Deep Bottom Fishing Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour deep bottom charter targeting grouper, snapper, and amberjack offshoreVentures 5060 miles out on 32' Boston Whaler for deepwater speciesAll gear, bait, and licenses included with 4guest maximum capacity
When you're ready to leave the weekend warriors behind and chase the big boys in true deep water, this 10-hour offshore adventure is what separates the serious anglers from the dock talkers. We're talking about a real run here – 50 to 60 miles out where the water turns that deep blue and the fish haven't seen a hook every other day. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're fighting crowds and spooky fish. Out here, the grouper are fat and happy, the snapper are aggressive, and the amberjack will test every bit of drag you've got. Captain and crew know these offshore ledges like the back of their hand, and with only 4 spots available, you're getting the VIP treatment on every drop.
The day starts early because we've got serious ground to cover. The 32' Boston Whaler is built for this kind of run – stable, fast, and loaded with everything you need for deep drop fishing. While other boats are still working the inshore reefs, we're already marking structure in 200+ feet of water where the real monsters live. The ride out gives you time to rig up, talk strategy with the captain, and watch the water color change from green to that gorgeous cobalt blue that tells you you're in fish country. Once we hit the first spot, it's game on. You'll be dropping heavy sinkers and big baits down to ledges and rock piles that hold some of the most sought-after bottom fish in Florida waters. The captain reads the electronics like a book, positioning the boat perfectly over structure where these deepwater species set up shop.
Deep bottom fishing is a whole different game than anything you'll do in shallow water. We're talking about fishing in 150 to 300 feet, sometimes more, where you need serious tackle and the right technique to be effective. The boat comes rigged with heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line – you'll need that zero-stretch advantage to feel what's happening way down there and to muscle big fish up through the water column. Bottom rigs are pre-tied with circle hooks sized for the target species, and we're using everything from cut bait to live offerings depending on what the fish are telling us. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly before the current takes it too far from the structure, then being ready for that thump when a big grouper or snapper decides to eat. Electric reels are available for those who want them – when you're cranking fish up from 250 feet all day, your arms will thank you for the assist.
The Gag Grouper out here are what dreams are made of – thick-bodied fish that can push 15 to 25 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. These guys love rocky bottom and ledges, and they're notorious for trying to cut you off on structure the second they feel the hook. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, and the deeper water fish tend to be less pressured and more aggressive than their shallow water cousins. What makes gag grouper so special is their incredible strength and their tendency to absolutely hammer a bait – when one eats, you know it immediately.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and the deep water populations are healthier and more abundant than what you'll find closer to shore. These fish are smart, aggressive, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. The deeper water snapper tend to run larger, with fish in the 8 to 15-pound range being common. They school up on hard bottom and artificial reefs, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Red snapper are most active during the warmer months, and they're known for their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic fights once hooked.
Grey Triggerfish might not be the prettiest fish in the cooler, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. These fish have an attitude and the muscle to back it up. They're most abundant in deeper waters during the summer and fall months, and they're notorious for stealing bait and testing your patience. What makes triggerfish exciting is their unpredictability – they can be picky one minute and then go on a feeding frenzy the next. When you hook a big trigger in deep water, you're in for a fight that will surprise you every time.
Cobia are the wildcards of the deep water game. These fish are opportunistic predators that show up when you least expect them, often following other fish to the surface or cruising around structure looking for an easy meal. They're most common during the warmer months and can range anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds. What makes cobia so exciting is their size, their willingness to eat just about any bait, and their habit of showing up when you're targeting other species. When you see that brown torpedo swimming up from the depths, your heart rate is going to spike.
This deep water charter books up fast because there are only so many boats willing to make the long run and only 4 spots available per trip. The combination of world-class fishing, top-rated equipment, and a captain who knows where to find the fish makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are included, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe some Dramamine if you're not used to the bigger water. The offshore fishing in Florida is trending toward these deeper water trips because that's where the quality fish live, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak season when the fishing is on fire.
This 32-foot Boston Whaler center console is built to handle Florida's deep offshore waters where the big fish live. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this fishing machine to 45 knots, getting you to those productive 50-60 mile spots where grouper, snapper, and amberjack hang out in the depths. The center console design gives everyone room to move around and fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll find everything you need onboard - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for safety, fish finder to locate the bottom structure, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head for those long 10-hour trips. This boat seats six comfortably but keeps groups to four anglers max, so you'll have plenty of elbow room when the action heats up. Built tough for Florida's offshore conditions, this Whaler cuts through chop and handles the big swells you'll encounter in deep water. Perfect setup for serious bottom fishing where you'll drop heavy tackle down 200+ feet to where the monster fish patrol.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are powerful brown sharks look-alikes that average 6 feet and can push 100 pounds. These solitary hunters cruise wrecks, reefs, and offshore structures in 30-300 feet of water, though we often spot them near the surface during spring migration. They're most active from late spring through summer when water temps hit 70+ degrees. What guests love about cobia is the aggressive fight they put up - they're strong runners that test your gear and skills. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that rivals any table fare. My go-to trick is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in 4-8oz weights. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does - work that jig naturally and be ready for a hard strike when they decide to eat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that typically run 20 inches but can grow to 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These mottled gray fighters love rocky structure, offshore reefs, and shipwrecks where they can hide and ambush prey. Best action happens spring through fall when they're actively feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. Guests love the challenge - once hooked, gags make powerful runs straight for cover, testing both tackle and angler skill. They're also premium table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: once you set the hook, lock that drag and don't let them run. Keep your rod low and horse them up quickly before they can dive into a hole or cut you off on the rocks. Live pinfish and mullet work great, but fresh squid and crab get bites too.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are feisty bottom dwellers that average 12-17 inches but can reach 24 inches and 13 pounds. They hang around rocky ledges, reefs, and hard bottom structures in 60-180 feet of water. These tough-skinned fighters have razor-sharp teeth and aren't shy about using them - they'll crush sea urchins and crabs with ease. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're most active. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit almost any bait, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a trick that works well: drop your squid chunk near feeding snapper or grouper. Triggerfish are opportunistic and will charge in to steal bait from other fish, giving you a solid hookup.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though big ones can hit 35+ pounds. These bright red beauties live on hard bottom structure, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200+ feet of water. Best fishing runs May through October during spawning season when they're most aggressive. What makes snapper special is the combination of a solid fight and outstanding table fare - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They're true warriors that'll try to cut your line on structure once hooked. Key tip: use circle hooks with fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, and keep steady pressure once you hook up. Don't give them slack or they'll dive straight into the rocks and break you off. Fight them hard and reel fast.
Myrtle Beach, SC