Get ready to reel in some Gulf giants on this budget-friendly shared charter in Sarasota! Captain Vasiliy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about making sure everyone on board has a blast. We'll be targeting some real beauties - snapper, grouper, kingfish, and if we're lucky, maybe even a cobia. It's a perfect trip whether you're a total newbie or you've been wetting lines for years. Grab your spot for just $248 per person and let's make some fishing memories!
Here's the scoop: we'll meet up bright and early at 8 AM, perfect timing to beat the heat and catch the fish when they're hungry. You'll be joining a small group of other anglers, which is great for swapping stories and learning new tricks. Captain Vasiliy's got all the gear you need, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a camera to capture your trophy catch. We'll be out for 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to get your fish on without taking up your whole day. It's the ideal morning adventure that'll have you back on shore in time for lunch - with fresh fish stories to tell!
Alright, let's talk fishing. We'll be using a mix of techniques out there, depending on what's biting. Expect to do some bottom fishing for those tasty snappers and groupers - it's all about feeling that subtle nibble and knowing when to set the hook. For kingfish, we might do some trolling, dragging lines behind the boat as we cruise. Captain Vasiliy's always got an eye on the sonar, looking for those sweet spots where the big boys hang out. He'll show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reeling in your catch. And if you're lucky enough to hook a cobia, get ready for a fight - these guys don't give up easy!
"We had a great time my kid's favorite part of our vacation!J" - J
Northern Kingfish: These speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for their lightning-fast runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. Kingfish typically range from 10 to 20 pounds, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, as they migrate through our waters. Anglers love 'em for their fight and their tasty fillets - perfect for grilling or smoking.
Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are a staple in our waters. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but boy, do they taste good! Red grouper tend to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs. They can grow up to 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 5-15 pound range. These guys are known for their strong initial run - when you hook one, you'll know it! Best part? They're available year-round, so there's always a chance to land one.
Cobia: Ah, the cobia - every angler's dream catch. These powerful fish are sometimes called "crab eaters" or "ling." They're curious by nature and often swim right up to the boat. Cobia can grow over 100 pounds, though most we see are in the 20-50 pound range. They're known for their long, strong fights - hooking one is like hooking a freight train! Spring and early summer are your best bet for cobia, as they migrate along our coast.
Red Snapper: These beauties are the pride of the Gulf. With their bright red color and tasty white meat, they're always a welcome sight. Red snapper typically weigh between 5 and 15 pounds, but bigger ones aren't rare. They love structure, so we target them around reefs and wrecks. The fight is usually a bulldogging affair - they'll try to dive back to their rocky homes. Snapper season is limited, so when it's open, we make the most of it!
Black Grouper: Last but not least, the black grouper. These guys are the bulldogs of the deep, known for their powerful runs back to the bottom. They can grow huge, with some specimens topping 100 pounds! Most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range, which is still plenty of fish. Black grouper love structure and are often found around the same spots as red grouper. They're available year-round, but cooler months often see better action.
So there you have it, folks - a morning of fishing that's hard to beat. For just $248, you're getting 4 hours of prime Gulf fishing with an expert captain who knows how to put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy cobia or just want to fill the cooler with tasty snapper, this trip's got you covered. Plus, sharing the boat means sharing the fun - and the cost! Don't let this chance slip away. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and Captain Vasiliy's ready to show you the best spots. Book your spot now and get ready for some reel action in Sarasota!
January 11, 2025
Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them near buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-70 foot depths. These solitary fish are nomads, following warm currents. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate through our waters. Cobia are curious and will often investigate boats, so keep an eye out for that tell-tale bronze color. Anglers love cobia for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. The meat is firm with a mild flavor. To catch one, sight-fishing is popular. When you spot a fish, cast a bucktail jig or live bait in front of it. Pro tip: Cobia often travel with rays and sharks, so always scan the water around those bigger shadows. You might just spot the catch of the day tagging along.
Black groupers are real bruisers - they average over 2 feet long but can reach a whopping 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 30-300 feet of water. These ambush predators use their big mouths to suck in whole fish. They're not speedsters, but man are they strong fighters. Be ready for a battle when you hook one. Spring and summer are prime time to target black grouper. Anglers love 'em for the tough fight and excellent table fare. The meat is mild and firm - perfect for grilling. To land a big one, use heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag. I like an 80-pound braid with a 100-pound leader. Drop your bait right to the bottom where they hang out. Live or dead bait works, but be ready to set the hook fast - they don't nibble, they gulp it down in one go.
Red snapper are some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf. They average 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but can grow to 35 pounds or more. You'll find them near bottom structure in 30-600 foot depths. These fish are real fighters when hooked. They often make a run for cover, so be ready to horse them away from snags. May through October is spawning season, when big schools gather. Anglers love targeting red snapper for their delicious mild, nutty flavor. The meat is a favorite in restaurants. To catch them, use heavy weights to get your bait down deep. Squid, cigar minnows, and live bait all work well. Here's a local tip: Chum the water to get them feeding, then drop your line right into the frenzy. Hold on tight - when they bite, it's game on!
Red grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing. They average 5-10 pounds but can reach 40+. You'll find them near reefs and rocky bottoms in 60-400 foot depths. These fish are aggressive feeders, so they're not too picky about bait. Live pinfish or cut squid work great. January to April is spawning season, when the big ones gather offshore. Anglers target red grouper for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent food quality. The meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for a fish fry. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and get your bait right on the bottom. Here's a local trick: When you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and lift your rod tip. Don't give them a chance to dive back into their rocky homes or you might lose your catch and your gear.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 49
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
We had a great time my kid’s favorite part of our vacation!J