5.0(1 Reviews)Expert Guided Bottom Fishing Adventures Await
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Expertguided offshore fishing targeting grouper, snapper, and sea bassSmall group trips accommodate up to 6 guests maximumProfessional charter service specializes in bottom fishing techniques
When you want to get serious about putting fish in the cooler, there's nothing quite like dropping lines to the bottom where the big boys hang out. Our bottom fishing trips take you to productive offshore waters where Grouper, Snapper, Sea Bass, and Triggerfish are waiting to test your arm strength. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and our experienced captain knows exactly where to find the structure that holds these fish. Bring your appetite for action because these bottom dwellers don't mess around when they hit your bait.
This isn't your typical casting and cranking trip – we're talking about serious bottom fishing where patience meets payoff. Once we reach the fishing grounds, we'll set up over productive structure like reefs, wrecks, and ledges where fish congregate. The vibe is relaxed but focused, with everyone dropping their lines to different depths and waiting for that telltale thump on the rod tip. You'll spend your day working heavy tackle, feeling the weight of your sinker hit bottom, then reeling up tight to stay in contact with the structure. When a fish hits, you'll know it – these bottom species fight hard and don't give up easy. Between the action, you'll have time to soak up the offshore atmosphere, swap fishing stories with fellow anglers, and enjoy being miles from shore where the water runs deep and clear.
Bottom fishing is all about using the right gear to get down deep and stay there. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with strong braided line, stout rods that can handle big fish pulling toward structure, and enough weight to keep your bait planted on the bottom despite current and wind. The technique is straightforward but requires finesse – drop your rig down until you feel it hit bottom, then crank up a turn or two to keep your bait just off the substrate. We'll rig you up with circle hooks and fresh cut bait or live bait depending on what's working best. The key is staying patient and keeping your bait in the strike zone. When fish are feeding, they'll often hit hard and fast, so you need to be ready to set the hook and start cranking before they reach the safety of their rocky hideouts.
Yellowfin Grouper are one of the most sought-after bottom fish you'll encounter on these trips, and for good reason. These chunky fighters typically run 5-15 pounds but can get much larger, with their bright yellow fins making them easy to identify once they hit the deck. They love hanging around rocky bottom and structure where they can ambush prey, and they're notorious for making powerful runs toward cover when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, though they can be caught year-round in deeper water. What makes them special is their combination of fight and flavor – they pull like freight trains and taste even better on the dinner table.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of bottom fishing, and these beautiful fish never disappoint when they're biting. Running anywhere from 2-20 pounds on average, they're instantly recognizable with their bright red coloration and distinctive profile. Red Snapper are structure-oriented fish that school up around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom, often stacking up in large numbers when conditions are right. They can be finicky feeders, requiring light leaders and fresh bait to get them to commit, but once hooked they put up a spirited fight with multiple runs. Peak season varies by regulation, but when they're open, these fish provide some of the most consistent action you'll find offshore.
Black Sea Bass might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that always seem to be hungry. These dark, mottled fish typically range from 1-5 pounds and are perfect for anglers who want steady action throughout the day. They school heavily around structure and aren't particularly leader-shy, making them great confidence builders when the fishing gets tough. Sea Bass hit a variety of baits and fight surprisingly hard for their size, often making several strong runs before coming to the boat. They're excellent table fare and tend to bite consistently throughout the day, making them a charter favorite for mixed bag trips.
Red Grouper are the heavyweights of the bottom fishing world, capable of growing to impressive sizes and providing arm-burning fights. These rust-colored giants typically run 5-20 pounds but can exceed 30 pounds when you find the right spot. They're ambush predators that lurk near structure waiting for an easy meal, and they're not picky about what they eat. When a big Red Grouper hits your bait, the fight is immediate and powerful – they'll try to get back to their rocky hideout, and it becomes a test of will between angler and fish. Peak season runs through the warmer months, but they can be targeted year-round in the right depths.
