Deep Bottom Fishing Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour deep bottom fishing charter targeting grouper and snapper offshoreVentures 50-60 miles offshore aboard equipped 32' Boston Whaler vesselAll gear, bait, and licenses included for experienced anglers
Get ready for a serious offshore adventure that'll take you where the big fish live. This 10-hour deep bottom fishing charter pushes 50 to 60 miles out into Florida's deep blue waters, targeting the kind of fish that most anglers only dream about. We're talking Grouper, Red Snapper, Cobia, Grey Triggerfish, and Amberjack – species that hang out in the deep structure where the pressure's off and they've had time to grow into real trophies. This isn't your typical half-day trip; it's designed for serious anglers who want the full deepwater experience and don't mind spending the day chasing fish that can make your reel scream.
You'll be fishing from a 32-foot Boston Whaler that's built for the long haul and equipped with everything needed for deep drop fishing. The ride out takes about an hour and a half, giving you time to rig up, talk strategy, and watch the water change from that shallow green to the deep cobalt blue that signals serious fish country. Once we hit our spots, we're targeting structure in 200 to 400 feet of water where the bottom dwellers like to hang out. The boat's rigged with quality electronics to find the fish, and we've got enough room for four anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up. All your gear, bait, and fishing licenses are covered, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks since this is a long day on the water. The small group size means you get plenty of personal attention and coaching if you need it.
Deep bottom fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish are and keeping it there. We use heavy conventional reels loaded with braided line to cut through the current and feel what's happening 300 feet below. The rigs are simple but effective – usually a chicken rig or knocker rig with circle hooks and enough weight to stay on the bottom. Baits include cut squid, sardines, and sometimes live bait when we can get it. The key is patience and feeling for that subtle tap or steady pull that means a grouper or snapper has your bait. When you hook up in deep water, it's a different game – these fish use the water column and structure to their advantage, so you need to keep steady pressure and work them up slowly. The boat stays positioned over productive bottom using GPS and the fish finder, and we'll move around to different spots throughout the day to keep the action going.
Red Snapper are the stars of the show out here, and Florida's deep waters hold some real beauties. These fish are aggressive feeders and put up a solid fight, especially the bigger ones that can push 15 to 20 pounds. They school up around hard bottom and ledges, and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Best part is they're excellent table fare, so you'll be eating well after the trip. Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the bottom, and catching one is always a battle. These fish can weigh 30 pounds or more and they know every trick in the book – they'll head straight for the rocks or a ledge the moment they feel the hook. The fight is all about keeping them out of structure and working them up slowly. They're curious fish that will often hit cut bait or live bait, and the bigger ones tend to be solitary hunters. Cobia are the wild cards of deep water fishing, and they're always a welcome surprise. These fish are powerful swimmers that can reach 40 to 50 pounds and they fight like bulldogs. They're often found cruising around structure or following sharks, and they'll hit both bait and lures. The cool thing about Cobia is they're curious – sometimes they'll follow your bait right up to the boat. Grey Triggerfish might be smaller than the other targets, but don't let that fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. They've got strong jaws for crushing shellfish and they use every bit of that power when hooked. They're also incredibly good eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.
This deep bottom fishing charter is perfect for anglers who want to experience Florida's offshore fishing at its best. You'll be targeting trophy-sized fish in pristine deep waters where every drop could produce the fish of a lifetime. The 10-hour format gives you plenty of time to work different spots and species, and the small group size ensures everyone gets their shot at the big ones. Space is limited on these extended offshore trips, so don't wait around – book your date early to secure your spot. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next challenge or someone ready to step up to serious offshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action and fish that keep people coming back year after year.
This 32' Boston Whaler center console is built to take you 50-60 miles offshore where the big fish live. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this boat to 45 knots, cutting through Florida waters to reach those deep drop zones where grouper, snapper, and amberjack hang out. The center console design gives you room to fight fish from any angle, while the GPS and fish finder help locate productive bottom structure. When you hook into a monster grouper in 200+ feet of water, you'll appreciate the stable platform this Whaler provides. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day, and there's a head onboard for the 10-hour trip. Radar keeps you safe if weather moves in, and the spacious deck accommodates up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to work heavy tackle. This boat is designed for serious offshore fishing where the less-pressured fish grow bigger and fight harder than anything you'll find near shore.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary bruisers that average around 6 feet and can push 100 pounds. They cruise around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-300 feet, often mistaken for sharks due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. Spring through summer is prime time when they're moving through our waters during migration. What guests love about cobia is the raw power - they're aggressive predators that put up a serious fight. Plus, the meat is some of the best you'll find offshore, with a firm texture that's restaurant-quality. The key to landing one is sight fishing when they're near the surface, or working bucktail jigs around structure. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to cover - they'll wrap you up every time.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are ambush predators that typically run 20 inches but can grow to 80 pounds. They hide around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks in deeper water, with younger fish staying closer inshore. These fish are built for power - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. What anglers love is the challenge and the reward - they're tough fighters and excellent table fare. Live mullet or pinfish work best, but cut squid and crab produce too. The trick is being ready for that initial run. Keep your reel locked tight and don't give them any slack, or they'll disappear into a hole and you'll never get them out. Work them up quickly with steady pressure - it's a tug-of-war you need to win fast.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy fighters that average 12-17 inches but can reach up to 24 inches. You'll find them around hard bottom structure, reefs, and ledges in 60-180 feet of water. They're notorious bait thieves with razor-sharp teeth that can cut through sea urchins and crabs. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature - they'll charge in to steal bait from other fish. The meat is firm and tasty, making them worth keeping. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first nibble, don't set the hook right away. Triggers love to pick at bait, so let them take it fully before reeling hard and fast. Use squid chunks about an inch wide - it stays on the hook better when they're testing your bait.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our deep trips, averaging 1-2 feet but capable of reaching 35+ pounds. These bottom dwellers live around structure in 100-400+ feet, turning bright red as they mature. The season runs May through October when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and being hands-down the best eating fish we target - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They're true warriors that will try to cut you off in the rocks once hooked. The secret is using circle hooks with fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, and keeping steady pressure to pull them up and away from structure quickly. Once you get one halfway up, keep reeling - they can't swim back down against that pressure.
Myrtle Beach, SC