Deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico waters is a life-changing experience that anglers love. Thanks to the shallow waters along the continental shelf that fade into deep water, the Gulf is a natural environment that produces monster fish. The 2,000 plus shipwrecks make a habitat for many of the game fish that angler seek. Big, trophy fish use the warmer tropical waters to thrive – hunt, feed, mate, bear young – a natural cycle that builds one of the greatest fisheries in the world. People come from around the globe to target:
- Sharks
- Tuna
- Cobia
- Jacks
- Sailfish
- King Mackerel
- And many other species of game fish.
The record for big sharks includes a 544-pound thresher shark and a 911 pounds 12 ounces Mako shark (1962.) [1] The record for blue fin tuna is 832 pounds.
While record fish off Florida are one of the main draws for deep sea fishing there is also the thrill of being able to master the environment so that you can successfully target big, trophy fish. Those include the natural geological features of the Gull of Mexico, such as the seasonal changes between water temperature as they apply to the shallow continental shelf that fades into the deeper water and the cyclical migration of fish throughout the environment. There are over 2,000 shipwrecks found within the Gulf and natural structures that provide the elements for the cycle of life that all fish must face – The nursery areas, hunting grounds, and the saltwater reefs and communities that help to produce monster fish that anglers dream of.
Deep Sea Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a dynamic place to fish. You have miles and miles of sandy beaches, islands, lagoons, bays, river mouths, wetlands, everglades, marshes, estuaries, shallows, and then deep water, such as The Sigsbee Deep – a 3,750-meter deep hole in the Southwestern area of the Gulf. That’s deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico at its finest.
You have options when it comes to choosing a good location. The coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida all provide access to the Gulf of Mexico. The bottom line is that you can likely find a good captain, boat, and crew just about anywhere along the Gulf. According to an article that appeared in Forbes, Florida may be your best bet. The article discusses the fact that Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World [2] They back that up with an interesting stat – Florida issues 720K non-resident fishing licenses each year. That is an influx of nearly a million anglers coming to Florida to fish.
Destin is the best place to fish the gulf coast since it’s closest to the best deep sea fish. It is also known and the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World.” Not only does Destin, Florida attract anglers who want to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, it has a lot to offer families and visitors. That means there is a well-rounded set of experiences available to everyone who visits. Deep sea fishing draws in many anglers to the Emerald Coast where it is a short boat ride to the deep waters and trophy fish that lurk there.
The deep water off of Destin offers many options. You can fish the underwater canyons where those fish who love cooler water will hunt. You can fish the deep water reefs and wrecks where communities of fish thrive. Florida is home to some of the biggest game fish in the Gulf. Those include great white sharks, great hammerhead sharks, thrasher sharks, marlin, sail fin, tuna, and other feisty fish such as yellowtail.
While Florida is the go-to spot for many anglers, the gulf does offer many fishing destinations throughout its rugged coast.
Finding Your Charter
The key to successful deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is finding the charter that fits your agenda. The Gulf is a huge body of water and knowing where the fish are is challenging. Not only do you need to know how the legality of the area changes – state waters, federal waters, international waters, etc, – you also have to know how the fish migrate. At certain times of year, some deep sea species move closer to shore to deposit roe. Some migrate into international waters and may head South towards the equator where the water is warmer. Some may move to certain parts of the Gulf and its deep water trenches where they will find better hunting.
Tips for Finding a Charter for the Emerald Coast
One of the biggest issues that charter boat patrons have is that they end up not liking the captain or crew. Personalities are a big thing, especially when you are confined to a smallish space far from shore. Before you set out deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico waters, consider these tips for finding the best charter for you.
- Call around – Chat with the captain if possible and find on you like. A charter company can become a friend for life.
- Read the rules – The captain will enforce the rules and those rules are there to ensure that everyone remains safe, comfortable, and feeling like they belong.
- Compare prices to services offered – You want to feel like you are buying value. The experience and knowledge of the captain is a big ticket item.
- Timing – You want to find a boat that leaves when are able to leave not one that makes you feel rushed to get to the boat before they leave. During the year, charters leave at different times and sometimes according to the tides.
- Boat Size – the boat should be big enough to comfortably handle the number of anglers, crew, and guests. Fishing is a sport, you need the space to fish without being cramped. Shade, bathroom, rest area, cabin, and other amenities are important. When you charter fish in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a 4-10 hour day – comfort matters.
- Provisions – You will need a fishing license, tackle, gear, and equipment. Most charters will provide all of these for you. Other items that make a big difference is ice, fish filleting, and cold storage.
