Get ready for an action-packed 5 hours on the water with Dauphins Charter Fishing! We're talking serious offshore action aboard our 23' Sea Pro, where the big boys play. This isn't your grandpa's pond fishing - we're going where the monsters lurk. Our seasoned crew knows exactly where to find the hotspots, whether you're chasing hard-fighting amberjacks or tasty red snappers. Don't sweat it if you're new to offshore fishing; we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you'll need. Experienced anglers, you're in for a treat too - we'll put you on fish that'll test your skills and maybe even set a new personal best.
Once we clear the harbor, it's go time. We'll cruise out to the prime fishing grounds, keeping an eye out for birds, bait, and other signs of fish activity. Depending on what's biting, we might set up for bottom fishing or troll for pelagics. Our 23' Sea Pro is a workhorse, giving us the speed to cover ground and the stability to fish comfortably even when the seas kick up a bit. We've got top-notch gear aboard, from sturdy rods and reels to fish-finding electronics that'll help us zero in on the action. And don't worry about bringing snacks or drinks - just pack a cooler with your favorite refreshments, and you're set for a day of reeling in the big ones.
There's something special about offshore fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the rush of hooking into something big and not knowing what's on the other end of the line. Could be a bruiser amberjack that'll make your arms burn, or a fat red snapper destined for the dinner table. Out here, every drop could be the one that lands you a trophy. Plus, you can't beat the views - nothing but blue water in every direction, with the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, or even the occasional whale. It's a full-on adventure, and trust me, once you've felt the pull of a real offshore gamefish, you'll be hooked for life.
Red Grouper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a prized catch for good reason. They're not just delicious; they put up a great fight too. Red groupers hang out near structure and reefs, often in depths of 50 to 300 feet. They're ambush predators, so when you drop your bait down, be ready for a sudden, powerful strike. These guys can grow over 20 pounds, and landing a big one is always a highlight of any trip. The best part? They're available year-round, though spring and fall tend to be prime time.
Greater Amberjack: Buckle up, folks - amberjacks are the heavyweight champs of the reef. These bulldogs of the sea are pure muscle and can tip the scales at over 100 pounds. They love to hang around wrecks and offshore structures, usually in waters 60 to 240 feet deep. When an AJ hits your bait, hold on tight - they're known for blistering initial runs that can catch newbies off guard. These fish are at their peak from May to July, but we can target them most of the year. Just be prepared for a workout!
Great Barracuda: If you're looking for a fish with attitude, meet the great barracuda. These sleek predators are all teeth and speed, capable of explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. We often spot them near the surface, their silver bodies flashing as they hunt. Barracudas are curious and will sometimes follow the boat, giving you a great shot at sight-casting. They're not typically kept for eating, but the fight they put up is worth the release. You'll find these toothy critters year-round, but they're especially active in warmer months.
Red Snapper: Ask any Gulf angler about their favorite eat, and red snapper is bound to come up. These beautiful ruby-red fish are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're a blast to catch too. Red snappers typically hang out near reefs and rocky bottoms in waters 30 to 200 feet deep. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some monsters pushing 40 pounds. The key to landing these guys is a quick hookset - they're smart and can spit a hook in no time. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's like Christmas for anglers.
Gag Grouper: Last but not least, we've got the gag grouper - a hard-fighting fish that'll test your cranking arms. These bruisers love to hole up in rocky areas and reefs, often in depths of 60 to 250 feet. Gags are ambush feeders, so when you feel that thump, be ready to pull hard to get them away from their hidey-holes. They can grow over 50 pounds, though most catches are in the 10 to 30-pound range. Gag grouper fishing is typically best in cooler months, from fall through early spring. When you hook into a big gag, you'll know why they're a favorite among serious anglers.
Alright, anglers, you've heard the rundown - now it's time to get out there and make it happen. This 5-hour offshore trip is your ticket to some of the best fishing action around. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big amberjack, filling the cooler with tasty snappers, or just soaking in the offshore experience, we've got you covered. Remember, we can take up to 4 guests, so grab your fishing buddies and make it a day to remember. The fish are out there waiting, and trust me, they're not getting any smaller. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now, and let's go chase some giants!
Gag Grouper are one of the hardest-fighting fish on the reef. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're structure-oriented fish, so look for spots with plenty of hidey-holes. Fall and winter are peak seasons as they move closer to shore. Gags are known for their powerful initial run - they'll try to dive straight back to their hole when hooked. Live bait like pinfish or grunts works best, but they'll hit jigs and plugs too. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first thump, reel like crazy and pull up hard to get them away from the bottom. The meat is excellent - firm, white fillets that are great for grilling or frying. Just be careful with size and bag limits, as these guys are carefully managed.
Great Barracuda are the tigers of the reef - long, lean predators with a mouthful of razor teeth. These fish can reach 5-6 feet and hit speeds over 30 mph in short bursts. You'll spot them cruising the surface near reefs or hanging in the shadows of structure. They're curious fish and will often follow divers or boats. Barracuda put on an awesome show when hooked, making blistering runs and leaping clear of the water. We target them year-round, but summer's best when they're most active. Trolling with tube lures or casting big topwater plugs are go-to tactics. Here's a local tip: when you see one following, stop your lure and let it sit - that pause often triggers a strike. Just be careful unhooking them - those teeth are no joke!
Greater Amberjack are bruisers - they can top 100 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. We find them around offshore reefs and wrecks in 60-240 feet of water. These fish love to hang near structure but will also chase bait in open water. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move in closer to shore. Anglers love AJs for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. You'll want heavy tackle - 50-80 pound gear is common. Live bait like blue runners or speedos works great, but big jigs can trigger bites too. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. These fish will try to wrap you around structure, so you've got to muscle them up quick. One trick is to "yo-yo" a jig near the bottom - the erratic action drives them crazy. Just watch those teeth when you land one!
Red Grouper are prized catches around here, known for their tasty white meat. These fish typically run 5-10 pounds but can reach up to 50 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, ledges and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They love structure, so we target spots with plenty of nooks and crannies for them to hide in. Red Grouper put up a great fight - they'll try to dive back into their holes when hooked. The best time to target them is spring through fall when the water's warmer. Live bait like pinfish or grunts works well, but cut squid or sardines can do the trick too. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull up hard to get them away from the bottom before they can hunker down. Grouper make for some excellent eating - their firm, mild fillets are perfect for grilling or blackening.
Red Snapper are some of the tastiest fish in these waters. Most run 2-10 pounds, but they can reach over 30. You'll find them over hard bottom areas, reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet. They tend to school up, so when you find one, there's usually more. Summer's the prime time as they move closer to shore to spawn. Snapper put up a good scrap, especially the bigger ones. They'll try to dive back to the bottom when hooked. Live bait like cigar minnows works great, but they'll hit cut bait too. Here's a pro tip: use a fish finder rig with a circle hook - it helps prevent gut-hooking these guys. The meat is excellent - mild, sweet and perfect for just about any cooking method. Just be sure to check regulations, as seasons can be pretty short for these popular fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150