Get ready to push your limits on this epic 14-hour offshore fishing trip out of Fort Morgan, Alabama. We're talking serious deep-water action, premium bottom fish, and the chance to load up your cooler with some of the Gulf's finest eating fish. If you've been dreaming of battling big grouper or filling the freezer with tasty snappers, this is the trip for you. Strap in for a long day on the water that'll test your stamina and reward you with memories (and fillets) to last a lifetime.
We'll be running 40 to 60 miles offshore, so come prepared for a full day at sea. Once we hit our spots, we'll be dropping lines anywhere from 400 to 1,200 feet deep. Don't worry about wearing yourself out - we use electric reels to make the deep-drop game accessible to everyone. We'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, giving you the best shot at a variety of prized bottom-dwellers. The action can be fast and furious when you find a hot spot, so stay on your toes! This isn't a trip for the faint of heart, but if you're after quality over quantity and don't mind putting in the time, you're in for a treat.
Deep dropping is a whole different ballgame from your typical inshore fishing. We use specialized electric reels loaded with braided line to get your bait down where the big boys live. Multiple-hook rigs are the name of the game, often baited with squid or cut fish. The key is getting your offering to the bottom quickly and keeping it in the strike zone. We'll teach you how to work the electric reels and detect those subtle deep-water bites. It's a team effort out here - while one angler's battling a fish, others might be re-baiting or prepping for the next drop. Be ready to pitch in and help your fellow anglers land the big ones!
The deep waters off Fort Morgan are home to some real heavy-hitters. Snowy Grouper are a prized catch, with their flaky white meat and mild flavor. These deep-water specialists can grow to impressive sizes, so be ready for a workout. Longtail Seabass, also known as Tilefish, are another deepwater delicacy - their firm, sweet flesh is a favorite among seafood lovers. Bigeye Snapper might not be as well-known as their Red cousins, but they're equally delicious and put up a great fight. Of course, we'll also be targeting the ever-popular Red Snapper when they're in season. These beautiful crimson fish are a Gulf staple for good reason - they're as fun to catch as they are to eat.
This trip is a favorite among serious anglers who want to push their limits and bring home some serious table fare. The long run gives you a chance to really get away from it all and experience the vastness of the Gulf. There's something special about being that far offshore, surrounded by nothing but blue water and good company. The variety of species you can encounter keeps things exciting - you never know what might grab your bait next. Plus, the quality of the fish out here is second to none. These deep-water dwellers are known for their excellent flavor, making all that time and effort well worth it when you're enjoying fresh fish tacos back at home.
Snowy Grouper: These deep-water bruisers are a true prize catch. They live in waters from 500 to over 1,000 feet deep, which is why that long run offshore is so important. Snowies can grow up to 50 pounds or more, so be ready for a battle when you hook into one. They tend to hang around rocky bottoms and ledges, using their large mouths to ambush prey. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for a variety of recipes.
Red Snapper: The poster child of Gulf fishing, Red Snapper are as beautiful as they are delicious. These fish are most active during the warmer months, with peak season typically running from June through August. They prefer structure like reefs and wrecks, often suspended in the water column. A 10-15 pounder is a great catch, but they can grow much larger. Their firm, white flesh is sweet and versatile in the kitchen.
Gag Grouper: Another hard-fighting bottom dweller, Gag Grouper are known for their strength and tenacity. They love to hole up in rocky areas and reefs, often in waters from 60 to 250 feet deep. Fall is prime time for Gags, as they move into shallower waters to spawn. These fish can reach sizes of 50 pounds or more, so hang on tight when you hook one! The meat is firm and mild, excellent for grilling or frying.
Mahi Mahi: While we're primarily focused on bottom fishing, don't be surprised if we run into some Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) along the way. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Look for them near floating debris or weedlines, especially in the warmer months. Mahi are fast growers and can reach 30 pounds or more. Their meat is firm and sweet, making them a favorite for both sport and table.
Wahoo: Another potential bonus catch, Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the sea. They're typically found in deeper, offshore waters and are known for their blistering runs when hooked. Spring and fall are prime Wahoo seasons in the Gulf. While they average 20-40 pounds, trophy-sized fish can exceed 100 pounds. Wahoo meat is firm and mild, excellent for grilling or searing.
If you're ready for a serious offshore adventure that'll test your skills and fill your freezer, this 14-hour trip is calling your name. Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers max, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Don't forget to bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection for the long day ahead. A valid Alabama fishing license is required, and we'll take care of all the necessary gear. This trip isn't for everyone, but for those who love the challenge of deep-water fishing and the reward of premium table fare, it's hard to beat. Give us a call to check availability and get ready for an epic day on the Gulf!
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers, typically in the 10-30 pound range. We find them near rocky ledges and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they move closer to shore. Gags are known for their powerful first run, trying to break you off in the rocks. It's a true tug-of-war getting them up. The meat is firm and sweet, great for sandwiches. Anglers enjoy the challenge and tasty rewards. Live bait like pinfish or squirrelfish is hard to beat. My go-to rig is a fish-finder setup with a circle hook. When you feel the bite, resist the urge to set the hook. Instead, slowly reel and let the circle hook do its job.
Mahi Mahi are a favorite target on our trips, known for their acrobatic fights and striking colors. Typically 3-4 feet long and 15-30 pounds, these speedsters can hit 60 mph when chasing bait. We find them around floating debris and weed lines, usually 5-30 miles offshore. Spring through fall is prime time, with action peaking in summer. Mahi are a blast to catch - they'll jump, run, and put on an aerial show. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor perfect for grilling. To up your odds, keep an eye out for frigatebirds. Those birds often lead us right to the fish. When we spot a school, we'll throw out some live bait to keep them interested. Mahi can be leader-shy, so I like using a long, light fluorocarbon leader to get more bites.
Red Snapper are the stars of the Gulf, with their vibrant color and excellent table fare. Most run 5-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't rare. We find them around reefs and wrecks, usually in 60-200 foot depths. June and July are peak season when they're spawning. Snappers put up a good scrap, often making several runs for the bottom. Anglers love their aggressive bite and the delicious, flaky white meat. To land big ones, we use heavy tackle and stout leaders. Fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid works well. Here's a local trick: when you feel the bite, reel down quickly and lift the rod tip sharply. This helps set the hook before they can dive back into the structure.
Snowy Grouper are a deep-water prize, typically hanging out 600-800 feet down on rocky bottoms. These bruisers can reach 70 pounds, but 20-30 pounders are more common. We use heavy electric reels to get baits down deep. Late spring through summer is the best time to target them. Snowies put up a stubborn fight, using their bulk to dig into the bottom. The meat is excellent - sweet and flaky. Anglers love the challenge of wrestling these deep dwellers up from the abyss. My tip: use large, whole squid or cut bonito as bait. Snowies have big mouths and aren't shy about taking a hefty offering. Be patient on the hook-set, giving them time to fully take the bait before cranking up.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, clocking in at over 60 mph. These sleek, striped torpedoes average 4-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, but monsters over 100 pounds aren't unheard of. We target them 20-40 miles out, often near dropoffs or oil rigs. Fall and winter are prime seasons when the water cools. Wahoo hit like a freight train and make blistering runs - hang on tight! Their firm, white meat is prized for its mild flavor. To catch these speedsters, we troll at a quick clip, usually 12-15 knots. I like to use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Rigging a dark-colored skirt in front of a ballyhoo is my go-to setup. The key is covering lots of water until we find the fish.
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