World-Class Nearshore Fishing in Carrabelle

Published Date: October 19, 2025
Fishing

Carrabelle
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing action in the Gulf? Join Unchained Charters for an 8-hour nearshore trip out of Carrabelle, FL. You'll head out at 9 AM on a well-equipped 24' Pro-Line, perfect for groups up to six. The captain knows where to find the hot spots for a variety of fish - we're talking Gag and Red Grouper, Red Snapper, Grunt, Black Seabass, and Gray Triggerfish, depending on what's biting. You'll use bottom fishing and heavy tackle techniques to reel in the big ones. All the gear and licenses are covered, so just bring your sunscreen, shades, and favorite drinks (alcohol's okay in moderation, but skip the glass and hard stuff). It's a full day on the water, so come prepared for some serious fishing and fun. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying your hand at Gulf fishing for the first time, this trip's got you covered for a great day out on the water.

World-Class Nearshore Fishing in Carrabelle

Gulf Fishing Gems

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

Full Day Gulf Fishing: Nearshore Action

Ready to reel in some of the Gulf's tastiest catches? This 8-hour nearshore trip with Unchained Charters puts you right where the action is. Leaving from Carrabelle at 9 AM sharp, we'll cruise out to prime fishing grounds where grouper, snapper, and more are waiting. Our 24' Pro-Line is set up for serious fishing, with room for six anglers to spread out and get after it. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll spend the day hitting productive spots within a few miles of shore. The Gulf's nearshore waters are like a buffet for bottom-dwellers, so we'll focus on dropping lines where the fish are stacked up. Expect to use heavy tackle and bottom fishing techniques to target a mix of species. Depending on the day, we might bounce between a few different areas to find the hot bite. The boat's got all the gear you need, including rods, reels, and bait. Just remember to pack some drinks (no glass bottles), snacks, and sun protection. We'll be out there all day, so come prepared to put in some work and hopefully take home a cooler full of fish.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

Bottom fishing is the name of the game on this trip. We'll be dropping weighted rigs to the seafloor, where grouper, snapper, and other tasty bottom-dwellers hang out. It's all about feeling the bite and setting the hook hard. We use heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line to muscle fish up from the depths. Depending on conditions, we might also try some drift fishing or even do a little trolling. The key is being versatile and ready to switch it up if the fish aren't cooperating. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – the crew will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Snapper: These prized eating fish are the stars of the Gulf. Known for their firm, white flesh and aggressive bite, red snapper put up a great fight. They typically hang around rocky bottoms and reefs in 60 to 200 feet of water. The best action is usually in the warmer months, but we can find them year-round. When you hook into a big one, get ready for some serious pull – these fish don't give up easily!

Gag Grouper: Gags are the bruisers of the nearshore reefs. They love to hole up in rocky areas and wrecks, ambushing anything that swims by. These fish can grow over 50 pounds, so when you hook one, be ready for a battle. Gags are most active in cooler months, making them a great target for fall and winter trips. Their flaky white meat is a favorite among seafood lovers.

Black Sea Bass: Don't let their smaller size fool you – black sea bass are fun to catch and delicious to eat. These fish hang around structures in depths from 20 to 200 feet. They're curious and quick to bite, making them great for keeping rods bent when other species are being stubborn. You can catch them year-round, but the bigger ones tend to move to deeper water in the summer.

Red Grouper: Cousins to the gag, red grouper are another hard-fighting bottom dweller. They prefer areas with lots of ledges and holes to hide in. Red grouper are known for their sweet, mild flavor and are a favorite target for many Gulf anglers. While they don't get as big as gags, a 15-20 pounder will still give you a workout. These fish are available year-round but tend to be more active in warmer months.

