8 Hour Offshore Trip Gulfport, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing adventure in Gulf of Mexico watersTarget grouper, cobia, king mackerel, snapper at 1530 milesSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Looking for a serious day of fishing in the Gulf? Scotty J's Charters runs an 8-hour offshore adventure that'll put you right in the thick of some of Florida's best fishing grounds. We're talking 15-30 miles out into the deep blue where the big fish live, and trust me, this isn't your typical weekend trip to the local pier. With room for just 4 anglers, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make these long days on the water worth every minute. The Gulf of Mexico off Gulfport serves up everything from hefty grouper to screaming king mackerel runs, and we know exactly where to find them.
This top-rated charter starts early – we're talking first light departure to maximize your time in the productive zones. Once we clear the harbor, it's a solid run out to the offshore structure where these trophy fish hang out. You'll spend your day working everything from natural reefs to artificial structure, targeting the species that make Gulf fishing legendary. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. We keep things relaxed but focused – this is about putting fish in the boat while having a great time doing it. The 4-person limit means everyone gets plenty of rod time and individual coaching from the captain. Don't worry about bringing lunch; most folks are too busy reeling in fish to think about eating anyway.
Out here, it's all about reading the water and adjusting tactics throughout the day. We start with bottom fishing over structure for grouper and snapper, using heavy tackle and fresh bait to get down to where these fish live. The Gulf's ledges and artificial reefs hold incredible numbers of gag grouper, especially in the 60-120 foot range. When the kings are running, we switch gears to trolling with live bait or pulling plugs at varying speeds until we find what triggers the bite. Cobia fishing is sight fishing at its finest – we're scanning the surface for those brown submarines cruising near the boat, then making precise casts with live crabs or eels. Hogfish require a more finesse approach, often found around structure in 40-80 feet where they're picking at crustaceans and small baitfish. The captain adjusts techniques based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us that particular day.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf offshore fishing, and these bruisers know how to fight. Running anywhere from 5 to 30+ pounds, gags are ambush predators that live around hard bottom and structure. They hit hard, dive straight for cover, and test both your drag system and your arms. Best months are typically fall through early spring when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season. What makes them customer favorites isn't just the fight – they're phenomenal table fare that'll make you forget about restaurant fish forever.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are crafty fish that'll humble even experienced anglers. These silver and pink beauties are incredibly line-shy and bait-conscious, often requiring lighter leaders and perfect presentations. They school heavily around structure in 30-100 feet, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Ranging from 12-20 inches typically, they're perfect eating and provide steady action between the bigger fish. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active during daylight hours.
King mackerel are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These speed demons can reach 40+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll burn through hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Kings are pelagic fish that follow bait schools and temperature breaks, often found around structure but willing to roam the open Gulf. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish through our waters, and when they're here, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. Their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps make every hookup a memorable battle.
Hogfish are one of the Gulf's most prized catches, both for their unique appearance and outstanding eating qualities. These colorful fish have elongated snouts perfect for rooting around rocks and coral for food. They're typically found in 40-100 feet around hard bottom, and they're notorious for their light bites and quick releases if they feel any resistance. Averaging 3-8 pounds with occasional fish reaching double digits, hogfish are active year-round but peak during cooler months when they're less spooky.
Cobia are the wild cards of Gulf fishing – you never know when one of these curious fish will show up. These brown, shark-looking fish are incredibly strong fighters that often exceed 30 pounds. They're attracted to floating objects, structure, and even the boat itself, often swimming right up to investigate. Spring brings the biggest numbers during their spawning migration, but resident fish are around all year. What makes cobia special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of following hooked fish to the boat, giving everyone a shot at multiple hookups.
This world-class offshore experience books up quick, especially during prime fishing seasons. Eight hours gives you the time needed to work multiple spots, adjust tactics, and really dial in on what's biting that day. With Scotty J's experience reading these Gulf waters and the boat's capability to reach the best fishing grounds, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that becomes the story you tell for years. The 4-person capacity means you're not fighting crowds for rod time or good spots at the rail. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add some Gulf species to your list or someone wanting to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready for some serious Gulf of Mexico fishing action.
This well-equipped offshore fishing boat cuts through Gulf waters like a pro, getting you to prime fishing spots 15-30 miles out where the big ones bite. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for grouper and snapper, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, even when morning fog rolls in. The ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long fights with king mackerel and cobia. With a head onboard, you can focus on fishing without worrying about comfort during the full 8-hour trip. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want to target serious offshore species like hogfish and whatever else the Gulf decides to throw at your lines.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are fantastic fighters that average 30-50 pounds, with some reaching 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise around structure, buoys, and floating debris in 20-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May offers the hottest action when they move through our area to spawn. What guests love about cobia is their powerful runs and jumps, plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat similar to grouper. They're usually loners, not schooling fish, so each one is a trophy. Best approach is sight fishing - look for that dark shadow cruising near the surface around structure. Bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range work great, but don't be picky about color. These fish aren't shy about eating whatever looks good.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the heavyweights of our reefs, typically running 20-30 inches but can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds when you find a real bruiser. They hang around offshore structure like shipwrecks and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them when they're most active. What makes gag grouper special is their bulldozer fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to drag your bait back to their cave. The meat is top-notch too, sweet and firm white fillets that cook up perfect. Here's the key: soon as you feel that thump, lock your reel tight and keep steady pressure. Don't give them any slack or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock pile and break you off every time.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are some of the smartest fish we target - they average 1-3 pounds but can hit 20 in deeper water. You'll find them around any structure from nearshore reefs to offshore wrecks in 20-100 feet. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months and full moon phases. What guests love about these fish is they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat, plus they're night feeders so evening trips can be productive. The challenge is their caution - they study your bait before committing. My go-to trick is using a 4J circle hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink naturally to bottom then lift it just off the structure. Patience wins with these guys.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of our most prized catches, typically running 2-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds and 3 feet long. They roam coral reefs and hard bottom areas in 30-100 feet, using that pig-like snout to root around for crabs and shellfish. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they're most active around structure. What makes hogfish special is their incredible table quality - sweet, mild flavor that's often compared to lobster. They're also curious fish that'll actually swim up to check you out. The trick with hogfish is they're lightning-fast strikers with small mouths. Use small circle hooks with live shrimp or small crabs, and keep your reflexes sharp. They'll grab bait and spit it out in a heartbeat if they feel any resistance.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons, averaging 20-40 pounds with some reaching 90+ pounds. These silver bullets cruise the Gulf from spring through fall, typically in 40-150 feet over structure and along current breaks. Peak season runs April through October when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and aerial shows - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. Plus they're great eating with rich, flaky meat. The secret to consistent king fishing is running a dual-hook rig on wire leader with live bait like blue runners or cigar minnows. Hook one through the nose, let the second treble dangle free near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Gulfport, FL