Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to get your lines wet in some of the Gulf's most productive waters? This 6-hour offshore trip out of Naples is the real deal. We're talking serious fishing action up to 30 miles out, where the big boys play. Captain Joseph knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some monster catches. Whether you're after hard-fighting grouper or lightning-fast kingfish, this trip's got it all. So grab your shades and let's hit the blue water!
Alright, here's the lowdown on this killer charter. We're casting off at 8 AM sharp, so don't be late! You and up to five buddies will hop aboard Captain Joseph's well-equipped vessel for a full six hours of non-stop fishing action. We're not messing around with the kiddie pool here - we're heading up to 30 miles offshore where the real trophies swim. You'll be dropping lines around artificial reefs, air force relay towers, and natural ledges that are absolutely teeming with fish. It's like a buffet down there, and you're invited to feast!
Listen up, because this is where it gets good. We'll be mixing it up with a variety of fishing techniques to maximize your chances of a cooler full of keepers. Expect to do some bottom fishing with heavy tackle for those reef-dwelling monsters like grouper and snapper. We might also troll for pelagics like kingfish and mackerel - nothing beats the screaming run of a smoker king! And don't be surprised if we spot some tripletail hanging around floating debris - these odd-looking fish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. Captain Joseph's got all the gear and know-how, so even if you're a newbie, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, and they put up one heck of a fight. Gags can grow over 50 pounds, and they're absolute bulldogs. Winter is prime time for these guys, but we catch 'em year-round. Once you feel that trademark grouper thump on your line, you'll be hooked for life!
Goliath Grouper: Now we're talking serious business. These gentle giants can grow over 800 pounds and are a protected species, so it's catch-and-release only. But man, hooking into one of these behemoths is an experience you'll never forget. They love to hang around wrecks and reefs, and when they decide to eat, it's like trying to stop a freight train. Summer is your best bet for encountering these prehistoric-looking fish.
King Mackerel: If you want pure, heart-pounding action, kingfish are where it's at. These speedsters can hit 70 mph and will make your reel scream like it's possessed. We typically find them in open water, and they love to chase fast-moving baits. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer can be red hot too. Nothing beats watching a king skyrocket on a bait - it's like fishing meets fireworks!
Permit: Ah, the permit - the holy grail of flats fishing that sometimes ventures offshore. These wary fish have incredible eyesight and can grow to over 50 pounds. They're often found around structures like wrecks and reefs, especially in summer. Catching a big permit is a true test of an angler's skill, and landing one will earn you some serious bragging rights.
Great Barracuda: With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are the wolves of the reef. They'll hit just about anything shiny and can grow over 5 feet long. These ambush predators are a blast to catch on light tackle, and they're around all year. Just watch those chompers when you're dehooking them!
Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I still get pumped every time we leave the dock. There's something magical about watching that Naples skyline fade away as we head into the big blue. Maybe it's the anticipation of what monsters are lurking below, or maybe it's just the salty breeze and good company. Whatever it is, this trip has got that special sauce that keeps folks coming back year after year. And let me tell you, there's nothing like seeing a first-timer's face when they hook into their personal best fish - it's priceless!
Alright, anglers, let's cut to the chase. This 6-hour offshore trip is the real deal, and spots fill up fast. Whether you're a seasoned salt or a total newbie, Captain Joseph's got you covered. We're talking world-class fishing, unforgettable views, and the chance to tangle with some serious sea monsters. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pack your lucky hat, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The Gulf is calling, and the fish are waiting. Don't miss out on this top-rated Naples fishing experience - book your charter today and get ready for the offshore adventure of a lifetime!
Gag Grouper are real bruisers, typically 20-30 inches long but can reach 50+ inches. You'll find them hanging around reefs, ledges, and wrecks from 60-250 feet deep. These opportunistic predators are most active in cooler months when they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Live bait like pinfish or sardines works great, but chunked bait can be effective too. When you hook one, get ready for a battle - these fish will try to drag you into the structure. My tip: Keep your rod tip low and reel fast to turn their head away from cover. Just remember, gags can change sex from female to male as they age, so we practice catch-and-release with the big ones to keep the population healthy.
Goliath Grouper are the gentle giants of our reefs. These massive fish can grow over 8 feet long and 800 pounds. You'll spot them around shallow reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 15-50 feet of water. They're curious and often approach divers. Goliaths are protected, so it's catch-and-release only. Even so, hooking one is a thrill - they put up a short but intense fight. Use heavy tackle with a 600-pound test line and big circle hooks. Live bait like jack crevalle works well. My advice: Anchor far enough from the structure to pull them away, but close enough to get their attention. Bounce your bait to create commotion. And watch out - that first run can yank you right off the boat if you're not ready! Just remember to handle them gently and keep them in the water for a quick release.
Great Barracuda are the toothy terrors of the reef. These sleek predators can grow over 5 feet long and hit speeds of 35 mph. You'll spot them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in 20-100 foot depths. They're curious and often follow boats. Barracuda put up an intense, acrobatic fight with blistering runs and spectacular leaps. Trolling with tube lures or live bait is effective. My tip: Use wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. When you hook one, be ready for anything - they're known for wild, unpredictable jumps. Just be careful when landing them. Those teeth are no joke, so use a net and gloves. While they're not the best eating, the thrill of the catch makes barracuda a popular target.
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speedsters that'll make your reel scream. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 30-150 foot depths around reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They're also great eating, though larger ones can have high mercury. My tip: Use a stinger rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing. Kings often strike the back half of the bait. And be ready when they hit - that first run is explosive! Just watch those razor-sharp teeth when you're handling them.
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers. These silvery, disc-shaped fish average 15-25 pounds but can reach 60. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around reefs and wrecks. Spring and summer are peak seasons. Permit are notoriously picky eaters and spook easily, making them a real challenge. Crab imitations are your best bet. The fight is spectacular - strong runs and dogged determination. My advice: Approach quietly and make long, accurate casts. Let the bait sink naturally and wait for the permit to find it. Patience is key. When you finally hook one, it's a battle you won't forget. Just remember, these fish have amazing eyesight, so light leaders and stealthy presentations are crucial.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200