8-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter in
St Pete, Fl
St. Petersburg | Tampa | Clearwater
The 8 hour offshore fishing charter in St Pete FL is built for anglers who want to push farther into the Gulf of Mexico. This full day offshore fishing charter in St. Petersburg is for serious range, deeper structure, and more time over productive waters. Departing from O’Neill’s Marina, this full-day run can stretch up to 45 miles offshore when conditions allow.
You’ll fish deeper reefs, hard bottoms, and offshore structure that shorter charters simply don’t reach. The longer day opens up time to explore productive zones, fine-tune your approach as the bite develops, and make the most of every drift. While inshore fishing stays closer to bays and passes, this trip is for anglers who want real bluewater depth and distance.
Why Choose Reel Coquina’s 8-Hour Offshore Fishing Charter?
Go Farther. Fish Harder.
· Extended offshore range, running up to 45 miles into deeper Gulf structure
· 29′ Orion platform, built for long runs, stability, and serious bottom fishing
· Full-day commitment, designed for anglers focused on trophy fish and bigger opportunities
· More time over productive water, allowing advanced fishing techniques and strategic spot changes
Everything Included – Just Show Up and Fish
·All gear: rods, reels, tackle, and live bait
·Florida fishing license for every guest
·Ice and cooler space for food, drinks, and your catch
·Fish cleaning & filleting at trip’s end
·Full setup, cleanup, and safety equipment provided
Trusted Expertise: Captain Pablo Koch-Schick
Running trips this far offshore requires experience. With more than 1,500 charters completed across the Tampa Bay area and Gulf Coast, Captain Pablo understands how to plan long-range days around weather patterns, current shifts, and seasonal fish movement.
He holds all required federal permits for reef and pelagic species, and has been featured in Florida Sport Fishing Magazine. Guests consistently describe him as extremely knowledgeable, structured, and focused on results.
Learn more about Captain Pablo’s background and why many anglers consider Reel Coquina one of the most trusted Petersburg fishing charters for serious offshore fishing in the broader Petersburg area.
Mark R | Fishing Adventure
" Captain Pablo is the real deal! He knew exactly where to go and we had steady action all day. Caught a ton of snapper and king mackerel—solid trip from start to finish!"
Sarah T | Afternoon Fun
"An unforgettable day with Reel Coquina! Pablo and his crew were extremely knowledgeable and made the entire trip so much fun. We limited out on grouper and snapper—can't wait for the next time!"
What You’ll Catch Offshore
Big water demands a different approach. On your 8-hour offshore fishing charter in St Pete FL, Captain Pablo reads real-time weather conditions, current, and bait movement, putting you over structures that hold bigger opportunities.
|
Species |
Best Months |
Type |
Description |
|
Grouper (Red, Gag, Scamp) |
November – March |
Bottom / Reef |
Thick-bodied bottom predators that stay tight to deep ledges and rock piles. Expect slow, heavy pressure and a fight that feels like lifting weight from the ocean floor. |
|
Snapper (Mangrove, Yellowtail, Vermilion) |
May – October |
Reef |
Structure-oriented feeders that stack up over deeper reefs. When the school fires up, it’s quick drops and fast limits. |
|
Kingfish (King Mackerel) |
April – May, October – November |
Pelagic |
High-speed open-water hunters that crush live bait and peel drag in seconds. Long runs offshore give you more room to chase them down. |
|
Permit & Hogfish |
Spring – Fall |
Reef / Structure |
Structure-oriented species that reward precise presentation around deeper Gulf ledges. |
|
Red Snapper* |
Federal Open Season |
Reef |
A prized Gulf species targeted during limited federal seasons. The added range lets us fish deeper numbers where bigger snapper tend to hold. |
|
Blackfin Tuna & Mahi Mahi (Seasonal) |
Peak Conditions |
Pelagic |
Bluewater visitors that roam offshore current lines and temperature breaks. When they show up, the entire pace of the trip shifts. |
*Red snapper subject to federal season dates.
Chasing Kings This Season?
Want to target one of the Gulf’s fastest and most powerful fighters? Reel Coquina runs dedicated kingfish charters in St. Pete Beach built around fast-moving schools, hard strikes, and long, screaming runs. These chrome speedsters often travel in large groups, crashing bait and testing every drag in the boat. Peak windows in spring and fall fill our charter boats up quickly.
