Extended Half Day Offshore Fishing in Madeira Beach
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended halfday offshore fishing targeting tuna and amberjackCaptain Brandon Vaughan provides expert guidance and local knowledgeAll fishing equipment and gear included for groups up to 6
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 know exactly where to find the fish. This extended half-day trip takes you beyond the nearshore waters into the deep blue where the big pelagics roam. We're talking about prime Gulf of Mexico fishing grounds where blackfin tuna, amberjack, and red grouper call home. With up to 6 anglers per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight these hard-pulling fish. Captain Brandon brings years of local knowledge to put you on productive bottom structure and current edges where the action happens. All your tackle and gear comes included, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early at the Madeira Beach docks, where you'll meet Captain Brandon and get the rundown on the day's game plan. The extended half-day format gives us enough time to run to the productive offshore spots without feeling rushed. We typically head 15-25 miles out where the water turns that deep blue color and the bottom structure holds big fish. The Gulf of Mexico off Madeira Beach is loaded with natural and artificial reefs, wrecks, and ledges that concentrate baitfish and predators. You'll experience a mix of bottom fishing and mid-water techniques depending on what's biting best. The boat is equipped with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you need. Captain Brandon reads the water conditions and adjusts the plan accordingly – some days we might focus on vertical jigging over structure, other times we'll drift live bait or work the edges with cut bait.
Offshore fishing here means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We typically start with bottom rigs loaded with circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get down to the grouper and snapper holding tight to structure. Live pinfish, grunts, and sardines work magic when the fish are finicky, while fresh cut bait like bonito strips or squid can trigger reaction strikes from amberjack and cobia. For the pelagic species like blackfin tuna, we switch to lighter tackle and work jigs or small live baits around current breaks and temperature changes. The boat carries conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test for the bottom fishing, plus some lighter spinning gear for when the tuna show up. Captain Brandon handles all the rigging and bait prep, plus he knows when to move spots if the bite slows down. The Gulf's structure fishing requires precise boat positioning and good electronics – something Captain Brandon has dialed in after years of working these same productive areas.
Blackfin tuna are the speed demons of this fishery, typically running 10-25 pounds with occasional larger fish pushing 30-plus. These fish show up best during cooler months from October through March, often feeding in schools around current edges and temperature breaks. When you hook one, expect screaming runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag settings. Blackfins have incredible stamina and fight way above their weight class – a 15-pound fish will feel like 30 when it's green. They're also excellent table fare with deep red meat that's perfect for searing or making into sushi-grade steaks.
Red grouper are the bread-and-butter bottom fish, ranging from keeper-sized fish around 5 pounds up to hefty 20-plus pound slobs. These fish live on hard bottom structure and ledges, typically in 80-150 feet of water. They're ambush predators that inhale baits quickly, so you need to set the hook fast and horse them up before they can dive back into their rocky homes. Grouper fishing is all about technique – you drop your bait right to the bottom, keep minimal slack, and be ready for that telltale thump. The bigger fish are incredibly strong and will test your arms on the way up.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the reef, with fish commonly ranging 20-50 pounds and larger specimens pushing 60-plus. These fish are incredibly powerful and will make long runs toward the bottom structure when hooked. AJ's are year-round residents but fish best in spring and fall when they're most active. They're not picky eaters and will crush live baits, jigs, or cut bait fished around wrecks and hard bottom. Fighting an amberjack is like arm wrestling a freight train – they use their broad sides and powerful tail to generate incredible pulling power.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anytime, typically running 20-40 pounds with fish over 50 not uncommon. These brown sharks (as some anglers call them) are curious fish that often follow rays and sharks, or cruise around structure looking for easy meals. Spring brings the best cobia action during their spawning migration, but they can show up year-round. Cobia are fantastic fighters that make powerful runs and have incredible stamina. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between mahi and grouper.
Red snapper fishing is seasonal and heavily regulated, but when it's open, these fish provide some of the most consistent action over structure. Typically running 3-15 pounds, red snapper are aggressive feeders that will hit both live and dead baits. They school up around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-120 feet of water. Snapper have sharp teeth and excellent eyesight, so fresh bait and sharp hooks are essential. They're also considered one of the premier table fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat.
This extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to reach the
Captain Brandon's 31-foot Cape Horn is built for serious offshore action in the Gulf waters around Madeira Beach. Twin 300hp Yamahas deliver the power to reach prime tuna and amberjack grounds quickly, while top-tier electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar help locate schools and navigate safely. The boat features dual live wells to keep your bait fresh and an icebox for cold drinks during those long fights with big fish. With room for up to 6 anglers and VHF radio for safety, this fishing machine has everything you need for a productive half-day targeting pelagics in deeper waters.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tunas, blackfins usually run 15-30 pounds around here, with their distinctive yellow stripe that fades once they're boated. They're fierce fighters that'll test your drag system - these fish don't give up easy. You'll find them in warm offshore waters, often schooling with skipjacks over structure or temperature breaks. Fall through spring are prime months when they move closer to our coast. What makes them special is the fight-to-size ratio and excellent eating quality - their meat rivals any tuna. Local trick: scale down to lighter leaders since they've got sharp eyes. Use #30 fluorocarbon and 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging works great, but don't overlook live pilchards for chum.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. These chocolate-brown beauties average 20-50 pounds and are mostly loners, not schoolers. Spring migration brings the best action as they move through our area heading north. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet. What makes them special is sight fishing opportunities and outstanding table quality - firm white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're curious fish that respond well to bucktail jigs and live bait. My favorite technique: sight cast to fish we spot on the surface using 4-8oz bucktails in any color. They're strong fighters that make long runs.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers are what dreams are made of - averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 60 quite common. AJs patrol wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 60-200+ feet. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll test your equipment and endurance. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on the structures. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll take drag and head straight for cover. The meat is excellent when prepared right, with a firm texture. They spawn April-May, so respect the closures. Pro tip: use heavy tackle with 50+ pound line. Live bait like blue runners work best, but large jigs are effective too. Keep them coming up - don't let them get back to structure.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our reef fishing. These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds, though we see plenty in the 15-20 pound range. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 30-150 feet of water. What clients love most is the dependable action and amazing table fare - firm, white meat with that sweet shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They're aggressive feeders and tough fighters that'll try to cut you off in the structure. Best fishing is outside their spawning closure from May through December. My go-to tip: use heavy tackle and get them up fast. Fresh shrimp or live pinfish on a knocker rig works great.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of bottom fish, red snapper are what many folks dream about catching. These ruby-red beauties average 2-8 pounds in our waters, living around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet. The short seasons make them extra special - we fish them hard when it's open. What clients love is the fight and phenomenal eating - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for any cooking style. They're smart fish with great eyesight, so lighter leaders help. Spawning season runs May-October when they're closed to protect breeding stock. Best tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or live pinfish. Get them up quick since they're prone to barotrauma in deeper water.
Largo, FL