Full Day Private Fishing Carrabelle Florida

Full Day Private Fishing Trip in Carrabelle

Looking for a world-class fishing adventure on Florida's forgotten coast? Captain Harvey Fishing Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers and families are searching for. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – you're getting a full 8 hours of personalized fishing with Captain Shawn, who's been working these waters for over two decades. Departing from 407 Marine Street in Carrabelle, you'll have the entire 26' Carver Cabin Cruiser to yourselves, accommodating up to 4 guests comfortably. The best part? Everything's included – bait, tackle, and your fishing license are all covered, so you can focus on what matters most: landing some serious fish and making memories that'll last a lifetime.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Shawn knows every ledge, reef, and honey hole from here to the horizon, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're targeting premium species like Red Grouper and Red Snapper. The 26' Carver gives you plenty of room to move around while staying comfortable – important when you're spending a full day chasing fish. You'll start early, which is prime time for these bottom dwellers, and work different spots throughout the day as conditions and fish activity dictate. This isn't a rush job – with 8 hours on the water, there's time to really dial in the bite and put multiple species in the cooler. The cabin cruiser setup means you've got protection from the sun and weather, plus space to relax between fishing sessions. Captain Shawn's approach is hands-on but laid back – he'll teach you the techniques that work in these waters while keeping things fun for everyone aboard.

Bottom Fishing & Live Bait

The name of the game here is bottom fishing with live and cut bait, targeting structure that holds the biggest concentrations of Grouper, Snapper, and Black Sea Bass. Captain Shawn runs quality tackle that can handle the hard-pulling fish these waters are famous for – we're talking circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and rods with enough backbone to winch fish up from 60+ feet of water. The technique is straightforward but requires finesse: drop your bait down to the bottom, engage the reel, and stay alert for that telltale thump when a hungry Grouper picks up your offering. Live pinfish and cut bait work best, and Captain Shawn keeps a good supply of both aboard. You'll fish various depths throughout the day, from nearshore ledges in 40 feet to deeper structure offshore where the bigger fish tend to hold. The key is reading the bottom machine and understanding how these fish relate to structure – something Captain Shawn has mastered over his 24+ years of guiding.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Carrabelle fishing, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers average 5-15 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, using every bit of structure to try and break you off. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their willingness to eat and their excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Red Grouper are curious fish that often come right up to investigate the boat, giving everyone a great look at their catch.

Red Snapper season brings some of the most exciting fishing Carrabelle has to offer. These bright red fighters are typically found in 60-120 feet of water around hard bottom and artificial reefs. They're aggressive feeders but also incredibly smart, often requiring lighter leaders and smaller hooks to fool. Red Snapper average 3-8 pounds but can reach trophy sizes over 15 pounds. Their season runs from June through July, making summer trips particularly productive. The fight is spectacular – they're strong swimmers that make multiple runs toward the bottom before you can get them to the surface.

Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. These pink and yellow striped beauties are perfect for keeping kids engaged and building confidence on the water. They're active year-round and often the first fish to find your bait when you hit a new spot. Lane Snapper rarely exceed 2 pounds, but they're delicious eating and great fun on lighter tackle. Captain Shawn often uses them as a gauge for how active the fish are – when Lane Snapper are biting, bigger species usually follow.

Gag Grouper represent the premium catch on any Carrabelle fishing trip. These olive-colored bruisers can reach 20+ pounds and are known for their powerful runs straight back to the bottom. They prefer deeper water and more complex structure than Red Grouper, making them a bit trickier to target consistently. Gag Grouper are most active during fall and winter months when they move shallow to spawn. Landing a quality Gag is considered a trophy catch – they're smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the dinner table.

Black Sea Bass round out the target species list with their unique personality and consistent action. These dark, mottled fish are curious and aggressive, often competing with each other to get to your bait first. They're excellent eating despite their smaller size, typically running 1-3 pounds. Black Sea Bass are structure-oriented fish that can be found year-round, making them a reliable backup when other species are being finicky. Kids love catching them because they're always willing to bite and put up a respectable fight for their size.

Time to Book Your Spot

This top-rated fishing experience combines everything that makes Carrabelle special – pristine waters, diverse fish populations, and a captain who genuinely cares about putting you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a family wanting to create lasting memories, Captain Harvey Fishing Charters delivers the kind of