5-Hour Offshore Trolling Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour offshore trolling trip departing from Pensacola PassTarget pelagic and reef species using multiple lure depthsFourguest capacity with Saltwater Fever professional guides
Ready to hit the deep waters off Pensacola Beach? This 5-hour offshore trolling trip with Saltwater Fever puts you right in the action zone where the Gulf's best gamefish live. We'll cruise out through Pensacola Pass and set up shop around our favorite artificial reefs, where the fish stack up thick and the action stays hot. With room for up to 4 anglers, this is your chance to experience world-class Gulf fishing without the crowds. The warm Florida sun, steady boat, and productive waters make this a top-rated choice for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting their feet wet in saltwater fishing.
Once we clear the pass, it's about a 20-minute run to our first spot. The artificial reefs off Pensacola Beach are legendary for holding fish, and we'll position ourselves where the structure meets the open Gulf currents. You'll spend your day relaxing in the fighting chairs while we pull a spread of lures at varying depths – everything from surface runners to deep divers. The boat does most of the work here; your job is to stay alert for that telltale scream of the reel and be ready to grab the rod when fish comes calling. The waters out here range from 60 to 120 feet deep, giving us access to both reef dwellers and pelagic species that cruise the blue water.
We run a proven spread that's dialed in for these Gulf waters. Expect to see a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs working at different levels of the water column. The outriggers keep our lines spread wide, while we pull a few flatlines closer to the boat. When we're working the reefs, we'll slow-troll live bait and jigs to target the bigger amberjack and snapper that hold tight to structure. All the tackle is provided – heavy spinning gear and conventional reels spooled with plenty of line to handle whatever decides to eat. The key out here is covering water and staying in the strike zone where the bait schools gather around these productive reefs.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, especially during their peak season from April through October. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ when the big females move through. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Kings love the edges where clear blue water meets the reef structure, making our trolling pattern perfect for intercepting them.
Mahi Mahi show up best during the warmer months, typically May through September. These colorful fighters average 10-25 pounds and put on an aerial show that's hard to beat. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. Mahi love floating debris and temperature breaks, which we encounter regularly on our trolling routes.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These powerful fish range from 20-60 pounds and will take you straight to the bottom if you let them. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March. AJ's fight dirty – they'll wrap you around structure in a heartbeat, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers.
Great Barracuda cruise these waters year-round, with fish ranging from 5-25 pounds. They're lightning fast and armed with a mouth full of teeth that'll slice through leaders. Cuda are aggressive feeders and often the first to hit trolled lures, especially the flashy spoons and plugs we pull.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel when they're in season, typically June through July. These reef residents average 5-15 pounds but can reach trophy size. They're structure-oriented fish that require precise boat positioning and quality bottom fishing techniques when we stop to work the reefs.
This customer favorite offshore experience gives you the best of Gulf fishing without burning a full day on the water. Five hours is the sweet spot – enough time to work multiple spots and species without wearing out first-time anglers. The artificial reefs off Pensacola Beach are some of the most productive in the northern Gulf, and our proven trolling patterns put fish in the boat consistently. Whether you're looking to check Gulf fishing off your bucket list or add to your personal best collection, this trip delivers. Book now and get ready to experience why Pensacola's offshore fishing scene keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This freshly restored 22' Robalo center console is your ticket to Pensacola's best offshore fishing grounds. After a complete 2023 makeover, she's powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you out to the reefs at 40 knots, cutting through Gulf waters like butter. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, the spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. The boat's loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate schools below, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for those longer days on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. Whether you're targeting pelagics cruising the blue water or working the artificial reefs for snappers and grouper, this Robalo handles Pensacola's offshore conditions with ease. She's built for serious fishing but comfortable enough that first-timers will feel right at home pulling in their limit.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the silver torpedoes of our waters, typically running 3-4 feet long with some monsters reaching 6 feet. These apex predators cruise near the surface around reefs and clear water, often following boats out of curiosity. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and summer bring the most consistent action. Anglers love the initial strike - barracuda hit like freight trains and make short, powerful runs. They're not great eating due to potential ciguatera, but they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. The secret is using wire leaders and shiny lures that mimic their favorite baitfish. Tube lures or spoons trolled fast work great. Keep your hands clear when landing them - those teeth are razor sharp and they're not afraid to use them.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of our reef system, averaging 20-40 pounds but growing to 100+ pounds around deeper structures. These powerful fish live on our artificial reefs and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water, especially during spring and summer months when they're most active. What guests love about amberjack is their raw power - they'll drag you straight into the structure if you're not ready. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right. The trick to landing big jacks is getting them away from the reef quickly. Use heavy tackle, at least 50-pound test, and don't give them an inch. Vertical jigging with large spoons or live bait works best. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and pump them up fast.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are among the Gulf's fastest fish, averaging 15-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These speed demons love the edges of our artificial reefs and drop-offs, typically found in 40-150 feet of water. Summer through early fall brings the best action when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel off 200 yards of line in seconds. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The key to landing them is using a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono instantly. When trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface - kings love to smash a fast-moving ballyhoo or spoon. Once hooked, hold on tight and let your drag do the work.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the rainbow fighters of the Gulf, famous for their brilliant gold and green colors that flash like neon underwater. Most run 15-30 pounds, though 50+ pounders show up around floating debris and weed lines in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall offers peak action when they follow warm currents. What hooks anglers is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and change colors while battling. The meat is premium table fare too, with sweet, firm white flesh that's perfect grilled or blackened. My go-to tip: look for birds diving on bait or any floating debris. Mahi stack up under anything that floats. Troll ballyhoo or hit them with live bait once you locate the school.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds with trophy fish pushing 20+ pounds. These ruby-colored fighters live around our artificial reefs and hard bottom structure in 60-200 feet of water. The best action happens during our summer season when regulations allow targeting them. What makes snappers special is their fighting spirit - they'll run straight for cover and test your tackle. Plus, they're hands-down the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. The key to consistent success is using circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and getting your bait right to the bottom where they feed. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back into the structure.
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