Extended Full Day Fishing Trip - Madeira Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended offshore fishing targeting tuna, snapper, and grouper speciesCaptain Brandon Vaughan provides expert guidance and local knowledgeAll fishing equipment and tackle included for groups up to six
When you're ready to step up your fishing game and chase some serious offshore action, Captain Brandon Vaughan and the crew at Salty Dog Charters have exactly what you're looking for. This isn't your typical half-day harbor cruise – we're talking about a full-day commitment to putting you on trophy fish in the deep waters off Madeira Beach. With room for up to six anglers and a captain who knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, you're set up for the kind of fishing stories that'll have your buddies calling you a liar until you show them the photos.
Your day starts early – and I mean early. We're talking about a proper fishing trip here, so expect to be at the dock before sunrise if you want to make the most of those prime feeding hours. Captain Brandon doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish. He's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where the tuna are running and which ledges are holding the biggest grouper. The boat comes loaded with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice – so all you've got to worry about is showing up ready to fish. Fair warning though: bring your own grub and drinks because we're not catering this trip. Pack a cooler with plenty of water, some sandwiches, and whatever keeps you going through a long day of pulling on fish. The Gulf can be unforgiving if you're not prepared, and there's nothing worse than being stuck offshore with a growling stomach when the bite is hot.
We're running a mix of bottom fishing and trolling depending on what's biting and where the fish are showing up on the electronics. For the snapper and grouper, we'll be dropping live bait and cut bait down to structure – think 60 to 120 feet of water where these bottom dwellers like to hang out. Captain Brandon knows every ledge, wreck, and rock pile out there, and he's not shy about moving around until we find active fish. When it comes to the tuna, we'll be covering water with spreader bars and pulling lures at different depths until we hook up. These blackfin tuna are fast and aggressive, so when one hits, you'll know it immediately. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle anything from 15-pound snappers to 40-pound grouper trying to get back to their holes. Don't worry if you're not an expert with heavy tackle – Captain Brandon will talk you through the fight and make sure you land your fish properly.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These crimson beauties typically run anywhere from 3 to 20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 25 or more. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live pinfish to cut squid, and they put up a solid fight on the way up from the bottom. The best action usually happens during the summer months when they're spawning, but you can find keeper-sized fish year-round if you know where to look. What makes red snapper so special is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll test your drag and then provide some of the best eating you'll find in the Gulf.
Gag grouper are the heavyweights of the bottom fishing world, and landing a good one is something every angler should experience at least once. These bruisers can push 30, 40, even 50 pounds, and they fight like they're twice that size. Gags are ambush predators that love to hang around structure, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. When you hook one, the first thing it's going to do is try to get back to its hole and break you off. That's where technique matters – you've got to turn their head and keep them coming up. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of boating a trophy gag after a hard-fought battle.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but don't let that fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the scrappiest fish in the Gulf. Most scamps run 2 to 8 pounds, making them perfect for lighter tackle if you want to feel every head shake and run. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll find, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. Scamps are typically found in deeper water than gags, often 80 feet or more, and they're notorious for their acrobatic fights once you get them off the bottom.
Grey snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are the trickiest fish on this list and arguably the most fun to catch. They're incredibly smart and spooky, often requiring light leaders and small hooks to get them to bite. But when they do, they fight hard for their size and provide excellent table fare. Greys typically run 1 to 5 pounds, though bigger ones are out there if you know how to target them. They're year-round residents, so you can count on finding them on every trip, and they make great backup targets when the bigger fish aren't cooperating.
Blackfin tuna are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These speedsters typically run 10 to 30 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. When a school of blackfins moves through, the action can be absolutely crazy – multiple hookups, screaming drags, and non-stop excitement until the school moves on. They're also fantastic eating, whether you grill them as steaks or slice them up for sashimi. Blackfins are most common during the warmer months, particularly summer and early fall, when they're following baitfish in the blue water offshore.
Look, there are plenty of charter boats running out
Set out from Madeira Beach aboard our 31-foot Cape Horn, a serious fishing machine built for chasing tuna, snapper, and grouper in the Gulf waters. Twin 300hp Yamahas deliver the speed to reach prime offshore spots, while top-shelf electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar keep us locked onto the action. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with dual live wells to keep your bait frisky and an icebox for cold drinks during those hot afternoon bites. Captain Brandon knows these waters inside and out – from structure holding monster grouper to open water tuna runs. VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fishing intel. This boat's built to handle offshore conditions while keeping you comfortable as you work the depths for trophy fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little fighters of the tuna family, typically running up to 39 inches and 20-40 pounds. Don't let their size fool you - these fish are pure muscle and will give you a workout. They cruise the continental shelf areas in warm blue water, usually traveling in schools with skipjacks. Peak season here is fall through spring when they push closer to shore. What makes them special is that classic tuna fight - long runs and bulldogging deep. Plus the meat is outstanding for sushi or searing. They're constantly moving, so we troll or chunk for them around structure and temperature breaks. Key tip: scale down your tackle with lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks. They've got sharp eyes and will spook easily, but once hooked they'll take you for a ride.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the strongest fighters you'll tangle with out there. Average fish run 20 inches, but we see plenty in the 30-40 pound range that'll test your arms. They hang around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 60-200+ feet, always looking for ambush spots. Young ones stay closer inshore until they mature. Best fishing happens fall through spring when they're more active. What makes them special is that pure strength - they'll try to drag you straight down to the rocks soon as they feel the hook. The meat's fantastic too, sweet and firm. Pro tip: soon as you hook one, crank that drag tight and keep your rod low. Don't give them an inch or they'll disappear into the nearest hole and you'll never get them out.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They average 10-14 inches inshore but can hit 20 pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, grass flats, and any structure that gives them cover to ambush prey. They're nocturnal feeders, so late evening and night fishing produces best. These fish are opportunistic hunters - they'll sit and wait for the perfect moment to strike. The white, flaky meat is top-shelf eating. What guests love is that they're accessible year-round in our area and great for kids to target. Here's the key: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then reel up just enough to stay off structure. No fancy moves - just let it sit and wait for them to commit.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are true warriors that'll give you a proper fight once hooked. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but bigger ones pushing 20+ pounds show up regularly around our offshore structure. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. They love cigar minnows and live pinfish - the bigger the bait, the bigger the snapper. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and feeding heavy. The meat is absolutely primo - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a tip: once you hook one, keep that reel locked tight and don't let them run to cover. They'll try to cut your line on anything sharp they can find.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are hands-down the best eating fish in the grouper family - some captains call them "captain's meat" for good reason. They typically run 4-6 pounds and under 3 feet, but don't let the size fool you. These fish are slow swimmers but incredibly strong, so expect a serious battle even from smaller ones. You'll find them hiding in ledges, wrecks, and rocky structure from 75-300 feet deep. They move shallower during spawning season from February through May. The elongated tail rays and chocolate brown color with darker blotches make them easy to spot. Live pinfish and sardines work best, but they'll hit cut bait too. Here's what works: use braided line because they'll try to cut you off on structure, and fight them hard right from the start.
Largo, FL