6 Hour Offshore Trip in Gulfport, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing adventure targeting grouper and king mackerelAll equipment, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning services includedSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and hit some serious fishing grounds, this 6-hour offshore adventure with Scotty J's Charters is exactly what you're looking for. We'll cruise 15-20 miles off the Gulfport coast where the Gulf of Mexico opens up into deep blue water and the fish get bigger and more aggressive. This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're talking about real offshore fishing where the bottom drops off and the action heats up. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most prized species including gag grouper, king mackerel, red snapper, hogfish, and cobia. Everything you need is covered in your trip fee: all fishing gear, tackle, bait, licenses, and we'll even clean your catch at the end of the day so you can take home dinner.
Your day starts early at Scotty J's dock in Gulfport, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what we're targeting based on current conditions. The ride out takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on where the fish are biting, giving you time to rig up and get your game face on. Once we hit our first spot, it's go time. We fish structure – think wrecks, reefs, and ledges where the big boys like to hang out. The water clarity out here is usually crystal clear, and when you hook into something substantial, you'll feel the difference immediately. These offshore species fight harder and longer than anything you'll catch closer to shore. With a maximum of 4 anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the crew. No crowded party boat situation here – just serious fishing with enough space to work your fish properly.
We use a variety of methods depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is the bread and butter for grouper and snapper – we're talking circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and live or cut bait dropped right to the structure. For kings and cobia, we'll troll with live bait or pull diving plugs and spoons. When conditions are right, we might break out the spinning gear for some sight fishing, especially if we spot cobia cruising near the surface. All the tackle is provided, from heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test to the terminal tackle and rigs. We stock plenty of live bait when available – pilchards, pinfish, and grunts – plus a full selection of cut baits and frozen options. The key out here is being ready to adapt. Fish move, conditions change, and successful offshore fishing means staying flexible and reading the signs.
Gag grouper are the stars of the show in these waters. These chunky bottom dwellers love hanging around rocky structure and ledges in 60-120 feet of water. Gags are aggressive feeders and when you hook one, they immediately try to get back to their rocky hideout, making for some serious arm-burning fights. Most of our gags run 3-8 pounds with the occasional monster pushing 15-20 pounds. They're excellent eating with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or frying pan. Best fishing is typically during cooler months from October through April when they're more active and feeding heavily before spawning season.
King mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your tackle. These silver bullets can reach 40+ mph and when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. Kings love to make long, blistering runs and spectacular jumps. We typically find them in 30-100 feet of water, often around temperature breaks or current edges. Most kings we catch range from 10-30 pounds, though bigger fish over 40 pounds show up regularly. They're fantastic on the smoker or blackened on the grill. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when baitfish are abundant and the water temperature is right.
Red snapper are the most sought-after bottom fish in the Gulf, and for good reason. These beautiful red fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. Snappers are structure-oriented and can be picky eaters, requiring finesse and patience. They'll test your knots and your nerves with their sharp teeth and tendency to head straight for cover when hooked. Most red snapper run 2-8 pounds in our area, with occasional larger fish pushing double digits. The meat is sweet and flaky – perfect for ceviche, grilling, or frying. Red snapper season has specific dates set by regulations, typically running through summer and early fall.
Hogfish are one of the most unique catches you'll encounter offshore. These colorful reef fish have elongated snouts and curious personalities. They're excellent fighters for their size and considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Hogs prefer sandy areas near reefs and structure where they root around for crabs and mollusks. Most run 2-6 pounds with larger specimens reaching 10+ pounds. The meat has a sweet, lobster-like flavor that makes them a favorite among local chefs. They're year-round residents but fishing is typically best in spring and fall.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make any trip memorable. These brown sharks look-alikes are curious fish that often approach the boat, sometimes following rays or sharks. When you spot one, it's game on – cobia are sight-fishing at its finest. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and can be stubborn about coming to the boat. Most cobia we encounter range from 15-40 pounds, though bigger fish over 50 pounds aren't uncommon. The meat is white and mild, similar to shark but without the ammonia concerns. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia action, but scattered fish can show up year-round.
This well-equipped motorboat gets you out to the productive waters 15-20 miles offshore from Gulfport, where the big fish are waiting. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with everything you need: GPS to find the best spots, fish finder to locate schools below, and radar for those occasional foggy mornings on the Gulf. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish. Ice box keeps your catch fresh, and there's a head onboard for longer trips. Perfect for up to 4 anglers targeting grouper, king mackerel, snapper, and hogfish in the deeper waters off Florida's coast. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered, plus they'll clean your catch at the end of the day.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the offshore world, averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 60 pounds always possible. These dark brown, shark-looking fish cruise shallow waters around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-100 feet. Spring migration brings the hottest action, especially April through June when they're moving through our area to spawn. Cobia are fierce fighters that make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump. Their firm, white meat is restaurant-quality - rich flavor without being fishy. They're usually loners, so when you spot one, there's likely more around. My go-to method: sight fishing with bucktail jigs in 4-8 ounce sizes. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does - keep that jig moving and be ready for a freight train hit.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are serious bottom dwellers that average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds around our offshore reefs and wrecks. These gray, marbled fish love structure - ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs in 40-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators that hit hard and immediately try to drag your bait back into their holes. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them when they're more active. What makes gags special is their firm, white meat - some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep that drag locked tight and don't give them an inch. They'll try every trick to get back to their rocky hideouts, so be ready for a serious tug-of-war the moment they grab your bait.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They typically run 1-3 pounds inshore but can hit 15+ pounds around our deeper structures. You'll find them around any cover - rocks, wrecks, and ledges in 30-80 feet. They're most active at night and during low light, making dawn and dusk prime time. These copper-colored fish are prized for their sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're opportunistic feeders but spook easily, so patience pays off. My best tip: when using live shrimp, hook it through the tail and let it sink naturally to the bottom, then barely lift it off. Too much movement and they'll swim away - let them come to you.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most unique catches you'll encounter, with their pig-like snout and bright orange fins. They average 2-5 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds around our offshore reefs. Look for them in 20-80 feet around hard bottom, coral heads, and rocky structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Spring and summer offer the most consistent action when water temps are warmer. What sets hogfish apart is their incredible table fare - sweet, mild meat that rivals lobster. They're curious fish that often approach divers and boats, but hooking them takes finesse due to their unique mouth shape. Here's my secret: use small hooks with live shrimp or small crabs, and make some noise by tapping the boat hull. They're attracted to vibrations and will come investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, typically weighing 15-30 pounds but capable of reaching 50+ pounds. These silver torpedoes cruise open water from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish along temperature breaks and current lines. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're actively feeding on our abundant baitfish. Kings are pure adrenaline - their blistering runs will test your drag and your nerves. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill or smoker. They're built for speed and can strip line faster than almost any fish out there. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one through the nose of your live bait and a stinger hook near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of bait first.
Gulfport, FL