5 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip - Shalimar, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Redfish, Sea Trout, and Mahi Mahi offshoreAll fishing gear and licenses included with charterAccommodates up to 6 guests for 5hour trips
Looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species? This 5-hour offshore charter out of Shalimar puts you right in the heart of where redfish, sea trout, mahi mahi, and plenty of other fish are biting. Time Off Fishing Charter has you covered with all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need to make it happen. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between enough time to get into fish without burning your whole day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you'll find yourself in productive waters with a captain who knows exactly where to put you on the bite.
Your day starts early at the Shalimar marina, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions and game plan for the day. The Gulf waters off Shalimar offer incredible diversity - one minute you're working structure for snapper and amberjack, the next you're running and gunning for a school of mahi that showed up on the surface. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for whatever species are cooperating. Your fishing license is handled, so all you need to bring is yourself, some snacks, plenty of water, and maybe a cooler if you want to keep your catch. The captain will adjust tactics based on conditions, season, and what's been producing lately. Some days that means bottom fishing over structure, other days it's trolling the blue water or sight casting to surface schools.
Offshore fishing here means working multiple techniques depending on what you're targeting. For bottom species like red snapper and yellowtail amberjack, you'll be dropping live bait or cut bait down to structure in 60-120 feet of water. The boat carries a mix of conventional and spinning gear - heavy enough to pull fish up from depth but balanced enough that you can actually enjoy the fight. When mahi mahi are around, expect to troll with ballyhoo or switch to live bait fishing around floating debris or weed lines. The captain keeps a close eye on the electronics, marking bait schools and structure that hold fish. For redfish and sea trout, you might work shallower areas with lighter tackle, casting jigs or live shrimp around grass flats or nearshore structure. Everything from hooks to weights to leaders is provided, along with a variety of baits both live and cut depending on what the target species prefer.
Mahi mahi are the crown jewel of this fishery when they're around, typically showing up in late spring through early fall. These fish are pure lightning - they hit hard, jump like crazy, and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, with the occasional bull pushing 30-plus. They school around floating debris, weed lines, or just about anything that creates a current break in blue water. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them when they're fired up.
Sea trout are your bread and butter species throughout most of the year, with peak action in spring and fall when they school up over grass flats and nearshore structure. These fish are fantastic on light tackle, averaging 14-20 inches with plenty of keepers in the mix. They're excellent table fare and cooperative biters, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Look for the best action early morning and late afternoon when they move up shallow to feed.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the inshore world, and the Shalimar area holds some quality fish year-round. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches and are known for their strong, determined runs rather than flashy jumps. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around oyster bars, dock pilings, and grass edges. What makes reds special is their predictability - find the right structure with moving water, and you can usually count on finding fish.
Yellowtail amberjack bring the muscle when you're fishing deeper structure. These fish are pure power, averaging 15-30 pounds and testing both your tackle and your back. They're aggressive feeders around reefs and wrecks, and once hooked, they dive straight for the bottom trying to cut you off. The fight is what draws anglers back - it's a true test of angler versus fish with no shortcuts.
Red snapper are the prize of the deep when they're in season, typically during specific summer months. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, requiring precise presentations around reefs and wrecks in 80-150 feet of water. What makes them special isn't just the challenge of catching them, but their reputation as one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. A good red snapper bite can make your whole trip, with fish ranging from just legal size up to true doormat-sized specimens.
Five hours offshore gives you real time to work different areas and target multiple species without the rush of shorter trips. The Shalimar location puts you close to both inshore flats for redfish and trout, plus quick access to blue water for mahi and deeper structure for snapper and amberjack. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, this represents solid value for groups up to 6 anglers looking to experience the best fishing the area has to offer. Whether you're planning a family outing, corporate trip, or just getting together with fishing buddies, this charter delivers the local expertise and equipment you need for a productive day on the water. Book your dates early, especially during peak seasons when the best fishing coincides with everyone else wanting to get out there.
Hit the waters off Shalimar aboard this well-equipped 6-person fishing boat, rigged for serious offshore action. The GPS and fish finder will help you track down those prize catches, while the radar keeps you safe when conditions get sketchy. Stay connected with the VHF radio and use the wireless trolling motor to slip quietly into fishing zones without spooking the fish. Everything's covered - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and your fishing license. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and there's a toilet for convenience during those long fishing sessions. Perfect setup for targeting redfish, sea trout, mahi mahi, and whatever else is running in these productive Gulf waters. Just bring your crew and get ready to fill the cooler.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in Shalimar. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black eyespots average 20-30 inches, but we regularly see slot fish and bulls over 40 inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything you throw at them. Plus, slot-sized fish make fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. Best tip I can give you: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then make a quiet approach with a gold spoon or soft plastic jig.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a staple inshore target that never gets old. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow bays where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and winter fishing can be outstanding when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is their delicate, sweet meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also great fighters for their size with those soft mouths that keep you honest. My go-to trick is working topwater plugs early morning over grass beds, or bouncing soft plastics near structure when they're holding deeper.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are absolutely stunning fish with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a wild color show when you get them to the boat. Most run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen some real bulls push 40+ pounds. They're fast swimmers and aggressive feeders, making them a blast to target. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper offshore waters. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps warm up. What guests love most is the strong fight they put up and how good they taste - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more around, so get multiple lines in the water quick and keep some bait ready to throw as chum.
Seriola LalandiYellowtail Amberjack are the thoroughbreds of offshore fishing - built for speed and power. These sleek fish with bright yellow fins typically weigh 15-25 pounds, though 40-pounders show up regularly to test your tackle. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60-200+ feet of water. Summer months are prime time when warmer waters bring them closer to shore. What guests love is the screaming runs and relentless fight they put up - these fish will take you to school if you're not ready. They're also prized table fare, especially popular for sushi. The key to landing one is using live bait when possible and keeping steady pressure without horsing them - let them run, then work them back up gradually.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing and what many folks dream about catching out here. These ruby-red beauties average 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, but 10+ pounders make regular appearances on our deeper trips. They hang around structure in 60-200 feet - reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom where they ambush baitfish. Summer season brings the best bite when regulations allow. What makes them so special is that hard-pulling fight and their reputation as one of the best-eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. My secret is using fresh cut bait, especially cigar minnows or squid, and being ready for that initial run toward structure where they'll try to cut you off.
Shalimar, FL