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Ready to reel in some serious Gulf action? Captain Steven Miller's got you covered with this 8-hour shared charter out of Pensacola Beach. We're talking gag grouper, grey triggerfish, and a whole bunch of other tasty critters just waiting to bend your rod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your sea legs, this trip's perfect for anyone looking to fill the cooler and have a blast doing it.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Pensacola Beach, the emerald waters stretching as far as the eye can see. Captain Steven's at the helm, and he knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be dropping lines over prime fishing spots, targeting those bottom-dwelling grouper and triggerfish, plus whatever else is biting. And the best part? Everything's included. Rods, reels, bait, tackle - you just show up ready to fish. It's off-season, which means fewer crowds and more fish for you. Plus, you might even pick up some new tricks from the captain or your fellow anglers.
We're not messing around with light tackle here. For grouper and triggerfish, we're talking heavy-duty gear to winch those big boys up from the depths. You'll be using circle hooks - they're not just good for the fish, they're practically guaranteed to set themselves. Captain Steven will show you the ropes if you're new to bottom fishing. It's all about feeling the bite, giving a quick jerk, and then reeling like mad. And if the triggerfish are being finicky (they can be real bait stealers), he's got some tricks up his sleeve to outsmart 'em.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweights of the reef. They love to hang around structure and will put up one heck of a fight. Gags can grow over 50 pounds, and they're known for that last-minute surge that'll have you grunting to keep them out of their hidey-holes. Best of all, they're delicious - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Grey Triggerfish: Don't let their small size fool you. These guys are crafty and strong for their size. They've got a set of chompers that can crush shellfish (and your hooks if you're not careful). Triggerfish are a blast to catch and make for some fantastic eating. Their sweet, white meat is a local favorite.
Scamp Grouper: Smaller than their gag cousins but just as tasty. Scamps are known for their delicate flavor and are often considered the best-eating of all the groupers. They like to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, so when you hook one, you better turn them quick before they dive for cover.
King Mackerel: While we're primarily bottom fishing, don't be surprised if we troll for kings on the way out or back. These speedsters can top 50 pounds and will smoke a reel faster than you can say "Fish on!" They're seasonal visitors, but when they're here, hold on tight - it's going to be a wild ride.
Look, fishing's fishing - some days are better than others. But with Captain Steven, you're in for a good time no matter what. He's got that sixth sense for finding the fish, and he's always happy to share his knowledge. Plus, there's something about being out on the Gulf, surrounded by that blue water, that just can't be beat. And let's be real - when you're hauling up grouper after grouper, or battling a big king mackerel, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
So what are you waiting for? This 8-hour trip is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Gulf has to offer. Remember, it's a shared charter, so you might make some new fishing buddies along the way. Captain Steven's got all the gear ready, the boat's fueled up, and those grouper and triggerfish are calling your name. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Book your spot now with Native Son's Charters - those fish aren't going to catch themselves!
Gag grouper are a prized catch in our Gulf waters. These fish typically range from 10-30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50+. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Gags are aggressive predators, so they put up a great fight when hooked. Their firm white meat is delicious, making them popular for the dinner table too. Spring and fall are peak seasons as the fish move between deep and shallow waters. When targeting gags, use heavy tackle and substantial live baits like pinfish or mullet. A local trick is to use a long leader to keep your bait off the bottom - gags often suspend above structure. Be ready for a battle once you hook up, as these powerful fish will try to dive back into their rocky lairs. Patience and steady pressure are key to landing a big gag.

Grey triggerfish are quirky reef dwellers that offer a fun challenge. These tough little fish average 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 12. You'll find them around hard bottom areas, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. Triggers have small mouths and sharp teeth, making them experts at stealing bait. They're known for their delicious, sweet meat - a real treat for the dinner table. Summer and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Small, strong hooks and pieces of squid or cut bait work best. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, don't jerk the rod. Instead, reel quickly to set the hook. Triggers have tough mouths, so steady pressure is key to landing them. While they may not be the biggest fish in the sea, their tasty fillets and unique fighting style make triggerfish a favorite among our Gulf anglers.

King mackerel, or "kings", are speed demons of the Gulf. These sleek predators can top 50 pounds, with most catches in the 15-30 pound range. Kings roam the open water, often found around bait schools from just offshore to 200 feet deep. They're famous for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and fall migrations bring kings close to shore, but summer offers consistent action too. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the go-to method. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. Here's a local trick: when a king hits, don't set the hook. Instead, let it run for a few seconds, then slowly increase drag. This lets the fish fully take the bait, improving your hookup ratio. While they're not the best eating, the sheer thrill of battling a big king makes them a popular target for our charters.

Scamp grouper are a favorite target for Gulf anglers. These sleek, bronze-colored fish average 4-8 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find scamp in deeper waters, typically 200-300 feet, around rocky bottoms and wrecks. They're known for their excellent taste - some say the best of all groupers. Scamp put up a stubborn fight, using their strength to dive for cover. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures change. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but scamp will also hit jigs and cut bait. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the scamp a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel steadily to bring it up. These fish have soft mouths, so patience is key to landing them. The fight and flavor make scamp a rewarding catch for any Gulf angler.