- Maximum Number of Anglers – boat size we covered, but you also want to look at how many anglers the boat can handle. Each angler is a line in the water and the more there are, the more competition you will have for big fish.
- What You Should Bring – Most boats have a list of items that you should bring. Compare that to your idea of what you should bring. Extra ice chests can be a problem, while some boats ask you to bring them.
- Verify the License and Permits – Charter boats must have a license and certain permits. Check with the company to see what permits or licenses they hold. Find a boat that is fully licensed.
- Family Friendly – Not all boats want children onboard. Be sure, if you are fishing with your family that the boat is child-friendly. That means safety features, attentive crew, etc.
- Read the Cancelation Policy – Charters require a deposit and if you have to cancel the trip you want to understand how that will impact your deposit.
Prepare to Deep Sea Fishing Gulf of Mexico Waters
For deep sea fishing there are two options. You can chum in a spot and fish that location, or you can troll. Chumming is an easier time since you can target an area where a specific species or set of species range. You can also choose the chum to target those species of fish. Trolling is also a way to target big fish that may not investigate chum.
Regardless, you will need to know the basic topography of the area of the Gulf that you want to fish. There are many types of structures in the Gulf and fish utilize those structures in a variety of ways. They include:
- Oil rigs
- Underwater canyons
- Deep water reefs
- Wrecks
- Drop-offs
As you prepare to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, you want to think about the fish you are targeting and the lay of the land.
What Fish Are in The Gulf of Mexico (And How to Catch Them)?
There are so many options throughout the Emerald Coast, but five of the top targets include:
- Red Snapper – Highly targeted, great to eat – these fish can range to 30 pounds and as deep as 300 feet. Target them around bottom structures and natural reef systems. Due to their popularity, they have a limit.
- Cobia – are tenacious fighters that you may encounter in groups of singularly. Expect most cobia to range from 20 to 50 pounds but do not be surprised if you hook one that is larger. They feed on bait fish and, you can cast and retrieve to target them near structures, especially high-water structures such as oil rigs.
- Amberjack – Another tenacious fish that puts a lot of energy into the fight. These are mostly a reef species, and you can find them in waters that range to 400 feet deep. Like cobia, the majority will range to 50 pounds, but you can find rare trophies in the 100 pound range.
- Sharks – There is a long list of sharks available and some may weigh a 1000 or more pounds. Mostly expect to tackle smaller sharks in the 100-200 pound range. Sharks are a good target for chumming. Patience is key to attracting the bigger sharks.
- King Mackerel – range to around 60 pounds. They are also very popular for summer deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico waters. They are regulated so check the limit before you go. Fish them with big cut bait or spoons.
Gulf of Mexico Fish Chart
Because fishing changes on a daily basis it’s best to check the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for current run times.
Deep Sea Fishing Tips for The Gulf of Mexico
The best tip will be to try to fish in the early morning and an hour before sunset. Those are the time when most fish are active.
Know Your Fish – Do a little research on the fish you want to target. The peak season for various species of fish are not the same. You want to plan your trip when the fish you want to target are near or at their peak season (highest populations.)
Know What’s Available Where You Will Fish – The fishing season will change throughout the Gulf of Mexico. If you are going to fish off of Florida, know the species of fish available for the time you will be there. That process helps you target fish that are in season and available.
Charter Boat Trips – Charter boats are an amazing way to introduce yourself to deep sea fishing and to fishing in the local area. The expertise of the captain will enhance your fishing trip and increase your odds of hooking trophy fish.
Be Prepared for the Deep Sea – four, eight, ten, or more hours of fishing can be tiring. Not only will the process be physical, but you will have to deal with the weather – sun, wind, rain, etc.. – and you will have to deal with the salt. Pay close attention to what the boat recommends you bring – water, sunscreen, polarized glasses, extra food, snacks, and motion sickness medication.
Know the Regulations – The fishing regulations will vary by state and by locality. Know the rules and regulations for where you will fish. If you are fishing on a charter boat, ask the captain, but also rely on your own knowledge.
Hone up on Fishing Techniques – The two most popular options for deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico are chumming and trolling. You might need to know about downriggers, types of chum, spoons, flashers, specialized leaders, and knots. If you are fishing on a charter boat, the crew will help you deal with all of these. They are also a great way to learn the ropes in case you want to deep sea fish on your own.
With the various types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico and the option to easily fish the deeper waters of the Emerald Coast, many anglers flock to the Gulf and Florida to try to target big, trophy fish. Gulf Coast fishing charters are an awesome way to experience deep sea fishing safely.