Gulfstar Fishing | Tarpon Springs Deep Sea Fishing Trips

Gulfstar Fishing is a family-run headboat operation built for Tarpon Springs deep sea fishing trips that go well beyond a typical half-day outing. Sailing from 810 Dodecanese Boulevard along the historic Sponge Docks, the 85-foot GulfStar Endurance takes small, limited-load groups on overnight and multi-day runs to some of the Gulf’s most productive offshore grounds, including the Florida Middle Grounds and the Elbow. The Forsberg family has been running fishing boats since the 1930s, first along the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf since 2004.

The GulfStar Endurance

At 85 feet long and roughly 24 feet wide, the Endurance is a big, stable platform that is U.S. Coast Guard inspected and run by licensed captains. The boat is rated for far more passengers than it carries: multi-day trips are capped at about 20 to 22 anglers, so everyone has plenty of rail space. Custom folding seats let you drop fish straight into an iced cooler, and the boat has an air-conditioned cabin and bunkroom, freshwater showers, restrooms, a full galley and a climate-controlled lounge, which are welcome comforts a long way offshore.

Multi-Day Deep Sea Fishing Trips

• 44-Hour Middle Grounds & Elbow: the best-selling trip. It departs at 6:00 PM for an overnight run of 6 to 7 hours, with fishing usually starting in 100 to 160 feet of water. Limited to 20 anglers. From $995.
• 3-Day Golden Grounds: the most fishing time on the schedule, about 36 hours on more distant grounds. From $995.
• 4-Day Deep Drop: bottom fishing from 600 to more than 1,200 feet by day for big grouper and tilefish, with pelagic fishing at night. From $1,400.
• Slow Pitch Jigging: jig fishing by day and pelagic fishing by night, aimed at experienced anglers. From $1,400.
• Private Charter: the whole boat for family, friends or a corporate group, with a custom trip plan. From $4,500.

Gulfstar’s FAQ also mentions half-day and 12 to 18-hour trips, so call the office for current day-trip schedules and pricing.

What You’ll Catch

Depending on the season and the trip, the Endurance targets red snapper (in season), mangrove, mutton, vermilion and yellowtail snapper, red and gag grouper, scamp, triggerfish, amberjack, king mackerel and wahoo. Deep drop trips go after tilefish and big grouper in very deep water, while shallower trips can also turn up hogfish and silver snapper.

What’s Included

Pricing is all-inclusive, with no separate bait charge. Trips include:

• Rods, reels, tackle and bait (live bait when available)
• Your Florida fishing license
• Ice for your catch, plus fish cleaning and bagging
• Meals, snacks, coffee and soft drinks on multi-day trips
• A bunk in the air-conditioned sleeping quarters

Gratuities aren’t included; around 20% of the fare is typical. Electric reels aren’t provided, so bring your own if you plan to use one.

Before You Go

• Location: 810 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL
• Bring: a pillow, twin sheet and blanket or sleeping bag, a change of clothes, light rain gear, closed-toe rubber-soled shoes, toiletries, sunscreen and any medications
• Cooler: one up to 110 quarts is recommended for multi-day trips, and a loaner is available if you ask at least a day ahead
• Age: overnight anglers must be at least 12 and with an adult, or 16 if unaccompanied
• Alcohol: allowed in non-glass containers, in moderation
• Weather: multi-day trips are canceled when sustained winds are forecast above 20 knots in winter or 25 knots the rest of the year

Book Tarpon Springs Deep Sea Fishing with Gulfstar

Book online through the Gulfstar Fishing website or call (727) 938-5300 (office hours 10 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday). Want a shorter day trip nearby? See Queen Fleet in Clearwater, compare boats in our Florida long-range charter directory, or browse all Florida fishing charters.