Epic Offshore Fishing: St. Pete's Deep-Sea Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Anna Maria Island
$340 - $1,470 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of deep-sea fishing action off the coast of St. Petersburg, FL. We'll take you 30 to 40 miles offshore where the big fish roam. Depending on the season, you might be reeling in Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Barracuda, Snapper, or Grouper. This trip is perfect for experienced anglers who love the challenge of open water fishing. You'll spend hours on the water, so pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. We've got all the fishing gear and licenses covered, so you can focus on landing that trophy catch. Remember, this is a serious offshore adventure – come prepared for a long day on the water and some heavy-duty fishing. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with your Gulf Goats Charters guide to hone your deep-sea fishing skills.

Epic Offshore Fishing: St. Pete's Deep-Sea Adventure

Deep Sea Giants

A fisherman casts his line in the Riverview area, seeking the best and greatest catch.

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Hogfish from The Gulf of Mexico, FL

Three people enjoying a fishing trip in Riverview

Inshore and Offshore Fishing Guide Service, FL

A fisherman holding a 38-inch fish in Riverview

King Mackerel Fish reeled from Florida

Epic Offshore Adventure: St. Pete's Big Game Hunt

Get ready to push your angling skills to the limit on this full-day offshore fishing trip out of St. Petersburg, FL. We're talking serious deep-water action, 20 to 40 miles from shore where the big boys play. If you've got saltwater in your veins and dreams of monster pelagics, this is your chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's most prized catches.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't your average day on the flats, folks. We're heading way out where the water turns that deep cobalt blue. You'll be fishing in depths anywhere from 100 to 400 feet, depending on where the bite's hot. The Gulf Stream current brings in the big predators, so be ready for some serious fights. We're talking bent rods, screaming reels, and fish that'll test your stamina.

The trip's designed for experienced anglers who don't mind putting in the hours for quality catches. We'll be out all day, so pack plenty of grub and drinks to keep your energy up. No need to sweat the gear or licenses - we've got all that covered. Just bring your A-game and a winning attitude.

Top Catches This Season

Out here, it's all about playing the seasons. In the warmer months, we're often chasing after hard-fighting pelagics like Blackfin Tuna and Mahi Mahi. These speedsters will give you a run for your money, often sky-rocketing out of the water as they try to throw the hook. When the water cools down, bottom fishing for tasty Grouper and Snapper becomes the name of the game.

We use a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. For the surface swimmers, we'll often troll with live bait or lures. When we're targeting the bottom dwellers, it's all about finding the right structure and dropping those baits down. Don't be surprised if a toothy Barracuda decides to crash the party - these aggressive predators are always looking for an easy meal.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about being out on the open water, miles from shore. The anticipation builds with every wave, knowing that your next cast could bring in the catch of a lifetime. It's not just about the fish, though. It's the whole package - the salt spray on your face, the sun on your back, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a day on the boat with fellow anglers.

Our trips are limited to just two guests, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention and room to work those fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to step up your offshore game, our experienced crew will be there to help you make the most of every bite.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the reef, and they fight like it too. Gags can grow over 50 pounds and will do their best to drag you back into their rocky lairs. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for a post-trip fish fry. Best targeted in cooler months when they move into shallower waters.

Blackfin Tuna: Small but mighty, Blackfins are like the energizer bunnies of the tuna world. They're fast, hard-fighting, and often travel in schools. When you find them, the action can be non-stop. These guys are prized for sushi and sashimi, so if you're into that, you're in for a treat. Peak season is typically spring through fall.

King Mackerel: Also known as Kingfish, these sleek predators are built for speed. They'll smoke a reel faster than you can say "fish on!" Kings are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They've got a face full of razor-sharp teeth, so careful handling is a must. Look for them year-round, with peak action in spring and fall.

Mahi Mahi: Also called Dorado or Dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), Mahi are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their vibrant colors and distinctive forehead, they're a sight to behold. They're also delicious and put up a great fight on light tackle. These warm-water lovers are most common in the summer months.

