Charity Fishing Charters That Give Back
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques and Tackle
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.