Ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf's hardest-fighting fish? Our 12-hour offshore charter from Ocean Springs, MS takes you straight to where the big boys play. We're talking federal waters, folks – that's where the real action happens. Whether you're after the brute strength of an amberjack or the lightning-fast runs of a wahoo, this trip's got it all. Bring your A-game and let's make some fishing memories!
We'll be pushing off early, so grab your coffee and meet us at the dock before sunrise. Once we clear the pass, it's full throttle to our offshore honey holes. The Gulf can get sporty out there, so sea legs are a must. We've got all the heavy-duty tackle you need to wrestle with these offshore bruisers. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so get ready for non-stop action. We'll be dropping baits, jigging, and trolling – whatever it takes to put you on the fish. Just remember, in federal waters, regulations can change faster than the weather, so we'll make sure you're up to speed on what we can keep and what goes back.
Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from inshore, and we've got the gear to match. We're talking 30 to 80-pound class rods, paired with two-speed reels that can handle anything from a frisky king mackerel to a stubborn grouper. For bottom fishing, we'll be using heavy jigs and live bait on circle hooks – it's all about getting down deep where the big boys live. When we're trolling for pelagics, we break out the spread: ballyhoo, skirted lures, and maybe even a few deep divers. The key out here is versatility. One minute you might be dropping a live bait for amberjack, the next you could be sight-casting to a cobia. Stay on your toes, because out here, anything can happen!
Our anglers have been crushing it lately! Here's what they're saying:
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the heavyweights of the reef. Known as "reef donkeys" for good reason, amberjack will test your stamina like no other. They typically hang around wrecks and deep-water structures, ready to pounce on jigs or live bait. The fight? It's like trying to stop a freight train. Best time to target them is late spring through fall, but watch out for seasonal closures. When you hook one, get ready for burning arms and a serious workout!
Cobia: These curious "brown bombers" are a sight-fisher's dream. They love to cruise near the surface, often following large rays or sharks. Cobia are opportunistic feeders, so a well-placed jig or live eel can trigger an explosive strike. They're known for their long, powerful runs and their tendency to circle the boat, giving you multiple shots at landing them. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia, and they're as good on the plate as they are on the line.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, red snapper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These ruby-red beauties hang around reefs and wrecks, often in large schools. We typically target them with heavy bottom rigs and live bait, but they'll also hit jigs and cut bait. The season is tightly regulated, so when it's open, we make the most of it. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing that flash of red coming up from the depths!
Gag Grouper: These ambush predators are the bulldogs of the bottom. Gags love to hole up in rocky ledges and reefs, darting out to grab passing baitfish. We usually drop large live baits or hefty jigs to tempt them out. Once hooked, it's a battle of wills – these guys will do their best to wrap you around the nearest structure. Fall and winter are typically the best times to target gags, and trust me, your arms will know you've been in a fight!
Scamp Grouper: Don't let their smaller size fool you – scamp are pound-for-pound one of the toughest fighters out there. These tasty groupers prefer deeper waters and rocky bottoms. We often catch them while targeting other species, which is always a welcome surprise. They'll hit live bait, cut bait, or jigs, and they put up a scrappy fight all the way to the surface. Scamp are available year-round, but we tend to see more of them in the cooler months.
Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these Gulf waters. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the horizon as we're heading out, painting the sky in colors you've got to see to believe. Or maybe it's that heart-stopping moment when a big fish slams your bait and the reel starts screaming. Could be the camaraderie that builds over a long day on the water, sharing stories and laughs between bites. Whatever it is, I've seen plenty of first-timers turn into regulars after just one trip. The variety of species out here means every trip is different – you never know what you might hook into next. And let's not forget the eating – there's nothing like fresh-caught Gulf seafood for dinner. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, these waters have a way of calling you back.
Alright, folks, here's the bottom line: if you're looking for a fishing trip that'll give you stories for years to come, this is it. We're talking about 12 full hours of offshore action, targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. From the bruising fights of amberjack to the tasty fillets of red snapper, this trip's got it all. Our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. But here's the thing – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to experience the best offshore fishing Ocean Springs has to offer, don't wait. Grab your fishing buddies, give us a call, and let's get you on the books. The big ones are out there waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this. Book now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget!
Cobia are one of our most exciting catches - they're fast, powerful, and put on a great show. These streamlined fish average 30-50 pounds but can reach over 100. Look for them near buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-300 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime as cobia migrate along the coast. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat. Cobia give you an incredible fight with long runs and acrobatic leaps. Their firm white meat is top-notch eating too. To catch one, sight-fish with live eels or large jigs. A local tip: when you spot a cobia, cast well past it and work your bait across its path. These fish can't resist chasing down fleeing prey. Be ready for an explosive strike and hang on tight!
Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your arms and your gear. These beefy fish average 10-30 pounds but can top 70. Look for them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime as they move to shallower spawning grounds. Gags are ambush predators, so they hit hard and immediately try to dive back to their hole. The fight is intense, and their firm white meat is some of the best eating around. To land a big one, use stout tackle and drop large live baits like pinfish or squirrelfish near structure. A local tip: when you feel the thump, reel like crazy and pull the fish away from the bottom. If they get back to their hole, you're probably losing that battle.
Greater Amberjacks are hard-fighting bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. These powerful fish average around 40 pounds but can top 100. Look for them near reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 60-240 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall as water temps change. Amberjacks put up an impressive battle, making long, strong runs. Their firm white meat is excellent eating too. To land one, use heavy tackle with 50+ pound line. Drop large live baits like blue runners or hardtails near structure. When you feel the thump, reel fast and hang on tight - these fish dive for cover quick. A local trick is to use a butterfly jig and work it erratically through the water column. The flash and action can trigger explosive strikes from big AJs.
Red snapper are a Gulf staple - beautiful fish that are a blast to catch and amazing to eat. They average 5-10 pounds but can top 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet. Late spring through fall is prime time as waters warm up. Snapper fishing is all about finesse and outsmarting these wary fish. They put up a great fight, especially on lighter tackle. The bright red color and sweet, flaky meat make them a favorite for photos and the dinner table. To land a big one, use fresh cut bait or live pinfish on a double-hook rig. Here's a local trick: when you feel the bite, don't set the hook right away. Let the snapper run with it for a few seconds, then reel down and lift. You'll hook way more fish that way.
Scamp grouper are prized catches - they're elusive, hard-fighting, and considered the best-tasting grouper by many. These sleek fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach 30. Look for them around deep reefs and rocky bottoms in 150-300 feet. Spring and fall are prime as water temps change. Scamp are wary and quick to retreat, so finesse is key. They put up a determined fight, using their strength to dive for cover. Their sweet, firm meat is a real delicacy. To catch one, use light tackle with live bait or butterfly jigs. A local trick: when you're on a good spot, send down a live bait but don't move it. Let it sit perfectly still. Scamp often can't resist an easy meal, even if they're suspicious. Be ready for a subtle bite, then hang on!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 47
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300