John's Pass Deep Sea Fishing Charters
John's Pass Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in John's Pass
Best Deep Sea Fishing Charters in John's Pass
Deep Sea Fishing in John's Pass
Deep Sea Fishing in John's Pass
The deep sea fishing John’s Pass has to offer is all about long hauls and big payouts. John’s Pass has access to some of the deepest waters in the entire Gulf of Mexico. Getting to them is no mean feat, but if you do you’ll be well rewarded. Huge Snappers, Groupers, and other deep-water species lurk thousands of feet below, while Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and more patrol the pelagic waters.
The great thing about fishing here is you will always be able to find a charter. John’s Pass is the gateway to the Gulf for much of the surrounding area, and you have three marinas and dozens of boats to choose from. You’ll find the perfect trip and the perfect boat for every style of fishing here.
What to Expect from a Deep Sea Fishing Trip
What your trip focuses on depends entirely on your definition of “deep sea fishing.” Many local charter captains use the term to talk about offshore deep dropping trips. Others say only big game species like Sailfish and Tuna count. Whatever you’re after, one thing’s for sure. The fish will be huge and they’ll put on one heck of a fight.
The John’s Pass area isn’t blessed with the instant deep waters found along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. You may have to travel 100 miles to hit the 100-fathom curve. Go a little farther, though, and you’ll be fishing along one of the most dramatic drop-offs in the country. The seafloor plummets 9,000 feet in just ten miles in some spots. This makes it an incredible place to fish.
You need 12 hours minimum to enjoy the deep sea fishing John’s Pass is known for. Your trip will usually focus on hitting deep-water reefs to reel in monster bottom fish. Snowy, Yellowedge, Calico, and Warsaw Grouper live down here, as do Tilefish, Queen Snapper, and the monster from Cloverfield.
All you bluewater purists out there, don’t worry - there’s plenty of pelagic action here too! Troll from reef to reef to bring in Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Sailfish, and even the occasional Marlin. You may need to run 100 miles to hit the fishing grounds, but once you do, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better mix of species.
Deep Sea Fishing Techniques
Covering as much ground as possible is key when targeting big game pelagic species. Trolling is the go-to tactic, using spreads of lures or tough baits like brined, chugger-headed Ballyhoo. These allow you to troll much faster, covering more ground and hopefully finding more fish.
Once you hit the reefs, your captain will chum the water and drop tasty baits like Squid on heavy tackle. Your hooks may have several pounds of lead helping them on their way to the bottom, so electric reels are essential unless you’re Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Need to Know
The great thing about deep sea fishing in John’s Pass is that you will usually have everything you need onboard. Fishing licenses are covered by the boat, and all tackle and bait are usually included. All you need to bring is personal supplies like food, drinks, sunscreen and sensible clothing. And don't forget your camera, because you'll be catching some truly massive fish!
John's Pass
4.6
/
5
Based on 25,958 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in John's Pass
What anglers said about Deep Sea Fishing in John's Pass
Start out with fresh cut bait and if you land a ladyfish use her as cut bait they hit that every time it hit the water
5.0
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5
Start out with fresh cut bait and if you land a ladyfish use her as cut bait they hit that every time it hit the water
DELTON T.
Adams, TN
If this is your first ocean fishing experience I recommend booking with Offshore Addicts. Its a whole lot different than fishing in the midwest where we are from but they made the experience so enjoyable!
5.0
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5
If this is your first ocean fishing experience I recommend booking with Offshore Addicts. Its a whole lot different than fishing in the midwest where we are from but they made the experience so enjoyable!
Samantha I.
Black River Falls, WI
We went out on a private charter, and we were hooking fish within seconds everytime we dropped a line in the water.
5.0
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5
We went out on a private charter, and we were hooking fish within seconds everytime we dropped a line in the water.
Jason R.
St. Petersburg, FL
Come prepared for the sun and heat. Proper clothing and sun block. After that set back enjoy the ride out to the fishing hot spots and be prepared for a lot of fun.
5.0
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5
Come prepared for the sun and heat. Proper clothing and sun block. After that set back enjoy the ride out to the fishing hot spots and be prepared for a lot of fun.
Rodney J.
Washington, DC
Reminder that red snapper season opens in June so all red snapper you catch will be released. Still May is great month for fishing here.
5.0
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5
Reminder that red snapper season opens in June so all red snapper you catch will be released. Still May is great month for fishing here.
Larry D.
Tampa, FL
book a full day; our half day experience was great but we all could have stayed out longer
5.0
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5
book a full day; our half day experience was great but we all could have stayed out longer
Holly G.
Hyattsville, MD
If you pick one of the charters out of John's Pass, you can spend some time on the boardwalk before or after your trip. Highly recommend La Costa Charters and Capt Patrick.
5.0
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5
If you pick one of the charters out of John's Pass, you can spend some time on the boardwalk before or after your trip. Highly recommend La Costa Charters and Capt Patrick.
Dan G.
Tampa, Florida
Great location and sites going out under Johns Pass and running out in the Gulf.
5.0
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5
Great location and sites going out under Johns Pass and running out in the Gulf.
Brian V.
Mechanicsville, MD
We fished with Salty Confusion Charters and had an excellent day catching a lot of fish
5.0
/
5
We fished with Salty Confusion Charters and had an excellent day catching a lot of fish
FishingBooker Member
Chicago, Illinois