What fish can I catch on a deep sea charter in the Gulf of Mexico?

Deep sea charters from St. Petersburg target blackfin tuna, mahi mahi (dolphin fish), barracuda, blacktip and bull sharks, cobia, wahoo, and trophy grouper in open Gulf waters 30–60 miles offshore.

How long is a deep sea fishing charter?

Deep sea charters are available as 3/4 day (8 hours) or full day (10–12 hours) trips. The longer trips venture 30–60 miles into the Gulf of Mexico for the best bluewater fishing.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear for a deep sea trip?

No — all rods, reels, heavy offshore tackle, bait, and Florida saltwater fishing licenses are provided. Bring sunscreen, a hat, seasickness medication if needed, food, and drinks.

St. Petersburg, FL · Gulf of Mexico

Deep Sea Fishing Charters in St. Petersburg, FL

Trophy fish in the open Gulf — tuna, mahi, sharks, and more. The ultimate offshore experience out of St. Pete.

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The Fishing

What Is Deep Sea Fishing in the Gulf?

Deep sea fishing means running 30 to 60+ miles into the open Gulf of Mexico — past the reefs, past the wrecks, and into blue water where the truly big fish live. You're targeting pelagic species that roam the open ocean and deep structure fish that rarely see pressure.

These are extended trips. The runs are longer, the tackle is heavier, and the payoff is a class of fish you simply can't reach on a standard offshore trip. If catching a blackfin tuna, a mahi mahi, or a true trophy is on your list — this is the trip.

Blue Water Pelagics

Open ocean species like blackfin tuna and mahi mahi travel in the deep blue far offshore. Finding them is the art — catching them is the experience of a lifetime.

Deep Structure

Extreme depth ledges, rock piles, and bottom structure far offshore hold trophy grouper and species that never see a hook. Heavy gear required — these fish fight dirty.

Extended Runs

Deep sea trips run longer than standard offshore charters. Full-day and extended trips get you to water most boats never reach — and to fish most anglers never get a shot at.

What You'll Catch

Deep Sea Species in the Gulf of Mexico

The open Gulf holds some of the most exciting fish on the planet. These are not average catches — they're the kind of fish that end up on your wall and in your stories for years.

Blackfin Tuna

One of the most exciting fish in the Gulf. Blackfin tuna are fast, powerful, and school in open blue water far offshore. They'll smoke a reel in seconds — and they're exceptional table fare.

Mahi Mahi

Mahi are the fish that make deep sea legends. Brilliantly colored, acrobatic, and aggressive — they crash baits hard and put on a show above the water that you'll never forget.

Barracuda

Speed and teeth. Great barracuda are torpedo-shaped predators that hit with shocking force. They're a constant presence in the open Gulf and make for some of the most intense strikes of any trip.

Blacktip shark — deep sea fishing target in the Gulf of Mexico out of St. Petersburg, FL

Sharks

Blacktip, spinner, and bull sharks roam the Gulf in force. Hooking a large shark on the right gear is a bucket-list moment — raw power, long runs, and an animal that demands respect.

Deep Water Grouper

Warsaw and snowy grouper live in extreme depths far beyond standard offshore range. These are among the largest grouper in the Gulf — rare, hard-earned, and worth every minute of the run.

What to Expect

Big Water, Big Fish

Big Water

Miles of open Gulf in every direction. No landmarks, no other boats — just blue water, horizon to horizon. Deep sea fishing is a different world, and getting there is part of the experience.

Big Fish

The fish in deep water are a different caliber. Larger, stronger, and far less pressured than anything closer to shore. When you're hooked up far offshore, you feel every bit of the difference.

Big Adrenaline

A tuna stripping line, a mahi going airborne, a shark making its first run — deep sea fishing delivers moments that no other trip can replicate. This is why people fly across the country to fish the Gulf.

Who Should Book

Built for the Serious Angler

Experienced Anglers

If you've done inshore or standard offshore trips and want to push further — deep sea is the next level. Heavier gear, longer runs, and fish that will test every skill you have.

Bucket-List Seekers

Never caught a tuna? Never seen a mahi light up in the water? Deep sea fishing belongs on the bucket list — and St. Pete puts you closer to making it happen than almost anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.

Groups After a Challenge

Up to 4 guests. If your crew is ready to step up from the standard trip and wants to come back with a real story — deep sea delivers exactly that. Not easy, not quiet. Worth every second.