8 Hour Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore fishing charter accommodates six guests maximumExpert crew provides all necessary gear and professional guidanceAccess to diverse fishing grounds and backcountry locations
Looking for a full day on the water that'll put you on some serious fish? This 8-hour charter with Salty Soul Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a proper fishing trip here - not some rushed half-day deal where you barely get your lines wet. Eight solid hours gives us time to hit multiple spots, adjust our game plan based on what's biting, and really dial in on the fish. Whether you've been fishing Florida waters for years or this is your first time dropping a line in the Gulf, our crew knows how to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're heading out to where the big boys live. With 8 hours at our disposal, we can cover serious ground and hit the productive offshore structure that holds the best fish. The boat handles up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without bumping into each other. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and has been putting clients on fish for years. You'll start early to make the most of prime fishing time, and we'll adjust our approach throughout the day based on what's working. Some days that means working the deep drops for grouper, other days we might find ourselves chasing schools of amberjack around the wrecks. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is we have time to do both.
We've got you covered on all the tackle - heavy conventional reels spooled with quality line, rods that can handle anything from 20-pound grouper to 40-pound amberjack, and terminal tackle that won't let you down when you hook into something special. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. Bottom fishing with heavy sinkers and circle hooks is the bread and butter for grouper, while the amberjack might call for some live bait work or even some vertical jigging if they're being finicky. The crew will have you rigged up properly and show you the techniques that work best out here. Don't worry about bringing anything - we supply rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and even clean your catch at the end of the day.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Florida offshore fishing, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 15-25 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They love rocky bottom and structure in 80-150 feet of water, and once you hook one, it's a straight pull to the bottom before you can turn its head. Best time to target them is during the cooler months from October through March, though they bite year-round. What makes red grouper so popular is they're excellent table fare and provide that classic deep-water fishing experience - heavy tackle, tight drags, and a solid fight.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the offshore scene. These fish regularly hit 30-50 pounds and will test your arms and your drag system. They hang around wrecks and deep structure, often in 100+ feet of water, and when you hook one it's going to make long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming. Spring and fall are prime time for big amberjack, though smaller ones are around most of the year. The fight is what brings anglers back - these fish just don't quit, making multiple runs and using their broad sides to pull hard in the current.
Yellowtail Amberjack might be smaller than their greater cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that'll surprise you. Running 10-20 pounds typically, they're more common in slightly shallower water and are often mixed in with other species around structure. They're aggressive feeders and excellent on light tackle if conditions allow. The cool thing about yellowtails is they often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Lemon Shark encounters add some real excitement to any offshore trip. These sharks typically run 6-10 feet and provide an entirely different kind of fight - long runs, aerial displays, and that heart-pounding moment when you realize what's on the other end of your line. They're most active during warmer months and often show up when you're targeting other species. The thrill factor is off the charts, and they make for some great photos before release.
Black Grouper are the kings of Florida grouper fishing. These fish can exceed 40 pounds and are incredibly strong, using caves and ledges to their advantage during the fight. They prefer deeper water than reds, often in 150+ feet, and are more selective about what they'll eat. When you hook a big black grouper, you know it immediately - they hit hard and head straight for the rocks. They're less common than reds but much larger on average, making them a prize catch that serious anglers specifically target.
An 8-hour charter gives you the real Florida offshore fishing experience - time to work different spots, try various techniques, and really get into the fish. With Salty Soul Charters, you're getting experienced crew, quality gear, and access to productive fishing grounds that consistently produce fish. The boat handles 6 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, groups of friends, or serious fishing buddies who want a full day on the water. Remember to bring sunscreen, snacks and drinks (no meals included), and get ready for a day of serious fishing. These spots fill up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait around - book your 8-hour adventure and get ready to put some quality fish in the box.
Step aboard our 2017 NauticStar 21' center console and get ready to chase fish across Florida's productive waters. This reliable 150HP Yamaha-powered boat hits 25 knots when you need to reach those distant honey holes fast. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. The fish finder will help you mark schools and structure while the GPS keeps you on the productive spots you've discovered. When visibility drops or weather moves in, the radar keeps you safe and heading home with your catch. The built-in icebox ensures your snook, redfish, and tarpon stay fresh during those long 8-hour days on the water. Whether you're working the grass flats for reds or hitting the bridges for snook, this boat gets you there comfortably and brings you back with coolers full of fish. Perfect for experienced anglers looking to maximize their time on Florida's diverse fishing grounds.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef—stocky, powerful fish with olive-gray bodies covered in dark rectangular blotches. Most average 20-30 pounds, but giants over 100 pounds are possible if you hit the right spots. They love deep structure like wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. Winter months are prime when they move shallower to spawn. What guests love is the raw power—these fish fight dirty, trying to get back to the rocks to break you off. The meat is fantastic with a mild flavor and firm texture that's perfect for grilling. They're not picky eaters and will hit live or dead bait. The key is heavy tackle with at least 80lb braid and 100lb leader. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and get them up fast—don't let them think about diving back home.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the deep—powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. Most run 20-40 pounds, but big ones can hit 60+ and stretch over 4 feet long. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structures in 60-300 feet of water throughout the Gulf and Atlantic. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. What guests love is the raw power—these fish make long, hard runs that'll have your drag screaming. The meat's excellent too, though smaller ones taste better. They're not picky eaters, so live bait, jigs, or trolled lures all work. Pro tip: when you hook one, tighten that drag immediately and keep them away from structure. They'll wrap you up in a heartbeat if you let them.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon Sharks are one of Florida's most exciting shallow water targets. These golden-yellow sharks typically run 4-6 feet and 50-100 pounds, though bigger ones cruise our waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, mangroves, and sandy flats—often in just 3-10 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months and love hunting the flats during incoming tides. What makes them special is the visual aspect—seeing that yellow fin cutting through clear shallow water gets your heart pumping. They fight hard with powerful runs and jumps that'll surprise you. Fresh cut bait on the bottom or live pinfish work great. These are catch-and-release fish, but the experience is worth it. Best tip: use circle hooks and wire leader, and when you see that yellow flash, give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find on Florida reefs. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can push 50+ if you're lucky. They hang around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks anywhere from 20-200 feet deep. What makes them special is their willingness to bite—they're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, or jigs without much fuss. The meat is outstanding too, with that firm, flaky texture that makes great table fare. Best action happens during cooler months when they move shallower. Here's the key: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and get them up fast. They'll try to dive straight back into the rocks to break you off, so don't give them a chance to think about it.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are built for speed and will give you some of the fastest, longest runs you'll experience. These sleek fighters typically run 15-25 pounds but can reach 40+ on a good day. They cruise around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and structure where they hunt squid and small fish. Summer months are prime time when warmer water brings them in closer to shore. What makes them special is that combination of speed and stamina—they'll make multiple burning runs that test your equipment. The meat is prized for sushi and has that rich, oily flavor that's hard to beat. Live bait works best since the movement triggers their predatory instincts. My tip: use heavy tackle and don't horse them. Let them run when they want to, but keep them away from the rocks where they'll cut you off.
Key West