Great Barracuda: With a mouthful of sharp teeth and a bad attitude, 'Cudas are the gangsters of the reef. They're known for their explosive strikes and will often sky out of the water when hooked. While not typically kept for eating, they're a blast to catch and release. You can find them year-round, but they're most active in warmer water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about offshore fishing, this trip is calling your name. It's a full day of hard-core angling in some of the most productive waters the Gulf has to offer. You'll be targeting fish that many anglers only dream about, guided by a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand.

Remember, we're limited to just two guests per trip, so spots fill up fast. Don't let this chance slip away - grab your fishing buddy and lock in your date now. Who knows? This could be the day you land that fish of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and make some memories!

Learn more about the species

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin Tuna are fast, powerful fish we target 30-40 miles out. They average 15-20 pounds but can reach up to 40. Look for them near weedlines, floating debris, or busting bait on the surface. Fall through spring is prime time, with cooler water bringing them closer to shore. Anglers love Blackfin for their acrobatic fights and high-quality meat. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. A good tip: chum heavily to bring them to the boat, then cast live bait or small jigs into the frenzy. Keep your gear light - 20-30 pound test is plenty. These fish are built for speed, so be ready for screaming runs and spectacular jumps once you hook up.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are one of our popular offshore targets, usually hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs 40-150 feet deep. These fish can get big - up to 50 pounds or more. They're ambush predators, so we often find them near structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between deep and shallow waters. Anglers love Gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and substantial live bait like pinfish or grunts. A local trick: when you feel the bite, reel fast and pull up hard to get them away from the bottom before they can dive back into their hole. Just be ready for a battle - these fish don't give up easily.

Great Barracuda

Great Barracuda are fierce predators we encounter both inshore and offshore. They can reach 5-6 feet long, though 2-4 feet is more common. These toothy fish hang around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges year-round. They're ambush hunters, so look for them lurking near structure or bait schools. Barracuda are known for explosive strikes and wild, jumpy fights. While not prized for eating, they're a blast to catch on light tackle. To target them, try fast-retrieving a silver spoon or topwater plug. Local trick: if you see one following your bait, speed up your retrieve - the faster you go, the more likely they are to strike. Just watch those teeth when you're landing them!

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are prized gamefish we often find 20-40 miles out. They're sleek, toothy predators that can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 is more common. Kings prefer warm water, so spring through fall is prime time. Look for them near reefs, wrecks, or bait schools in 30-150 feet of water. Anglers love Kings for their blistering runs - they can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They're also excellent eating when prepared right. To target big ones, slow-troll live blue runners or goggle-eyes on a stinger rig. Pro tip: use wire leader and keep your bait near the surface. Kings often strike from below, so watch for their signature "skyrocket" as they attack.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi, also called Dolphinfish, are one of our most exciting offshore targets. These colorful speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. We find them 20-40 miles out near weedlines, floating debris, or current edges. Spring through fall is prime time as water warms up. Mahi are known for their acrobatic fights and striking colors - they literally glow electric blue and green when excited. They're also fantastic eating. To find them, look for frigate birds working an area. Once you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others - they often travel in schools. Quick tip: have a pitch bait ready, as other Mahi will often follow a hooked fish right to the boat.

About the Dorado

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Get ready for an action-packed day on the water as we head 20 to 40 miles offshore from St. Petersburg, FL. This full-day fishing adventure takes you into deep, open waters where the big game fish roam. Depending on the season, we'll be targeting impressive catches like tuna, mahi-mahi, kingfish, barracuda, snapper, and grouper. This trip is ideal for seasoned anglers who are up for spending long hours at sea in pursuit of quality catches. We've got all the fishing gear and licenses covered, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. With a maximum of two guests, you'll have plenty of space and personalized attention as you battle with some of Florida's most sought-after offshore species. Get ready for an intense day of fishing action in the Gulf of Mexico!

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