Deep Water Fishing: 9-Hour Stuart Adventure

9 Hour Deep Water Trip with AA Fishing Charter

Get ready for a serious day of offshore fishing that'll take you from the familiar coastline into the deep blue where the big fish live. This 9-hour adventure with AA Fishing Charter pushes out to depths reaching 850 feet, where grouper and tile fish patrol the bottom and pelagics cruise the upper water column. We're talking about real deepwater fishing here – the kind where you drop lines into water so deep you can't see the bottom, and every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime. Starting from Mulligans restaurant parking lot at slip #34, you'll head out with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand and isn't afraid to run the extra miles to find where the fish are biting.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical half-day trip where you stay close to shore and hope for the best. We're running hard offshore to reach those prime deepwater spots that most boats never see. The day starts early – and I mean early – because covering this much water takes time, and the best fishing often happens when other boats are still tied to the dock. You'll be fishing in depths that range from 200 feet all the way down to 850 feet, which means you're targeting completely different species than the inshore crowd. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space like on those packed party boats. Bring your own food and drinks because we're not providing meals – but trust me, when you're hooked up to a monster grouper 600 feet down, the last thing on your mind will be lunch. The meeting spot is straightforward: park at Mulligans restaurant, go through the white gate on the left side, and walk the dock to the far end where you'll find slip #34.

Deep Dropping & Gear Setup

Here's where this trip really shines – we've got electric reels specifically rigged for deep dropping, which is a game-changer when you're fishing these depths. Forget about cranking up a 20-pound grouper by hand from 700 feet down; these electric reels do the heavy lifting while you focus on fighting the fish. We're using heavy tackle and serious weights to get down fast and stay down in the current. The technique is all about precision – finding the right structure on the bottom, getting your bait into the strike zone, and knowing when to set the hook on a fish that's swimming in water deeper than most skyscrapers are tall. We'll be targeting different levels of the water column throughout the day, from bottom fishing for grouper and tiles to working the mid-water zones where wahoo and mahi might be cruising. The captain knows how to read the electronics and find the kind of structure that holds fish, whether it's ledges, wrecks, or natural bottom formations that concentrate baitfish and attract predators.

Customer Stories

"It was a great day on the water! The fishing was hard but they worked to find the fish! I'll definitely be calling them again when I get back to FL!" - Dominique. "Was disappointed with the trip. It was like I paid for a 9 hour boat ride to watch you and your wife fish. I felt like I was in the way. I understand that fishing is something you have no garentees" - David.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi, also known as Common Dolphinfish, are the acrobats of the offshore world and one of the most exciting fish you can hook. These bright gold and green beauties love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often traveling in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from small schoolies around 10 pounds to bull dolphins pushing 40-50 pounds. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive nature and spectacular jumps – they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight, shaking their heads and putting on a show that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60+ mph and making blistering runs that'll test your drag settings and your nerves. These torpedo-shaped predators patrol the offshore waters year-round in this area, but fall and winter months typically produce the largest fish, with specimens over 80 pounds not uncommon. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and a mouth full of attitude – they'll cut through wire leaders like butter if you're not prepared. The fight is all about that initial run; they'll peel off 200-300 yards of line faster than you can blink, then settle into a strong, steady pull back to the boat. The meat is outstanding – firm, white, and perfect for sushi or searing, making wahoo one of the most prized catches for both sport and the dinner table.

Snowy Grouper are the ghosts of the deep, living in depths from 300-1,200 feet where the water stays cold and dark year-round. These fish can live over 100 years and grow to impressive sizes, with specimens over 50 pounds caught regularly in our area. What makes snowy grouper special is their pure white meat and the challenge of getting them up from extreme depths – they're notorious for finding holes and caves to hide in once hooked. The best fishing for snowies happens during winter months when they move into slightly shallower water to spawn. Their fight is more about raw power and stubbornness than speed; they'll use every rock, ledge, and cave on the bottom to try and break you off.

Yellowedge Grouper are another deepwater favorite, typically found in 200-600 feet of water around rocky bottom and structure. These fish have a distinctive yellow edge on their fins and can reach weights over 40 pounds, though most catches range from 5-20 pounds. They