Top-Rated Cruise & Fishing Charter in Carrabelle

Published Date: October 19, 2025
Fishing

Carrabelle
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Join Unchained Charters for a unique 8-hour adventure off the coast of Carrabelle, FL. You'll spend 6 hours fishing in the Gulf, targeting prized catches like Red Snapper, Gag and Red Grouper, Grunt, Black Seabass, and Gray Triggerfish. The 24' Pro-Line center console is equipped with all the gear you need, plus a restroom for comfort. After reeling in your catch, kick back for 2 hours on the beautiful shores of Dog Island. This trip is great for families and groups up to 6 people. No worries about fishing licenses – you're covered. The captain knows all the best spots and makes sure you're fishing safely and legally. Don't forget your sunblock, shades, and snacks for a day of fun on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, you'll have a blast hauling in fish and soaking up the Florida sun.

Top-Rated Cruise & Fishing Charter in Carrabelle

Gulf Coast Catches

8 fish caught in Carrabelle during fishing trip

Local fishing at its finest in Carrabelle Florida

Kids catching memories that last a lifetime

Perfect weather for multi species fishing trips

Making the most of Carrabelle’s calm blue waters

Reel in Red Snapper & Grouper off Carrabelle

Hey there, fishing fans! Looking for a day on the water that's got it all? Our Cruise and Fishing Charter out of Carrabelle, FL is just the ticket. We're talking 6 solid hours of bottom fishing for some of the Gulf's most prized catches, followed by 2 hours of pure R&R on the pristine shores of Dog Island. It's the perfect mix of action and relaxation, and I can't wait to show you the ropes.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll set out bright and early on my 24' Pro-Line center console - she's a beauty and perfect for groups up to 6. Don't sweat the gear; I've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. We'll cruise out to some of my favorite spots where the Red Snapper and Grouper are known to hang out. These waters are teeming with fish, and I'll put you right on top of 'em. While we're out there, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins - they love to show off for our guests!

Hooking the Big Ones

Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be doing some serious bottom fishing here, folks. That means dropping your bait down to where the big boys live. I'll show you how to feel for that telltale thump when a fish takes your bait. Then it's game on! Reeling up a big Red Snapper or Grouper is no joke - these fish fight hard, so be ready for a workout. Don't worry if you're new to this; I'll be right there to coach you through it. And hey, if you're an old pro, I bet you'll still pick up a trick or two.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper: These guys are the stars of the show. Known for their bright red color and delicious white meat, Red Snapper put up a great fight. They typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 30-pounder! They love structure, so we'll target them around reefs and wrecks. Peak season is summer, but we catch 'em year-round.

Gag Grouper: Tough fighters with a mottled brown color, Gag Grouper are a prized catch. They can grow up to 50 pounds or more! These ambush predators hang out near the bottom around rocky areas and ledges. We catch them best in the cooler months, from fall through spring.

Red Grouper: Smaller than their Gag cousins but just as tasty, Red Grouper are known for their reddish-orange color. They're usually in the 5-15 pound range and love to hang out near coral reefs and rocky bottoms. These guys are suckers for live bait and put up a great fight on the way up.

Grunt: Don't let the name fool you - these fish are a blast to catch and great eating too. White Grunt, also called "Key West Pork Chops," are abundant and bite readily. They're usually 1-3 pounds and make for perfect action between bigger catches.

Black Sea Bass: These dark-colored beauties are aggressive feeders and a ton of fun on light tackle. They typically range from 1-5 pounds and love structure like reefs and wrecks. We catch them year-round, but they're especially active in cooler months.

Gray Triggerfish: With their distinctive teeth and trapezoid shape, Triggerfish are a unique catch. They're known for their light, sweet meat and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. We find them around the same reefs and wrecks as Snapper and Grouper.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters out of Carrabelle for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back. It's not just about the fishing (though that's pretty darn good). It's about the whole experience. After we've filled the cooler with your catch, we'll cruise over to Dog Island for some beach time. This little slice of paradise is the perfect spot to relax, swim, or do some shelling. It's the kind of place that makes you forget all about the world back on the mainland.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks. A full day of world-class fishing followed by some island time - it doesn't get much better than that. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. Bring the family, bring your buddies, heck, bring your boss if you want to score some points. Just remember to pack some sunblock, shades, and snacks. I'll take care of the rest. The fish are biting, the Gulf is calling, and I've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. What do you say we make it happen? Book now and let's get out there!

