Premium Full Day Fishing Charter in Tarpon Springs
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing charter accommodates up to six guestsTarget grouper, snapper, mahimahi, and kingfish in Gulf watersAll fishing equipment provided with experienced Captain John
Ready to hit the Gulf of Mexico for some serious fishing action? Captain John and the crew at Walleye 2 Offshore Charter Fishing have been putting anglers on fish in these waters for over a decade, and they know exactly where the big ones are biting. This full-day offshore charter takes you and up to 5 friends into prime Gulf waters where grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, and kingfish patrol the depths. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the tackle you need – just show up with your Florida fishing license, some snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen for what's sure to be an action-packed day on the water.
Your day starts early at the Tarpon Springs marina, where Captain John will brief you on the game plan and get everyone situated on the boat. The run out to the fishing grounds takes about 30-45 minutes, giving you time to rig up and watch for dolphins playing in the boat's wake. Once we hit the productive waters, you'll be fishing structure and ledges where the big pelagics cruise and bottom fish stack up. The Gulf of Mexico off Tarpon Springs offers incredible diversity – one minute you might be battling a hard-fighting kingfish on the surface, the next you're cranking up a hefty red snapper from 80 feet down. Captain John reads the water like a book and adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what's biting. Expect to move around to several different spots as we chase the bite and put you on the most cooperative fish.
This charter runs the full spectrum of offshore techniques to maximize your catch. We'll be trolling for kings and mahi using diving plugs, spoons, and rigged ballyhoo – perfect for covering water and finding active schools. When we locate structure or good bottom, it's time to break out the bottom rigs loaded with cut bait, pinfish, and squid to target grouper and snapper. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, from light spinning gear for smaller reef fish to heavy conventional setups capable of handling trophy-sized grouper. Captain John carries an arsenal of different weights, hooks, and terminal tackle to match the conditions and target species. The boat is equipped with quality fish finders and GPS to locate productive structure, plus a spacious deck with plenty of room for 6 anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up. Live wells keep bait frisky, and there's ample ice and cooler space to keep your catch fresh for the trip home.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Tarpon Springs sits right in prime kingfish territory. These silver bullets can reach 3-4 feet long and put up an incredible fight with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Kings are most active from spring through fall, and they love to hunt around structure and temperature breaks. When you hook into a big king on trolling gear, get ready for your drag to scream as they peel line at 30+ mph.
Mahi-mahi, or dolphinfish, are absolutely gorgeous fighters that light up in electric blues, greens, and golds when hooked. These fish are pure muscle and attitude, known for their aerial displays and never-give-up fighting spirit. Mahi travel in schools and are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or following shrimp boats. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb.
Gulf grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom, using their powerful bodies and big mouths to inhale anything that looks edible. Red grouper are the most common species you'll encounter, along with gag grouper when in season. These fish are masters of structure, living around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where they ambush prey. Once hooked, grouper immediately head for cover, testing your tackle and technique as you try to turn them away from the rocks. Their flaky white meat makes them a top target for dinner.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing when the season is open. These bright red fish with their distinctive profile are incredibly popular with anglers and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Reds are structure-oriented and often school up in good numbers around productive spots. They can be finicky feeders, requiring light leaders and natural baits presented just right. Mutton snapper add another dimension to the snapper fishing, with their olive and pink coloring and preference for slightly different structure.
The Gulf of Mexico off Tarpon Springs consistently delivers some of Florida's best offshore fishing, and Captain John's local knowledge gives you a serious advantage in finding the fish. With all gear included and room for 6 anglers, this full-day charter offers excellent value for groups looking to experience world-class Gulf fishing. The combination of trolling for pelagics and bottom fishing for reef species means you'll have multiple shots at different types of fish throughout the day. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, Captain John will put you on fish and help you make the most of your time on the water. Don't forget to bring your Florida fishing license, and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the acrobats of offshore fishing, averaging 15-29 pounds with that stunning gold and green color show. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in open water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they follow the warm water. What guests love most is the spectacular fight - jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors like a light show. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. My go-to tip: when you find one mahi, work the area hard. They usually travel in schools, so keep your lines in while fighting the first fish. The others will often stay around, especially if you can keep some action going.
Mycteroperca JordaniGulf grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing, commonly running 20-40 pounds but capable of much more. These ambush predators hang around rocky bottom structure in 60-150 feet, though we sometimes find them deeper. They're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods. What makes grouper fishing addictive is the initial hit - it feels like you snagged bottom until that "bottom" starts swimming away. They're also premier table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The secret is getting them up and away from structure fast. Once hooked, they'll head straight for the rocks to cut you off. Keep steady pressure and pump hard on that first run to turn their head toward open water.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, typically running 15-30 pounds with occasional bruisers hitting 50+. These silver speedsters cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot of 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost anything out here. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The key trick is rigging two hooks on wire leader - one through the nose of your bait, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the back half of baits, so that stinger hook is crucial for solid hookups.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the wariest of the snapper family, usually running 3-8 pounds with their distinctive olive coloration and blue facial markings. These smart fish inhabit sandy areas near reefs in 80-200 feet, often in small groups. They bite year-round but are most active during warmer months. What makes muttons prized is their fighting ability - they're stronger than other snappers their size and extremely challenging to hook. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. The trick is ultra-fresh bait with minimal weight. Let your offering drift naturally in the current using a knocker rig or light jig head. Muttons are spooky, so subtle presentations win the day.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 2-8 pounds with occasional trophies pushing 15+. These bright red beauties live around hard bottom structure in 30-200 feet. Summer months during snapper season offer the best action. What makes them special is their scrappy fight and outstanding table fare - sweet, mild flesh that's perfect for any recipe. They're also beautiful fish with that classic red coloration. The key is fresh bait on the bottom - cut squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish work best. Use a knocker rig to keep bait tight to structure, but be ready for that initial run when they feel the hook. They'll head straight for cover.
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