Deepwater Bottom Fishing off the West Coast Of Florida

Have you ever fished 500'-800' ? Do those numbers scare you ? Don't let them...the fishing out past 500' in the Gulf Of Mexico is really untouched and can be quite awesome if you use the proper tools. Planning is key in the deepwater game, you and your team of anglers needs to do some homework before running 100 plus miles into the Gulf. The continental shelf in descends very slow in the Gulf so that means there is a lot of bottom to explore and fish between the contour lines the further west you fish. The tackle is key in this fishery and without electric reels you don't stand a chance! Target species to catch are yellowedge grouper, snowy grouper, queen snapper, tilefish, warsaw grouper, mystic grouper and many more delicious eating fish from the deep. I like to fish a high capacity electric reels like the Shimano Beast Master or Diawa Tanacom Bull spooled with 80lb power pro and a sensitive tip bent butt rod that has some backbone. The weight is also a factor in getting to the bottom, a 3lb and 5lb sash weight works best paired to a snap swivel and connected to your dropper rig. The Drift... find your mark where you want to fish and set the boat right on the gps spot and let the boat drift - this is the best way to find out what is your heading drift. Bait... squid, boston mackerel, cuda or bonita belly works great as long as its stinky and fresh the fish don't mind. Our last deepwater trip yeilded some very nice yellowedge grouper, queen snapper, blueline tilefish, snowy grouper and lots of tasty b-liners and porgys. Watch the weather and be safe. Tight Lines - Capt Ryan