8-Hour Gulf of Mexico Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing adventure in Gulf of Mexico watersTarget Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Kingfish speciesCaptain Frank provides all necessary fishing equipment onboard
Picture this: you and five of your favorite people heading out into the Gulf's deep blue waters with Captain Frank, who knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand. This isn't just another day on the water – it's a full 8-hour adventure where you'll target some of the Gulf's most prized catches. From the moment you step aboard, Captain Frank takes care of everything, providing all the tackle and gear you need to land Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and whatever else decides to bite. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this trip is designed to put fish in the boat and smiles on faces.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Frank at the dock. He's been running these waters for years and has that sixth sense about where the fish are biting. The boat is rigged and ready with everything from light tackle for inshore species to heavier gear for those bigger Gulf fighters. You'll cruise out to productive spots where structure holds fish – think reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs that Captain Frank has marked over countless trips. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is that you're not rushed. If one spot isn't producing, you move to the next. If the bite is hot, you stay put and fill the cooler. It's all about reading the water and adapting to what the fish are telling you.
Captain Frank comes prepared with a full arsenal of rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for Gulf of Mexico fishing. You'll likely be fishing with medium to heavy action rods paired with quality spinning or conventional reels, depending on what you're targeting. For bottom fishing, expect to use circle hooks with weights heavy enough to reach the fish in 30 to 80 feet of water. Live bait like shrimp, squid, and cut bait work magic down here, and Captain Frank knows exactly what each species prefers. When targeting more aggressive fish like Crevalle Jacks, you might switch to artificial lures or live pinfish. The technique varies throughout the day – sometimes you're drift fishing over structure, other times you're anchored up on a productive reef. Captain Frank handles the boat positioning and gives you the tips that turn good anglers into great ones.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this trip, and the Gulf holds some true monsters. These fish love oyster beds and structure, using their crushing teeth to munch on crabs and shellfish. They're not the flashiest fighters, but when you hook into a 30 or 40-pounder, you'll know it. They pull steady and strong, testing your patience and your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time for big Black Drum, though you can catch them year-round in these waters. What makes them special is their size potential – they're one of the few inshore species that can genuinely surprise you with how big they get.
Redfish are the poster children of Gulf Coast angling, and for good reason. These bronze-backed beauties are aggressive feeders and put up a serious scrap when hooked. They'll make multiple runs, trying to get back to structure where they can cut you off. Redfish in the 20 to 30-inch range are common out here, with the occasional bull red pushing 40-plus inches. They're most active during the cooler months, but the Gulf's year-round warmth means you always have a shot at them. What anglers love most is their willingness to eat – they'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm.
Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but don't let appearances fool you – these are some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf. They're structure-oriented, hanging around pilings, reefs, and wrecks where they can pick off barnacles, crabs, and small shellfish. Catching Sheepshead requires finesse and sharp hook sets because they're notorious bait stealers. When you do connect, they fight with surprising strength for their size. The best part about Sheepshead is the eating – their firm, white meat rivals any fish in these waters. Winter months are peak season when they school up for spawning.
Bonnethead Sharks add excitement to any Gulf trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are curious and aggressive, often showing up when you least expect them. They typically run 2 to 4 feet long and provide fast, powerful fights with plenty of aerial action. Bonnetheads are year-round residents in the Gulf, preferring shallow waters with grass beds and sandy bottoms. They're perfect for anglers who want to experience shark fishing without dealing with truly dangerous species. The kids especially get a kick out of seeing that distinctive hammer-shaped head come over the rail.
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf – pure muscle and attitude packed into a silver torpedo. When you hook a Jack, get ready for a workout. They'll make long, powerful runs and fight right up to the boat. These fish are opportunistic feeders, often showing up in schools that create surface commotion as they chase baitfish. Jack fishing can be visual and exciting when you spot birds working over a school and cast into the chaos. They're not the best table fare, but for pure fun and fight, few fish match a big Crevalle Jack in the Gulf of Mexico.
An 8-hour charter with Captain Frank gives you the full Gulf of Mexico experience without the rush. You get time to learn, time to fish properly, and time to enjoy being on the water with people you care about. The variety of species means everyone in your group of six has a chance at their fish of a lifetime. Captain Frank provides the local knowledge, quality equipment, and patience that turn good fishing trips into stories you'll tell for years. The Gulf of Mexico is fishing at its finest
Captain Frank's fully equipped motorboat is your ticket to serious Gulf fishing action. This comfortable 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, and Kingfish. The onboard fish finder helps locate the best spots while GPS keeps you on course to productive waters. Stay cool with air conditioning between fishing sessions, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, and store your catch in the ice box. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water and better fish spotting opportunities. With a full kitchen for meal prep, toilet facilities, and all fishing gear provided by Captain Frank, you can focus entirely on landing your next big catch. Perfect setup for families and groups looking to experience Gulf of Mexico fishing at its finest.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the Gulf, running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them on shallow muddy flats and around oyster beds, especially during spring spawning when they school up and get easier to target. They're famous for that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear them underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare, but the big bulls get tough and stringy. These fish will crush anything with their powerful jaws, so fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom works best. Here's a tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook hard. They're notorious for stealing bait by nibbling it right off your hook.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the friendly little hammers of the Gulf, typically running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. You'll find schools of them in shallow bays, estuaries, and near-shore waters, especially during warmer months when they move up from deeper water. They're completely harmless - actually pretty shy compared to other sharks. What guests love is the steady fight they put up and the cool factor of catching a hammerhead species. These aren't keepers for eating, but they make great photos before release. They feed heavily on blue crabs, so fresh crab chunks are your best bet. Use a 20-pound setup with a wire leader and circle hooks. Here's the secret: cut your blue crab in half and hook it through a leg joint - the scent trail drives them crazy.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - thick, powerful fish that average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60. They travel in aggressive schools, pushing baitfish to the surface where diving birds give away their location. You'll find them over grass flats, around structure, and in open water from shallow to deep. They're year-round fighters that hit hard and stay on the gas the entire fight. Not great eating, but the pure adrenaline rush keeps people coming back. They're not picky - silver spoons, topwater plugs, or live mullet all work. The key is speed - they want something moving fast. Pro tip: when you see birds working, don't run straight into the school. Circle wide, cast beyond them, and rip your lure back through fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the gold standard of shallow water fishing, running 20-30 inches and famous for that black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising 1-4 foot flats, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out of the water. They love seagrass beds, oyster bars, and muddy bottoms throughout the year, but fall and spring give you the best action. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and the way they'll strip drag on long runs. The meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. Pro tip: when you spot them tailing in skinny water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily if you splash down right on top.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the Gulf with those distinctive black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. They hang tight around any structure - docks, pilings, oil rigs - feeding on barnacles and crabs with those weird human-like teeth. Spring is prime time when they spawn around channel passes and offshore structures. People love targeting them because they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, plus they put up a solid fight on light tackle. The trick is getting close to structure without spooking them and using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Watch your rod tip closely - they're master bait thieves, so set the hook the second you feel weight.
Biloxi, MS