Clearwater's Ultimate 10-Hour Offshore Adventure

Epic Offshore Adventure: Grouper & Snapper Galore

Get ready to leave the shoreline in your wake as we head 50 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico for some serious deep-sea action. This extended full-day trip with Outlaw Gunner Charters is all about chasing down the big ones – we're talking grouper, snapper, and even some little tunny if we're lucky. It's 10 hours of non-stop fishing that'll put your skills to the test and fill your cooler with some of the tastiest fish the Gulf has to offer. Whether you're looking to land that trophy red grouper or just want to experience the thrill of battling it out with some hard-fighting offshore species, this trip's got you covered.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be pushing off from Clearwater bright and early, so come ready to fish as soon as your feet hit the deck. This isn't your average half-day trip – we're going the distance to reach the honey holes where the big boys play. Expect a mix of bottom fishing and some potential trolling as we target different species throughout the day. You'll be dropping lines in anywhere from 100 to 300 feet of water, so be prepared for some arm-burning action when you hook into something hefty. The Gulf can get choppy out there, so if you're prone to seasickness, you might want to take some meds before we head out. Don't worry though, the fishing's so good you'll forget all about any queasiness once the reels start screaming.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

We'll be using a variety of techniques to target our fish, but bottom fishing is the name of the game for most of the day. You'll be working with heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line to get your bait down to where the fish are holding. We use a mix of live and cut bait – anything from sardines and squid to pinfish we catch on the way out. For grouper and larger snapper, we might bust out some butterfly jigs or even try slow-pitching if the bite is tough. If we spot some little tunny busting on the surface, we might switch gears and do some run-and-gun fishing with light tackle. The variety keeps things interesting, and you'll pick up new skills as we go. Don't sweat it if you're new to offshore fishing – we'll show you the ropes and have you jigging like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the Gulf bottom. They're ambush predators that love to hang around rocky areas and reefs. Red grouper can grow up to 50 pounds, but most of what we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. They put up a great fight, especially when you're yanking them up from 200 feet down. The best part? They're absolutely delicious – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.

Mahogany Snapper: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these snapper punch above their weight class when it comes to taste. They're usually found in the same areas as grouper, hanging around structure and reefs. Mahogany snapper are known for their quick, aggressive bites and can be a blast to catch on lighter tackle. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but we occasionally hook into some bigger ones. Their sweet, mild flavor makes them a favorite for ceviche or just simply grilled with lemon.

Red Snapper: If we're lucky enough to hit the short red snapper season in June, you're in for a treat. These fish are the rock stars of the Gulf – beautiful crimson color and a fight that'll make your arms burn. They love to hang around wrecks and artificial reefs, and can grow up to 30 pounds or more. Red snapper are known for their hard initial run when hooked, so hold on tight! Their firm, white flesh is prized by seafood lovers everywhere.

Little Tunny: Also known as false albacore or bonito, these speedsters are like the cheetahs of the Gulf. We often find them busting on the surface, chasing schools of baitfish. They're incredibly fast and will smoke your reel if you're not careful. While they're not the best for eating, they're pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish out there. Hooking into a school of little tunny is non-stop action that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This trip is the real deal for serious anglers looking to test their mettle against some of the Gulf's toughest fighters. It's not just about the quantity of fish (though we usually come back with a good haul) – it's about the quality of the experience. You'll be fishing in waters that most weekend warriors never reach, dropping lines where the big fish live. The extended time on the water means more chances to hit different spots and target a variety of species. Plus, there's something special about being that far offshore – the deep blue water, the possibility of seeing dolphins or sea turtles, and the camaraderie that develops over a full day of fishing. It's the kind of trip that creates stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Top Catches This Season

This year's been hot for big red grouper – we've been consistently pulling up some real beauties in the 15-20 pound range. The mahogany snapper bite has been on fire too, with plenty of fish in the 2-3 pound class. If we hit the red snapper season, expect some serious action – last year we had several customers land snapper over 20 pounds. The little tunny have been showing up in good numbers too, providing some exciting topwater action to break up the bottom fishing. Remember, every trip is different, and that's part of the excitement. You never know when you might hook into that fish of a lifetime!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching for some serious offshore action, this is the trip for you. We're talking about a full day of fishing in some of the most productive waters the Gulf has to offer. With a limit of just 4 anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew. Whether you're a seasoned salt looking to tangle with some big grouper or a newer angler wanting to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, we've got you covered. Just remember to bring your A-game, some snacks, and maybe a cold drink or two – we'll take care of the rest. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even set a new personal best. Book now and let's get out there where the big fish play!