Private Snapper Grouper Fishing Carrabelle FL

Half Day Fishing Trip in Carrabelle, Florida

Looking for a solid day on the water without burning through your whole weekend? Captain Shawn's got you covered with his half-day private charter out of Carrabelle. This isn't some crowded party boat where you're fighting for rail space – it's just you and up to 3 of your buddies on a focused 4-hour mission to load the cooler with snapper, grouper, and whatever else is biting in these productive Gulf waters. With over two decades guiding these waters, Captain Shawn knows exactly where to put you on fish, and he's got all the gear, bait, and local knowledge to make it happen.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up at 407 Marine Street in Carrabelle, where Captain Shawn will have the boat rigged and ready to roll. The beauty of a half-day trip is that we can hit multiple spots without the pressure of staying out all day – perfect for families with kids or anyone who wants to be back on dry land by lunch. The waters around Carrabelle offer some of Florida's most consistent inshore action, with structure-rich bottoms that hold everything from chunky red grouper to keeper snapper. You'll be fishing in 30-80 feet of water most of the time, which means we're not running way offshore but still getting into the good stuff. Captain Shawn keeps his tackle dialed in for the conditions, and since this is a private charter, he can adjust the game plan based on what you're hoping to catch and your crew's experience level.

Techniques & Tackle Setup

We'll be doing a mix of bottom fishing and vertical jigging, depending on what the fish are telling us that day. The standard setup is medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with 30-40 lb braid and a fluorocarbon leader – enough backbone to muscle grouper off the bottom but still sporting enough for the snapper. Captain Shawn stocks plenty of live and cut bait, from pinfish and grunts to squid and cigar minnows. When the bite is hot, we might switch to jigs or soft plastics to keep the action going without constantly re-baiting. The boat's equipped with a good fish finder, so we're not just dropping lines and hoping – we're marking fish and structure before we even wet a hook. If you've got your own lucky rod, feel free to bring it, but everything you need is already on board.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Red Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom-dwellers love the limestone ledges and hard bottom around Carrabelle, typically running 18-24 inches with the occasional 8-10 pounder that'll make your drag sing. They're year-round residents, but summer months bring the most consistent action. What makes red grouper so fun is their aggressive strike – they'll absolutely crush a well-presented bait, then try to bury you in the rocks. It's a tug-of-war that gets everyone on the boat excited.

Red Snapper are the crown jewel when they're in season, and Carrabelle's waters hold some beautiful fish. These guys are smart and can be finicky, but when they're feeding, it's game on. Most of our reds run 16-20 inches, with their bright crimson color and fighting spirit making them a top target for both dinner and photos. They school up around structure, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. The key is getting your bait down quickly before they get spooked.

Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red cousins, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. These yellow-striped beauties are usually the first to hit the boat, often schooling in good numbers around the same structure that holds grouper. They're perfect for kids or anyone who wants steady action while waiting for the bigger fish to show up.

Gag Grouper are the wildcards of this trip – when you hook into a good one, you know it immediately. These aggressive predators can reach impressive sizes and will test both your tackle and your technique. They're more active than red grouper, often coming up off the bottom to chase bait, which makes them exciting targets for jig fishing. Prime time for gags is typically spring through early summer.

Black Sea Bass round out the mix as reliable action fish that fight well above their weight class. These feisty bottom dwellers are almost guaranteed catches, with their distinctive dark coloration and spiny fins. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action throughout the trip, especially when the bigger fish are being finicky.

Time to Book Your Spot

Half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season and weekends. Captain Shawn's reputation for putting people on fish means his calendar fills quickly, so don't wait until the last minute. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating with friends, or just need to get your fishing fix without committing to a full day, this trip delivers the goods. With bait, tackle, and licensing all included, you just need to show up ready to fish and maybe bring a cooler for your catch. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of action without the marathon commitment, and Captain Shawn's 24+ years of experience means you're in good hands from start to finish.