Grey Triggerfish: With their distinctive shape and powerful jaws, triggerfish are a unique catch. They're found around reefs and wrecks, often mixed in with snapper and grouper. Triggerfish are known for their light, sweet meat and are considered a delicacy by many. They can be tricky to hook due to their small mouths, but once you get the hang of it, they're a blast to catch. The best action is usually in the spring and fall.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Carrabelle's nearshore waters are a goldmine for anglers looking for quality and quantity. One day you might be pulling up grouper after grouper, the next it could be a snapper bonanza. The variety keeps things exciting – you never know what's going to hit your line next. Plus, with a full day on the water, there's plenty of time to try different spots and techniques. It's not just about filling the cooler (though that's always nice). It's about the whole experience: the salty air, the thrill of the fight, and the satisfaction of bringing home fresh-caught dinner. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this trip's a great way to experience some of the best fishing the Gulf has to offer.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the Gulf and put some fish in the box, this full-day nearshore trip is calling your name. With Unchained Charters, you're getting a crew that knows these waters like the back of their hand and a boat that's rigged for serious fishing. Remember, we're limited to six anglers, so spots can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't miss your chance to get in on some of Carrabelle's top-rated nearshore action. Grab your crew, pack your cooler, and let's hit the water. The fish are waiting – are you ready to catch 'em?

Learn more about the species

Black Sea Bass

Black Sea Bass are feisty little fighters, usually 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 8. You'll find them around wrecks, jetties, and reefs in waters 60-120 feet deep. They're most active in late spring and summer when they move inshore. These guys are fun to catch - they put up a good scrap for their size and are excellent eating. Their white, flaky meat is mild and sweet. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with squid or cut bait. Black Sea Bass are aggressive feeders, so if you find a good spot, you can catch 'em one after another. Just remember, they have sharp spines on their dorsal fin, so handle with care. It's always a good day when these tasty critters are biting!

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are tough customers, usually weighing 10-20 pounds but can hit 50 or more. They're ambush predators, so look for them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and ledges in 60-250 feet of water. These fish love structure and put up a serious fight. Best fishing's typically fall through early spring when they move to shallower waters. Gags are prized for their firm, white flesh and mild flavor. Here's a pro tip: use live bait like pinfish or mullet, and keep your rod low when you feel a bite. These bruisers will try to dive back into their holes, so you gotta turn 'em quick. It's all about the initial hookset with Gags. Once you get 'em coming up, hang on tight - it's gonna be a battle!

Grey Triggerfish

Grey Triggerfish are quirky little brawlers, usually 2-5 pounds but can reach up to 13. You'll find them around reefs and hard-bottom areas in 60-300 feet of water. These guys are known for their tough, leathery skin and sharp teeth. They're most active in warmer months. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their unique fight and tasty white meat. Here's a pro tip: use small, strong hooks with squid or cut bait. Triggerfish are notorious bait stealers, so be ready to set the hook quickly. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap-tap, it's go time! They may be small, but they'll give you a run for your money. Just watch out for those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Red Grouper

Red Grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers, usually 5-10 pounds but can hit 20 or more. You'll find them over rocky bottoms and reefs in 16-300 feet of water. These fish are aggressive predators and put up a strong fight when hooked. Best fishing's typically year-round, but avoid January to April during spawning season. Anglers love Red Grouper for their firm, white meat with a hint of sweetness. Here's a local tip: use heavy tackle and bait like live pinfish or squid. When you feel a bite, reel fast and steady - these guys will try to dive back into their holes if given the chance. It's all about quick reactions and keeping pressure on. Land a big Red Grouper, and you've got some serious bragging rights!

Red Snapper

Red Snapper's a real trophy catch around here. These beauties can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh over 30 pounds, though most we land are in the 1-2 foot range. You'll find them hanging out near reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in waters 30 to 620 feet deep. They're bottom dwellers, so we use heavy tackle and bait like cigar minnows or squid to get 'em. May through October's prime time, when they're spawning. Anglers love Red Snapper for their strong fight and excellent taste - firm, white meat with a sweet, nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, reel fast and steady. These guys will try to dive back to cover if you give 'em any slack. It's a real rush when you hook into a big one!

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 full day of nearshore fishing fun in the Gulf off Carrabelle, FL. We'll set out at 9 AM for 8 hours of angling action, targeting a variety of species like grouper, snapper, grunt, seabass, and triggerfish. Our boat is decked out with all the gear you need to try bottom fishing and heavy tackle techniques. No need to worry about licenses - we've got you covered there too. Just remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, shades, and your favorite drinks (alcohol is fine in moderation, but skip the glass bottles and hard liquor). With room for up to 6 guests, it's the perfect setup for a day on the water with friends or family. Get ready to reel in some memories and hopefully a few good catches too!

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