Offshore Fishing Charter Florida – Grouper, Amberjack and Snapper Guided Trip
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, this full-day charter is where the real action happens. We're talking about an 8-hour commitment that takes you 40 to 50 miles off the Florida coast, where the water runs deep and the fish run big. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the spots where grouper hold tight to structure, amberjack patrol the reefs, and snapper stack up like cordwood. Captain Matt and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming and your arms burning.
What to Expect on the Water
This charter runs on a 32' Boston Whaler that's built for both comfort and performance in offshore conditions. You'll be fishing with a maximum of 4 anglers, which means plenty of room to work and no elbow-bumping when the bite gets hot. The trip focuses primarily on bottom fishing, where you'll drop heavy rigs down to depths where the big boys live. We're targeting structure – wrecks, reefs, and ledges that hold everything from Vermillion Snapper and Black Seabass to monster Grouper and bull Amberjack. If conditions are right and the fish are cooperative, we can also break out the trolling gear to chase down fast-moving predators like King Mackerel, Barracuda, and Cobia. All your bait, tackle, and licenses are included, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the box.
Bottom Fishing and Trolling
Bottom fishing is the bread and butter of this trip, and it's where you'll likely spend most of your time. We're talking about heavy conventional tackle loaded with 50-80 pound test, chicken rigs with multiple hooks, and enough lead to get your bait down to the fish in a hurry. You'll be working depths anywhere from 80 to 200 feet, depending on what species we're targeting and where the fish are holding. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse – drop your rig to the bottom, crank it up a few turns, and hold on. When a big grouper or amberjack grabs your bait, there's no mistaking it. These fish will test your drag and your backbone, especially when they try to head back to their rocky hideouts. When we switch to trolling, we're covering water with a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from pelagic species that cruise the blue water. King mackerel are suckers for a well-presented spoon or live bait, while cobia often can't resist a bucktail jig bounced behind the boat.
Customer Stories
"We had an amazing time on this trip! Captain Matt and Greg were incredibly knowledgeable and took us to some fantastic fishing spots. As soon as our bait hit the water, we were reeling in fish! We landed some massive Red Snappers (which we had to release, unfortunately), plenty of big Black Sea Bass, an Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (also released), and a variety of other fish. We even brought home a cooler full to Nebraska! The water was a bit rough at first for us land lovers, but it didn't take away from the experience. Huge thanks to Matt and Greg for an unforgettable adventure!" - Jeffrey
"Captain Matt and Greg were outstanding! We caught multiple fish and a variety of species throughout the trip. At 55, I felt completely comfortable even when the seas got rough. Captain Matt took an alternate route back to ensure a smoother ride, showing just how much he cares about his passengers' comfort. This crew is top-notch, and I highly recommend this trip. We're already planning our next adventure—a Gulf Stream trip with them!" - Jeff
Species You'll Want to Hook
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of Florida offshore fishing, and for good reason. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers can weigh anywhere from 5 to 50 pounds, with the real trophies pushing even bigger. Gags are structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottoms, ledges, and artificial reefs. They're ambush predators with mouths like vacuum cleaners and an attitude to match. When you hook a big gag, it's going to make one powerful run straight back to the rocks, and if you're not ready with a tight drag and steady pressure, it'll cut you off before you know what happened. Fall through early spring is prime time for gag grouper, when they're feeding heavily and the regulations allow you to keep them.
Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but they make up for size with numbers and table fare. These stocky fighters typically run 1 to 4 pounds, though the occasional jumbo can push 6 or 7 pounds. They're structure fish like grouper but tend to school up in larger numbers. When you find a good patch of sea bass, you can literally catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're also one of the most reliable fish out there – when other species are being finicky, the sea bass will usually cooperate. They're open year-round in federal waters, making them a consistent target when other species are closed.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. These toothy predators range from 10-pound "schoolies" to 40-pound "smoker kings" that can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds. They're primarily a trolling target, though they'll occasionally hit a live bait dropped near structure. Kings are most active during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. What makes them so exciting isn't just their speed – it's their acrobatic ability. A big king will jump, tail-walk, and throw the hook if you give it any slack line.
5.0(2 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Myrtle Beach, SC
Full-day offshore charter targeting grouper, amberjack, and snapper
