Extended Full Day Gulf of Mexico Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Tenhour charter targeting snapper, grouper, sailfish, and barracudaBottom fishing and trolling options available in Florida watersAll gear, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included
When you're ready to spend a proper day on the water, this 10-hour fishing charter with Tail Raiser Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Running from August 15 through June 1, we're talking about prime fishing season in the Gulf of Mexico – when the water temperatures and fish activity make for some of the most productive days you'll find anywhere along Florida's coast. We shove off at 7:00 AM sharp, giving you the full day to work the waters and come back with a cooler full of quality fish.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With 10 hours on the Gulf, you've got real time to dial in the bite and put some serious fish in the boat. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – if you want to spend the morning bottom fishing for snapper and grouper around structure, then switch it up and troll for pelagics in the afternoon, that's exactly what we'll do. Captain and crew know these waters inside and out, and they'll adjust the game plan based on what's biting and what you're most excited to target. All your gear, tackle, bait, and licenses are handled, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Fair warning though – bring your own food and drinks because 10 hours works up an appetite, and don't forget the sunscreen and hat. The Gulf sun is no joke, especially when you're out there all day with the reflection off the water.
The two main approaches we use out here are bottom fishing and trolling, and both have their place depending on what you're after. Bottom fishing means we're anchored up or drifting over structure – reefs, ledges, and hard bottom areas where snapper and grouper like to hang out. You're dropping baits down 40 to 120 feet, feeling for that telltale thump when a fish picks up your offering. It's active fishing that requires some technique, but the crew will get you dialed in quickly. Trolling is a different game entirely – we're covering water with multiple lines out, pulling lures or rigged baits behind the boat at specific speeds. This is how we target the fast-moving pelagics like sailfish, kingfish, and barracuda. The anticipation builds as you watch the rods, waiting for that screaming drag when something big decides your lure looks like lunch. Both methods are effective year-round in these waters, and the 10-hour format gives us time to master both techniques in a single trip.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, taste even better, and when you find them, you can usually put several in the boat. They're most active from late spring through fall, hanging around structure in 60 to 100 feet of water. What makes red snapper so appealing is their consistent behavior – they're aggressive feeders that will hit cut bait, live bait, or jigs worked near the bottom. Plus, at 5 to 15 pounds on average, they provide that perfect balance of fight without wearing you out.
Gag grouper are the prize fish that every bottom angler wants to tangle with. These bruisers can push 20 to 40 pounds and they know how to use every ounce of that weight. When a big gag hits, your first job is stopping it from getting back to the rocks where it can break you off. They're most cooperative from October through April when they're feeding heavily in preparation for and recovery from spawning. The technique for grouper is all about getting your bait right to the bottom quickly and being ready for that initial surge toward structure.
Atlantic sailfish bring the excitement level up a few notches. These are the fish that separate trolling from just dragging baits around. Sailfish are present year-round but peak from December through May, and when one comes up behind your spread with that sail raised, everything else stops mattering. They're not particularly large – most run 6 to 8 feet and 40 to 60 pounds – but the aerial displays and speed make them one of the most sought-after catches in the Gulf. The key is having your trolling spread dialed in and being ready for the chaos when one decides to eat.
King mackerel, or kingfish as most locals call them, are speed demons that provide some of the most consistent action when trolling. They're present from spring through fall, with the best fishing typically from April through October. Kings are perfect for anglers who want steady action – they're aggressive, they fight hard for their size, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly. Most run 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 40 or 50 pounds showing up to make your day memorable.
Barracuda might not get the respect they deserve, but they're legitimate gamefish that will test your reflexes and your drag system. These toothy predators are present year-round and they're absolute missiles when they decide to eat. A 20-pound barracuda can strip line faster than fish twice its size, and they're notorious for their jump-and-thrash fighting style. They're also opportunistic feeders, so you might pick one up while bottom fishing or trolling – you never know when one will crash the party.
This extended full day charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. With Tail Raiser Charters handling all the details – gear, tackle, bait, licenses, and local knowledge – you're getting a top-rated fishing experience that adapts to the conditions and your preferences. The 6-person capacity means you're not crowded, and the seasonal schedule from August through June covers the prime fishing months when these species are
Step aboard the 31' Island Hopper express cruiser, your floating headquarters for serious Gulf fishing action. This sleek motorboat cuts through Florida waters with purpose, getting you and 5 fellow anglers to productive fishing grounds without burning daylight. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines whether you're dropping bottom rigs for chunky grouper and snapper or pulling trolling spreads for lightning-fast sailfish and toothy barracuda. Advanced fish finder technology helps locate structure and baitfish while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. When nature calls, the onboard head means no interruptions to your fishing time. Radar ensures safe navigation even when Gulf weather turns moody. Built for the long haul, this charter boat handles 10-hour trips with ease, letting you maximize every minute on the water from the 7 AM departure until you're loaded with fillets and fish stories.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are pure adrenaline on a line. These gorgeous fish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, sporting that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and metallic blue coloring. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, usually near the surface where they hunt schools of baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in Florida waters - that's when they're most active. What makes sailfish special is their speed and acrobatics. They'll leap repeatedly, dive deep, then rocket back to the surface. It's a battle that tests both your gear and stamina. We troll with live bait or bright lures, keeping the boat moving slowly. Pro tip: when one takes your bait, let it run before setting the hook. They'll often mouth it first, then come back for the real bite.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the aggressive predators that keep things exciting on every trip. These torpedo-shaped fish can stretch to 6 feet, with razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. You'll find them in shallow water near reefs, grass beds, and structure, where they stalk schools of baitfish. They're active year-round in our Gulf waters, especially on bright days when their sight-hunting advantage peaks. What guests love about barracuda is their explosive strikes and blistering speed - they can hit 35 mph when they want your lure. They're also willing biters on light tackle. The trick is using shiny lures or spoons that mimic their favorite baitfish. Cast near structure and retrieve fast with erratic action. Wire leaders are a must - those teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are scrappy bottom dwellers that'll test your arms. Most run around 20 inches, but we see plenty that stretch to 4+ feet and 80 pounds. They love hanging around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure in deeper water, though juveniles stick closer to shore. These fish are active year-round in our waters, but they really turn on during cooler months. What guests love is the fight - once hooked, they make a beeline for the nearest hole or ledge to break you off. They're also fantastic eating. The trick with gags is keeping your reel locked and your rod tip low when you hook up. Don't give them any slack, or they'll disappear into a crevice faster than you can blink. Live pinfish and cut squid work great.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or Kingfish as we call them, are speed demons that'll smoke your drag. These olive-backed missiles typically weigh around 30 pounds, though we hook into 90+ pounders regularly. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often near structure or bait schools. Our season runs strong from late summer into spring when water temps hit that 68-84 degree range. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out there. They're also great on the table when handled right. The key is trolling with live bait rigged on a wire leader with two hooks - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that stinger hook is crucial for hookups.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize of bottom fishing out here. These pink to deep red beauties average 1-2 feet and weigh under 10 pounds, though the monsters can hit 35+ pounds. They live around structure in 30-620 feet of water, hanging near rocks, reefs, and wrecks. Our season runs strong from late summer through spring when water temps sit in that sweet 50-70 degree range. What makes them special? They fight like hell once hooked, diving straight for cover to cut your line. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled. Here's a local tip: use fresh squid or live pinfish, drop it to the bottom, and keep your drag locked tight. The moment you feel that bite, crank hard before they reach the rocks.
Florida