12 Hour Offshore Trip Gulfport, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure with expert crew guidanceAll equipment, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning services includedProfessional first mate assistance for up to four guests
There's nothing quite like a full day offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, and Scotty J's Charters knows exactly how to make it count. This 12-hour deep sea adventure puts you right in the action with some of the Gulf's hottest fishing grounds just a boat ride from Gulfport. You'll be targeting trophy-sized grouper, lightning-fast tuna, and everything in between while the experienced crew handles all the details. Pack your cooler with drinks and snacks because we're heading out early and coming back with bent rods and full fish boxes.
Your day starts before sunrise at the Gulfport marina, where you'll meet your captain and first mate who've been working these waters for years. The boat's loaded with top-shelf gear, fresh bait, and all the tackle you'll need for whatever's biting that day. We're talking about a serious offshore run – usually 20 to 40 miles out depending on where the fish are staging. The Gulf's structure changes constantly, and your captain reads the water like a roadmap, hitting productive ledges, wrecks, and drop-offs that hold the big ones. With only four anglers max, you're not fighting for rod time or elbow room at the rail. The first mate stays busy keeping your lines in the water, untangling the occasional bird's nest, and making sure your drag's set right when that grouper tries to head back to the rocks. Your fishing licenses are covered, and they'll clean your catch at the end of the day so you can head home with fillets ready for the grill.
Offshore fishing in the Gulf means adapting your approach throughout the day as conditions and species change. Early morning often starts with trolling spread for pelagics like mahi, tuna, and kings while running to the fishing grounds. Once you reach structure, it's time to break out the bottom rigs loaded with circle hooks and heavy sinkers to get down to the grouper and snapper. The crew sets you up with conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test because these fish don't mess around when they feel steel. Expect to fish anywhere from 60 to 150 feet of water, depending on what's producing that day. Live bait like pinfish and cigar minnows work magic on the bottom dwellers, while cut bait and jigs can trigger reaction strikes from cruising cobia and kings. The first mate coaches you through the fight, helping you pump and wind effectively to keep big fish from breaking you off in the structure. When the bite slows on the bottom, don't be surprised if the captain fires up the engines to hit another spot or switches tactics to target different species.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf offshore fishing, and these bruisers can push 20-30 pounds when you find them on the right structure. They're ambush predators that sit tight to the bottom near ledges and rocks, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. Best action typically happens from late spring through early fall when water temps are up and the fish are aggressive. What makes gags so popular is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying – plus they put up a serious fight that'll test your tackle and technique.
Scamp grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but they're just as tasty and often easier to find in good numbers. These guys love deeper water around 100-150 feet and have this habit of schooling up on productive spots. They're year-round residents, but summer months bring the most consistent action. Scamps have this unique coloration with spotted patterns that make them easy to identify, and they're known for their willingness to bite when other species are being finicky.
Blackfin tuna are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod – fast, strong, and absolutely relentless once hooked. These speedsters show up when water temps climb and baitfish are thick, usually from late spring through early winter. They'll hit trolled baits, live offerings, and even vertical jigs when you find them feeding. The fight is what draws anglers back – long runs, head shakes, and never-give-up attitude that'll have your arms burning. Plus, blackfins are sashimi-grade fish when handled properly, making them a favorite for anglers who love fresh fish.
King mackerel patrol the Gulf's offshore waters like underwater missiles, and when they're feeding, the action can be absolutely insane. These toothy predators love structure edges and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. Spring and fall migrations bring the best numbers, but resident fish provide action year-round. Kings hit hard and fast, often jumping and making screaming runs that'll have you questioning your drag setting. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, despite what some people think.
Mahi mahi are the wildcards of Gulf fishing – you never know when a school might show up and turn your day into something special. These colorful fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. When you hook one, keep your lines in because they typically travel in schools. The fight is spectacular with lots of jumping and color changes, and the meat is restaurant-quality when handled right. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temps are warmest.
