Extended Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Extended 6-hour offshore charter targets snapper and grouperDeparts Bay Pines Marina for Gulf of Mexico reef fishingSmall group capacity of 4 guests with Westbound Sportfishing
When you're looking to get serious about deep sea fishing in St. Petersburg, this 6-hour extended offshore charter with Westbound Sportfishing is where you want to be. We're talking about a proper run into the Gulf of Mexico – not some quick nearshore trip, but a real push out to the offshore reefs and wrecks where the big fish live. Departing from Bay Pines Marina, this top-rated charter gives you the time and range to hit multiple spots and really work the water. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to fish and the captain's full attention on putting you on the best bite of the day.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a world-class offshore experience that gives you access to structure most boats never reach. The extra hours mean we can run 15-20 miles out to hit the deeper reefs, artificial wrecks, and hard-bottom areas where the trophy fish hang out. You'll start early to maximize fishing time, and the captain will have multiple spots marked on the GPS based on current conditions and recent reports. The small group size means everyone gets quality coaching on technique, plenty of space at the rail, and first-class service throughout the trip. Plan on being hands-on with the fishing – this is an active day on the water, not a leisurely cruise.
We'll be running a mix of bottom fishing and drift fishing depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat comes rigged with quality conventional reels spooled with 50-80lb test, perfect for the structure fishing we'll be doing. You'll be dropping live bait, cut bait, and jigs down to depths ranging from 60-120 feet, targeting specific pieces of structure where grouper and snapper congregate. The captain will set up the drift based on wind and current, positioning the boat so your baits sweep naturally across the reef. We'll also do some targeted fishing around wrecks using GPS coordinates, where you'll need to get your bait down fast before the current takes it off the mark. All tackle, bait, and ice are provided – just bring your cooler, snacks, and drinks for the day.
Goliath Grouper are the real showstoppers on these offshore trips. These massive fish can weigh 200-400 pounds and will test every ounce of your strength and technique. They're year-round residents around the deeper wrecks and ledges, but summer months offer the most consistent action. What makes them so exciting isn't just their size – it's the fight. Once hooked, a goliath will try to get back to its hole in the structure, and you'll be in a tug-of-war with one of the Gulf's most powerful fish. They're catch-and-release only, but landing one is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years.
Permit are the technical challenge that keeps expert anglers coming back. These silver ghosts are notoriously finicky and require precise presentation and patience. They show up around the offshore structures primarily in spring and fall, often in small schools. What makes permit so rewarding is their reputation as one of the hardest fish to hook consistently. They'll inspect your bait, circle it, and often refuse it at the last second. But when you do connect, they'll peel line with long, powerful runs that showcase why they're considered a premier game fish.
Hogfish bring both excellent table fare and a fun fight to the mix. These colorful wrasse are structure specialists, living around the same reefs where we target grouper. They're most active during cooler months, from November through March, and they're notorious bait stealers with an amazing ability to clean a hook without getting hooked. Their sweet, mild meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table, and their curious nature means you'll often see them swimming around the boat.
Blacktip Sharks add serious excitement when they show up on the scene. These aggressive predators are drawn to the commotion of fighting fish and will often hit baits meant for other species. Spring and summer bring the most consistent blacktip action, and they'll put on an aerial show with multiple jumps and fast runs. They're perfect for anglers who want to experience the raw power of a shark without dealing with the massive size of some other species.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the offshore reefs. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that can appear out of nowhere to crush a bait or lure. They're most active during the warmer months and are known for their blistering initial runs and spectacular jumps. What makes cuda fishing so exciting is the visual aspect – you'll often see them following your bait before they strike, and their aggressive hits are unmistakable.
This extended offshore charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. The 6-hour format gives you access to fishing grounds that shorter trips simply can't reach, while the 4-person limit ensures you'll get personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. Whether you're after a trophy goliath grouper, trying to check permit off your bucket list, or just want to load the cooler with quality eating fish, this trip delivers the range and expertise to make it happen. The offshore waters around St. Petersburg hold some of Florida's best fishing, and this charter puts you right in the middle of it. Book now to secure your spot on this renowned deep sea fishing adventure.
Your fishing platform for this extended offshore adventure is a 30-foot Parker center console that's built to handle the Gulf's deeper waters with confidence. The 350HP Suzuki outboard pushes this rig at a steady 30 knots, getting you out to those productive offshore reefs and wrecks without burning half your fishing time in transit. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to work around the boat when fighting fish, while the spacious layout means nobody's bumping elbows during the action. Electronics include GPS navigation to pinpoint those honey holes, radar for safety in changing conditions, and a quality fish finder to mark structure and baitfish below. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and provides storage for your catch. This Parker is designed specifically for offshore work – stable enough to fish comfortably in Gulf swells while nimble enough to reposition quickly when the bite moves. Whether you're bottom fishing for snapper and grouper or working structure for bigger game, this boat delivers the reliability and performance serious anglers expect.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are exciting sharks that average 5 feet but can reach over 9 feet and 270 pounds. They're known for their acrobatic jumps - they can launch 21 feet out of the water when hooked. We find them patrolling around artificial reefs and structure in 30-200 feet of water. They're active year-round but peak in warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun is their energy - they're excitable and social, which can lead to feeding frenzies. Use heavy braided line with 20-50 pound test and circle hooks. They feed on mackerel, sardines, and herring, so oily baits work best. My trick: get a good chum slick going with ground mackerel - these sharks rely heavily on scent and will follow that oil trail right to your baits. Just be ready for a wild ride when they hit.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the biggest grouper in the Atlantic. You'll find them around our deeper reefs and wrecks in 50-150 feet of water. Important note - they're fully protected, so it's strictly catch and release. What makes them special is that first pull when you hook one - it'll test every piece of your gear. They're curious fish that aren't shy about coming to investigate bait. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're more active. Use heavy tackle with 50-80 class reels and strong circle hooks. Here's the key: bounce your bait off the bottom to create noise and movement. They respond to commotion since they have no real predators and aren't spooked easily.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are pure speed demons that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. They typically run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure from the surface down to about 100 feet. They're active year-round in our waters but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. What makes them exciting is that initial run - they're tenacious fighters with razor-sharp teeth. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following lures or checking out divers. Wire leaders are essential since those teeth will cut through mono instantly. Here's my tip: if you see one following your lure but not striking, speed up your retrieve - that sudden burst of speed triggers their predator instincts and usually gets them to commit.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are some of the best eating fish we catch, with sweet, mild flesh that beats most grouper. They run up to 3 feet and 22 pounds, using that pig-like snout to root through sand and coral for crabs and shellfish. You'll find them around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and rocky structure in 10-100 feet. They're curious fish that often swim right up to divers, and they love noise in the water. Live shrimp and mud crabs work best since the struggling creates vibrations that attract them. Peak season runs year-round here, but they're more active in warmer months. Here's what works: make some noise by tapping your rod holder or boat hull - the vibrations will often bring them in close. They're fast strikers, so keep your drag loose and be ready to set the hook quickly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are one of the trickiest fish you'll encounter - they average around 36 inches but can hit 48 inches and 60 pounds. We typically find them around offshore wrecks, platforms, and artificial reefs during our extended trips. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially April to October when they're spawning. What draws anglers is the challenge - they have amazing eyesight with those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees. Blue crabs are your best bet for bait, and you'll want medium tackle with 20-pound braid and a 30-pound leader. These fish are notorious for being spooky and selective. My tip: when you see one, get that crab down quickly and let it sit still on the bottom - any sudden movement will send them running.
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