Charity Fishing Charters That Give Back
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charters supporting local charities and fundraising eventsCustom trips designed for nonprofit organizations and community causesFourguest capacity trips with professional captain and equipment
Captain Dave and the crew at Thermocline Charters have always believed fishing brings people together for something bigger than just landing fish. That's why we've made supporting local charities and nonprofits a cornerstone of what we do. Whether your organization needs a high-value auction item for your next fundraiser or you're planning a fishing tournament to raise funds, we'll work with you to create a custom offshore charter that fits your needs perfectly. With space for up to 4 anglers, our charity fishing trips target some of the Gulf's most sought-after species while helping your cause make waves in the community.
When you book a charity charter with us, you're getting the same world-class fishing experience we offer all our guests, but with the added satisfaction of knowing every dollar goes toward a great cause. We'll head offshore to productive waters where red grouper, snapper, and amberjack are actively feeding. These aren't just feel-good trips – we're serious about putting fish in the boat. Your group will experience real Gulf Coast fishing at its finest, with professional-grade tackle, local knowledge, and the kind of hands-on guidance that turns novices into confident anglers. We keep groups small at 4 people max, so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of shots at the action. Plus, we handle all the licensing and provide everything you need except food and drinks.
Offshore bottom fishing is our specialty, and we'll have you dropping baits on structure where the big fish live. We use quality conventional reels spooled with heavy braid to handle the deep water and strong fish we're targeting. Most of the day involves fishing live and cut baits on the bottom around wrecks, ledges, and natural hard-bottom areas where grouper and snapper concentrate. When conditions are right, we'll also work some mid-water structure for amberjack using vertical jigging techniques. All tackle is provided, from rods and reels to terminal tackle, but if you have favorite gear you'd like to bring, we're happy to accommodate. We'll teach proper techniques for fighting fish from the depths, including how to manage the pressure changes that affect these species when brought up from 80-150 feet of water.
Red Grouper have been the bread and butter of our offshore trips lately. These chunky bottom-dwellers love structure and put up a solid fight once hooked. They're active year-round but really turn on during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes red grouper special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – they're one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Most fish we're seeing run 15-25 pounds, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 30 pounds or better.
White Grunt might not sound glamorous, but don't let the name fool you. These fish are plentiful, fight harder than their size suggests, and make excellent table fare. They're perfect for keeping action consistent throughout the day and are especially great when you have newer anglers in the group. White grunt typically school up in good numbers, so when you find them, everyone stays busy. They're active most of the year and respond well to both live and cut baits.
Greater Amberjack are the power hitters of our target species list. These fish will test your arms and your tackle, making long, powerful runs that get everyone's attention. Spring and fall are prime time for amberjack, when they're most active and feeding aggressively. A good-sized AJ can easily reach 40-60 pounds and will give you a workout you won't forget. They're typically found around mid-water structure and respond well to live baits and vertical jigs.
Gulf Grouper round out our bottom fishing opportunities, offering another shot at hefty, hard-fighting fish that make great dinner. Like their red cousins, gulf grouper are structure-oriented and respond well to live and cut baits fished on the bottom. They tend to be a bit more finicky than reds but make up for it with their impressive size potential and fighting ability.
Red Snapper, when in season, are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing. These beautiful, hard-fighting fish are incredibly popular and make outstanding table fare. Red snapper are smart, so we use lighter leaders and more finesse techniques to fool them. During open seasons, they're incredibly active and provide fast-paced action that keeps everyone engaged. Even experienced anglers get excited when a good red snapper comes over the rail.
Ready to give your charity or nonprofit a fishing trip that'll have people talking long after the auction ends? Our charity fishing charters offer real value – both for your fundraising goals and for whoever wins the trip. We've worked with dozens of local organizations over the years, and we know how to structure these trips to maximize their impact for your cause. Whether you need a certificate for your auction, want to plan a group outing, or are organizing a fishing tournament, we'll customize the experience to fit your specific needs. Drop Captain Dave a line at captaindave@thermoclinecharters.com and let's start planning a charter that makes a difference. The fish are biting, your cause is worth supporting, and we're here to make both happen on the same trip.
Our 2005 Prospects Prokat catamaran is built for serious offshore fishing action. This twin-hull design cuts through rough seas while keeping you stable when battling big fish. We completely repowered her in 2020 and loaded up with fresh electronics, so you'll have reliable power and cutting-edge tech on every trip. The fish finder will help us locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps us on productive spots. When weather rolls in, our radar ensures safe navigation back to port. VHF radio keeps us connected with other boats and marine traffic. The spacious deck gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work, and our icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold all day. What makes us different? We're passionate about supporting local charities through fishing. We donate trips for fundraising auctions and design custom charters for nonprofit fishing events. Whether you're looking to raise money for a good cause or just want to experience quality offshore fishing, Captain Dave works with organizations to create memorable fishing adventures that give back to the community. Contact captaindave@thermoclinecharters.com to discuss how we can help your charity or to book your next offshore fishing trip.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldozers of the reef. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, making them serious tackle-busters. They cruise around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structures in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through summer offers the best fishing when they're most active. What makes them special is the fight - they'll take long, powerful runs and test every knot you tied. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The challenge is getting them away from structure before they cut you off. My advice: use heavy tackle with 50+ pound test, and when you hook one, tighten that drag and turn their head immediately. Live bait works best, but large jigs and plugs will get their attention too.
Mycteroperca JordaniGulf Grouper are true trophy fish, growing massive at 70+ inches and over 100 pounds when fully grown. These ambush predators lurk around rocky reefs, kelp beds, and seamounts in 15-150 feet of water. They're most active during dawn and dusk when they hunt everything from lobsters to small sharks. What makes them special is their size and power - hooking a big one is like fighting a submarine. The meat quality is top-notch, which is why they're so prized. Unfortunately, they're endangered now due to overfishing. If you're lucky enough to encounter one, use heavy bottom rigs with large circle hooks and fresh bait. The key is keeping them off the bottom once hooked - they'll try to get back into their cave immediately.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see plenty in the 15-20 pound range. They hang around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs and shrimp. What makes them special? They're absolute bulldogs once hooked - they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole. The meat is outstanding too, firm and flaky with a mild taste that's hard to beat. Here's a tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. Use heavy tackle and fresh cut bait or live shrimp on a knocker rig.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing. These bright red fish typically run 2-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up regularly. They live around hard bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 30-200 feet of water throughout the Gulf. Summer season brings the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love is the combination of great fighting ability and outstanding table fare - the white, flaky meat has a sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that can be picky about baits. My go-to setup is a knocker rig with fresh squid or cigar minnows, fished right on the bottom. Keep your bait moving slightly - a dead-still bait often gets ignored by these finicky feeders.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but they're fantastic fish for action and eating. These silvery guys with the distinctive red lips usually run 6-12 inches and school up tight around reefs, docks, and grass beds in 10-50 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love is the steady action - once you find a school, you can catch them one after another. They make that famous grunting sound when you bring them up, which always gets a laugh. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect for fish and grits. Pro tip: use small hooks with cut shrimp or squid, and fish right on the bottom. When you catch one, stay put - there's usually a whole school underneath.
St. Petersburg