Deep Bottom Fishing Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore charter targeting grouper, snapper, and amberjack speciesTravels 50-70 miles offshore for reduced fishing pressure and larger catchesAll tackle, bait, and licenses included aboard equipped 26' Sea Fox
Want to get away from the crowded inshore spots and really test your skills? This 10-hour deep bottom fishing charter puts you right where the big fish live – 50 to 70 miles off the Florida coast in waters that most weekend warriors never see. We're talking about prime bottom fishing territory where grouper, snapper, and amberjack roam freely without the constant pressure from other boats. You'll spend the day aboard a 26' Sea Fox that's built for these long runs and equipped with everything you need to bring home some serious fish. This isn't a beginner's trip – it's designed for anglers who want to push their limits and experience what Florida's deep waters have to offer.
The day starts early because we've got serious ground to cover. Once we clear the inlet, it's a solid run to reach our fishing grounds, but that's where the magic happens. Out there at 50-70 miles offshore, you're fishing structure and bottom contours that hold the kind of fish that make your arms burn. The water clarity is usually spectacular, and you can actually see the bottom on the fish finder in stunning detail. We're targeting classic Florida bottom species – grouper that'll test your drag, snapper that require finesse, and amberjack that'll give you a workout you won't forget. The 26' Sea Fox handles these offshore conditions like a champ, with plenty of room for four anglers to fish comfortably without getting in each other's way. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat.
Deep bottom fishing is all about precision and patience. We're fishing vertical presentations over structure, using heavy weights to get your bait down fast and keep it in the strike zone. You'll be working with conventional reels loaded with heavy braid – this isn't the place for light tackle. We use circle hooks for most presentations to ensure solid hookups and better fish survival for releases. The technique involves dropping your rig straight down, feeling for bottom, then lifting it up a few cranks to stay just off the structure. When a big grouper or amberjack hits, you'll know it immediately – these fish don't nibble. The key is getting them up and away from the rocks before they can wrap you up. We'll move between different spots throughout the day, reading the bottom and adjusting our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Live bait and fresh dead bait both have their place, and we'll switch things up based on what's working.
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of Florida bottom fishing, and these deep waters hold some real monsters. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, waiting for an easy meal to drift by. Gags can push 20-30 pounds out here, and they fight dirty – diving straight for the rocks the second they feel the hook. The best action typically happens during cooler months when they're more active, but you can find quality fish year-round in these depths. What makes gag grouper so special is their incredible table fare and the fact that hooking a big one feels like you've snagged the bottom until it starts moving.
Scamp Grouper might be smaller than their gag cousins, but they more than make up for it in numbers and attitude. These fish love deeper water and rocky bottom, making them perfect targets for this type of charter. Scamps have a distinct pink and brown coloration that makes them easy to identify, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. They typically run 3-8 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they'll give you a serious fight. What's really cool about scamps is how they school up on certain pieces of structure, so when you find them, you can often catch several before they wise up.
Grey Triggerfish are the wildcard of deep bottom fishing. These fish have personality, and they're not afraid to show it. Triggers have incredibly strong jaws designed for crushing shellfish, so they can steal your bait or straighten your hooks if you're not using the right gear. They're most active during warmer months and can be frustratingly selective about what they'll bite. But when you connect with a nice trigger – especially one in the 5-8 pound range – you're in for a unique fight. They pull hard and use their flat body profile to leverage against you. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks of the reef world are curious and aggressive, often showing up when you least expect them. Cobia can range from 20 to 50+ pounds, and they fight like a combination of shark and grouper. What makes them special is their unpredictability – they might follow your grouper to the surface, or you might spot one cruising the structure. They're more common during warmer months and are known for their incredible table quality. A good cobia will test every knot in your rig and give you a fight that you'll be talking about for years.
This deep bottom fishing charter represents the best of what Florida offshore fishing has to offer. You're getting access to fishing grounds that most anglers never experience, targeting species that live their entire lives in deep water, and doing it from a boat that's perfectly suited for the job. With only four spots available, you're guaranteed plenty of room to fish and personal attention from your captain. The 10-hour format gives you enough time to really explore different areas and maximize your chances at multiple species. Whether you're looking to put quality meat in the cooler or test yourself against some of Florida's hardest-fighting bottom fish, this trip delivers. Don't wait on booking – these deep water charters fill up fast, especially during prime fishing months. Get your spot secured and get ready for a day of bottom fishing that'll remind you why you fell in love with the sport in
This 26' Sea Fox center console is built for serious offshore bottom fishing adventures along Florida's coast. With twin 150HP Mercury engines pushing her to 40 knots, she'll get you to those productive deep water spots 50-70 miles offshore where the big grouper, snapper, and amberjack are waiting. The center console design gives you plenty of room to work around the boat while fighting those hard-pulling reef fish. She's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the best bottom structure, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish below. With seating for up to four anglers and a head onboard, you'll stay comfortable during those long 10-hour trips targeting deep water species. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the run out to the fishing grounds. Built for stability and speed, this Sea Fox handles offshore conditions while giving you the platform you need to land trophy bottom fish in Florida's deeper waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that cruise alone and fight like crazy when hooked. These solitary hunters average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious trophy targets. You'll spot them near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure from 30-300 feet deep. Spring migration and summer months are prime time when they're moving through our waters. What guests love is the combination of sight fishing excitement and that powerful fight once hooked. They're also top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat. Bucktail jigs work great, but here's what I've learned over the years: when you see one, cast well ahead of where it's swimming and let the jig sink naturally. Cobia are curious but spook easily, so patience pays off more than aggressive presentations.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. These fish average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds in our deep waters. You'll find them around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky structure from 80-200 feet deep. Males are darker with distinctive reticulated dorsal fins, while females show more marbled gray patterns. They love live pinfish and mullet, but cut bait works too. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that stubborn fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. My tip: keep your reel locked tight and don't give them any slack, or they'll dive into a hole and you'll lose them every time.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their attitude. These guys average 17 inches but can hit 2 feet and 13 pounds. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs from 50-180 feet deep. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit almost anything, but squid chunks stay on the hook best. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll compete with other fish for bait, so dropping near grouper or snapper often triggers a feeding response. The challenge is their sharp teeth and habit of nibbling before fully taking the bait. Keep your line tight and reel up fast when you feel that first tap. Here's the trick: use a smaller hook than you think you need, and don't be afraid to reel in quickly once they bite.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the prize catch many captains keep for themselves - that's why they're called "captain's meat." These brownish fish with darker blotches typically run 4-6 pounds, though we've seen 20+ pounders out here. They hang around structure like reefs and wrecks in 75-300 feet, moving shallower during spring spawning season. What guests love is the fight - they're slow but incredibly strong swimmers that'll wear you out. The payoff is worth it though - scamps are hands down the best eating in the grouper family. Live pinfish and sardines work great, but here's a local trick: when they're being picky, try a fresh chunk of cut bait right on the bottom and be patient. They'll study it before committing, so don't set the hook on the first tap.
Myrtle Beach, SC