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Gulf Coast AM Offshore Fishing | Just Add Water
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Destin
- $320 - $960 price range
Summary
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Gulf Coast Catches
Colorful combo haul!
Solid snapper action!
Powerful grouper bite!
Loaded and smiling!
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Vibrant mahi catch offshore!
Massive jack landed!
Colorful combo haul!
Solid snapper action!
Powerful grouper bite!
Loaded and smiling!
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Vibrant mahi catch offshore!
Massive jack landed!
Colorful combo haul!
Solid snapper action!
Powerful grouper bite!
Loaded and smiling!
Gulf Coast Offshore Adventure: 4-Hour AM Trip
Ready to kick off your day with some serious rod-bending action? Our 4-hour morning offshore charter is the perfect way to start your Gulf Coast adventure. We'll hit the water at first light when the bite is hot and the coolers are ready to be filled. Whether you're after hard-pulling reef fish or want to tangle with some pelagics, Captain Wayne knows exactly where to put you on the fish. Bring your A-game and get ready for some world-class angling just minutes from the dock.
What's Biting Out There
The Gulf is teeming with prized gamefish, and we target the cream of the crop. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be dropping baits for tasty red snapper and grouper, or trolling for high-flying mahi-mahi and smoker kings. The beauty of the Gulf is you never know what might show up - one minute you're reeling in triggerfish, the next you're hooked into a bruiser amberjack that's trying to take you to Cuba. We've got all the gear and knowhow to put you on fish, whether that means working structure 20 miles out or finding the bait balls closer to shore.
Tactics for Taming Gulf Giants
We use a mix of live bait fishing, jigging, and trolling to maximize our chances of success. For bottom fishing, we'll often use heavy conventional tackle with circle hooks to target snapper, grouper, and AJs. When conditions are right, light tackle jigging can be deadly effective on a range of species. If pelagics are around, we'll break out the trolling spread with a mix of lures and rigged ballyhoo. Captain Wayne's years on these waters mean he knows exactly what presentation will get the fish fired up on any given day. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - he'll walk you through everything you need to know to start hauling in the big ones.
Reel Tales from Happy Anglers
"Captain Wayne created an amazing experience for our family. We wanted to take our granddaughters out for their first fishing charter. He was unbelievably flexible with weather delays trying to make sure we could get out. Captain Wayne was kind, patient, and got us on the fish on a day that should have been blown out due to all the rain. Highly recommended!" - Amy
"Captain Wayne was great. We went out in the middle of the day late in the summer when it was quite hot. He was still able to put us on lots fish. Probably caught 30 fish and went home with a dozen to take around to restaurant for dinner the rest of are trip. Would highly recommend the captain." - Jeff
Gulf Coast All-Stars
Red Snapper: The poster child of Gulf fishing, these crimson beauties are known for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious white meat. They typically hang around reefs and wrecks, and can grow upwards of 20 pounds. The short federal season makes targeting these fish extra special, but we know how to put you on them year-round in state waters.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers will test your arms and your gear. Gags love to hole up in rocky bottom areas and wrecks, often in water 60-250 feet deep. They'll try to break you off in the structure, so you'll need to muscle them up quick. The fight is worth it though - grouper make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these sleek predators are built for speed. We often target them by slow-trolling live baits or dragging spoons and plugs. Kings can top 50 pounds and when they hit, hold on tight - their blistering runs will have your reel singing. Peak season is typically April through October.
Mahi Mahi: Few fish are as beautiful or acrobatic as mahi (also called dorado or dolphinfish). We find them around floating debris and weedlines, often in water 120 feet or deeper. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, and their meat is prized for its mild, sweet flavor. Mahi fishing heats up in late spring and summer.
Greater Amberjack: If you want a true test of strength, look no further than the mighty AJ. These bruisers inhabit offshore reefs and oil rigs, often in water 60-240 feet deep. They fight dirty, immediately trying to dive back to their structure when hooked. Landing a big amberjack is a badge of honor for any offshore angler. The season is typically August-October, but we can target them year-round for catch and release.
Time to Wet a Line
Our 4-hour morning trip is perfect for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without spending all day at sea. We'll have you back to the dock in time for lunch, with plenty of fish stories (and hopefully some fresh fillets) to show for it. Whether you're a seasoned salt or it's your first time offshore, Captain Wayne will tailor the trip to your experience level and target species preferences. Don't miss out on some of the best fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer - book your spot now and get ready for an epic morning on the water!
Customer Reviews
Rainy Day Fish Pro
Amy Smith
April 24, 2025
Hot Day Fish Bonanza
Captain Wayne was great. We went out in the middle of the day late in the summer when it was quite hot. He was still able to put us on lots fish. Probably caught 30 fish and went home with a dozen to take around to restaurant for dinner the rest of are trip. Would highly recommend the captain.
Jeff C
August 30, 2024
Learn more about the species
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are stubborn fighters that lurk around rocky bottoms and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. They average 10-30 pounds but can reach over 80. Prime season is fall through spring when water temps cool. Anglers target them for their tasty white meat and the thrill of the fight. These ambush predators will try to break you off in the rocks, so use stout gear. Live bait like pinfish works great, or try slow-jigging with heavy metal jigs. My go-to trick is dropping a live bait right into a likely hole or ledge - you'll often get slammed immediately. Be ready to put your back into it and turn their head before they reach cover.
Greater Amberjack
Greater amberjack, or "AJs," are bruisers that hang around deep wrecks and reefs in 100-400 feet of water. They average 20-50 pounds but can top 100. Spring and fall offer the best action as they move shallower. Anglers target AJs for their brutal strength - these fish will test your gear and stamina. To catch one, drop live baits or heavy jigs to the bottom near structure. Be ready for a freight train when they hit. Use your heaviest gear and get them away from the wreck fast. My local tip: when you mark fish but they won't bite, try a butterfly jig. The erratic action often triggers strikes from finicky AJs.
King Mackerel
King mackerel are speed demons of the Gulf, often cruising in 30-150 foot depths near reefs and wrecks. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Spring and fall migrations offer prime action. Anglers love "kings" for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. To catch one, try slow-trolling live baits like blue runners or menhaden. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools - that's often where the kings are feeding. Wire leaders are a must to prevent bite-offs. My local tip: when you see one skyrocket on bait, cast a surface plug like a Rapala Skitter Walk into the commotion. The aggressive kings will often crush it on the surface.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi-mahi, or dorado, are some of the most beautiful and acrobatic fish in the Gulf. You'll find them around floating weeds and debris in 100-400 feet of water, often in spring and summer. They grow fast but rarely top 30 pounds here. Anglers love mahi for their insane coloration, aerial displays, and excellent eating. To catch them, troll rigged ballyhoo or artificial lures near weedlines and floating debris. Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the fish. My local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water. The whole school will often follow it to the boat, letting you catch several more on light tackle or even fly rods.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are prized catches in the Gulf, typically weighing 5-10 pounds but sometimes topping 30. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks and other structure in 30-600 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move to shallower waters. Anglers love red snapper for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To land one, drop your bait to the bottom using heavy tackle and circle hooks. Live bait like cigar minnows works great, but cut bait and squid can also do the trick. When you feel that telltale thump, get ready for a battle - these fish will try to dive back to their rocky homes. A local tip: chum the water to get them fired up and feeding before you drop your line.
About the Just Add Water
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Captain Wayne created an amazing experience for our family. We wanted to take our granddaughters out for their first fishing charter. He was unbelievably flexible with weather delays trying to make sure we could get out. Captain Wayne was kind, patient, and got us on the fish on a day that should have been blown out due to all the rain. Highly recommended!