5.0(1 Reviews)Bottom Fishing Trips with Tail Chaser Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Expert-guided offshore fishing targeting grouper, snapper, and sea bassSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charterBottom fishing technique focuses on reef-dwelling game fish
When you want to get serious about offshore bottom fishing, this is where you come. Captain and crew at Tail Chaser Charter Fishing know exactly where the fish are holding, and they'll put you right on top of them. This isn't your typical weekend warrior trip - we're talking about targeting some of the best eating fish in the ocean. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows. The boat heads out to proven bottom structure where grouper, snapper, and sea bass call home. You'll be fishing in depths where the big ones live, using techniques that have been putting fish in the cooler for decades.
This bottom fishing adventure takes you to offshore structure where the action happens. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, running straight to ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom that hold fish year-round. You'll be using heavy tackle designed for pulling fish up from depth - no light spinning gear here. The captain positions the boat over productive spots using GPS and fish finder technology, then it's up to you to drop your bait down and convince these bottom dwellers to bite. Expect to be anchored up or using controlled drift techniques depending on current and wind conditions. The fishing is productive, but it requires patience and proper technique to consistently hook up with quality fish.
Bottom fishing offshore means using the right gear for the job. You'll be working with medium to heavy conventional reels spooled with enough line to reach depths of 60 to 200 feet or more. The rigs are straightforward but effective - typically running egg sinkers heavy enough to hold bottom, with circle hooks and fluorocarbon leaders. Fresh bait is key, and the crew provides everything you need including squid, cut bait, and live bait when available. The technique involves dropping your rig straight down, engaging the reel when it hits bottom, then lifting up a crank or two to keep your bait just off the structure. When a fish picks up your bait, you'll feel that distinctive tap-tap-pull that gets every angler's heart racing. Setting the hook properly and keeping steady pressure is crucial when fighting fish around structure.
Yellowfin Grouper are one of the most sought-after species on these trips, and for good reason. These fish can grow substantial, with quality fish running 15 to 30 pounds, though smaller keeper-size fish are more common. They're structure-oriented, living around rocky ledges and artificial reefs. Yellowfin grouper are most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round in deeper water. What makes them special is their fight - they'll try to get back into the rocks the second they feel the hook, so you need to apply pressure immediately. The meat is excellent, with firm white fillets that are perfect for grilling or frying.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of bottom fishing when they're in season. These bright red fish typically run 3 to 8 pounds, though larger specimens show up regularly. They school up over hard bottom and structure, often in depths of 80 to 150 feet. Red snapper are notorious for their quick bite - you'll feel a sharp tap followed by steady weight as they try to swim away. They're smart fish that can be line-shy, so using lighter leaders and sharp hooks increases your success rate. The eating quality is outstanding, and catching a limit of red snapper makes for one of the best fish dinners you'll ever have.
Black Sea Bass might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. These fish are abundant around structure and are often the first species to bite when you hit a new spot. They typically run 1 to 4 pounds, with occasional larger fish mixed in. Black sea bass are aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of baits, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They're most active in cooler months but can be caught throughout the year. The fillets are sweet and flaky, and they're one of the most underrated eating fish in the ocean.
Red Grouper are another bottom dwelling favorite that provides both sport and excellent table fare. These fish prefer deeper water and harder bottom than their yellowfin cousins, typically holding in 100 to 300 feet of water. Red grouper can grow quite large, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly. They have a tendency to bite light, so paying attention to your rod tip is crucial. When hooked, they make powerful runs toward the bottom, testing both your tackle and technique. The meat is similar to yellowfin grouper but slightly milder in flavor.
Queen Triggerfish add some variety to the catch and are known for their unique appearance and fighting ability. These colorful fish have a distinctive trigger-like dorsal fin and can reach impressive sizes. They're structure-oriented but also roam over sandy bottom adjacent to reefs and ledges. Queen triggers have small mouths relative to their body size, so using smaller hooks and cut bait works best. They fight harder than their size suggests, making long runs and using their flat body to create maximum resistance. While not as popular on the dinner table as grouper and snapper, they're still good eating when prepared properly.
Bottom fishing with Tail Chaser Charter delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The combination of experienced crew, proven fishing spots, and quality fish makes this a top-rated choice for serious bottom fishing. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with dinner or just want to experience some of the best offshore fishing available, this trip delivers. The 6-person capacity means you'll get personalized attention from the crew while having enough room to fish comfortably. Don't wait too long to book - the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot.
