10-Hour Deep Bottom Grouper and Snapper Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting grouper, snapper, and amberjack species.Fish 5070 miles offshore in deeper waters with reduced pressure.All tackle, bait, and licenses included aboard 26' Sea Fox.
When you're ready to leave the weekend warriors behind and fish where the big boys live, this 10-hour deep bottom charter is your ticket to the real Florida offshore experience. We're talking about running 50 to 70 miles off the coast, where the fishing pressure drops off and the fish size goes way up. This isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a serious angler's adventure aboard a well-equipped 26' Sea Fox that's built for the long haul. With everything included from tackle to licenses, you'll spend your day targeting some of the most sought-after bottom species in Florida waters, including heavyweight grouper, snapper, and the always-exciting amberjack.
This is a full commitment kind of day, and that's exactly what makes it so productive. The long run gives us access to structure and depths that see way less pressure than the closer-in spots. We're fishing depths where the really mature fish hang out – the ones that have seen every lure and bait but still can't resist a perfectly presented offering. The 26' Sea Fox handles the offshore conditions beautifully, giving you a stable platform to work from even when we're in serious blue water. You'll be fishing with quality circle hooks and heavy tackle designed for these deeper presentations. The captain knows these offshore grounds like the back of his hand, hitting productive ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where these species congregate. Expect to be dropping baits in 80 to 200+ feet of water, where patience pays off with quality over quantity.
Deep bottom fishing is all about precision and presentation. We're using heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line to maintain good bottom contact in these depths. Circle hooks are the name of the game – they're not only required for certain species but they're also the most effective for live and cut bait presentations. You'll be working with a variety of baits depending on what's running – live pinfish, cigar minnows, cut Spanish sardines, and squid are all in the arsenal. The key is reading the bottom with your sinker, feeling for that sweet spot where structure meets current. When something picks up your bait down there, don't jerk – let that circle hook do its job. The fight from 150 feet down is something else entirely, especially when you hook into a big gag grouper or amberjack that wants to head straight back to the bottom.
Gag grouper are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. They tend to hold tight to structure and can grow massive in these deeper waters – we're talking fish in the 10 to 30-pound range regularly. The best action usually happens during the cooler months when they're more aggressive and closer to their spawning grounds. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their initial run – they'll try to get back into whatever hole or ledge they came from, and stopping a 20-pound fish with that kind of determination is a real test of angling skill. Scamp grouper are another favorite, typically smaller than gags but incredibly tasty and often more plentiful. They have this beautiful reddish coloration and tend to school up on deeper reefs. Grey triggerfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're fantastic eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're most active during the warmer months and have this unique way of nibbling bait that keeps you on your toes. Cobia are the wild cards of this trip – they're powerful, curious fish that can show up anywhere from mid-water to right on the bottom, and when you hook one, you know it immediately from their long, bulldogging runs.
This deep bottom charter represents serious offshore fishing at its finest. With only four anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The long run means we're accessing fish that rarely see hooks, and the 10-hour format gives us time to work multiple spots and really dial in the bite. Whether you're after a trophy grouper for the wall or just want to experience what Florida's deep reefs have to offer, this trip delivers the goods. The included tackle, bait, and licenses mean you just show up ready to fish. Book early – trips like this fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot.
This 26-foot Sea Fox center console is built to handle the long runs and rough waters you'll encounter 50 to 70 miles offshore chasing Florida's premier bottom fish. Twin 150HP Mercury engines push her to 40 knots, getting you to the deep water grouper holes and snapper ledges efficiently. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures where the big amberjack and cobia hang out. An icebox keeps your catch fresh during the 10-hour trip, and the GPS and radar systems ensure safe navigation in changing offshore conditions. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. With space for four anglers, there's plenty of room to work the bottom rigs and handle those hard-fighting reef species that make deep water fishing so rewarding.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia average 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them one of our strongest fighters in these waters. They're often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-300 feet, but spring migration brings them shallow for spawning. The fight is powerful and sustained - they're aggressive predators that don't give up easy. The meat quality is outstanding, firm and flavorful. Best fishing is spring through summer when they're moving through our waters. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait like pinfish is hard to beat. My advice: watch for them cruising just under the surface - sight fishing is often your best bet for finding these solitary hunters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper average 20 inches but can reach 57 inches and 80 pounds. They're strong fighters that'll drag your bait straight back to the rocks, so keep that reel locked tight. You'll find them around offshore reefs and wrecks in 50-300 feet of water, especially during cooler months when they're most active. What makes them special is the hard fight - they use every structure they can to break you off. The meat is excellent eating too. Live pinfish and mullet work best, but cut squid and crab will produce. Pro tip: keep your rod low and horse them up fast once hooked - give them time to think and they'll find a hole to hide in. Circle hooks are required in Florida waters.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish average 17 inches but can hit 24 inches and 13 pounds. They're found around hard bottom, ledges, and reefs in 50-180 feet of water. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature - they'll hit almost anything you drop down. The fight is solid for their size, and they make great eating. They're notorious bait thieves though, often nipping at your offering before committing. Squid chunks work best since they stay on the hook better. Here's my trick: when other fish like grouper or snapper are around, drop your bait near them. Triggerfish are greedy and will rush in to steal the bait from the competition. Keep constant tension and reel fast when you feel that first nibble.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are the best-tasting fish in the grouper family - many captains call them "captain's meat" for good reason. They average 4-6 pounds but can reach 32 pounds. You'll find them around rocky ledges, wrecks, and reefs in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spawning season from February through May. They're slow but incredibly strong fighters that'll test your drag system. The chocolate brown color with darker blotches makes them easy to identify. Live pinfish, sardines, and cigar minnows work great. My tip: use braided line for the deep water - you'll need every advantage when they make their run for the rocks. Expect a long battle even with smaller fish.
Myrtle Beach, SC