World-Class Full Day Offshore Fishing | SWF Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Carolina Beach, NC, USA
$325 - $1,500 price range

Summary

Head out for a full day of offshore fishing in Southwest Florida with SWF Charters. You'll spend hours on the water trying different techniques like trolling and bottom fishing as you search for big game fish. The crew knows these waters well and can adapt the trip to match what you're after, whether it's landing a trophy catch or just enjoying steady action with a variety of species. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great way to experience deep sea fishing with friends or family. The further offshore you go, the better your chances of hooking into something impressive. Be ready for an active day of reeling, with the crew there to offer tips and help you make the most of every bite.

World-Class Full Day Offshore Fishing | SWF Charters

Reels Screaming Offshore

null

A white grunt fish caught while fishing in Leland

4 bluefish and spanish mackerel caught by 2 people in Leland

Full Day Offshore: Big Game Fishing in SW Florida

Ready to get your hands on some serious Southwest Florida action? Our full day offshore trip is where it's at. We're talking about heading out into the big blue, where the real monsters lurk. This ain't your granddad's pier fishing - we're going after the heavy hitters that'll make your arms ache and your fishing stories legendary. Grab your sunscreen and let's hit the Gulf!

What's the Deal?

Alright, here's the lowdown: We're gonna load up the boat and cruise out past the nearshore reefs into proper offshore territory. We're talking 20-30 miles out, maybe even further if the bite's hot. The day kicks off early - we like to beat the sun to maximize our time on the water. You'll be jigging, trolling, and bottom fishing your way through some of the most productive waters in the Gulf. And let me tell you, when a 40-pound amberjack decides it's go-time, you'll be glad you had your Wheaties this morning.

Fishing Arsenal

We don't mess around when it comes to gear. We're packing heavy-duty rods and reels that can handle anything from a scrappy mackerel to a bulldozing grouper. For trolling, we'll be dragging a spread of lures and baits that mimic the local baitfish. When we're bottom fishing, we'll drop down some serious chunk bait or live pinfish to tempt those big grouper. And if the mahi are running? Get ready for some fast-paced casting with light tackle. It's all about matching our approach to what's biting, and trust me, we know how to read these waters like a book.

Straight from the Anglers

"Overall, I enjoyed the trip. The fishing started and ended pretty good, but the majority of the day was super slow. No fault of Nick. He worked hard to get us on fish, just a bad day for catching. The info about the trip I received through Fish Booker did not match what we got (did not specifically target Mahi or Kings), so I learned a lesson to go straight to the source when booking a charter. Still an enjoyable day on the water, good price point, and Nick will work hard to provide you with a good experience." - Loren

Fish on the Menu

Let's talk targets. Gag grouper are like the bouncers of the reef - big, mean, and they don't go down without a fight. These bruisers can top 50 pounds and they love to hole up in structure, so when you hook one, it's a tug-of-war to keep 'em out of their hidey-holes. Best time to nail these guys is fall through winter when they're more active in shallower waters.

King mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the Gulf. These toothy missiles can burn some serious drag when they decide to run. We typically catch 'em trolling, and spring through fall is prime time. Nothing beats the sight of a king skyrocketing on a bait at the surface.

Mahi mahi, also known as dorado or dolphinfish (not to be confused with Flipper), are the acrobats of the offshore world. These neon-colored beauties put on a show when hooked, leaping and thrashing at the surface. They're a summertime favorite, often found near floating debris or weedlines. And bonus - they're delicious on the grill.

Greater amberjack, or "reef donkeys" as we like to call 'em, are the powerhouses of the Gulf. These bruisers will test your stamina and make you question your life choices. They love hanging around deep-water wrecks and reefs. Peak season is late spring through summer, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look.

Last but not least, we've got cobia. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving you a chance for some sight-casting action. They're strong fighters with a tendency to make blistering runs. Spring is the best time to target them as they migrate along the coast, but you can find resident fish throughout the year.

Ready to Rock the Boat?

Look, I could talk fish all day, but nothing beats actually getting out there and feeling that first big hit on your line. Our full day trip gives you the best shot at tangling with some real Gulf of Mexico heavyweights. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time offshore, we've got you covered. The boat's prepped, the crew's ready, and the fish are waiting. All we need now is you. So what do you say? Ready to make some waves and create some fish stories of your own? Give us a shout and let's get you on the books. The big ones won't catch themselves!

Customer Review

Mixed Catch Day

Overall, I enjoyed the trip. The fishing started and ended pretty good, but the majority of the day was super slow. No fault of Nick. He worked hard to get us on fish, just a bad day for catching. The info about the trip I received through Fish Booker did not match what we got (did not specifically target Mahi or Kings), so I learned a lesson to go straight to the source when booking a charter. Still an enjoyable day on the water, good price point, and Nick will work hard to provide you with a good experience.

Loren Woodin

September 12, 2024

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are like the strange cousins of the fish world - often mistaken for sharks with their long, sleek bodies. These oddball fighters average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and even swimming with rays and sharks. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are known for their curiosity - they'll often follow your boat! Anglers love 'em for the sight-fishing opportunity and their excellent table fare. To catch one, have a rod ready with a bucktail jig or live eel. When you see a cobia, cast well ahead of it and retrieve slowly. Local secret: chumming around structures can bring them in close for easy casting. Landing one of these weird, wonderful fish is always a highlight.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are tough fighters that'll test your skills. These big boys can reach 50 pounds, with an average catch around 20-30 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks from 60 to 250 feet deep. They're most active in cooler months, October through April. Gags put up a stubborn fight, using their strength to dive for cover. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and their tasty white meat. To land one, use heavy tackle and strong line - these fish will try to break you off in the rocks. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great. Pro tip: when you feel that first bite, reel fast and pull hard to get 'em away from structure before they can hunker down. It's a real rush when you bring one of these bruisers to the boat.

Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjack are bruisers of the deep, known as "reef donkeys" for good reason. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons. AJs are famous for their sheer strength - be ready for an arm-wrenching battle! Anglers love the hard-fighting challenge. They're decent eating too, though not as prized as some other species. To catch 'em, drop large live baits or heavy jigs near structure. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, get it moving up fast or it'll dive straight back to the wreck and break you off. It's a true test of angler versus fish when you tangle with these brawlers.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speed demons of the Gulf. These silver torpedoes can hit 60 mph and grow up to 5 feet long, averaging 15-30 pounds. Look for them in open water from 20-200 feet deep, often near bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Kings are famous for their blistering runs - hang on tight when one hits! Anglers love the thrill of the chase and the fight. They're also good eating, with firm white meat. To catch 'em, troll with live bait like blue runners or slow-troll with big spoons. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, there's a good chance kings are pushing bait to the surface. Get ready for some fast action!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi, also called Dorado, are one of the prettiest fish in the sea. These acrobatic fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in open Gulf waters from 120 feet and deeper, often near floating weed lines or debris. Spring through fall is prime time. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked - it's a real show! Anglers love 'em for the fight and their sweet, mild meat. To catch 'em, troll with ballyhoo or pitch live bait to fish you spot. Keep an eye out for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the Mahi. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others. These curious fish often travel in schools, so you might land several from one stop.

Sitemap