Hogfish are becoming increasingly popular targets for their unique appearance and outstanding table quality. These wrasse family members use their pig-like snouts to root around sandy bottoms and rocky areas looking for crustaceans and small fish. They're year-round residents but seem more active during warmer months. The fight isn't overwhelming, but the reward is some of the best-eating fish in the Gulf – sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anywhere from the surface to the bottom, often around structure or following rays and sharks. These brown
Get ready to chase trophy fish in the deep blue waters off Gulfport aboard this well-equipped offshore fishing machine. This motorboat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a fish finder to locate the hotspots, GPS to navigate the Gulf waters, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. The wireless trolling motor lets you position silently over structure without spooking the fish below. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long haul, while the onboard toilet means more time with lines in the water. With Scotty J's expert crew handling navigation and fish cleaning, you just focus on fighting that next big one. All gear, bait, and licenses included - just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks for the 12-hour haul.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins average 15-20 pounds with that classic tuna speed and stamina. They're found in warm Gulf waters over 68°F, typically in open ocean near continental shelves. Peak season here is fall through spring when they school up and feed aggressively. These fish are absolute rockets - they'll test your drag and make long runs that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is excellent for sushi or grilling, with that rich tuna flavor. They respond well to vertical jigging and chunking with live pilchards. My go-to setup is 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks - their eyesight is sharp, so scale down your tackle for better success.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that look like sharks cruising just under the surface, but they're actually fantastic table fare with firm, white meat. These brown torpedoes average 20-40 pounds and can top 100 pounds. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, reefs, and offshore rigs in 30-300 feet during spring and summer months. They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, making for exciting sight fishing. Cobia fight hard with powerful runs and headshakes. They love live bait like eels and crabs, but bucktail jigs work great too. Spring migration (March-May) offers the best action when they're spawning. Pro tip: once you see one, stick around - they often travel in pairs, and the second fish is usually bigger.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the showstoppers of offshore fishing - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past 4 years. Look for them under floating debris, weedlines, or around current breaks in blue water. They're most active during warmer months when water temps climb. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that jump and make strong runs, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. Once you find one, there's usually a school nearby. Troll ballyhoo or throw live bait around floating objects. Keep your bait skipping - they love chasing flying fish. Pro tip: watch for frigate birds working debris piles; they'll lead you right to the fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese groupers average around 20 inches but can reach up to 4 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in 40-150 feet of water. They love hiding in holes and ledges, so be ready for a serious fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their cave. Gags are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active. Use live pinfish or cut bait on circle hooks with heavy tackle. Pro tip: keep your reel locked tight and don't let them freewheel, or they'll dive into structure and cut you off. Look for them near stone crab traps where they hunt for their favorite meal.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the sweetest-eating fish in these waters, even better than grouper according to many locals. These pig-snouted wrasse use their long snouts to dig crustaceans from sand and reef cracks. They average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds and 3 feet long. You'll find them around coral reefs, hard bottom, and ledges in 10-100 feet, usually in small schools with one dominant male. They're curious fish but can be tricky to hook due to their small mouths and fast strikes. Live shrimp and mud crabs work best on small hooks. The key is quick reflexes when they hit. Pro tip: make some noise in the water - they're attracted to vibrations and will often swim right up to investigate divers and boats.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed demons that'll hit your bait at 40+ mph and make smoking runs that test every knot. These silvery missiles average 20-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet over structure, reefs, and along drop-offs. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit 68-84°F. They're prized for their fights and decent table fare, though the bigger ones can be wormy. Kings have razor teeth, so always use wire leaders with two-hook rigs - they hit baits from behind. Live bait like blue runners work best, but they'll crush spoons and cigar minnows too. Pro tip: keep your bait skipping on the surface to trigger their predatory instincts.
Mycteroperca PhenaxOften called "the captain's meat" for good reason - scamps are hands down the best-tasting grouper you'll catch. These chocolate-brown fish with their distinctive long tail rays average 4-6 pounds but can reach 30+ pounds. They hang around deep structure like reefs and wrecks in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spawn season (February through May). Scamps are slow swimmers but incredibly strong fighters that'll test your drag system. Their firm, sweet meat makes them a prized catch. Use live pinfish or sardines on heavy tackle with braided line - you'll need it for the battle ahead. Local tip: target current breaks around structure where they ambush baitfish.
Gulfport, FL