Your 8-Hour Charter Details & Booking
-Pricing-
Private 8-hour offshore trips aboard the 29′ Orion. See our pricing and availability.
-Duration-
8 hours on the water.
-Group Size-
1–4 guests for a comfortable, focused offshore experience.
-Departure-
O’Neill’s Marina, St. Petersburg
(Conveniently located off I-275, minutes from Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge).
-Inclusions-
Bait, tackle, live bait, Florida fishing license, ice, cooler space, fish cleaning guidance.
-What to Bring-
Food/drinks (no glass), suntan lotion, hat, sunglasses, towel, comfortable clothes/shoes.
-Deposit-
Deposit required to secure your date and time. Refundable up to 2 weeks prior for non-weather cancellations.
-Weather Policy-
Safety comes first. If conditions aren’t safe, your offshore fishing trip will be rescheduled or your deposit refunded in accordance with our cancellation policy.
-Booking-
Call/text Captain Pablo at (404) 438-8732 or view availability online.
-Vessel-
29′ Orion – fast, open, and built for quick nearshore/reef runs in the Gulf Coast.
Ready to catch fish on an 8-hour offshore fishing charter in St Pete FL?
Book your 8-hour deep sea fishing trip in St. Petersburg today and spend the day offshore with Captain Pablo and Reel Coquina for a truly unforgettable experience on stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by the natural beauty that makes fishing in St. Petersburg special.
Want to compare charter options? View our full range of fishing trips or contact Captain Pablo directly for help choosing the right one.
404-438-8732
Pablokochschick@gmail.com
Let’s get you on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fishing trip is this, inshore or offshore?
This trip is built specifically for offshore water. We leave the nearshore behind with our deep sea charters running into deeper Gulf structures that shorter charters don’t reach.
What fish can we expect to catch on an 8-hour offshore trip?
You’ll find fish species that hold over deeper structures, including gag grouper, mangrove snapper, hogfish, and king mackerel depending on season. Blackfin tuna and other pelagic fish may also enter the mix when conditions line up. During the federal season, red snapper becomes a primary target. You may even encounter species like african pompano when conditions align. The exact lineup depends on weather conditions and time of year, but the goal is quality fish over productive offshore ground.
Is this trip actually good for catching fish?
Yes. Eight hours gives you the range and time to fish thoroughly. Captain Pablo works proven areas, adjusts fishing techniques as needed, and stays committed to productive structure instead of rushing between spots. More time offshore means more opportunity to catch fish.
Do we keep the fish we catch?
Yes. All legal catches are yours to keep. Your fish are cleaned and filleted at the dock so you leave with fresh fillets ready for the cooler. Catch and release is always an option if you prefer.
Is this trip good for beginners or families?
Yes, as long as everyone is comfortable with a longer offshore run. Anglers of all skill levels are welcome, though this longer trip is typically better suited to smaller groups rather than large groups looking for a short outing.
How far do you run offshore?
On this trip, we can run up to 45 miles offshore depending on conditions and target species. That extended range opens deeper Gulf structure and less pressured bottom. When the weather cooperates, the shoreline fades quickly and it’s all about fishing.
Where does the trip depart from?
Trips depart from O’Neill’s Marina in St. Petersburg with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The marina is minutes from Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, making it convenient for both locals and visitors.
Is this trip seasonal?
Offshore fishing runs year round in the Gulf. Certain species peak during specific months, especially during the winter months for grouper and warmer water periods for pelagic fish. There's always something active in the Gulf.
How many people can go on the boat?
Up to 4 guests aboard the 29′ Orion. Limiting the group size keeps the trip comfortable, focused, and efficient from start to finish.
Can we bring alcohol?
Yes, alcohol is allowed in moderation. No glass containers, please.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If conditions aren't safe for an offshore run, your fishing trip will be rescheduled or your deposit refunded according to our cancellation policy.
Should we tip?
A 20% gratuity is customary and greatly appreciated for a good trip. Cash is preferred.
How do we book a trip?
You can call or text (404) 438‑8732 or book online. Dates fill quickly during peak fishing seasons in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Still have questions? Contact us here or browse our fishing charter options in St. Petersburg FL to get started.