Private Offshore Kayak Fishing for Two Anglers
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private kayak fishing trip accommodates up to two anglersMultiple fishing techniques including trolling and bottom fishingIndividual kayaks and gear provided for each angler
Looking for a personalized offshore fishing adventure that puts you in control? This private trip takes up to two anglers into prime offshore waters, each paddling their own kayak with all the gear you need to target some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. With Tactical Tide Kayak Guide LLC, you're not just another angler in a crowded boat – you're getting a world-class, customized fishing experience tailored to what's biting and what you want to catch.
This isn't your typical charter boat experience. You'll be paddling your own kayak, giving you the freedom to work different areas and really feel connected to the water. Your guide will work with you to decide the day's game plan based on conditions, season, and what's been producing. We're talking live bait catching if the conditions are right – there's nothing like watching a school of cigar minnows or pilchards getting worked up, knowing you're about to load the wells with fresh, lively bait. When the live bait isn't cooperating or we want to cover more water, we'll switch to trolling with proven lures that have been putting fish in the boat all season. Bottom fishing and free-lining round out the arsenal, especially when we're targeting structure where the bigger fish like to hang out. The beauty of this setup is flexibility – your guide reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day to keep you on fish.
Each angler gets their own fully-rigged kayak with all the essential gear. We're talking quality rods matched to the techniques we'll be using – lighter setups for live bait work and heavier tackle when we're pulling on bottom dwellers or trolling for pelagics. The kayaks come equipped with proper rod holders, live wells for keeping bait fresh, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. Your guide will walk you through the different techniques we'll be using. Live bait fishing means learning to read the bait schools and knowing how to present a lively pilchard or goggle-eye to cruising predators. Trolling involves understanding speed, spread, and lure selection – there's an art to keeping those baits in the zone where fish are feeding. Bottom fishing requires feel and patience, especially when you're trying to distinguish between a nibbling triggerfish and a grouper testing your bait. The frozen bait comes into play when conditions call for it, and your guide knows exactly when and how to deploy it for maximum effectiveness.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These crimson beauties typically run 5-15 pounds in our offshore waters, with the occasional monster pushing 20-plus. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom where they ambush baitfish. Summer months are prime time, especially when the federal season is open. What makes snapper so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll use every piece of structure to try and break you off. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that'll test your drag and your endurance. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically weigh 10-25 pounds and are built for one thing – going fast and pulling hard. They're most active during cooler months and early morning or late afternoon feeds. Blackfins travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're suckers for small lures trolled at moderate speeds, and once hooked, they'll make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. The meat is premium grade – perfect for sashimi or searing.
King Mackerel are the wolf pack hunters of the offshore world. These toothy predators can range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds up to monsters exceeding 40 pounds. Kings are most active during warmer months and are notorious for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs. They're perfect targets for both live bait and trolling, with a preference for baits presented near the surface or mid-column. The bigger fish, called smoker kings, are legendary for their ability to smoke reels and test an angler's skill.
Grey Triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters with serious attitude. These bottom dwellers have powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and aren't afraid to use them on your bait. They typically run 2-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Triggers are most active during warmer months and are often found around the same structure as snapper. They're notorious bait stealers with a knack for nibbling hooks clean, making them a fun challenge for anglers who like to feel every bite.
Gulf Grouper represent the heavy hitters of the bottom fishing world. Whether you're targeting gag grouper, red grouper, or the occasional scamp, these fish are all about power and using structure to their advantage. Most run 5-20 pounds, but trophy fish can push much larger. Grouper are ambush predators that inhale their prey, so when you get a bite, you need to respond immediately with a hard hookset and constant pressure to keep them from getting back to their holes. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months. The fight is all about leverage and endurance – it's you against a fish that knows every rock and crevice on the bottom.
This private offshore kayak fishing trip delivers everything serious anglers are looking for – personalized attention, proven techniques, and access to some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds. With only two spots available, you're guaranteed individual coaching and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what's working. Whether you're after a mixed bag or targeting specific species, your guide has the local knowledge and experience to put you on
Get ready to paddle out for some serious offshore fishing action on our Hobie Outback kayaks! Each angler gets their own stable, feature-packed kayak that can handle up to 275lbs, perfect for carrying you and all your gear into productive fishing waters. These aren't your average sit-on-tops – the Outback design gives you the mobility to chase fish while staying comfortable during longer sessions on the water. We'll start by catching live bait, then head out to target whatever's biting using multiple techniques. Whether we're trolling lures through structure, free-lining live bait near drop-offs, or putting bottom rigs down for bigger fish, these kayaks let you get into spots the big boats can't reach. The hands-free pedal drive means you can fish while staying positioned, and the built-in storage keeps everything organized. Perfect for two anglers who want to cover water and put fish in the cooler!
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family but don't let that fool you - they're absolute speed demons that'll test your skills. Most run 20-30 pounds and stretch up to 39 inches, but they pack serious fight into that compact frame. You'll find them in warm oceanic waters over 68°F, usually near continental shelves where they school up with skipjacks. Peak season here is fall through spring when they move into our warmer coastal waters. What guests love most is their fierce fighting style and the fact they make outstanding sashimi - that rich, dark meat is pure gold. The key to landing them is scaling down your tackle. Use 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks, because these fish have razor-sharp eyesight and will spook from heavy gear.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are tough little fighters with an attitude to match their leather-like skin. They average 12-17 inches but can reach 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them around hard bottoms, ledges, and reefs in 30-180 feet, where they use their sharp teeth to crunch through crabs, urchins, and shellfish. They're year-round residents but bite best during warmer months. What's fun about triggers is their scrappy nature - they fight way above their weight class and make decent table fare with firm, white meat. They're also notorious bait stealers with those small, beak-like mouths. Pro tip: use small chunks of squid about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better. Drop near other fish like snapper - triggers will rush in to steal the bait every time.
Mycteroperca JordaniGulf grouper are the heavyweights of the grouper family, averaging around 70 inches and 100 pounds when fully grown. These ambush predators hunt everything from lobsters to small sharks using their massive mouths to vacuum up prey. You'll find them around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and seamounts in 16-98 feet, though they'll go deeper in summer. They're most active during dawn and dusk when visibility is good for hunting. What makes them special is their size and the challenge they present - plus they're considered one of the most valuable groupers for the table. Unfortunately, they're now endangered due to overfishing. If you're lucky enough to hook one, use a sliding egg sinker rig with 5-6 feet of fluorocarbon leader and an 8/0 circle hook with live bait.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed - one of the fastest fish in the Gulf and they'll show you why they're called "kings." Average fish run around 30 pounds but we see plenty over 50, with females getting much larger than males. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, with bigger fish often found inshore around harbors and inlets. They prefer water temps between 68-84°F and are most active during warmer months. What makes them special is that blistering run when hooked - nothing quite like it. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the smoker. Here's the trick most guides won't share: rig two hooks on a steel leader when using live bait. Put one hook through the nose, let the second dangle near the tail. Kings always bite the back half first.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are real fighters that'll give you a solid battle once hooked. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and weigh under 10 pounds, but larger ones can hit 35+ pounds. They live around structure in 30-620 feet of water, preferring rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks. Adults hang in deeper water while juveniles stay inshore on muddy bottoms. They're active year-round but peak during cooler months when water temps hit 50-70°F. What makes them so popular is the combination of their hard fight and amazing table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or fried. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, reel fast and keep steady pressure. They'll dive straight for cover and can cut your line on structure if you give them slack.
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