10 Hour Pensacola Grouper Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting grouper in federal watersDeep dropping and trolling techniques for wahoo and sailfishAll tackle and bait provided for experienced anglers
Looking for serious fishing time in the Gulf's best waters? This 10-hour charter out of Pensacola puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking federal waters, where the bottom structure holds monster grouper and the blue water brings in everything from wahoo to sailfish. Starting at 6:30 AM, you'll have maximum daylight to work the productive spots that most shorter trips can't reach. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having fishing buddies and not crowding the boat when multiple fish are on.
This isn't a quick nearshore run – we're heading to the deep stuff where the water turns that brilliant blue and the fish get serious. The ride out gives you time to get your coffee down and talk strategy while we cover the miles to reach prime fishing grounds. Once we're on the numbers, expect to switch between bottom fishing for grouper and running-and-gunning for pelagics when conditions are right. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle anything from 20-pound spinning tackle for smaller fish to heavy conventional gear for the bruisers. You'll spend most of your time working structure for grouper, but when we see birds working or find floating debris, we'll capitalize on those opportunities for mahi, cobia, and whatever else decides to show up.
Bottom fishing for grouper means heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and patience. We'll be fishing in 80 to 150 feet of water over ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where these fish set up house. The key is getting your bait down fast before smaller fish strip it clean, then being ready for that telltale thump when a gag or red grouper picks it up. For the pelagic action, we'll deploy a spread of trolling lures when moving between spots or when conditions look promising. High-speed trolling covers water quickly and draws strikes from wahoo, king mackerel, and mahi. When we find floating structure or weed lines, expect to see the spinning rods come out for sight fishing cobia and whatever else is hanging around. All tackle, bait, and terminal gear is provided, so your job is just to fish and have a good time.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and while they're not guaranteed, late spring through fall gives you legitimate shots at these acrobatic fighters. These fish average 6 to 8 feet and put on aerial displays that make every other fish seem tame. They're typically found in 100+ feet of water, often following bait schools or relating to current edges. When hooked, sailfish make multiple jumps and long runs that test your drag and your nerves equally.
King Mackerel are speed demons that hit trolled baits like freight trains, usually in the 15 to 40-pound range around Pensacola. Summer and fall are prime time when kings are thick, following bait schools and hitting anything from live bait to spoons and diving plugs. These fish make blistering runs and have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through leaders in a heartbeat.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical vibes to Gulf fishing, with their electric colors and acrobatic fights. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, typically weighing 10 to 30 pounds in our waters. Spring through fall offers the best action, and mahi often travel in schools, so multiple hookups are common when you find them.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad tails and thick bodies to wage war in the rocks. These fish commonly exceed 40 pounds around Pensacola's offshore structure, testing heavy tackle and angler endurance. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they're more aggressive and easier to pull away from structure.
Cobia are the wild cards that show up when you least expect them, cruising near the surface around floating debris or following rays and sharks. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and make powerful runs once hooked. Spring migration brings the best action, but cobia are opportunistic feeders that can surprise you any time of year.
Ten hours on the water means you'll experience the Gulf like most weekend warriors never do. You'll fish spots that shorter trips can't reach, target species that require patience and skill, and come home with stories that last years. Whether you're after bragging-rights grouper, trophy pelagics, or just want to spend a full day doing what you love most, this charter delivers the goods. The early start means you'll beat the afternoon chop and have prime fishing during the morning and midday bite windows. Book now and get ready for the kind of fishing day that reminds you why you love being on the water.
This 1990 Triumph Center Console is your ticket to serious grouper hunting in Pensacola's offshore waters. Built for the long haul, this proven fishing machine runs on a dependable 90HP Johnson that'll cruise at 37 knots, getting you out to the productive federal waters where the big fish live. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to work their lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're deep dropping for monster grouper or trolling for wahoo and sailfish, this boat handles it all with ease. The open layout means you can move around freely when that fish of a lifetime hits, and there's enough deck space for up to 6 anglers to spread out comfortably. She may be from 1990, but this Triumph has proven herself countless times in the Gulf's challenging waters, delivering anglers to the hottest fishing spots day after day.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese sailfish are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, hitting speeds around 22-34 mph with that signature sail fin. They average 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, but we've seen them over 100. You'll find them in 30-650 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they follow bait schools. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. The meat's decent, but most folks catch and release these beauties. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them offshore. Pro tip: when trolling, let your bait skip on the surface and keep your drag loose at first - they'll make long runs before you can settle into the fight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise around looking like small sharks with that single dorsal fin and dark brown color. They average 20-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds. You'll spot them in 20-100 feet around buoys, rigs, and reefs, or sometimes just cruising the surface. Spring through summer is peak season, especially during their spawn from June to August. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and flavor - they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat. Since they're usually alone, it's often sight fishing when you see one cruising. Best approach: cast a bucktail jig ahead of them and work it past their nose - they're curious and aggressive feeders that rarely pass up an easy meal.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the deep - thick, powerful fish that'll give you a workout. They average 20-40 pounds but can push 60-80 pounds on the bigger wrecks and reefs. You'll find them in 60-200 feet around structure where they ambush baitfish. Spring spawning season from April through May is prime time when they're most aggressive. These fish are pure muscle and will drag you into the structure if you let them. The meat's good eating when prepared right, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters - live bait, jigs, or plugs all work. Key tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let up - they'll try to get back to their hole on the bottom and break you off on the structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. They typically run 15-30 pounds, but we catch plenty in the 40-50 pound range out here. Look for them in 40-150 feet over structure or along current lines where baitfish gather. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. These fish make excellent table fare with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. They're known to bite the tail end of bait first, so here's what works: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the baitfish's nose, another trailing behind. When that king hits, give it a second before setting the hook or you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll see out there - bright gold sides with electric blues and greens that flash like a light show when they're hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, though we catch them bigger. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in warm offshore water. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps stay above 70 degrees. These fish are pure fun - strong swimmers that jump and fight hard, plus they make some of the best eating with sweet, firm white meat. They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep lines in the water. My go-to trick: look for floating sargassum or debris and make your bait skip like a flying fish - that drives them crazy.
Pensacola