Ready to get some salt in your hair and fish in the cooler? Captain Vasiliy's shared offshore charter is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Gulf has to offer. We're talking a full day out on the blue, targeting the heavy hitters like snapper, grouper, and cobia. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, this trip is set up to give you a real taste of what Sarasota's offshore waters are all about.
Picture this: You're stepping aboard Captain Vasiliy's well-equipped vessel for a 6 to 9-hour journey into the Gulf. This isn't your average quick trip to the nearshore reefs – we're talking about heading out where the big boys play. You'll be sharing the boat with other fishing enthusiasts, which is not only easier on the wallet but also a great way to swap stories and maybe even learn a new trick or two. The captain's got all the gear you need, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and a good attitude. We'll be dropping lines over prime spots where snappers lurk and groupers growl, and if we're lucky, we might even tangle with a hard-fighting cobia or kingfish.
On this trip, we're not messing around with light tackle. We're gearing up with heavy-duty rods and reels that can handle the brutes of the deep. Captain Vasiliy's got a knack for rigging up the right bait for the right fish – think big chunks of squid or sardines for those bottom-dwelling grouper, or live bait for the predatory cobia cruising through. We'll be doing a mix of bottom fishing and maybe some drift fishing, depending on what's biting. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing, so don't worry if you can't tell a circle hook from a J-hook just yet.
"Amazing offshore trip with Captain Vasiliy! There were 5 of us and we caught 18 fish in total - red grouper, white grunts, trigger fish, mangrove snapper and a Hogfish. Overall, everyone had a great time. I highly recommend booking your next fishing trip with Captain Vasiliy." - Jon
"Captain Vasiliy is awesome! His expertise and passion for fishing made our trip a blast. Good catches and good vibes! Thank you" - Lena
"Great fishing trip!" - Vladimir
Black Grouper: These bruisers of the reef are the heavyweight champs of the grouper family. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, often in depths of 60 to 250 feet. Black groupers are known for their powerful first run – when they hit, hold on tight! They can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. The meat is white, flaky, and mild – perfect for a post-trip fish fry. We tend to find the bigger ones in the cooler months, but they're around all year.
Northern Kingfish: Don't confuse these with their larger cousins, the king mackerel. Northern kingfish, also known as sea mullet, are smaller but put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They hang out near the bottom in sandy areas, often in schools. These fish are great eating and are most active in the warmer months. Expect to catch them in the 1 to 3-pound range, though bigger ones aren't uncommon.
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these fish are the smartest ones in the sea. They're wary and quick, making them a challenge to catch but a joy to eat. We find them around structures like reefs and wrecks. They might not be the biggest fish out there – averaging 2 to 5 pounds – but they make up for it in numbers and taste. The bite is often best during the summer months.
Red Grouper: These guys are the bread and butter of many Gulf Coast charters. Red grouper are aggressive feeders and will readily take a bait dropped to the bottom. They prefer rocky areas and ledges in depths from 50 to over 300 feet. A good-sized red grouper can easily top 20 pounds, and they're available year-round. The fight is all about power – they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs, so you've got to turn them quick.
Cobia: Now here's a fish that'll really get your heart pumping. Cobia are curious creatures that often swim right up to the boat. They're hard fighters, known for long runs and aerial acrobatics. We typically see them following large rays or hanging around buoys and markers. Cobia can grow over 100 pounds, though 30 to 50-pounders are more common. They're most abundant in our waters from spring through fall, and they're considered one of the best-eating fish in the Gulf.
Look, if you're itching for a real Gulf Coast fishing experience, this is it. Captain Vasiliy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of that grouper sandwich or just want to feel the pull of a big cobia, this trip's got you covered. The shared charter setup means you get all the perks of a private trip without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go see what's biting in Sarasota's offshore playground. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked – pun absolutely intended!
July 17, 2024
Captain Vasiliy is awesome! His expertise and passion for fishing made our trip a blast. Good catches and good vibes! Thank you
June 1, 2025
Great fishing trip!
July 3, 2025
Fraud
April 8, 2024
Black Grouper are hefty fighters, averaging 2-3 feet but can reach a whopping 5 feet. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms offshore, typically in 60-250 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so they like structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love targeting Black Grouper for their hard-pulling fight and excellent table fare - the meat is mild and flaky. To land one, use heavy tackle with 80lb braid and a strong leader. Drop your bait right to the bottom and be ready - when they hit, they hit hard and head straight for cover. A local trick: use live bait like pinfish or blue runners for best results. Just remember, these guys are smart and wary, so patience and stealth are key.
Cobia are bruisers, often hitting 30-50 pounds and putting up a mean fight. You'll spot them near buoys, wrecks, and even following large rays in 30-70 feet of water. They migrate through our area in spring, making that prime time to target them. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent eating - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. To land one, use heavy spinning gear with 30-50 lb braid. Sight fishing is popular - look for their distinctive shark-like profile near the surface. Live eels or large jigs work well as bait. Here's a local trick: when you spot a cobia, cast well ahead of its path and let the bait sink. These curious fish will often investigate, giving you a shot at a hookup. Be ready though - once hooked, they'll test your arms and your drag.
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are crafty fish averaging 1-2 pounds inshore, but can hit 20 pounds offshore. You'll find them around structures like docks, mangroves, and reefs in 10-100 foot depths. They're most active at night, especially during full moons. Anglers love targeting Grey Snapper for their challenging catch and excellent eating quality - white, flaky meat with a mild flavor. To land one, use light tackle with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. They're line-shy, so keep it stealthy. Live shrimp or small baitfish work well. Here's a local trick: when fishing docks, drop your bait right next to pilings where snapper hide. Let it sink naturally and wait for that telltale thump. Be ready to set the hook fast - these guys are quick to spit the bait if they feel resistance.
Northern Kingfish are scrappy little fighters, usually 10-14 inches long. You'll find them hugging the bottom in shallow coastal waters, especially near piers and jetties. They love sandy or muddy areas where they can root for food with their chin barbel. Late summer's your best bet for catching these guys. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their fun fight on light tackle and tasty white meat. To land one, use a light rod with 10-12 lb test line and small hooks. Fresh shrimp or cut squid work great as bait. Here's a local tip: try fishing the surf zone during the last few hours of an incoming tide. Cast out and let your bait sit on the bottom. When you feel a tap, give it a second before setting the hook - these guys like to play with their food before committing.
Red Grouper are brawny fish, typically 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. You'll find them on rocky bottoms and reefs in 60-300 feet of water. They're not fast swimmers, but they're strong fighters that head straight for cover when hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers target Red Grouper for their tough fight and excellent table fare - the meat is sweet with a shellfish-like flavor. To land one, use heavy tackle with at least 50lb test line. Drop your bait to the bottom and be ready for a hard strike. Live bait like pinfish or squid works great. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, reel fast and pull hard to get the fish away from the bottom. If you let them dig in, you'll likely lose your catch to the rocks.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 49
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Amazing offshore trip with Captain Vasiliy! There were 5 of us and we caught 18 fish in total - red grouper, white grunts, trigger fish, mangrove snapper and a Hogfish. Overall, everyone had a great time. I highly recommend booking your next fishing trip with Captain Vasiliy.