Extended Treasure Island Offshore Red Snapper Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting red snapper and grouper speciesVentures 50+ miles offshore to less pressured fishing groundsAll skill levels welcome with rods and tackle provided
Captain Frank and the crew at Skirtchaser Charters know exactly where the fish are biting, and this 10-hour offshore adventure puts you right in the action. We're talking about venturing 50+ miles into the Gulf where the water runs deep blue and the bottom structure holds some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're going where the big grouper and quality red snapper live, in waters that don't see pressure from weekend warriors. Starting at 6 AM sharp, you'll have plenty of time to work multiple spots and fill the cooler with keeper-sized fish that'll make your neighbors jealous.
This world-class charter targets the prime offshore grounds where red snapper and grouper call home. We're running well beyond the nearshore crowds to structures and ledges that consistently produce quality fish. The boat handles rough water like a dream, so even if it's a bit choppy, you'll be comfortable while working the bottom. Captain Frank provides all the heavy tackle you'll need – we're talking stout rods that can handle big grouper trying to get back to their holes, plus circle hooks and weights sized perfectly for the depths we'll be fishing. The deck setup gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, and there's shade when you need a break from the Florida sun. Don't expect fancy meals on this trip – pack your own lunch and plenty of water because we'll be focused on fishing, not catering.
We fish the bottom hard on this charter, using conventional tackle with heavy sinkers to get baits down fast in 80-150 feet of water. The technique is straightforward but effective – drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and hold on tight. Red snapper hit with authority, while grouper tend to grab the bait and head straight for cover, so you need to muscle them up quickly. We'll be using a mix of live pinfish, sardines, and cut bait depending on what's working best. The key is keeping your bait right in the strike zone near structure – rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs that hold baitfish and attract the predators we're after. Captain Frank knows these spots like the back of his hand and positions the boat perfectly so your baits drift naturally with the current. When the bite gets hot, it's all hands on deck with doubles and triples keeping everyone busy.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and these waters produce some beauties. These fish are incredibly popular because they fight hard, taste amazing, and grow to impressive sizes in the deeper waters we target. Peak season runs from June through July during federal season, but state waters often offer opportunities outside those windows. Expect fish in the 5-15 pound range, with the occasional 20+ pounder that'll test your drag system. They're smart fish that require fresh bait and quick hooksets, making every bite exciting.
Red grouper are the other star of this show, and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. These bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and ledges we fish, often holding in 80-120 feet of water. They're available year-round but peak during cooler months when they're more aggressive. A typical red grouper runs 10-25 pounds, but the potential for a 30+ pound fish keeps things interesting. What makes them special is their determination – they'll try every trick to get back to their hole, making for arm-burning fights that anglers remember long after the trip.
Mahi mahi or common dolphinfish add excitement when we find floating debris or weed lines during the run out. These spectacular fish are known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times when hooked. Summer months are prime time, and they typically run 10-20 pounds in these waters. The bonus is they often travel in schools, so one fish frequently leads to several more.
Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anytime, especially around structure or following rays in the shallower areas we pass through. These brown sharks of the fishing world are powerful fighters that make long runs and test your equipment. Spring and fall offer the best shots at cobia, and they typically range from 20-40 pounds with the potential for much larger fish.
Lane snapper round out the catch as excellent eating fish that bite readily when the bigger fish are finicky. They're perfect for filling gaps in the action and ensuring everyone goes home with fish. These smaller cousins of red snapper rarely exceed 2-3 pounds but make up for size with numbers and flavor.
This top-rated 10-hour adventure gives you the best shot at quality offshore fish in some of the Gulf's most productive waters. With only six spots available and Captain Frank's reputation for finding fish, these charters fill up fast during peak season. The free cancellation policy with three days' notice takes the worry out of weather concerns, and the early start time means you'll be back at the dock while other boats are just heading out for afternoon trips. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this charter delivers the kind of offshore experience that keeps people coming back year after year.
Captain Frank's 36' Yellowfin is built for serious offshore fishing, combining comfort with the power needed to reach productive red snapper and grouper grounds 50+ miles out. Triple 350 HP Suzuki engines push this boat to a smooth 45 mph cruise, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping more time for dropping lines. With space limited to just six anglers, everyone gets plenty of elbow room at the rail without fighting for fishing spots. The boat's loaded with Garmin electronics and fish finders to locate bottom structure where snapper and grouper hide, plus a Carolina fish box to keep your catch fresh on the long ride back. A built-in cooler keeps drinks cold during those hot Florida days, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. The ride out might be long, but this Yellowfin handles Gulf swells like a champ, delivering you to less pressured waters where keeper-sized fish are waiting.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target on our offshore trips. These brown sharks-lookalikes can reach 40-50 pounds and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. You'll find them cruising around structures like buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs, usually in the top 30 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through our area heading north. What guests love about cobia is that visual aspect - seeing that big brown shape swimming just under the surface gets your heart pumping. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat similar to shark. They're usually loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a trophy. My go-to technique: pitch a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose as they cruise by. They're curious and aggressive, so a well-placed presentation usually gets bit.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are those pretty pink fish with yellow stripes that often surprise guests as bonus catches. They typically run 10-14 inches and 3-7 pounds, perfect pan-sized fish. You'll find them around coral patches, rocky areas, and vegetated sandy bottoms in 70-230 feet of water. They're active year-round but peak during their spawning season from March through September when they school up. What's great about lanes is they're aggressive biters and excellent eating - sweet, mild white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're less spooky than other snappers too, making them ideal for newer anglers to build confidence. Here's my tip: when you're bottom fishing for bigger species, always keep some small hooks rigged with shrimp or cut squid. These guys will often bite when the bigger fish won't, and they make fantastic fish tacos back at the dock.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful and acrobatic fish you'll encounter offshore. These golden beauties average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+ on a good day. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within the top 50 feet. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes mahi special is their fighting style - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show once hooked. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, mild white meat. They're aggressive feeders too, so once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Pro tip: always look for birds working over floating objects or grass lines. Where there's debris in blue water, there's usually mahi underneath waiting to ambush baitfish.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most prized bottom fish we target on these deep water trips. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some real tanks pushing 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. What makes them special is that incredible fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet with that shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. My tip: use heavy tackle and get them up fast. The moment you hook one, start cranking hard because if they make it back to their structure, you're probably getting cut off on the rocks.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing and exactly why we make that long run offshore. These deep red beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds in our deeper spots. They live on hard bottom, ledges, and structure from 80-300 feet deep, preferring that 50-70 degree water. Summer months during open season provide the best action, though they're down there year-round. What makes snapper so popular is that incredible fight combined with outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish too, so landing them takes some skill. My secret: use the heaviest tackle you can handle and fish fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish. Once hooked, get them up fast because they'll head straight for cover and cut you off on the rocks.
Treasure Island, FL