Step aboard this well-equipped 38' Luhrs 380 Tournament and get ready to target some serious bottom fish. This offshore fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing Grouper, Sea Bass, Triggerfish, and Snapper. The boat features a top-notch fish finder to locate the hottest spots, plus GPS navigation to get you there fast. Stay comfortable between bites with air conditioning, and keep your catch fresh in the onboard refrigerator. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting fish activity, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. When you need a break from the action, grab a cold drink from the icebox or catch up on the game with the multimedia entertainment system. With space for up to 6 anglers, plus a full galley, head, shower, and sleeping quarters, you're set for extended fishing adventures. Whether you're dropping lines on offshore reefs or working structure for that trophy fish, this tournament-style boat delivers the performance and comfort serious anglers demand.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky relatives of grouper are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great eating. Most run 2-4 pounds, though they can push 8+ pounds and 25 inches. You'll recognize males in spring by their bright blue color and that distinctive head hump during spawning. They love structure - jetties, wrecks, rocky bottoms under 120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore. What's cool is they're all born female, then change to male around 9-13 inches. They fight hard until they break the surface, then give up. Medium tackle works fine with 20-30 pound line. Squid strips and small crabs work great on bottom rigs. Season runs February 1-28 and May 15-December 31. Local tip: once you find one, work the area thoroughly - they school up and where there's one, there's usually more.
Balistes VetulaQueen triggers are the colorful oddballs of bottom fishing. These oval-shaped beauties average 11-12 inches but can reach nearly two feet and 12 pounds. They're stunning fish with neon blue stripes and bright yellow patches that change colors when stressed. You'll find them in 10-150 feet around reefs, rocky bottoms, and ledges, usually in small groups of 5-10 fish. They're shy most of the year but turn nasty during spawning season - those teeth can leave a mark. They love eating sea urchins and crabs, flipping them over to avoid the spines. Small crabs and shrimp work best for bait. Use Carolina or dropper rigs to get down to them. What's unique is how they wedge themselves in crevices using their dorsal spines when hooked - that's how they got their name. Fair warning: they make weird throbbing sounds when angry and can be pretty aggressive fighters.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are what most folks think of when they hear "grouper fishing." These rusty-red beauties average 5-10 pounds but can push 50. They're built like tanks with massive mouths full of sharp teeth. You'll find them on muddy and rocky bottoms from 16 feet down to 300+, though most action happens in 10-100 feet around reefs, ledges, and wrecks. They're year-round residents, but avoid January through April when fishing's closed for spawning. What makes them special? They're absolute bulldogs - pound for pound some of the toughest fighters out there. Plus the meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, with that sweet shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. They're aggressive and will hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait hard. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and horse them up fast, or they'll drag you straight into the rocks and break you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can hit 35+ pounds and fight like much bigger fish. Look for them around structure in 30-620 feet - wrecks, rocky bottoms, and ledges are prime spots. They prefer 50-70 degree water temps. Peak season runs May through October when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special? That incredible table fare - mild, nutty, and firm white meat that's restaurant quality. Plus they're absolute warriors once hooked, making hard runs for cover. Use cigar minnows, fresh squid, or live pinfish for best results. My go-to trick: get your bait right to the bottom where they live, but be ready - they'll try to cut you off in the structure the second they feel that hook.
Mycteroperca VenenosaThese colorful groupers average 19-24 inches but can reach nearly four feet. You'll spot them by their bright yellow pectoral fins and dark oval spots covering their bodies. They change colors based on depth - bright red in deep water, greyish-green in the shallows. Find them around rocky areas, coral ledges, and shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico where they hide and ambush prey like crabs and squid. They're opportunistic hunters with a serious underbite. Note: these fish can carry ciguatera toxin, so they're mainly catch-and-release. Best fishing is summer months using pinfish, pilchards, or blue runners. Pro tip: keep your bait moving naturally but not too wild - they won't hit erratic motion. Heavy tackle recommended since they'll try to drag you into the rocks.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Brandon and his First Mate Tyler were absolutely perfect guides. Extremely informative about the local fishery. They went ...
Carolina Beach, NC