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are feisty little fighters, typically 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 8. You'll find them hanging around structures like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottoms, usually in waters less than 120 feet deep. Late spring to summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. Anglers love 'em for their strong initial fight and excellent table fare. To catch one, use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line. They're bottom feeders, so a two-hook rig with squid or fish strips works great. Here's a local tip: if you're not getting bites, try moving just a short distance. These fish often cluster in small areas, so a slight shift can put you right on top of them. Remember, bigger males tend to be in deeper water, so don't be afraid to try different depths.

Grey Triggerfish

Grey Triggerfish are tough little characters, usually 14-17 inches long but can reach up to 24. You'll find them around hard bottoms, ledges, and reefs, typically in waters up to 180 feet deep. These fish are known for their strong, sharp teeth and leather-like skin. Anglers enjoy catching them for their unique fight and tasty white meat. They're crafty, often stealing bait without getting hooked, so you've got to be quick. Use a heavy sinker to get your bait down and keep it there. Here's a pro tip: try using squid as bait - it sticks to the hook better than most other options. When you feel a bite, reel fast and steady. These fish have a trick of wedging themselves in crevices, so you want to get them off the bottom quick. It's a fun challenge that'll keep you on your toes!

Lane Snapper

Lane Snappers are a fun catch, usually running 10-14 inches but sometimes hitting 20. Look for 'em around coral reefs and sandy spots with lots of plants, anywhere from 70 to 230 feet deep. They're most active at night, so evening trips can be prime time. These fish put up a good fight for their size and make great eating too - their meat has a sweet, shellfish-like flavor. To land one, try using live shrimp or small baitfish. A neat trick is to use a double-hook rig with a weight at the bottom - that way you can cover more of the water column where they might be hanging out. Keep an eye on your line, as Lane Snappers tend to nibble before fully committing to the bait. When you feel that telltale tug, set the hook fast and reel 'em in!

Red Grouper

Red Groupers are hefty fish, averaging 5-10 pounds but can hit 50 in rare cases. You'll find them in rocky bottoms and reefs, typically between 16 and 300 feet deep. They're not fast swimmers, but boy, can they put up a fight when hooked. Anglers love 'em for their tough battles and excellent eating - the meat is moist, firm, and has a unique shellfish-like taste. Best fishing is usually January to April, outside their spawning season. Use heavy tackle, as these guys will try to dive back into their rocky homes. Here's a local trick: use live bait like pinfish or grunts, and let it swim near the bottom. Red Groupers are aggressive and opportunistic, so they'll often strike quickly. Just be ready for a good tug-of-war when you hook one!

White Grunt

White Grunts, also known as Key West grunts, are feisty little fish that typically run 6-12 inches but can reach up to 20. You'll find them around reefs, docks, and mangroves in shallow waters, usually less than 100 feet deep. They're most active at night, so evening trips can be productive. Anglers enjoy catching them for their spirited fight and tasty, flaky white meat. They're not picky eaters, so various baits work well - shrimp, small crabs, or cut bait are all good choices. Here's a local tip: listen for their distinctive grunting sound when you bring them up - it's how they got their name! Use light tackle for more fun, and try a multi-hook rig to increase your chances. They often school together, so where you catch one, there's likely more nearby.

About the Unchained Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Hop aboard our 24' Pro-Line center console for a laid-back day on the water in Carrabelle, FL. We'll spend 6 hours fishing the wrecks for tasty catches like red snapper, grouper, grunt, and triggerfish. Then we'll cruise over to Dog Island for 2 hours of relaxing on the beach. This trip is great for families and small groups - we can take up to 6 people. No need to worry about gear or licenses - we've got you covered. Just bring some snacks, sunscreen, and shades. There's even a restroom on board to keep everyone comfy. The kids are welcome, and we've got life vests if you need them. Your captain will make sure you're fishing safely and following all the rules while you make some awesome memories out on the Gulf. It's the perfect mix of action and chill time on the water.

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