5.0(2 Reviews)Offshore Fishing Charter Florida – Black Seabass and Grouper
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5-hour offshore trip targeting Black Seabass and Grouper species26-foot Sea Fox vessel accommodates up to 4 guests comfortablyAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included in package
When winter rolls around and the inshore bite slows down, smart anglers know it's time to head offshore. This 5-hour charter takes you 20 miles out into the Gulf Stream where the real action happens. Captain Cody runs a tight ship aboard his 26' Sea Fox, and trust me, this boat handles the open water like a dream. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most prized bottom dwellers – Black Seabass and Grouper – depending on what's in season. The best part? Everything's included, from your fishing license to all the tackle and bait you'll need. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in offshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are feeding. The 20-mile run gives you time to wake up with some coffee and get your sea legs under you. Once we hit the fishing grounds, it's all about precision bottom fishing over structure that holds fish year-round. The 26' Sea Fox provides a stable platform that makes fighting fish easier and keeps everyone comfortable, even when the seas kick up a bit. You'll be fishing in 80-120 feet of water, dropping baits right to the bottom where these species live. The winter months offer some of the most consistent offshore fishing Florida has to offer, with cooler water temperatures bringing fish closer to shore and making them more aggressive. Groups of up to 4 anglers get plenty of elbow room, and the captain rotates spots throughout the day to keep the action hot.
Bottom fishing for grouper and seabass requires a different approach than your typical inshore tactics. We're talking heavy sinkers – sometimes 8-12 ounces – to get your bait down through the current and keep it pinned to the bottom. The captain provides high-quality circle hooks and strong braided line that can handle the abuse these fish dish out. Live bait works best, but cut bait like sardines, cigar minnows, and squid also produce. The key is getting your offering right in their face because these fish aren't going to chase anything very far. When a grouper hits, you'll know it – they slam the bait and immediately try to get back to their hole. That's when the real fight begins, and you've got to muscle them up before they cut you off on the structure. Seabass are smaller but scrappy fighters that often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop.
"Captain Cody made our trip memorable! His exceptional people skills, boating expertise, and ability to put us on the fish made for an exciting and fun-filled day. He treated us like family, and I can't wait to book with him again in the near future. I'll be spreading the word to all anglers in Central Indiana to book through FishingBooker.com and highly recommend Captain Cody. My kids will cherish this experience for a lifetime, thanks to his amazing ability to connect with them!" - William
"Steve M. highly recommends The Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters for a top-rated fishing experience!" - Steve
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of Florida's offshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These powerful bottom dwellers can reach 30+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Gags are ambush predators that lurk around rocky outcroppings and artificial reefs, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. The Florida season runs through December 31st, making this winter charter your last shot at legal grouper until the following year. What makes gag grouper so special is their incredible strength – they'll make blistering runs toward structure, testing your drag and your nerves. The meat is absolutely phenomenal, with firm white fillets that are perfect for grilling or frying.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than grouper, but don't let their size fool you. These scrappy fighters average 1-3 pounds and are available year-round, making them the backbone of winter offshore fishing. They school up around structure and can provide fast-paced action when you find them. Black seabass have a unique fighting style – they pull hard for their size and make several runs before coming to the boat. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a good old-fashioned fish fry. When the grouper season closes, seabass become the primary target, and experienced anglers know they can fill the cooler with these tasty fighters.
Scamp Grouper are often considered the best eating grouper species, and they're a real prize when you hook into one. These beautiful fish have a distinctive pattern and can reach impressive sizes, though most caught are in the 5-15 pound range. Scamps prefer deeper water and more vertical structure than their gag cousins, making them a bit more challenging to target consistently. They're incredibly strong for their size and have a habit of making long, powerful runs that will test your equipment. The meat is outstanding – many charter captains and regular customers consider scamp the ultimate table fare. They're not as common as gags or seabass, so landing one always feels special.
Winter offshore fishing in Florida offers some of the year's most productive action, especially for anglers who want to fill the cooler with quality fish. This charter hits all the right notes – experienced captain, well-equipped boat, proven fishing grounds, and a species mix that keeps things exciting all day long. The 5-hour trip gives you plenty of time to work different areas and target multiple species without wearing yourself out. With everything included and space for up to 4 anglers, it's perfect for families, buddy trips, or anyone looking to experience world-class offshore fishing. Book ahea
This 26' Sea Fox center console is your ticket to prime fishing grounds 20 miles off the Florida coast. Twin 150HP Mercury engines push this beauty to 40 knots, getting you to the black seabass and grouper hotspots fast. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to work the bottom without tangled lines. Fish finder technology helps locate structure where the big grouper hide, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. When winter swells pick up, the Sea Fox's deep-V hull cuts through chop smoothly. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour trip. Onboard radar handles morning fog that often rolls in during winter months. A wireless trolling motor lets you quietly position over structure without spooking fish below. The multimedia system keeps spirits up during slower periods, though with quality bottom fishing for winter species, downtime is rare. Clean restroom facilities mean comfort during longer offshore runs.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our bread and butter on these winter trips, running 1-4 pounds with the occasional 6-pounder. They school up around structure in 80-200 feet - wrecks, rocky bottom, anything that holds bait. Winter's actually perfect since they stay put in deeper water instead of migrating. What guests love is the steady action and great table fare. These fish have sweet, flaky white meat that's tough to beat. They'll fight decent for their size, but it's more about the numbers game. Pro tip: use a double-drop rig with squid strips or cut bait. Drop it to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. They'll hit it on the way down, and you'll often double up. Keep your bait moving slightly - they like a little action.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bruisers of our winter trips, typically running 3-8 pounds with some pushing 20+. They hang around offshore reefs and wrecks in 60-150 feet, ambushing anything that swims by. Winter's prime time since they're more active in cooler water. What makes them special? They fight like crazy once hooked, diving straight for cover to cut your line on the structure. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish we target. The meat's firm, white, and sweet. My tip: once you hook up, lock that drag and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge. We use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and you'll feel that solid thump when they grab it.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the crown jewel of our grouper trips - smaller than gags at 2-6 pounds, but they're called "captain's meat" for good reason. These chocolate-brown beauties with their distinct blotched sides live on deeper structure, usually 100-300 feet around ledges and wrecks. Early winter before grouper season closes is your best shot at them. What sets scamps apart is the incredible table quality - hands down the best-tasting grouper you'll ever eat. The meat's super firm and sweet. They're also tough fighters that'll test your gear despite their size. My advice: use braided line and don't mess around once you hook up. They're masters at diving into holes, so winch them up quick and keep steady pressure. Live pinfish works best, but fresh cut bait does the trick too.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Cody made our trip unforgettable! His exceptional people skills, boating expertise, and ability to put us on the fish made...
Steve M. highly recommends The Reel Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters for an unforgettable fishing experience!
Myrtle Beach, SC