixed groups where experience levels vary. The offshore waters around Treasure Island consistently produce quality fish,
Get ready to chase the big ones aboard Captain Frank's 36-foot Yellowfin, a fishing machine built for serious anglers who want comfort and performance. With triple 350 HP Suzuki engines pushing this beauty at 45 mph, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The spacious layout gives all six anglers plenty of room to work without tangling lines or bumping elbows. Garmin electronics and fish finder help locate the hotspots, while the Carolina fish box keeps your catch fresh. Cold drinks stay iced in the cooler, and there's a head onboard for convenience during those long battles with grouper and snapper. Whether you're targeting nearshore reefs or heading 25-35 miles out for the monster fish, this boat handles Gulf waters like a dream and gets you back to the dock with a full cooler.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the silver bullets of our nearshore waters. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 3-6 feet long and swim up to 35mph when they're on the hunt. You'll find them prowling shallow flats, grass beds, and around structure where they stalk baitfish. They're active year-round here, but summer months really fire them up. What gets guests excited is the explosive strikes and blistering runs - they hit lures like freight trains and can strip line in seconds. They're pure adrenaline on light tackle. The smaller ones make decent table fare, though most folks target them for the sport. Want to hook up? Use shiny spoons or tube lures and make them flash - barracuda hunt by sight and can't resist anything that looks like a wounded baitfish. Cast past them and burn it back fast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of our offshore reefs. These grey, marbled fish average around 20 inches but can push 50+ pounds when we find the big ones. They love rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water where they can ambush prey from cover. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall tend to produce the best numbers. What makes gags special is their powerful fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to the rocks and break you off. The meat is outstanding too, firm and white with a clean taste that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's the key to landing them: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch. The moment you feel the bite, start cranking hard to get them away from structure before they can dive into a hole.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are those colorful little fighters with pink and yellow stripes running down their sides like candy canes. They typically run 10-14 inches and love hanging around coral patches and sandy bottoms with good grass cover in 70-230 feet of water. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding heavy. What guests really enjoy is how aggressive these fish are - they'll hit just about anything you drop down and put up a solid scrap once hooked. They're not shy about taking bait, making them perfect for kids and beginners who want consistent action. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: they often show up as bonus fish when we're targeting bigger snappers, so don't be surprised if you hook into a mixed bag.
Epinephelus MorioRed groupers are chunky, rust-colored bottom dwellers that make for some of the best eating in the Gulf. Most run 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ on the longer trips. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 15-300 feet, often sitting tight to ledges and structure. Outside of their January-April spawn closure, they bite year-round with summer being particularly productive. Guests love the solid fight these fish put up - they're not the fastest, but they're stubborn and will test your drag. The real payoff is at the dinner table though. Red grouper has this sweet, shellfish-like flavor that's absolutely perfect pan-fried or in a sandwich. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh shrimp or crab - they can't resist crustaceans, and you'll hook up quick when you find them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the prize of our offshore trips. These bright red beauties average 1-2 feet and fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them hugging bottom structure in 30-200 feet - we typically hit productive spots 25-35 miles out where they stack up around wrecks and ledges. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit their sweet spot. What makes guests love targeting these fish? They're scrappy fighters that'll try every trick to get back to cover, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating in the Gulf. The meat is sweet, firm, and perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they'll run straight for the nearest structure and cut you off every time.
Treasure Island, FL