5 Hour Offshore Charter - Shalimar, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Redfish, Sea Trout, and Mahi Mahi offshoreAll gear, tackle, bait, and licenses includedAccommodates up to 6 guests for 5-hour charter
Looking for some serious offshore action in the Gulf? Time Off Fishing Charter knows exactly where the fish are biting around Shalimar. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking blue water fishing where the real monsters live. You'll be targeting everything from red-hot redfish to screaming mahi mahi, plus sea trout that'll test your drag and amberjack that fight like freight trains. The best part? Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring yourself and get ready for some of the best fishing the Emerald Coast has to offer.
Your 5-hour adventure starts bright and early from Shalimar, where Captain and crew will have everything rigged and ready to roll. We're not messing around with shallow water – this charter heads straight to the productive offshore grounds where the Gulf's finest species hang out. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a crew of fishing buddies, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different lines. The Gulf waters off Shalimar are absolutely loaded with structure – from artificial reefs to natural ledges – and that's where we'll find our targets. Expect to see depths ranging from 60 to 150 feet, depending on what's biting and where the bait is showing up on the fish finder. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're fishing with locals who live and breathe this stuff every day.
We run a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what species are most active. Bottom fishing is huge here – dropping live and cut bait down to structure where red snapper, amberjack, and other reef fish are stacked up. The crew will have you rigged with circle hooks and enough weight to get down fast in the current. Trolling is another bread-and-butter method, especially for mahi mahi when they're following weed lines or working around floating debris. We'll pull a spread of lures at different depths to cover water and find where the fish are holding. Live bait fishing is deadly when conditions are right – nothing beats a frisky sardine or cigar minnow to get a big fish's attention. The tackle setup varies by target species, but expect medium to heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle serious fish. The crew handles all the rigging and re-rigging, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots.
Mahi mahi are absolute dynamite when you hook into them offshore. These fish are pure energy – they'll jump, run, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Most mahi around Shalimar run between 10 and 30 pounds, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus. They're most active during warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore, bringing baitfish and the mahi that follow them. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, or anywhere you see birds working the surface.
Sea trout might surprise you with their offshore presence. While most people think of them as inshore targets, the bigger gator trout often move to deeper structure during certain times of year. These fish are pure table fare – white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're typically most active during cooler months, and the offshore specimens tend to be significantly larger than their inshore cousins.
Redfish are the backbone of Gulf Coast fishing, and the offshore variety can be absolute monsters. We're talking fish that can push 30 inches and fight like they're twice that size. Bull reds are incredible fighters – they'll use every ounce of their strength to get back to structure. Spring and fall are prime time for big reds, when they're moving offshore for spawning.
Yellowtail amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These fish live around structure and they know how to use it to their advantage. When you hook a yellowtail, get ready for a straight-down fight as they try to cut you off on the bottom. They're year-round residents, but seem most aggressive during summer months when baitfish are abundant around the reefs.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf reef fishing when they're in season. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. They require precise presentation and quality bait to consistently catch. The snapper around Shalimar's offshore reefs are typically in the 5 to 15-pound range, with the occasional trophy fish that'll straighten your hooks if you're not careful. They're most active during their regulated season, typically summer months, when federal waters are open.
Five hours on the water with Time Off Fishing Charter gives you serious time to work different spots and target multiple species. The offshore waters around Shalimar consistently produce quality fishing, and having everything included means you can focus entirely on the experience. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler or just want to feel your drag screaming, this charter delivers the goods. The crew's local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a top-rated choice for offshore fishing in the area. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot.
Get ready to target some serious fish in the Gulf waters off Shalimar! This well-equipped motorboat handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a productive offshore trip. The fish finder will help you locate those prime spots where Redfish, Sea Trout, and Mahi Mahi are biting. GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing grounds, while the radar ensures safe navigation even when visibility drops. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. Stay connected with other boats via VHF radio to share intel on where they're hitting. An ice box keeps your catch fresh, and there's a toilet onboard for comfort during the 5-hour adventure. All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and your fishing license are included - just bring yourself and get ready to fill the cooler with some of Florida's best fish!
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water game fish around here. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's like nature gave them a bullseye. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily, but summer mornings and evenings produce well too. What makes reds special is their power - they'll make long runs and use their broad tails to fight hard right to the boat. The meat is excellent with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's great grilled or blackened. My go-to technique is sight fishing with topwater plugs or live shrimp. Watch for tailing fish in skinny water - approach quietly and cast past them so you can work the bait into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful fish with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we catch some nice 6-8 pounders in deeper winter holes. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and shallow bays - usually 2-6 feet deep. They love structure and moving water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active, but we catch them year-round. Night fishing can be outstanding in summer. These fish are scrappy fighters and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. The key is using light tackle and making quiet approaches since they spook easily. A live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, especially when worked slowly over grass beds during moving tides.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll encounter out here - brilliant gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a real light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen them push 40+ on good days. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in deeper water, usually 20+ miles offshore. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, the meat is fantastic - firm white flesh that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see frigate birds working debris, get your lines ready because there's likely a school of mahi underneath feeding on baitfish.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are powerhouse fighters that'll test your tackle and technique. These sleek fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ on deeper wrecks and reefs. They're easily identified by those bright yellow fins and blue-green backs. You'll find them around structure in 60-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and ledges where they hunt smaller fish and squid. Summer months are prime when they move closer to shore, but we catch them year-round. What makes yellowtails special is that brutal initial run - they'll strip line fast and fight all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent, especially for sushi-grade preparation. Live bait works best - pinfish, sardines, or small jacks. Here's the key: when you hook up, don't horse them or they'll break you off in the structure. Use steady pressure and let your drag work.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - that bright red color and excellent table fare make them a favorite with everyone. Most run 16-24 inches and 3-8 pounds, though we catch some real slabs pushing 15-20 pounds on deeper structure. They live around hard bottom, wrecks, and artificial reefs in 60-150+ feet of water. Summer is peak season when regulations allow targeting them. What makes snappers special is they're both fighters and fantastic eating - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. They'll use that structure against you, so you need to muscle them up quickly. Fresh squid, cigar minnows, and live pinfish work best on heavy bottom rigs. The trick is getting your bait right on the bottom where they feed, then being ready for that thump and setting the hook hard before they can dive back into the rocks.
Shalimar, FL