5.0(2 Reviews)Winter Offshore Grouper & Black Seabass Action
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore charter targeting Black Seabass and Grouper species26foot Sea Fox vessel accommodates up to 4 guests comfortablyAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included with booking
Picture this: you're 20 miles offshore on Florida's emerald waters, dropping lines down to structure-rich bottom where the biggest grouper and black seabass hang out during the cooler months. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking serious offshore fishing aboard a 26' Sea Fox that cuts through the swells like butter. Captain Cody and his crew know exactly where the fish stack up during winter, and they'll put you right on top of them. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 5-hour adventure delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Your day starts early as we head out from the dock, making the 20-mile run to proven offshore spots where grouper and black seabass call home. The 26' Sea Fox handles the offshore conditions beautifully – stable enough for comfortable fishing but nimble enough to move between productive spots quickly. Early season through December 31st, we're targeting both grouper and black seabass simultaneously. Once grouper season closes, we shift our focus entirely to black seabass and other winter species that remain active in the cooler water. The crew handles all the details – tackle rigging, bait preparation, and finding the fish – so you can focus on what matters most: fighting these hard-pulling bottom dwellers. With only 4 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the captain. No fishing license? No problem. We've got you covered with everything you need to make this trip successful.
Offshore bottom fishing is all about precision and patience. We're targeting fish that live near structure – rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The captain uses high-end electronics to locate these productive spots and mark exactly where the fish are holding. You'll be fishing with medium-heavy tackle rigged specifically for bottom fishing – think circle hooks, egg sinkers, and live or cut bait that grouper and seabass can't resist. The technique involves dropping your rig straight down to the bottom, then cranking up a few feet to stay just above the structure. When a fish hits, you'll know it – these species don't nibble, they slam the bait and head straight for cover. The key is setting the hook quickly and applying steady pressure to keep them away from the rocks. Our crew will coach you through every step, from proper hook sets to fighting techniques that maximize your chances of boating these powerful fish.
"Captain Cody made our trip unforgettable! 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 an unforgettable fishing experience!" - Steve
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of Florida's winter offshore fishing scene. These bruising bottom dwellers can reach 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Gags are ambush predators that lurk near ledges and structure, waiting to engulf passing baitfish. They're most active during the cooler months when water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s. What makes gag grouper so special is their incredible strength – they'll make powerful runs toward structure the moment they feel the hook, testing both your tackle and technique. The meat is absolutely premium, with firm white fillets that are perfect for grilling or frying. Remember, grouper season closes December 31st, so early winter trips offer your best shot at landing one of these Florida favorites.
Black Sea Bass might be smaller than grouper, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and excellent table fare. These fish typically run 1-3 pounds, with occasional larger specimens reaching 5-6 pounds. Black seabass are year-round residents on offshore structure, making them the perfect target once grouper season ends. They're aggressive biters that often hit in multiples – it's not uncommon to hook two or three at once. Their distinctive black coloration with white markings makes them easy to identify, and they're known for their curious nature around the boat. The flesh is sweet and flaky, similar to grouper but with a more delicate texture. Black seabass are also great for kids and novice anglers because they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle to subdue.
Scamp Grouper represent the wild card in this offshore mix. These beautiful fish display stunning coloration with yellow and brown mottling that's unlike any other grouper species. Scamps typically inhabit deeper water than gags, often holding in 80-120 feet around hard bottom and artificial reefs. They're known for their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to take both live and cut baits. Size-wise, scamps usually run 5-15 pounds, making them perfect for medium tackle fishing. What sets scamp apart is their fighting style – they make long, determined runs rather than the short, powerful bursts typical of other grouper. The meat quality is outstanding, with a slightly sweeter flavor than gag grouper. Scamp are often caught alongside black seabass and gags, adding variety to your cooler and keeping the action interesting throughout the trip.
Winter offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this. You're looking at a top-rated charter operation that knows these waters inside and out, targeting the most sought-after species during their prime season.
This 26' Sea Fox center console is built for serious offshore fishing along Florida's coast. Twin 150HP Mercury engines push this boat to 40 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back to port when the coolers are full. The center console design gives everyone room to move around while fighting fish, and the boat handles Gulf swells like a champ. You'll appreciate the fish finder when hunting Black Seabass and Grouper in 20+ miles offshore. The GPS keeps you on productive bottom structure, while radar helps navigate morning fog or afternoon storms. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Florida winter days on the water. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. Even has a head onboard for those 5-hour trips. This boat seats up to four anglers comfortably, so everyone gets prime fishing space along the rails.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our winter workhorses once grouper season closes, staying active in cooler water when other fish shut down. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds, though we see some 6+ pounders around deeper wrecks and structure. They love rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 60-200 feet. During spawning season, males turn brilliant blue with a pronounced hump on their head - quite a sight. They're scrappy fighters pound-for-pound and make excellent table fare. What's wild is they all start as females then change to males as they grow. Pro tip: use a double-drop rig with squid strips - these guys are competitive feeders and seeing two baits often triggers strikes from multiple fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our winter grouper season through December 31st. These fish average 20 inches but can grow to impressive 50+ pound brutes that'll test your arms. You'll find them hugging hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet of water. Males are darker with distinctive reticulated dorsal fins, while females show that marbled grey pattern. What makes gags special is the fight - once hooked, they'll bolt straight for the rocks trying to cut your line. The meat is outstanding, firm and white. My tip: keep that drag locked tight and your rod low when you hook up. Don't give them an inch or they'll dive into a hole and you'll lose them every time.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp grouper are the cream of the crop - many consider them the best-eating fish in the grouper family, which is why old-timers call them "Captain's Meat." These chocolate-brown beauties with their distinctive elongated tail rays typically run 4-6 pounds, though we've seen 20+ pounders. They're ambush predators that hang around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 75-300 feet. What makes scamps special is they're slow but incredibly strong swimmers - even experienced anglers get their arms burned by these fish. The white, flaky meat is worth the fight. Spawning season runs February through May when they move shallower. My advice: use heavy braid and don't horse them - steady pressure wins the day with scamps.
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