Ready to swap the beach for some serious offshore action? This 6-hour private charter out of St. Petersburg, Florida is your ticket to landing some real monsters. We're talking potential 8-foot sharks, goliath grouper that'll make your arms ache, and the chance to fill your cooler with tasty macks and bonita. Capt. Adam knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to get the family hooked on fishing or gunning for that trophy catch, this trip's got you covered.
We'll push off from the docks and cruise out past the breakers, where the real action happens. This ain't no nearshore kiddie pool – we're heading to the zones where the big boys play. You'll have a full 6 hours to work different spots, giving us plenty of time to find the bite. The beauty of going private is we can switch it up on the fly. If the grouper aren't home, we'll run and gun for some pelagics. And don't worry about gear – we've got you kitted out with everything you need to wrestle with whatever decides to eat your bait.
Offshore fishing's a whole different ballgame from tossing a line off the pier. We'll likely mix it up between bottom fishing and trolling, depending on what's hot. For the grouper and other bottom-dwellers, we'll drop some hefty live baits or jigs and hold on tight. When we're after the fast movers like kings and bonita, we'll troll with ballyhoo or spoons. And if you're itching for a real adrenaline rush, we might float out some shark baits and see what toothy critters come to play. The name of the game out here is versatility – you never know what might show up, so we stay ready for anything.
"Had a great experience with capt adam. Even on the off season he got us on fish.... Definitely will be calling him every time I am down in st Pete!!" - Bobby
Goliath Grouper: These bruisers are the tanks of the reef. We're talking fish that can top 800 pounds – yeah, you read that right. They love structure and will test every ounce of your strength when you hook up. Best part? The fight's usually short but sweet, as we practice catch and release to keep these giants around for future anglers.
King Mackerel: Smoker kings are the speedsters of the Gulf. These toothy missiles can rip line off your reel at a blistering pace. We typically target them by slow-trolling live baits or dragging spoons. Fall's prime time for kings, but we can find them year-round if you know where to look. And let me tell you, there's nothing like seeing a king skyrocket on a bait – it's pure fishing magic.
Atlantic Bonito: Don't let their size fool you – bonito punch way above their weight class. These little tuna cousins school up and can create absolute chaos when they get in a feeding frenzy. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some mean fish dip if you're into that. We tend to find them busting bait on the surface, so keep your eyes peeled for birds diving.
Blacktip Shark: If you're after a real heart-pumper, blacktips are your ticket. These acrobatic sharks are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. They typically range from 4-6 feet, but we occasionally tangle with some real monsters. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we can find them year-round in our warm Gulf waters.
Great Barracuda: With a face only a mother could love, 'cudas are the gangsters of the reef. They're ambush predators with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, and they're not afraid to use 'em. We often spot them hanging around structure, ready to pounce on any unsuspecting baitfish. Hooking one on topwater is a visual treat – they'll absolutely destroy a lure on the surface.
Let's be real – there's something special about pushing off into the big blue. It's not just about the fish (though that's a big part of it). It's about disconnecting from the daily grind and reconnecting with what matters. Out here, your biggest worry is whether to reel or let it run. And when you're battling a fish that outweighs you, trust me, nothing else matters. Plus, with Capt. Adam at the helm, you're in for some laughs and local knowledge that Google can't give you. He's been running these waters for years and knows all the honey holes and local legends.
Look, I could go on all day about the merits of getting offshore, but at some point, you've just gotta do it. This 6-hour trip with Playin' Hooky Charters is the perfect intro to Gulf fishing or a solid day out for seasoned anglers. With room for 4, it's ideal for a family adventure or a day out with your fishing buddies. Remember, the big ones are called 'the ones that got away' for a reason – they're not waiting around. So don't let this chance slip through your fingers like a greased grouper. Get in touch, lock in your date, and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about long after the sunburn fades. The Gulf's calling – time to answer!
September 1, 2024
Atlantic Bonito might not be the biggest fish out there, but they make up for it with pure speed and aggression. These torpedo-shaped cousins of tuna typically run 5-12 pounds and school up in big numbers. Look for them chasing bait on the surface, often with birds working overhead. They prefer cooler water, so spring and fall are best. Bonito hit lures and flies with reckless abandon - small silver spoons or white jigs work great. When you hook one, hang on for some screaming runs. They're not considered great table fare, but they make excellent bait for bigger game. Pro tip: when you see them busting bait, cast beyond the school and retrieve through it for best results. It's fast-paced fishing that'll keep you on your toes.
Blacktip Sharks are one of the more common sharks we encounter, usually in the 4-6 foot range. You'll find them cruising the shallows and sandbars, especially in summer. These sharks are known for their acrobatic leaps when chasing bait fish. They put up a great fight on medium tackle, with long runs and jumps. We typically chum them up and use fresh cut bait like mackerel or mullet. Circle hooks are a must for easy release. Blacktips are actually good eating if prepared right, but most folks prefer catch and release. Watch your fingers when unhooking - those teeth are razor sharp. My best tip: if you see them rolling on the surface, cast a live bait right into the frenzy for an instant hookup.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of the reef. These massive fish can reach 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. You'll find them lurking around shipwrecks, reefs, and artificial structures in shallow coastal waters. They're ambush predators, gulping down whole fish and even small sharks in one bite. Goliaths are catch-and-release only - they're protected due to overfishing. But man, hooking into one of these beasts is an experience you won't forget. It's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. Use heavy tackle - at least 80-pound test line and a 20/0 circle hook. Anchor up near structure and use big live baits like blue runners or ladyfish. When you feel that massive thump, hold on tight and get ready for the fight of your life. Just remember to keep 'em in the water for a quick release.
Great Barracuda are the toothy terrors of the flats and reefs. These long, silver missiles can reach 5-6 feet and pack a serious bite. You'll spot them hanging motionless near structure, ready to ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes. Cudas are curious and will often follow boats or divers. They're most active in warmer months. Trolling with tube lures or casting topwater plugs can trigger explosive strikes. Use wire leaders - those teeth will slice through mono like butter. When you hook one, be ready for some serious aerial acrobatics. The bigger ones can even be dangerous in the boat, so use caution. Barracuda aren't known for great eating, but they're a blast to catch. Pro tip: bright, flashy lures that mimic injured baitfish are cuda candy.
King Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in these waters, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. We usually find them in 30-150 feet of water, often near reefs or wrecks. Kings average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. These fish are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or slow-trolling with spoons works well. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so use wire leaders. When you get a hit, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. The meat is good eating if bled and iced quickly. Watching a king skyrocket on your bait is a sight you won't soon forget.
Had a great experience with capt adam. Even on the off season he got us on fish.... Definitely will be calling him every time I am down in st Pete!!