Half Day Offshore Trip with Twisted Palms
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore fishing targeting multiple species including snapper and mackerelFishing artificial reefs and wrecks 39 miles offshore in 50120 feetBottom dropping, jigging, and trolling techniques for comprehensive fishing experience
Looking for some serious action without burning your whole day? This half-day offshore charter with Twisted Palms Salty Adventures is exactly what you're after. We're talking about a top-rated fishing experience that gets you out to the productive waters 3 to 9 miles offshore, where the real fish live. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want to hit multiple species without the commitment of a full-day trip. You'll be working artificial reefs and wrecks in 50 to 120 feet of water – prime territory for everything from snappers to kings.
This isn't your typical inshore grind. Once we clear the inlet, we're heading straight for the structure that holds fish year-round. The artificial reefs and sunken wrecks out here are like underwater condos – packed with baitfish and the predators that hunt them. You'll spend your time working depths from 50 feet all the way down to 120, which means we can adjust our game plan based on what's biting and where the fish are staging. The half-day format gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, but keeps you back at the dock while you still have energy to clean your catch. Weather permitting, we'll move around to find the most productive areas, whether that's a nearby artificial reef loaded with snappers or a wreck that's been holding kings and amberjack.
We're not just dropping lines and hoping for the best out here. This trip covers all the bases with a mix of bottom dropping, jigging, and trolling – each technique designed to target different species at various depths. Bottom dropping is your bread and butter for snappers, triggerfish, and amberjack hanging around the structure. We'll rig you up with quality tackle and fresh bait, then position the boat perfectly over reefs and wrecks where these fish congregate. Jigging comes into play when we mark fish suspended in the water column or when we want to work specific pieces of structure more aggressively. The vertical presentation often triggers strikes from cobia and bigger amberjack that might ignore a static bottom rig. Between productive spots, we'll pull lines behind the boat, trolling for pelagic species like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and mahi that cruise these offshore waters. This variety keeps every angler engaged and maximizes your chances of a mixed bag.
Red Snapper are the stars of the offshore show, and for good reason. These crimson fighters average 3 to 8 pounds out here, with bigger specimens pushing double digits when conditions align. They're structure-oriented fish that stack up on reefs and wrecks, making them reliable targets when we find the right spots. Red snapper bite best on live or cut bait presented near the bottom, and their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights make every hookup memorable. The meat is world-class – firm, white, and perfect for the dinner table.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that bring non-stop action to the boat. These chrome rockets typically run 1 to 3 pounds but make up for their size with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're excellent targets for light tackle fishing and respond well to small jigs, spoons, and trolled baits. Spanish mackerel are also fantastic for beginners and kids since they bite aggressively and fight hard without requiring heavy gear. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, when schools of these fish patrol the offshore waters hunting baitfish.
King Mackerel are the apex predators we're always hoping to hook into. These toothy missiles can range from 10-pound "schoolies" to 40-pound bruisers that will test your drag system and endurance. Kings are typically caught trolling with live bait, dead bait, or artificial lures, and they're known for their blistering initial runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. The bigger fish tend to show up from late summer through fall, when they're following bait schools along the coast. Landing a king mackerel is a customer favorite moment that anglers talk about long after the trip ends.
Grey Triggerfish might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters that provide consistent action around structure. These tough-mouthed fish require sharp hooks and quick reflexes, as they're notorious for stealing bait and making short, powerful runs toward the safety of the reef. Triggers typically run 2 to 5 pounds and are excellent table fare when prepared properly. They're year-round residents around most offshore structure, making them reliable backup targets when other species aren't cooperating.
Redfish in the offshore environment are typically larger specimens that have moved out from the inshore waters to spawn. These copper-colored drums can reach 20 to 40 pounds and provide sustained, powerful fights that showcase why they're considered one of the premier gamefish in these waters. Offshore reds are often caught while targeting other species around structure, and their distinctive bronze coloration and prominent eyespot make them instantly recognizable. These fish are renowned for their strength and endurance, often requiring multiple runs before coming to the boat.
This half-day offshore trip delivers the complete package – variety, action, and the chance to put quality fish in the cooler without dedicating your entire day to fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to maximize your time on the water or someone new to offshore fishing who wants to experience what lies beyond the inlet, this charter hits all the right notes. The mix of techniques keeps things interesting, the target species offer something for everyone, and the professional crew at Twisted Palms Salty Adventures knows how to put you on fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. But once you experience the productivity of these offshore waters and the quality of this operation, you'll understand why this trip stays
This 27' Tidewater center console is built for serious offshore fishing action. Twin 200HP Yamaha engines will get you out to the artificial reefs and wrecks 3-9 miles offshore where red snapper, amberjack, and king mackerel are waiting. The spacious deck gives you room to move around and fight fish from any angle, while top-shelf Garmin electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best spots in 50-120 feet of water. Whether you're bottom dropping for snapper, jigging for amberjack, or trolling for kings and mahi, this boat handles it all. The center console design keeps gear organized and accessible, plus there's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect setup for a productive half-day trip targeting Gulf species without spending the whole day on the water.
Balistes CapriscusTriggerfish are the characters of the reef - tough, smart, and surprisingly fun to catch. These leather-skinned fighters average 12-17 inches and can be tricky to hook with their small, beak-like mouths. You'll find them around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet year-round, though summer months are best. They're curious fish that'll inspect your bait before committing, and once hooked, they fight way above their weight class. The meat is excellent - firm and mild. What makes them interesting is their personality - they'll steal bait right off your hook if you're not quick. Pro tip: use small pieces of squid on a small circle hook and fish right on the bottom. When you feel that first tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to nibble before they bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are the big bruisers of the mackerel family and absolute blast to fight. These olive-backed rockets average 20-40 pounds but can push 60-plus. We target them trolling the deeper reefs and wrecks in 80-150 feet, where they cruise looking for schools of baitfish. Spring through fall is peak season, especially when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. Kings are famous for their blistering initial runs - they'll strip line like nothing else out here. The fight is what hooks most anglers, plus they make decent eating when prepared fresh. Here's the key: rig with wire leader and two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing. Kings often hit the tail end first, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of offshore bottom fishing. These deep red beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them hugging structure in 60-200 feet - artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom are prime spots. They're year-round targets, but spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that 60-75 degree sweet spot. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling straight down toward cover, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, nutty, and perfect for any cooking method. Here's a pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure. They'll try to cut your line on structure, so don't give them any slack.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are typically an inshore species, but we sometimes pick them up around nearshore structure in 20-60 feet. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail. While they prefer shallow flats and grass beds, bigger fish roam deeper waters around reefs and wrecks during cooler months. Fall and winter can be productive for these nomads offshore. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight - they pull hard and steady, using that broad tail. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect on the grill. Even though they're not our primary offshore target, when they show up it's a nice bonus. My advice: if you see one, there's probably more around. Use cut bait on the bottom and be patient - they can be picky eaters.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll keep your rod bent all trip long. These silver bullets typically run 1-2 feet and weigh 2-8 pounds, traveling in massive schools near the surface. We find them around the artificial reefs and wrecks, usually in 30-80 feet of water when they're feeding. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when baitfish are thick. What guests love most is the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's game on. They hit fast and fight harder, making blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: use small spoons or jigs and troll just fast enough to keep the lure swimming. When you hook one, keep the boat moving - the school will follow.
Pensacola, FL