Weekend Nearshore Fishing Charter in Carrabelle
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday nearshore fishing targeting Red Snapper and Grouper speciesEighthour charter accommodates up to six guests on ProLine boatAll fishing gear and licenses included with bottom fishing techniques
Looking for a solid weekend fishing trip that'll put some real meat in your cooler? This 8-hour nearshore charter with Unchained Charters LLC is exactly what you need. We're talking about a full day on the Gulf waters off Carrabelle, targeting some of the most popular bottom fish that call these waters home. Red snapper, grouper, and triggerfish are just waiting for the right presentation, and Captain knows exactly where to find them. This isn't some tourist trap – it's a serious fishing trip designed for anglers who want to catch fish and have a great time doing it.
Your day starts at 9:00 AM sharp from Carrabelle's harbor, giving you plenty of time to grab coffee and get your head right before we head out. The 24-foot Pro-Line center console is built for this kind of fishing – stable, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for a successful day. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The boat's got the electronics to find the fish and the power to get you there quickly, so you're spending more time with your line wet than burning fuel. Captain provides all the tackle, bait, and licenses, so all you need to worry about is bringing your A-game and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. Pro tip: pack some non-spray sunblock and good polarized sunglasses – the Gulf sun doesn't mess around, and you'll be out there for eight solid hours.
This trip is all about bottom fishing with heavy tackle, which means we're dropping baits down to structure where the big fish live. We're talking about fishing wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom areas that hold snapper and grouper year-round. The tackle setup is straightforward but effective – heavy sinkers to get your bait down fast, circle hooks to improve your hookup ratio, and strong enough gear to winch fish up from 60 to 100 feet of water. The technique might seem simple, but there's definitely an art to it. You've got to feel the bite, set the hook properly, and know when to pump and wind to keep fish from getting back to structure. Captain will walk you through everything, from how to work your bait to reading your rod tip for those subtle bottom fish bites. The beauty of this style of fishing is that anyone can do it, but there's always something new to learn that'll make you more effective.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of nearshore Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. During snapper season, they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from cut bait to live pinfish. What makes them so exciting is that you never know if you're going to hook a 15-inch keeper or a 10-pound slab that'll test your drag system. They've got sharp teeth and know exactly how to use structure to their advantage, so every hookup is a battle. Lane snapper are another favorite – smaller than their red cousins but just as tasty and a lot more cooperative. They school up in big numbers and provide steady action when the bite is on.
Gag grouper are the ultimate prize fish for many anglers. These bruisers can weigh 20 pounds or more and fight like freight trains once they realize they're hooked. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. When you hook one, the first few seconds are critical – you've got to turn their head and get them away from the rocks before they cut you off. Red grouper are more common and just as good eating, though they don't fight quite as hard as gags. They've got that classic grouper look with their big mouths and curious nature. Gray triggerfish round out the target species list and they're probably the most underrated fish in the Gulf. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Plus, they're feisty little fighters that'll surprise you with how hard they pull for their size.
This weekend nearshore charter represents some of the best fishing value you'll find in the Big Bend area. Eight hours on the water with all gear included, targeting multiple species that are both fun to catch and great to eat – that's exactly what a fishing trip should be. Carrabelle's location gives you quick access to productive Gulf waters without the long boat ride, which means more fishing time and less travel time. The 24-foot Pro-Line is the perfect size for this type of fishing, big enough to handle Gulf conditions but small enough to get into the spots where fish live. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler for a fish fry or just want to spend a day doing what you love, this trip delivers. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and has the experience to put you on fish even when conditions aren't perfect. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
This 24' Pro-Line center console is built for serious Gulf fishing adventures. With room for up to six anglers, she's perfectly sized for targeting Red Snapper, Grouper, and other nearshore species around Carrabelle's productive waters. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and tackle for bottom fishing those offshore wrecks where the big fish hang out. A wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need precise positioning, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots. The onboard toilet means you can focus on fishing all day without worrying about comfort breaks. Whether you're dropping heavy tackle on structure or working the bottom for Triggerfish and Black Seabass, this Pro-Line delivers the stability and fishability you want for a full day on the Gulf.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the ultimate test of your tackle and technique. These gray, mottled fish average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds and live up to 30 years around rocky bottoms, reefs, and offshore wrecks. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish and mullet, plus cut crab and squid. The fight is legendary - they'll try to drag you straight into the rocks the second they feel the hook. What makes them special is that meat; firm, white, and delicious. Look for them near structure in 40-200 feet, especially around stone crab traps since they love eating crabs. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep your rod tip low. Don't give them any slack or they'll dive into a hole and you'll lose both fish and tackle. It's a wrestling match, but worth every second.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are quirky fighters that'll test your patience and technique. These tough-skinned fish average 12-17 inches and live around hard bottom structure, reefs, and ledges in 50-180 feet. They're notorious bait stealers with small mouths and sharp teeth, often nibbling before committing to the bite. The meat is surprisingly good - firm and white when cooked right. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature; they'll charge in to steal bait from other fish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. Squid chunks work great since they stay on the hook better than soft baits. Here's the trick: when you feel them picking at your bait, don't set the hook immediately. Let them take it and run a bit first. Use smaller hooks than you'd think - their mouths are deceivingly small for their attitude.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are the perfect "bonus fish" that often show up when you're targeting bigger species. These pretty pink fish with yellow stripes rarely get bigger than 14 inches, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy areas with vegetation, usually in 70-230 feet of water. They're less wary than other snappers, making them great for kids or newer anglers. The meat is sweet and flaky - real good eating. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. They'll hit live or cut bait readily, especially shrimp and squid. Pro tip: when you see Lane Snappers biting, there's usually bigger fish around since they often school together. Don't overlook these guys - they make great bait for larger predators too.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf, with that signature rusty-red color and white spots. They average 5-10 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, living around rocky bottoms and reefs from 15-300 feet deep. The meat is firm and flaky with a slight shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. These fish are tough fighters that'll test your drag system, making long runs toward structure when hooked. Year-round fishing is good, but avoid January-April when they're spawning and season is closed. They're aggressive feeders that love live or cut bait, especially crab and shrimp. Key tip: use heavy tackle because once hooked, they head straight for the bottom and try to wrap you up in rocks. Keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly - don't give them time to think about diving into cover.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - these beautiful pink-red fish average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though big ones can hit 35+ pounds. They live around hard bottom structure, reefs, and wrecks in 30-200 feet of water. The meat is outstanding - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or fried. What makes them special is the fight; they'll bolt straight for cover when hooked, trying to cut your line on structure. Best fishing is during warmer months when they're most active. Here's a key tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the bottom. They're notorious for diving into rocks and wrapping your line. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut squid, and be ready for a battle when that rod bends.
Carrabelle