Extended Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore charter targeting snapper and grouper speciesExtended range access to remote reefs and wreck structuresSmall group experience with maximum 4 guest capacity
When you want to get serious about fishing the Gulf of Mexico, this 6-hour extended offshore charter from Bay Pines Marina is where the real action happens. Captain and crew at Westbound Sportfishing know exactly where to find the fish that most anglers only dream about catching. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're talking about pushing out to the deeper reefs, wrecks, and structure where the big boys live. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and the captain's undivided attention to put you on fish. The extra time on the water means we can hit multiple spots, switch up techniques, and really dial in what's working that day.
Departing from Bay Pines Marina in the early morning, we'll cruise past the nearshore spots that shorter trips target and head for the real money water. The Gulf of Mexico off St. Petersburg holds some incredible structure - natural hard-bottom reefs, artificial reefs loaded with baitfish, and shipwrecks that have become underwater cities for gamefish. The extended 6-hour format gives us time to work these spots properly instead of rushing through. You'll see the difference in fish quality and size when we're fishing 30-50 miles offshore versus the closer inshore spots. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan - some days we'll focus on vertical jigging over wrecks, other days we might troll the reef edges or work live bait around structure. Weather permitting, we can explore multiple areas and really maximize your time on productive water.
Deep sea fishing in the Gulf requires the right approach for each target species. We'll primarily use heavy spinning tackle and conventional reels loaded with 50-80lb test line - these fish don't mess around and neither should your tackle. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy weights gets down to the grouper and snapper holding tight to structure. For the bigger predators like barracuda and sharks, we'll switch to wire leaders and bigger baits. Live bait fishing with pinfish, grunts, or sardines is deadly when worked around the edges of reefs and wrecks. Jigging with heavy spoons and bucktails can trigger aggressive strikes from fish that won't touch bait. The captain provides all tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along. We'll rig everything properly and show you the techniques that work best in these deep Gulf waters. Circle hooks are required for reef fish to ensure proper release of undersized or out-of-season species.
Goliath Grouper are the absolute kings of the Gulf reefs and wrecks. These massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and will test every piece of tackle you've got. They're catch-and-release only, but hooking into one is a bucket-list experience that'll have your arms burning and your drag screaming. Best targeted around structure in 60-100 feet of water using large live baits like jacks or big chunks of bonito. Summer and fall offer the most consistent action as water temperatures peak and baitfish concentrate around the reefs.
Permit are the holy grail for many saltwater anglers - incredibly strong, beautiful fish that fight like they're twice their size. These silver bullets prefer deeper structure and drop-offs, often cruising in small schools. They're notorious for being picky eaters, but when conditions align, the action can be fast and furious. Spring through fall provides the best opportunities, with fish ranging from 15-30 pounds. Live crabs or small jigs worked near the bottom around structure produce the most consistent results.
Hogfish combine excellent table fare with a challenging fight that keeps you honest. These colorful reef dwellers use their pig-like snouts to root out crustaceans from the rocks and coral. They're most active during daylight hours and prefer live or fresh-dead shrimp presented near structure. Fall and winter months often produce the largest specimens, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon around the deeper reefs we'll be targeting.
Blacktip Sharks bring raw power and speed to the mix, often making spectacular jumps when hooked. These aggressive predators patrol reef edges and drop-offs, always looking for an easy meal. They're excellent on light tackle, providing screaming runs and aerial displays. Summer months see the biggest concentrations as they follow baitfish migrations. Fresh-cut bait or live fish work equally well, and their fighting ability pound-for-pound rivals any fish in the Gulf.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, using their incredible speed and razor-sharp teeth to ambush prey. These prehistoric-looking predators can exceed 40 pounds and make blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. They're visual feeders that respond well to flashy lures, live bait, or trolled offerings. Year-round residents of the deeper reefs, they're most aggressive during dawn and dusk periods when baitfish are most active.
This extended offshore charter represents serious value for dedicated anglers who want to fish where the big ones live. Six hours on productive Gulf waters with experienced crew who know these reefs like their backyard - that's a recipe for the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. The 4-angler limit ensures everyone gets plenty of action and personal attention from the crew. Whether you're chasing that first goliath grouper, looking to add permit to your species list, or just want to load the cooler with quality reef fish, this trip delivers. Book early, especially during peak season, as spots fill up fast once word gets out about recent catches. Pack your sunscreen, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready for some world-class Gulf of Mexico fishing.
Hit the deep waters of the Gulf aboard this well-equipped 30' Parker center console that's built for serious offshore fishing. The 350HP Suzuki engine gets you to the productive reefs and wrecks at a smooth 30 knots, giving you more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting there. With room for your crew of 4, this boat handles the Gulf swells like a champ while you target snapper and grouper on the hard-bottom structure that holds the big fish. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots. Radar ensures safe navigation when weather rolls in. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your drinks cold during those long battles with heavyweight grouper. This Parker's center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the stable platform makes it easier to land those keeper-sized snapper when they're biting deep.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are pure adrenaline - they average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet, and they're famous for jumping clean out of the water at 21 feet per second when hooked. We find them cruising our artificial reefs and muddy bays in 30-200 feet, often in small groups. They're year-round residents here in the Gulf, but spring and summer bring the best action when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump repeatedly and put on a real show. They're also curious and will investigate the boat during a good chum slick. Oily baits like mackerel, sardines, or herring work best. Use 20-50 pound braided line with circle hooks - when they get excited, they can really test your tackle.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the ultimate catch-and-release fish out here - they can hit 8 feet and 800 pounds, though most run 200-400. We find them around wrecks and hard-bottom structure in 60-150 feet, where they're surprisingly curious and will come right up to check you out. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but that first hit will nearly pull you overboard if you're not ready. The fight is intense but short - they try to get back to structure fast. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. Bring heavy tackle with 50-80 class reels and 20/0 circle hooks. Pro tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to create noise - these fish have no fear and will investigate the commotion.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are ambush predators that'll hit 6 feet and 100+ pounds, built like torpedoes and fast as lightning - they can hit 35 mph in short bursts. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure from the surface down to about 100 feet, often cruising alone except during spawning season in spring. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, so they'll come check out shiny lures or anything that moves erratically. The fight is explosive but short - they'll make a few screaming runs then tire quickly. Most anglers target them for the sport since the meat can be risky. Wire leaders are essential with those razor teeth. Pro tip: if you see one following your lure, don't stop retrieving - speed up and make it dart erratically. That triggers their strike instinct.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are some of the best eating fish we catch, with sweet, mild meat that beats grouper hands down. They run 2-3 feet and use that pig-like snout to root around reefs for crabs and shellfish. We target them on hard-bottom areas and coral structure in 20-80 feet - they love hanging around the edges where the bottom changes. Year-round fishing, but they're most active in warmer months. The challenge is their speed - they're lightning-fast strikers that'll test your reflexes. Live shrimp or mud crab work best, and they're curious fish that respond to noise in the water. Here's the trick: they have small mouths for their size, so use smaller circle hooks than you'd think. Many guys lose them by going too big on the hardware.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are one of the trickiest fish we target - they average 20-30 pounds but can push 60, and those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees make them super spooky. We find adults around our offshore wrecks and artificial reefs, though they'll cruise shallow flats too, sometimes in just 2 feet of water. Spring through summer is prime time when they're spawning, but we catch them year-round in our warm Gulf waters. They're absolute fighters with serious stamina, and that's what keeps anglers coming back. Blue crab is the gold standard bait - nothing beats it. My advice: when you see one, make your first cast count because you probably won't get a second chance. They're that smart and that skittish.
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