Extended Offshore Fishing Charter in Port Richey
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting grouper and snapper speciesAll skill levels accommodated with provided gear and fishing licensesSmall cabin storage and cooler space for catch preservation
Nothing beats a full day on the water when you've got six solid hours to work the offshore grounds around Port Richey. This charter gives you the time you need to really get into the fish, whether you're dropping bottom rigs for those heavyweight grouper or working the mid-water column for snapper that'll make your cooler heavy. We're talking about getting out to the good stuff - those 60 to 100-foot depths where the big boys live and the action stays steady all day long.
You'll be fishing from a well-equipped vessel that handles the Gulf swells like a champ, complete with a small cabin to keep your gear dry when the spray picks up. The boat's set up right with plenty of cooler space for your lunch, drinks, and most importantly, all the fish you're going to box up. We keep it comfortable for up to six anglers, so you won't be bumping elbows when the bite gets hot. Captain provides all your licensing, rods, reels, and a solid selection of jigs and terminal tackle. Live bait availability depends on what we can catch or what the bait boats are running that day, but don't worry - we'll make sure you've got what you need to get bit. The boat stocks complimentary drinks and light snacks, but bring your own lunch if you're the type who works up an appetite fighting fish all day.
The name of the game out here is versatility. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Bottom fishing makes up the bulk of our day - dropping cut bait, live pinfish, and heavy jigs down to those rocky ledges and structure where grouper hole up. You'll be working conventional reels spooled with heavy braid, because when a big red grouper decides to head for the rocks, you need the backbone to turn him around. For the snapper bite, we'll lighten up the tackle a bit and work smaller baits right along the bottom. When conditions are right, we'll switch gears and target those pelagic species with live bait presentations and trolling lures. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, so you're always fishing the most productive method for the conditions.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers average 8 to 15 pounds but can push well over 20 when you connect with a real bruiser. They're most active during the cooler months from October through April, when they move up onto the shallower ledges to feed. What makes them so exciting to catch is that initial run - they'll peel drag for 20 or 30 seconds before settling into that classic grouper fight where it feels like you're pulling up a Volkswagen. The meat is absolutely top-shelf, with firm white fillets that taste like butter when you get them on the grill.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as most folks call them, are probably the most fun fish you'll tangle with all day. They average 2 to 5 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, making screaming runs and putting serious bends in your rod. These guys are year-round residents, but summer months from May through September are prime time when they school up heavy over structure. They're incredibly line-shy and bait-smart, so catching them consistently takes some finesse. That's what makes them addictive - you've got to earn every single one. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Spanish Mackerel are your speed demons, showing up in good numbers from spring through fall when the water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. These 2 to 4-pound rockets will absolutely smoke a drag when they hit, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're perfect for lighter tackle and respond well to small jigs, spoons, and live bait. What's great about Spanish mackerel is they often travel in schools, so when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. They make excellent table fare when bled and iced properly.
King Mackerel are the heavy hitters of the mackerel family, commonly running 15 to 30 pounds with the occasional 40-plus-pounder thrown in to keep things interesting. Peak season runs from April through October, when they cruise the offshore waters following bait schools. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll make blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, and their jumps are absolutely spectacular. We typically target them with live bait on wire leaders or heavy trolling lures. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for smoking or grilling as steaks.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up any time from April through November, though peak season is late spring and early summer. These brown torpedoes average 20 to 40 pounds and are famous for their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. When hooked, they're incredibly strong fighters that make long, sustained runs and have a habit of wrapping themselves around anything they can find. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's often compared to shark or mahi-mahi. Spotting and sight-casting to cobia is one of the most exciting ways to fish, turning the whole experience into a visual game.
Six hours gives you the time to really work the offshore grounds properly, hit multiple spots, and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. Port Richey puts you in prime position to access some of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds without burning half your day running to the fish. The boat's equipped for comfort and fish-catching efficiency, the captain knows these waters inside and out, and the
Meet the "Lady K" – your ticket to some serious offshore action in the Gulf waters off Port Richey. This 1999 22-foot Shamrock Walkaround has been putting anglers on fish for years, and she's built to handle the deeper waters where the big grouper and snapper hang out. With her 250HP PCM engine pushing her along at a steady 22 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The boat's walkaround design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the small cabin keeps your gear dry when the spray kicks up. She's equipped with everything you need to find and catch fish – GPS to get you to the sweet spots, fish finder to locate the structure below, and a wireless trolling motor for those times when you need to stay quiet over productive bottom. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while there's generous cooler space for the day's haul. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs for grouper or working live bait for snapper, this boat handles it all. The "Lady K" comfortably fishes up to 6 people, making her perfect for family trips or small groups looking to get into some quality Gulf fishing without the crowds of larger charter boats.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - their dark brown color and single dorsal fin fool a lot of people. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds and can hit 60+ when we find the right fish. They're loners, usually swimming solo around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet. Spring and summer are best when they move inshore. What guests love about cobia is the sight fishing - you can actually see them cruising near the surface. They're curious fish that'll come check out the boat. The fight is bulldogging power, and the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and sweet. They're not picky eaters either. My trick: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming. Let it sink naturally and be ready - they hit hard and head for the bottom fast.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are smart, cautious fish that make for great eating. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but the bigger ones out in deeper water can hit 10+ pounds. They love hanging around docks, reefs, and any kind of structure where they can ambush prey. These fish are opportunistic feeders and more active at night, though we catch plenty during the day. What guests love is the challenge - they're picky eaters with excellent eyesight. The payoff is some of the best white, flaky meat you'll find. They're around year-round but seem more cooperative in warmer months. My advice: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, drop it to the bottom, then reel up just a turn or two. Be patient and don't move the bait much - let them come to it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speedsters that'll test your drag and your arms. These torpedo-shaped fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when we hit the right schools. They patrol open water in 40-150 feet, cruising along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active around here. What makes kings special is that initial run - they'll strip line like nothing else and make multiple smoking runs before you get them to the boat. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. They're also great sport on lighter tackle. Pro tip: always use a wire leader since their teeth are like razors, and when trolling, run your baits at different depths. Kings often suspend mid-water column, not just on top like people think.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing trips. These chunky fighters typically weigh 5-15 pounds, with their rust-red color and white spots making them easy to identify. They live on rocky bottom and structure in 30-150 feet, though we find most of ours in 60-120 feet. They're aggressive predators that'll inhale a bait, but then head straight for the rocks to try and break you off. What makes them popular is that fight - pure power trying to get back to cover - plus they're absolutely delicious with firm, white meat that tastes slightly sweet from their shellfish diet. They bite year-round but seem more active in cooler months. Key tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up - they'll wrap you around structure in seconds if you give them slack.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, silver speedsters that'll give you a solid fight on light tackle. These fish typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-3 pounds, traveling in schools near the surface. You'll find them around structures, reefs, and sometimes right in the surf when waters warm up. They're most active during warmer months and love to chase live bait like sardines or greenbacks. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and that beautiful silver flash when they jump. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills up perfect. Here's a local tip: when you see diving birds working baitfish, Spanish mackerel are usually right underneath. Use a wire leader because their teeth are razor sharp, and troll shiny spoons or cast jigs to the edges of the feeding frenzy.
undefined, undefined