Queen Triggerfish add an element of surprise to any bottom fishing trip with their unique appearance and strong fighting ability. These colorful fish with their distinctive trigger-like dorsal fin typically run 2-8 pounds and are known for their tenacious fighting style. They have strong teeth designed for crushing shells and coral, so they can bite through light leaders if you're not careful. Queen Triggerfish are curious by nature and will often follow rigs up from the bottom, sometimes hitting baits on the way up. They're most active during warmer months and provide excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Bottom fishing trips with Tail Chaser Charter offer the perfect combination of relaxed offshore fishing and exciting action when the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler or someone new to offshore fishing wanting to experience the thrill of hooking bottom dwellers, our 6-person capacity ensures you'll have room to fish comfort
Jump aboard this 38' Luhrs 380 Tournament and head offshore for some serious bottom fishing action. This spacious sportfisher comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while you target Grouper, Sea Bass, Snapper, and Triggerfish in deeper waters. The boat's equipped with a fish finder to locate the hottest spots and GPS to get you there fast. When you need a break from reeling in fish, relax in the air-conditioned cabin, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator, or catch up on the game with the onboard TV. The full galley lets you prep fresh catches, while the head with shower keeps everyone comfortable during longer trips. Fish from the spacious cockpit or climb up to the flybridge for better visibility when spotting feeding birds and baitfish. With VHF radio for safety and an icebox to keep your catch fresh, this tournament-ready vessel has everything needed for productive offshore bottom fishing adventures.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy members of the grouper family that'll give you a solid fight until they break the surface. Most run under 4 pounds, though they can reach 8+ pounds and 25 inches. These plump-bodied fish hang around wrecks, jetties, rocky bottoms, and old pilings in less than 120 feet during summer months. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed. They're interesting fish - all born female then change to male around 9-13 inches. What guests love is their aggressive strike and the fact they're excellent eating. You'll see males turn bright blue during spawn with a distinctive hump on their heads. Use squid strips or small crabs on a 2-hook bottom rig. Here's a tip: they're mostly bottom feeders but will hit jigs worked near structure, so don't be afraid to bounce your bait around.
Balistes VetulaQueen Triggerfish are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter - oval-shaped with neon blue stripes and the ability to change colors when stressed. They average 11-12 inches but can reach nearly 2 feet and 12 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, rocky bottoms, and ledges in 10-300 feet, often in small schools of 5-10 fish. They're generally shy except during mating season when they get aggressive and will bite. What guests love is their unique appearance and the challenge - when hooked, they wedge themselves in crevices using their dorsal spines, which is how they got their name. They make throbbing sounds to warn other fish away too. Use shrimp or small crabs on a Carolina rig or dropper rig to get down to them. Here's the trick: work areas with soft coral and be patient - they're picky eaters that like to inspect their food first.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the workhorses of bottom fishing - rusty red with white spots and built like tanks. Most fish run 5-10 pounds, but they can push 50+ and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them on muddy and rocky bottoms from 16 feet down to over 300, with the sweet spot being 10-100 feet around reefs, ledges, and wrecks. These are year-round fish, but avoid January through April when season's closed for spawning. What makes them special is the combination of their bulldogging fight and absolutely phenomenal table fare - firm, flaky meat with a shellfish-like taste that's considered the best among groupers. They're aggressive predators that'll slam shrimp, crab, or cut bait. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and pump them up fast - they'll try to get back in the rocks and break you off every time.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - beautiful fish that start pink when young and turn deep red as they mature. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can hit 35+ pounds and live over 20 years. You'll find them around structure in 30-620 feet of water, with adults preferring deeper spots while juveniles stick to muddy inshore areas. May through October is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special? They fight like hell, running for cover to try and cut your line, plus they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or fried. For the best results, use fresh cigar minnows, squid, or live pinfish on heavy rigs. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and get them away from structure fast or they'll wrap you up.
Mycteroperca VenenosaYellowfin Grouper are striking fish with bright yellow pectoral fins and dark oval spots covering their bodies. They change color based on depth - bright red in deep water, greyish-green in the shallows. Most run 19-24 inches, though some reach close to 40. You'll find them around rocky areas, coral ledges, and wrecks in the Gulf of Mexico waters. They're ambush predators that hide in structure waiting for crabs and squid to pass by. While they put up a decent fight, these aren't table fish due to potential ciguatera poisoning. Summer months are your best bet when they're more active. Use fresh pinfish, goggle eyes, or pilchards on the bottom near structure. Keep your bait moving naturally but not too frantically - they won't hit anything that looks panicked.
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