Red Snapper Charter – Florida's Premier Bottom Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Nine-hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper during limited seasonThirty-five to fifty-five miles offshore aboard equipped Boston WhalerAll tackle, bait, and licenses included for intermediate anglers
You've got a rare shot at one of Florida's most coveted fishing experiences. This 9-hour offshore bottom fishing charter takes you 35 to 55 miles out into the deep blue during the short 2-day Red Snapper season in the South Atlantic. We're talking about a world-class fishing opportunity that only happens once a year, and spots fill up faster than you can say "fish on." You'll be targeting Red Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, Triggerfish, Vermillion Snapper, Black Sea Bass, and White Grunts aboard a top-rated 32' Boston Whaler built for the long haul. This isn't a trip for beginners – we're looking for intermediate to experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and aren't afraid of a full day on the water.
This charter is all about getting you to the fish, and that means a serious boat ride out to the prime bottom structure where these reef species call home. The 32' Boston Whaler isn't just any fishing boat – it's rigged specifically for long-range offshore work with all the electronics, safety gear, and fishing equipment you need for a successful day. You'll be fishing in depths ranging from 80 to 200 feet, dropping heavy tackle down to rocky ledges and artificial reefs where the big fish hang out. The boat handles the offshore conditions like a champ, but be ready for a workout – hauling fish up from those depths will test your arms and your patience. With a maximum capacity of 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew. All your tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish if they're biting.
Bottom fishing this far offshore is a different game than what most anglers are used to. We're talking heavy sinkers, strong tackle, and circle hooks to get your bait down fast and keep it there. The current runs strong out here, so expect to use 8 to 16-ounce weights depending on conditions. Your typical setup will be a conventional reel loaded with 50-80 pound test, paired with a stout rod that can handle the pressure of fighting fish in deep water. Live bait and cut bait both work well – the crew will have you covered with whatever's working best that day. The key to success is staying tight to the bottom structure where these fish live. You'll be fishing around natural limestone ledges, artificial reefs, and shipwrecks that hold incredible numbers of fish. Don't be surprised if you hook into something bigger than expected – Goliath Grouper, large Cobia, and even sharks call these same structures home. The crew will coach you through the fight and make sure you land whatever grabs your hook. Customer favorite techniques include using knocker rigs for Red Snapper and chicken rigs when the smaller species are active.
Red Snapper are the star of this show, and for good reason. These bright red beauties average 15 to 25 pounds but can push 30-plus if you're lucky. They're aggressive feeders that will absolutely hammer your bait, but don't let their willingness to bite fool you – they're smart fish that know every trick in the book. Red Snapper season in the South Atlantic is extremely limited, usually just 2 days per year, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many anglers. They're excellent table fare and put up a solid fight on the way up from deep water. The best part? They school up on structure, so when you find one, there's usually more where that came from.
Gag Grouper are another customer favorite that call these offshore reefs home. These bruisers can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fights. They'll try to run you back into the rocks, so be ready to put the heat on them quickly. Gag Grouper have a distinctive dark, mottled pattern and are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They're more common during cooler months but can be caught year-round in deeper water. Their mouths are big enough to inhale surprisingly large baits, so don't be shy about upsizing your offerings.
Greater Amberjack are the speedsters of this group, capable of long, powerful runs that will test your drag system. These fish commonly reach 40 to 80 pounds and are built for speed and endurance. They're most active during warmer months and can be found around the same structure as Grouper and Snapper. Amberjack are notorious for their ability to wrap you around structure, so keeping them away from the bottom is crucial. They're strong fighters that don't give up easily, making them a favorite among anglers who like a challenge.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore bottom fishing. These brown, shark-like fish are incredibly curious and will often follow hooked fish to the surface. They average 20 to 40 pounds but can reach impressive sizes. Cobia are most active in late spring and summer months, and they're known for their unpredictable behavior. Sometimes they'll crush your bait immediately, other times they'll follow it for minutes before deciding to eat. They're excellent on the table and put up a respectable fight.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than the other species, but they're abundant and delicious. These fish typically run 1 to 5 pounds and are perfect for filling the cooler when the larger species aren't cooperating. They're year-round residents of offshore structure and are always hungry. Sea Bass are also some of the best eating fish you'll find, with firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
This 32' Boston Whaler center console is built to handle the rough offshore waters where the big red snapper live. Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this fishing machine up to 45 knots, getting you out to the productive bottom structure 35-55 miles offshore during Florida's short red snapper season. The spacious center console design gives four anglers plenty of room to work the rails while fighting grouper, cobia, and other reef fish. Essential electronics include GPS navigation, radar for those early morning runs, and a fish finder to locate productive bottom structure. An icebox keeps your catch fresh during the long 9-hour trips, plus there's a head onboard for comfort. This boat handles the open Gulf waters with confidence, designed specifically for serious bottom fishing where the trophy snapper and grouper call home.
Centropristis StriataThese scrappy members of the grouper family are perfect action fish for mixed bags. Black sea bass run 1-4 pounds typically, with chunky bodies and distinctive white-spotted fins. You'll find them on rocky bottom, around wrecks, and near any hard structure in 40-120 feet of water. They're most active from late spring through fall when they move inshore to feed and spawn. While not huge, they're aggressive biters and excellent eating - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They travel in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Simple bottom rigs with small hooks work best - try squid strips or small pieces of cut bait. Drop it to the bottom and bounce it slightly. They'll often hit on the way down.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the reef - dark brown, shark-like fish that cruise solo and can hit 50+ pounds. Most we catch run 20-40 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They hang around wrecks, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, but we see them all summer long. What makes them special is the incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. They're curious fish that often come up to investigate the boat. My go-to technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, drop a 6-8 ounce jig right in front of their nose and work it slow. They usually can't resist.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, gray fish with wavy patterns that average 5-15 pounds in our waters. They love rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas in 60-150 feet. These ambush predators hide in holes and crevices, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. We target them year-round, but cooler months often produce the best action. What makes them popular is the excellent eating - firm, white fillets with mild flavor. They also put up a respectable scrap, trying to drag you back to their hideout. The key is using circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and once you feel that thump, don't give them an inch. Lock down that drag and horse them straight up - let them get back to structure and you'll lose them every time.
Seriola dumeriliThese powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds and 5 feet long. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. That distinctive amber stripe down their body darkens when they're feeding. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. Guests love the hard initial run and stubborn fight - these fish will test your drag and stamina. The meat is excellent when properly prepared, though larger fish should be avoided due to ciguatera risk. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll wrap you around anything they can find, so muscle them up quick and keep that rod tip high.
Lutjanus CampechanusThe king of our offshore reefs, red snappers are what this trip is all about. These ruby-colored fighters average 3-8 pounds out here, though 15+ pounders show up regularly. They live on hard bottom, rocky ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Our 2-day season happens in summer - usually July - making this a rare opportunity. Guests prize them for both the fight and the table. They'll run hard for cover when hooked, so be ready. The meat is sweet, flaky perfection that's worth the long run offshore. Best technique is dropping fresh cigar minnows or cut squid right to the bottom. Keep your bait moving slightly and stay alert - when they bite, you need to get their head up fast before they dive back into the rocks.
Myrtle Beach, SC