Offshore Gulf Fishing Adventure in Shalimar, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Twotank offshore Gulf diving trip departing from Shalimar.Explore reefs and structures 9+ miles beyond nearshore limits.Small group experience with maximum three certified divers.
Get ready to experience some of the best Gulf Coast fishing that Northwest Florida has to offer. This top-rated offshore charter with Taz's Excursions takes you 9+ miles into the deep blue waters of the Gulf, where the real action happens. We're talking about serious fishing grounds where trophy fish roam and the bite can turn epic in a heartbeat. With just 3 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with dinner.
This isn't your typical nearshore trip – we're heading out to where the water turns that deep Gulf blue and the structure holds the kind of fish that make your drag scream. The journey from Shalimar puts us in prime position to hit multiple productive spots during our time offshore. You'll be fishing over reefs, artificial structure, and natural bottom that's been producing consistently for local anglers. The boat ride gives you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the depth finder as we cruise to the honey holes. Once we're on the numbers, it's all about reading the conditions and putting baits where the fish are feeding. The Gulf can be generous, but it rewards anglers who know how to work the water right.
We'll be running a mix of bottom fishing and structure work depending on what's biting. The deeper offshore waters call for heavier tackle – think 6 to 8-ounce sinkers to get your baits down through the current and keep them in the strike zone. Circle hooks are the way to go for most of our target species, and we'll have plenty of fresh bait to keep the lines active. When we're working reefs, expect to use knocker rigs and fish finder setups that let your bait move naturally with the current. If the pelagics are around, we might switch up to some drift fishing or even throw some artificials at structure. The key offshore is being ready to adapt – one minute you're bottom fishing for snapper, the next you're fighting a cobia that came up to check out the boat.
Grey Triggerfish have been the bread and butter of offshore trips lately. These feisty fighters love structure and put up a scrappy battle that'll test your technique. They're curious fish that often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their unique bucket mouth and aggressive feeding style make them a customer favorite, especially when they're hitting baits on the drop.
Crevalle Jack bring the raw power that gets hearts pumping. These silver bullets can show up anywhere from mid-water to the surface, and when they hit, you know it. They're built like torpedoes and fight like they're twice their size. Jack can be found cruising structure or busting bait on the surface, and they'll absolutely destroy anything that moves. Spring through fall is prime time, but they can surprise you any month.
Cobia are the ultimate prize fish for many offshore anglers. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious creatures that often approach the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. They're smart, strong, and can grow to impressive sizes in Gulf waters. Late spring and summer are peak seasons when they're spawning and more aggressive, but don't count them out during cooler months when they're feeding up.
Red Snapper remain the gold standard of Gulf fishing when they're in season. These crimson beauties are structure lovers that require precision and patience. They've got keen eyesight and can be picky about presentations, but when you dial in the right technique, they'll reward you with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Their white, flaky meat and the challenge they present make every snapper a trophy.
Southern Flounder add variety to the offshore mix, especially around structure transitions where sand meets hard bottom. These flatfish are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and lightning-fast strikes. They're excellent table fare and provide a different kind of challenge – it's all about reading subtle bites and knowing when to set the hook. Fall months typically offer the best flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawn.
With only 3 anglers per trip, these offshore adventures book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. You're getting world-class Gulf fishing with personalized service that larger boats just can't match. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler or ready to step up from nearshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back. The combination of multiple species, diverse techniques, and productive Gulf waters makes this a must-do experience for serious anglers. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is just a booking away.
This 30ft ProKat Catamaran cuts through Gulf waters at an impressive 49 knots, powered by twin 250HP Yamaha engines that'll get you to those prime offshore dive sites fast. The 2003 cat's twin-hull design handles rough seas like a champ, keeping you stable while suiting up for your descent. With room for 3 divers plus gear, there's plenty of space to organize tanks and equipment without feeling cramped. The GPS navigation system pinpoints exact reef locations and underwater structures 9+ miles offshore, while VHF radio keeps you connected to the Coast Guard and other dive boats. Built for speed and comfort, this ProKat makes quick work of the run to deeper Gulf waters where the real action happens below the surface.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of our offshore waters, averaging 3-6 feet and 20-100 pounds with that distinctive shark-like silhouette. They cruise alone around wrecks, reefs, and oil platforms in 30-100 feet, often right at the surface where you can sight-cast to them. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, with good fishing continuing through summer. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll actually swim up to investigate the boat, giving you perfect casting opportunities. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. Local secret: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Lead them by 20 feet and work your bait back toward their path. They spook easily if you splash a lure right on their head, but they'll chase down a properly presented jig every time.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - thick, muscular fish that average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can reach 4 feet and 60 pounds. They roam both shallow and deep water, often around structure, oil rigs, and floating debris where they ambush baitfish. You'll spot them year-round, but spring and summer offer the hottest action when they school up and push bait to the surface. What guests love is their raw power - these fish fight way above their weight class with bulldogging runs that'll test your drag. They're curious around divers too, often circling and checking you out. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, look for the school underneath. Cast past them and retrieve fast - jacks can't resist something trying to escape, and that aggressive retrieve triggers their predator instincts every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are solid medium-sized fish averaging 12-17 inches, though they can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. You'll find them around our offshore reefs and structure in 60-180 feet of water, where they use their tough, leather-like skin and strong teeth to crunch through crabs, sea urchins, and shellfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active. What makes them fun is their scrappy attitude - they'll hit almost any bait but love to nibble first before committing. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, white texture. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and run a bit, then reel fast and steady to keep them from ducking into the rocks where they'll lock those dorsal spines and you'll never get them out.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - those bright red beauties that run 1-3 feet and 5-35 pounds around our offshore reefs and structure. You'll find them in 60-200 feet hugging hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs where they feed on smaller fish and crustaceans. Summer season brings the best action when they're most active and aggressive. What guests love is the combination of a solid fight and world-class table fare - that sweet, mild flavor makes every trip worthwhile. They're smart fish that will test your skills, often trying to cut your line on structure when hooked. Pro tip from years out here: use a heavy sinker to get down fast and keep tight line contact with the bottom. When you feel that thump, set the hook hard and immediately start pumping them up before they can reach cover. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work best.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms, averaging 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds. These flat fish bury themselves in soft bottom areas from the shallows out to about 60 feet, perfectly camouflaged as they ambush passing prey. Fall and winter bring the best fishing as they move offshore, though you can catch them year-round. What makes them interesting is watching that unique feeding behavior - both eyes on one side of their head scanning for mullet, shrimp, and crabs. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The fight isn't much, but finding them is the real challenge. Here's what works: drift over sandy areas with live bull minnows or fresh shrimp on a light jig head. Move slow and feel for that subtle tick - flounder don't slam baits, they just suck them up and sit there.
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