8-Hour Deep Water Fishing Charter with Captain Frank
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targets grouper, snapper, and amberjack species.Captain Frank provides all equipment and instruction for beginners.Fishing occurs 3550 miles offshore in less pressured waters.
Captain Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this full-day charter puts you right in the thick of some of the Gulf's best bottom fishing action. We're talking about a serious 8-hour commitment that takes you 35-50 miles offshore where the big fish live and the crowds can't follow. This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're heading to the deep structure where grouper stack up and snappers are hungry. Perfect for anyone wanting to experience what real Gulf fishing is all about, whether you've been doing this for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold.
Your day starts at 8:00 AM sharp from Treasure Island, and trust me, you'll want that early start for what we've got planned. The run out takes about an hour depending on conditions, but it's worth every minute once you see the depth finder light up over those productive ledges and hard bottom areas. Captain Frank's been working these offshore spots for years, and he's got the GPS numbers locked in for structures that consistently produce fish. You'll be fishing in 80-120 feet of water where the bottom composition changes from sand to rock, creating the perfect habitat for our target species. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. All your tackle, rods, and bait are provided – just bring yourself, some snacks, and plenty of water because we're staying out there until the fish stop biting or the sun goes down.
We're primarily working the bottom with conventional tackle – think stout boat rods paired with reels that can handle 30-50 pound test line. The technique here is all about reading the structure and presenting your bait right in the strike zone. We'll be using a mix of live pinfish, cigar minnows, and cut bait depending on what the fish are telling us they want. Captain Frank will have you dropping weighted rigs down to the bottom, then working them just off the structure where grouper like to ambush their prey. It's not complicated, but there's definitely an art to feeling the bite and setting the hook before these fish can get back to their holes. You'll learn to work different depths as we move from spot to spot, adjusting your technique based on current, wind, and what species we're marking on the fish finder. The beauty of this style of fishing is that it works for everyone – beginners get plenty of coaching while experienced anglers can fine-tune their approach.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers average 5-15 pounds out here, with bigger fish always possible when you're working the right structure. They're year-round residents, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they're more aggressive and feeding heavily. What makes them so exciting is that first initial run when they realize they're hooked – pure power as they try to get back to their rocky hideouts. The meat is firm, white, and absolutely delicious, making them one of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring a completely different energy to the trip. While we're primarily bottom fishing, these beautiful fish often show up around floating debris or structure, and when they do, it's game on. They're incredibly strong fighters with spectacular aerial displays, and their brilliant gold and green colors make for amazing photos. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and a good mahi bite can turn a solid fishing trip into something truly special. They're also fantastic table fare with a mild, sweet flavor that appeals to everyone.
Cobia are the wildcards of the offshore world. These brown sharks with fins (as some anglers call them) are curious, powerful, and absolutely fun to catch. They'll often cruise around the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you stay ready. Peak season is spring through fall, with larger fish showing up during their spawning runs. What makes cobia special is their intelligence – they'll follow your bait, check out the boat, and make you work for every hookup. When you do connect, expect long runs and stubborn fights.
Red Snapper remain one of the most prized catches in Gulf waters, and when the season's open, they're absolute magnets for anglers. These beautiful fish are scrappy fighters with excellent table quality, and they school up over the same types of structure that hold grouper. They're smart, often requiring finesse presentations and sharp hooks. The regulations change yearly, so we always fish within current limits, but when you can keep them, red snapper represent the pinnacle of Gulf bottom fishing.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they're plentiful, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. These colorful fish are available year-round and provide consistent action when the bigger fish are being finicky. They're perfect for keeping the rods bent and spirits high, especially for newer anglers who want to build confidence and learn proper fish-handling techniques. Don't let their size fool you – they're spirited fighters and make excellent table fare.
This full-day offshore experience with Captain Frank and Skirtchaser Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to productive fishing grounds, expert guidance, and the time needed to make the most of your trip. The 8-hour format gives you the flexibility to work multiple spots, adjust techniques based on conditions, and really dial in what the fish want. With free cancellation up to three days out, you can book with confidence knowing that weather won't leave you stuck with charges for a cancelled trip. The combination of Captain Frank's local knowledge, quality tackle, and proven fishing spots makes this charter a top choice for anyone wanting to experience the best of Treasure Island's offshore fishing scene. Don't wait – the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Step aboard Captain Frank's 36' Yellowfin, a fishing machine built to get you to the best offshore grounds fast and comfortable. With triple 350 HP Suzuki engines pushing this boat at 45 mph, you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting there. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work without tangling lines or bumping elbows. Garmin electronics and fish finder help locate structure and schools, while the Carolina fish box keeps your grouper and snapper fresh. Cold drinks stay iced in the cooler, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation whether you're hitting 35-mile spots or pushing out to 50 miles for less pressured waters. This boat handles Gulf swells smoothly, letting you focus on dropping baits to the bottom for amberjack, red snapper, and whatever else is biting in the deep.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target, often mistaken for sharks with that brown coloration and single dorsal fin. These bruisers average 30-60 pounds and cruise near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet. Spring migration from April through June is prime time when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What guests love is the visual aspect - you'll actually see these fish before you cast to them. They're aggressive and will eat just about anything, but bucktail jigs work best. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat rivals any fish in the Gulf with that firm, white flesh. Pro tip: when you spot one, get the bait in front of it quickly but don't splash down right on top - they spook easy but once interested, they'll usually eat.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snapper are those pretty pink and yellow striped fish that often show up as a bonus when we're targeting other bottom species. They typically run 1-3 pounds and prefer coral reefs, ledges, and vegetated sandy areas in 70-230 feet. You'll find them year-round, but March through September during spawning season they're most active. What's nice about lanes is they're aggressive biters and great for keeping kids and new anglers busy while waiting for bigger fish. The meat is sweet and mild, making them perfect pan-sized fillets. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, squid, or small cut baits work well. Night fishing tends to be most productive. Pro tip: use smaller hooks than you'd think - these fish have smaller mouths but they'll bite enthusiastically if you match your tackle to their size.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll find offshore, with that brilliant gold and blue coloration that changes as they come to the boat. We typically find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What makes them special is their aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real display once hooked. The meat is fantastic with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Look for birds working bait or any floating objects. Here's the key: once you hook one, leave the rest of your spread out because mahi travel in schools and the commotion often fires up the whole group.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the Gulf's premier bottom fish, averaging 5-10 pounds with that distinctive rusty red color and white spots. We find them around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait hard - just be ready for a serious fight once hooked. These fish are bulldogs that'll try to drag you straight into structure. The meat is outstanding with that firm, flaky texture that makes grouper so popular at the table. Season runs year-round but spring and fall tend to be most productive. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump them up quick before they can get back to their hole.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, with that bright red color and excellent table fare. Most run 2-8 pounds, though 20+ pounders show up regularly around deeper structure. We target them on ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 80-200 feet during the federal season, typically summer months. What makes them special is they're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, plus the meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. They're structure-oriented, so you'll find them tight to bottom around rocks and artificial reefs. Live pinfish or cut squid work best. Here's the trick: get your bait to the bottom quickly and keep it there - snapper won't chase a bait very far, but they'll hammer something presented right in their face.
Treasure Island, FL