8 Hour Offshore Fishing - Shalimar, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing charter targeting trout, snapper, and mahi mahiAll equipment, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included in charterAccommodates up to six guests with Time Off Fishing Charter
Get ready for a full day of serious offshore fishing action with Time Off Fishing Charter in Shalimar, Florida. This 8-hour deep water adventure puts you in prime position to battle some of the Gulf's most sought-after species, from hard-fighting Mahi Mahi to sneaky Southern Flounder. Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Shalimar offers quick access to both inshore waters and the deep blue, making it a top-rated destination for anglers looking to maximize their time on the water. With all gear, tackle, bait, and licenses covered, you just need to show up with your cooler full of snacks and drinks – we'll handle the rest.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – 8 hours gives you the time to really work the water and find where the fish are biting. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll adjust the game plan based on conditions, season, and what's been producing. You might start the morning working structure for Triggerfish and Snapper, then run out to deeper water as the day heats up to chase Mahi around floating grass lines or debris. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is flexibility – if one spot isn't producing, there's plenty of time to move around and find the action. With up to 6 anglers on board, there's room for your whole crew without feeling cramped, and everyone gets quality time with a rod in their hands.
The crew comes prepared with a full arsenal of tackle and techniques to match whatever's biting. For bottom fishing, expect heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line and circle hooks – perfect for dropping down to Snapper and Triggerfish around structure. When targeting Mahi, the setup switches to lighter spinning gear or conventional outfits rigged for trolling with ballyhoo, artificial lures, or live bait. Sea Trout and Redfish calls for lighter tackle and finesse presentations, often with live shrimp or artificial baits worked around grass flats and drop-offs. The crew handles all the rigging, re-baiting, and tackle changes, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots. They'll also coach you through proper techniques – whether it's working a jig, setting the hook on a live bait bite, or fighting a fish without breaking it off.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large – with doormat-sized fish over 20 inches providing serious bragging rights. Best targeted during cooler months from fall through early spring, they're often caught while drifting live bait or bouncing jigs along the bottom. What makes Flounder so exciting is the surprise factor – one second you think you're hung up on the bottom, next second your rod is doubled over with a bulldogging flatfish.
Grey Triggerfish are the tough guys of the reef, with powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish and a fighting spirit that'll test your tackle. Running 12-16 inches on average, these reef dwellers are most active during warmer months and require precise bottom fishing around hard structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so expect to go through plenty of squid and cut bait. The payoff is worth it – Triggers are excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size, often diving straight back toward the reef when hooked.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a customer favorite for their willingness to bite and their beautiful golden flanks covered in dark spots. These inshore favorites run 14-20 inches typically, with larger "gator trout" over 25 inches being the stuff of legends. Spring and fall offer the best action, when schools of trout gather around grass flats and oyster bars. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to saltwater fishing.
Redfish are the bronze bulldogs of the flats, known for their copper-colored sides and distinctive black spot near the tail. These drum family members are built for power, using their broad tails to make blistering runs when hooked. Slot-sized fish between 18-27 inches are common, with larger bull reds occasionally showing up to really test your drag system. Year-round residents in these waters, they're most active during moving tides around structure, oyster bars, and grass edges. What anglers love about Reds is their aggressive strikes and never-give-up attitude – they'll fight you all the way to the boat.
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish, are the crown jewels of offshore fishing around Shalimar. These electric blue and gold speedsters are pure excitement from the hookup to the boat, known for their acrobatic jumps and blazing fast runs. School-sized fish run 10-20 pounds typically, but larger bulls over 30 pounds show up regularly. Summer months bring the best Mahi action when they gather around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in the blue water. The key to Mahi success is finding the right structure – once you locate a school, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups.
An 8-hour offshore charter with Time Off Fishing Charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Shalimar's waters have to offer. From technical bottom fishing for Snapper and Triggers to the heart-pounding action of hooking into a bull Mahi, this trip covers all the bases. The crew's local knowledge, combined with top-quality gear and a stress-free approach,
Get ready for some serious offshore action in the Gulf waters off Shalimar! This fully-equipped motorboat handles the deep blue like a champ, with enough space for up to 6 anglers to spread out and work the water. The fish finder will help you track down those trophy Snapper and Mahi Mahi hiding in the depths, while the GPS keeps you locked onto the hottest fishing spots. When visibility drops or weather rolls in, the radar has your back for safe navigation home. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish, and the VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on where they're biting. Between the ice box keeping your catch fresh and the onboard facilities, you'll stay comfortable during the full 8-hour adventure. Your captain has all the gear dialed in – rods, reels, tackle, bait, even your fishing license is covered. Just bring your appetite for some Gulf Coast fishing and pack those snacks for fuel between hookups. Whether you're targeting Trout in the shallows or heading to the deep drop for bigger game, this boat is ready to put you on the fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure excitement on the end of your line. These colorful fighters average 15-29 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds. We target them in offshore waters around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, usually in 100-600 feet. Spring through fall are peak seasons when they're most abundant in our waters. What guests love is their spectacular fight - long runs, high jumps, and those amazing color changes from gold to green to blue. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, mild white meat. They'll hit trolled ballyhoo, live bait, and various lures. The secret is once you hook one, keep the boat in the area and switch to light tackle with small jigs - mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. Work fast and you can often catch several from the same school.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water gamefish around here. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots average 20-28 inches, with slot fish being the most fun to target. You'll find them tailing in 1-4 feet of water over grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Fall and spring offer the best shots, but they're catchable year-round. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and how they use shallow water to their advantage. They're also excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, gold spoons, and topwater plugs all work. The key is being quiet and making accurate casts. Here's a local trick: look for "nervous water" or slight surface disturbances - that's often reds pushing bait in skinny water before you can actually see the fish.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-18 inches, with some keeper-sized ones pushing 20+ inches. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in shallow bays - usually in 3-8 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime seasons, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit topwater lures, creating explosive surface strikes that get everyone excited. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but they'll also crush soft plastics and spoons. My go-to tip: work your bait slowly and listen for their feeding activity - they make a distinct slurping sound when hitting bait on top.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy fighters that'll test your patience and skills. These tough-skinned fish average 12-17 inches but can reach over 20 inches. You'll find them around hard bottom, reefs, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What guests love is their tenacious fight - they'll dive straight for structure and use those powerful fins to bulldoze you. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. They'll hit almost anything, but squid chunks work best since they stay on the hook better. The trick is watching your rod tip carefully - triggers are notorious bait stealers who'll nibble before committing. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard and reel fast to keep them off the bottom.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud on shallow bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. They're easily spotted by their both eyes being on the left side and distinctive dark blotches. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've seen some nice ones pushing 25+ inches. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes them special is their table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live shrimp, bull minnows, or soft plastics bounced along the bottom. Here's the key: use a light drag and let them run when hooked. They don't fight hard, but that thin mouth tears easily if you horse them.
Shalimar, FL