Get ready to drop some lines and haul in some monsters on this action-packed 8-hour inshore fishing trip with Charter Boat Starfire. We'll hit all the local hotspots within 9 miles of shore, giving you a full day of non-stop fishing without straying too far from land. Whether you're an old salt or a total newbie, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish and help you land some beauties.
This ain't your grandpa's lazy day of fishing. We're talking a smorgasbord of angling action - from trolling for speedy pelagics to bottom fishing for tasty reef dwellers. We'll hit structure spots where the big boys hang out and work different depths to maximize our chances. Expect to tangle with snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, grouper, mackerel, mahi-mahi, and maybe even a toothy shark or two. The variety keeps things exciting, and you never know what might be on the end of your line next.
We'll be mixing it up all day long to keep the rods bent. When we're trolling, we'll be pulling lures or live bait behind the boat to entice the predators. For bottom fishing, we'll drop weighted rigs loaded with natural bait to tempt the reef residents. Around rocky areas and underwater structures, we'll use specialized techniques to coax out the big boys hiding in their lairs. The captain will read the conditions and fish activity to put us on the most productive spots. You'll get to try different rigs, baits, and techniques throughout the day - it's like a master class in inshore fishing.
Our regulars have been hauling in some impressive fish lately. Red snapper season has been on fire, with plenty of keeper-sized fish coming over the rails. The grouper bite has been steady, especially around some of the deeper structure spots. We've also been seeing good numbers of triggerfish, which are always a blast to catch on light tackle. When conditions are right, we've been getting into some nice runs of mahi-mahi - nothing beats watching those acrobatic fish light up the water. The amberjack have been showing up in force too, so be ready for some drag-screaming action if we hook into one of those bruisers.
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of the Gulf. They typically hang out near reefs and structures in 60-250 feet of water. Red snapper are known for their hard-fighting ability and delicious white meat. They can grow up to 40 inches and 50 pounds, though most keepers are in the 5-15 pound range. The best time to target them is during the federally-managed season, which usually runs in the summer months. Anglers love the challenge of battling these fish off the bottom and the reward of some of the tastiest fillets in the sea.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. Gags prefer rocky bottoms and ledges in depths from 60-250 feet. They're ambush predators, so we'll be dropping big live baits or jigs right into their lairs. Gag grouper can grow over 50 pounds, and even an average "keeper" in the 24-30 inch range will give you a serious workout. The bite is best in cooler months, typically October through December. Hooking into one of these powerful fish is like trying to winch up a Volkswagen - get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you - these feisty little guys punch well above their weight class. Triggers hang around reefs and rubble bottoms in 60-300 feet of water. They're known for their tough, leathery mouths and teeth strong enough to crush shellfish. Most keepers are in the 14-20 inch range, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Triggerfish are year-round residents, but the bite is often best in spring and fall. Anglers love targeting these scrappy fish on light tackle, and their firm white meat makes excellent table fare.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the acrobats of the open water. Mahi prefer warm, offshore waters and are often found near floating debris or weedlines. They're one of the fastest-growing fish in the sea, capable of reaching 4 feet and 40 pounds in just their first year. Mahi are seasonal visitors to our waters, with the best action typically from late spring through early fall. These neon-colored speedsters are famous for their wild aerial displays when hooked, and they're prized both for their fighting ability and their delicious, mild-flavored meat.
Greater Amberjack: Fondly known as "reef donkeys" for their bullish strength, these powerhouses will test your stamina. AJs typically hang around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. They can grow to over 100 pounds, with even "smaller" 30-40 pounders capable of leaving you with sore arms. The peak amberjack season is usually August through October, but we catch them year-round. Hooking an AJ is like tying into a freight train - be prepared for a knock-down, drag-out fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
If you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler, this full-day inshore trip is your ticket to fishing nirvana. We've got the local knowledge to put you on the fish, the gear to handle whatever decides to bite, and enough variety to keep even the most ADD angler entertained all day long. Whether you're looking to tick some species off your bucket list, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat is ready, and the only thing missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go catch some fish!
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your skills. Adults hang out near deep reefs and ledges, while the youngsters stick to inshore areas. Most are 20-30 inches long, but they can grow over 4 feet and 80 pounds. Look for them around any structure in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months when they move shallower to spawn. Gags put up a serious battle - once hooked, they'll try to muscle back into their holes. Use stout tackle with 50-pound line and keep that rod low to pull them away from structure. Live bait like pinfish works great. These grouper make excellent eating too, with firm white meat that's great for sandwiches.
Greater Amberjack are bruisers that'll give you an arm-burning fight. These silvery-blue fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move to spawn. AJs are known for their powerful runs - they'll try to dive straight back to the bottom. Use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line. Live bait like blue runners works great, or try jigging with big metal lures. When you hook up, pump and wind to keep them coming. The meat is good eating if prepared right - just be aware of size limits and seasonal closures. These fish will test your stamina, but landing a big AJ is a real accomplishment.
Grey Triggerfish are feisty little fighters you'll find around reefs and hard bottoms. They average 1-2 feet long but can reach close to 3 feet. Look for them in 60-300 foot depths - they love hanging around structure. These odd-looking fish have tough, leathery skin and a beak-like mouth they use to crush crabs and urchins. When hooked, they'll lock their dorsal spine to wedge into holes. Use a stout hook and reel fast to keep them coming. Small pieces of squid on a light bottom rig work well. The meat is white and sweet - some folks say it tastes like crab. One tip: when you get them in the boat, watch out for that sharp dorsal spine!
Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to catch out here. These colorful speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll spot them chasing flying fish or hanging around floating debris and weedlines. Spring through fall is prime time when the water warms up. Mahi are incredible fighters - they'll jump, run, and change direction in a flash. Use medium tackle and troll rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures. When you hook up, keep the boat moving to stay with the school. These fish are great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's a tip: once you catch one, leave it in the water. The rest of the school will stick around, letting you catch more.
Red Snapper are a prized catch in our waters, typically ranging from 1-2 feet long and weighing up to 10 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in depths of 30-600 feet. These fish put up a good fight and taste great on the dinner table. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps hit that 50-70 degree sweet spot. To land one, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. I like to use cigar minnows or fresh squid on a circle hook. When you feel that telltale tap, reel fast and steady - these crafty fish will try to dive back to cover if you give them slack. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for grilling or blackening.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit
Maximum Cruising Speed: 12
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 100