Offshore Fishing Charter Florida – Deep Water Action
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
9hour offshore charter targeting grouper, snapper, and amberjackTravel 4050 miles offshore aboard equipped 26' Sea FoxAll bait, gear, and licenses included for groups up to 4
Get ready for a serious day of offshore fishing that'll have you coming back for more. This 9-hour charter takes you 40 to 50 miles off the Florida coast where the big fish live and bite hard. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're going to put you on fish that'll make your arms burn and your cooler heavy. We're talking about prime bottom fishing territory where grouper stack up on the ledges and amberjack patrol the structure like they own the place. The 26' Sea Fox is built for this kind of run – she cuts through the chop and gets you to the honey holes while you're still fresh and ready to fish.
This isn't your typical inshore trip where you're back at the dock by lunch. We're heading to the deep blue where the water changes color and the fish get bigger. The boat's loaded with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and your fishing license is covered. Captain's got the numbers locked in his GPS, marking spots that produce fish year after year. You'll spend most of your time bottom fishing over structure where grouper and snapper hang out, but don't be surprised if we fire up some trolling action when the conditions are right. The crew knows when to switch it up, and that's when you might hook into a screaming king mackerel or a bulldogging cobia. With only 4 anglers max, you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn. Everyone gets prime fishing time, and the captain can work with your experience level whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been chasing fish for decades.
Bottom fishing is where this trip really shines. We're using heavy tackle – think 50 to 80-pound class gear that can handle the depth and the drag-screaming runs these fish are famous for. Circle hooks and strong leaders are the name of the game because you never know when a big grouper is going to try to cut you off in the rocks. Bait selection makes all the difference out here, and the crew's got fresh cut bait, live bait when available, and the artificials that produce when the fish are finicky. When we're trolling, it's a different game entirely. Ballyhoo, spoons, and diving plugs get rigged behind the boat as we work the edges and temperature breaks where pelagic species cruise. The electronics on board aren't just for show – bottom machine shows the structure, GPS marks the productive spots, and the captain's reading the water like a book. You'll see how small changes in bottom contour and water temperature can mean the difference between a slow day and a fish-filled cooler.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the offshore world, and Florida's got some monsters. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds but can push 60 or more when you hit the right school. They live around wrecks and hard bottom, and when you hook one, it's going straight down with power that'll test your tackle and your back. Spring through fall is prime time, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hammer live bait or big jigs. What makes them special is that first run – it's pure power, and even experienced anglers get humbled by a big AJ.
Cobia are the gentleman's fish, and they're smart as they come. These brown sharks (that's what old-timers call them) cruise the surface and around structure, often following rays and sharks. They average 25 to 45 pounds in these waters and are curious enough to come check out the boat. Spring migration brings the best action, but they're around most of the year. They're excellent table fare and put up a strong, steady fight that's different from the quick bursts of other species. Sight fishing for cobia is some of the most exciting fishing you'll find offshore.
Red Snapper are the prize everyone wants in the cooler. These deep-water fighters are perfectly built for the rocky bottom where they live, and they know every hiding spot down there. Florida's red snapper are typically 5 to 15 pounds with some real slabs pushing 20-plus. They're structure-oriented fish that hit cut bait hard and make strong runs toward the bottom when hooked. Summer season brings the best action, and fresh snapper on the grill is tough to beat. Their bright red color and excellent eating quality make them a customer favorite on every trip.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other target species, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. These fish stack up on the bottom structure and are often caught in good numbers when you find the right spot. They average 2 to 5 pounds with bigger fish reaching 8 pounds or more. They're year-round residents and great action when the bigger fish are being finicky. Their firm white meat is perfect for fish tacos or blackened fillets, and they're a reliable species that keeps the action going.
Scamp Grouper are the deepwater specialists that most anglers never get to target. These fish live in 100 to 400 feet of water over hard bottom and ledges. They're smaller than their gag and red grouper cousins, typically running 3 to 8 pounds, but they're beautiful fish with excellent table quality. Scamp have a unique brown and white pattern and are considered a delicacy by those in the know. They're structure-oriented and respond well to cut bait and small jigs worked near the bottom. Finding productive scamp spots requires local knowledge and the right depth finder, making them a true prize for serious offshore anglers.
This offshore charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Nine hours of deep-water fishing, multiple species opportunities, and a small group size that guarantees personal attention from an experienced crew. The 40
This 26' Sea Fox center console is built to handle serious offshore runs 40-50 miles out into Florida's deep waters. Twin 150HP Mercury engines push her to 40 knots, getting you to the grouper grounds fast and giving you more time with lines in the water. The center console design keeps the deck open for fighting big amberjack and hauling in coolers full of snapper. She's loaded with the electronics you need out there - GPS keeps you on the numbers, radar cuts through morning fog, and the fish finder marks structure where the big grouper hide. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive bottom without spooking fish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh on the long run back, plus there's room for drinks and lunch. The multimedia system and onboard head add comfort during those 9-hour days targeting everything from vermillion snapper to king mackerel. Built for stability in offshore swells, this Sea Fox handles the bigger water while giving four anglers plenty of room to work the rails. Perfect for serious fishermen ready to load the cooler.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass might be smaller fish, usually 1-3 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters with great eating quality. These chunky, dark-colored fish love hanging around wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs in 60-150 feet of water. Late spring through summer is when they're most active and easiest to catch in good numbers. What makes them popular with guests is their willingness to bite and the fact they're perfect for filling the cooler - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters either, taking cut bait, squid strips, or small jigs readily. The thing about sea bass is they'll grab your bait and head straight down into whatever structure they're living on. Use a stout rod and don't hesitate to horse them up once you set the hook.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world, typically running solo and averaging 20-50 pounds with that distinctive shark-like profile. They cruise shallow structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet, often visible right at the surface. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through our waters during migration. What guests love about cobia is the visual aspect - you can actually sight-fish for them - plus they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures with aggressive strikes. Here's the key: when you spot one, don't rush the cast. Let the boat drift past, then drop your jig ahead of their path and work it slowly back.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 6 feet and pack serious muscle. You'll spot them by that signature amber stripe and their ability to test your drag like few other fish. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet of water, especially active during warmer months from spring through fall. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll make long runs and fight dirty by heading straight for cover. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and clean-tasting. Best technique is dropping live bait or heavy jigs right to the bottom near structure. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head away from any nearby wreckage - they love to cut you off on barnacle-covered steel.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing, averaging 2-8 pounds with that classic bright red color and white belly. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet, staying tight to structure where they ambush passing baitfish. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests target them for two reasons: they fight surprisingly hard for their size, and the meat is absolutely top-tier - sweet, flaky, and perfect for any recipe. We fish them with heavy sinkers and circle hooks, using cut bait like sardines or squid. The trick is getting your bait right to the bottom and keeping it there. Once hooked, they'll dive straight for cover, so don't give them any slack line or they'll wrap you up in the structure.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the premium eating fish of the grouper family, typically running 4-12 pounds with a brown, mottled pattern and those distinctive elongated tail rays. They prefer deeper structure like ledges and wrecks in 100-300 feet, though they'll move shallower during spring spawning season. That's actually the best time to target them, February through May, when they're more active and accessible. Guests prize scamp for two things: the fight and the incredible table fare - many consider it the best-tasting grouper species. They're ambush predators that hit live bait hard, especially pinfish or sardines. Key tip: once you hook a scamp, apply immediate pressure and try to keep them off the bottom. They're strong but not as bulldoggish as other groupers, so you can actually turn them if you stay on top of them.
Myrtle Beach, SC