Bottom fishing in Turks is loud fun. This private half-day charter on the Shady Grady turns the outer reef into a steady rhythm of bites, with a comfortable boat (shaded seating, bathroom, stereo) and big twin Yamaha power that keeps the trip moving. I love that it’s built for learning fast, with hands-on help if you’re new, plus a crew that works to get you to the fish.

One more thing I like: when you’re done, the crew cleans and fillets your catch so you can focus on dinner instead of paperwork at the cutting board. The main drawback is the pricing: it’s $2,485.65 per group up to 6, so it feels most worthwhile when you can split the boat cost with friends or family.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 6 passengers on Shady Grady, with two crew members onboard.
• 1:00pm start from Turtle Cove Marina, returning to the same meeting point for a smooth half-day plan.
• Fast, frequent bottom fishing on the outer reef, where you can catch many different species.
• Crew support for beginners, so you’re not just holding a rod and hoping.
• Everything for fishing is included (gear, bait, licenses/fees), plus snacks and drinks onboard.
• Catch cleaning and filleting at the dock, so your fish is ready to take back.

A 1pm start from Turtle Cove: how the timing works

This is a true half-day fishing outing. You depart at 1:00pm from Turtle Cove Marina and return back to the same meeting point after about 4 hours on the water. That timing matters: it’s long enough for real bottom-fishing action, but not so long that you lose your whole afternoon on a boat.

If you’re using Grace Bay as your base, the schedule also gives you flexibility afterward. You’ll have time to reset, shower, and turn the catch into an easy dinner plan.

Shady Grady comfort: shaded seating, bathroom, and stereo

The Shady Grady is set up for comfort, not just fishing logistics. You’ve got shaded seating, a stereo system for music onboard, and a bathroom, which makes a half-day trip feel much less “roughing it.” With a private group capped at 6 passengers, the boat setup also tends to feel roomy, not cramped.

The engine setup is reassuring too: twin 250HP Yamaha engines. That’s the difference between a boat that feels like it’s working hard versus one that feels confident when conditions change.

In the reviews, the overall vibe is clear: you’re there to fish, but the ride is also relaxed. One positive detail that came up is the ease of conversation on the water, so you’re not stuck in silence while someone handles everything.

Outer reef bottom fishing: what you’re targeting and why it’s fun

This charter is focused on outer reef fishing. The result is a style of angling that can feel quick and varied. The plan is designed so you’re likely to experience fast and frequent bites, and the species can change throughout the trip, which keeps things interesting even if you’ve fished before.

What you might catch includes:

• Snapper and grouper
• Yellowtail and cero
• Pan fish and other reef species

Your odds get even better when you like variety. One fishing run described 19 fish across species such as yellowtail, puddingwife, porgy, strawberry grouper, trigger fish, and mackerel. Another trip noted landing 11 fish. Even if totals vary day to day, the pattern is the same: you’re fishing a reef environment that supports multiple species, not a one-species hunt.

If you’re bringing kids or first-timers, this matters. Lots of different fish means lots of moments to point, identify, and learn on the spot. And when the crew is on their spot, the action can feel nonstop.

Learn fast with hands-on crew help

If you’re new to fishing, this is the kind of trip where you can actually learn without slowing the boat down. The charter is set up for beginners, and the crew’s job includes getting you fishing efficiently—so you can focus on the fun part, the bite.

What you can expect in practice:

• Fishing gear and bait are included, so you aren’t shopping or packing complicated stuff.
• The crew gives instructions and helps you work the line effectively.
• Bottom fishing often happens quickly; that means you’ll get real chances to feel bites instead of waiting through long lulls.

This part shows up strongly in the feedback. People praised the crew for being attentive and for putting them in the right places to catch fish. Names that came up: Captain Blaze and mate Jeffery were highlighted for getting lines in and making it easy. Another captain, Joseph, came up as knowledgeable and fun, with Jeffery again as a steady helper.

If your group includes mixed experience levels, that’s a good match. Beginners get support, and experienced fishers still get a proper reef charter instead of a casual “look-and-watch” outing.

Snacks, sodas, light beer, and music on the water

Half-day trips can be hit-or-miss on the food-and-drinks side. This one is built with the idea that you’ll stay comfortable while fishing. Included onboard you’ll find:

• Snacks
• Sodas and bottled water
• Light beer and alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included)

You’re also traveling with a stereo system, so music is part of the experience, not an afterthought.

A practical tip for your group: if your crew is active and you get a run of bites, you’ll be glad drinks are already handled. It reduces the “pause and wait” moment that can break the rhythm.

Fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, and what you can do between bites

You’re booking bottom fishing, but you also get use of snorkeling equipment included. The key word here is use. The charter is still centered on fishing, yet having the gear along gives you a chance to mix things up if conditions allow or if the day calls for a break from constant rod work.

That flexibility is valuable on a private boat because you can match the vibe to your group. If someone wants to keep fishing nonstop, they can. If someone wants a swim moment, the option is already there.

What you bring back: crew cleans and fillets your catch

One of the best parts of this charter is what happens when you’re done fishing. When you return to dock, the crew will clean and fillet your fish for you. That can save time and effort back at your resort, especially if you’d rather focus on eating than on handling the fish yourself.

So the trip isn’t just about catching. It’s also about getting you to the dinner-ready stage.

The fish list from the trip info and the catches described in reviews line up well with what many people want for a meal: reef fish like snapper and grouper (plus other reef species) that cook up nicely once portioned.

Pickup around Grace Bay: when transportation changes the math

Pickup is offered along the Grace Bay area and beyond, and different charges apply based on area. Private transportation is listed as not included, so you’ll want to factor that into what you’ll actually pay if you’re not starting at Turtle Cove Marina.

This affects value more than you might think. The base charter price is $2,485.65 per group for up to six people. If pickup is needed, you’ll pay an extra area-based fee on top.

If your group can meet at the marina without a paid pickup, this charter becomes easier to justify. If you do need pickup, plan to confirm the pre-arranged time and location so everyone is on the same page before 1:00pm.

Price and value: $2,485.65 per group for real boat time

Let’s talk value honestly. At $2,485.65 per group (up to 6), this isn’t a “cheap afternoon” activity. But it is a private charter, with gear and bait handled for you, and you’re booking a crew-led outing focused on bottom fishing.

The value math gets better when:

• Your group fills the boat (6 people spreads the cost)
• You want a private experience (not sharing with strangers)
• You want included supplies like fishing gear and bait, plus snacks and drinks
• You care about having your catch cleaned and filleted before you head back

In other words, you’re not paying for empty boat time. You’re paying for a working fishing operation: spot-finding, gear management, instruction, and the final processing at the dock.

Who should book this half-day bottom fishing charter

This is a strong fit if you:

• Have beginners in your group and want real support
• Want a private boat experience without committing to a full day
• Like the idea of catching multiple species on one trip
• Want a “catch-to-dinner” outcome with cleaning and filleting included

It may not be the best match if you:

• Are traveling solo or as a couple and can’t split the group cost
• Only want a low-effort, purely scenic outing (this is a fishing charter, and the action is the point)

Should you book Grand Slam Bottom Fishing on Shady Grady?

If you want a half-day that feels practical and rewarding, I’d lean yes. This charter is built around the things that usually make fishing trips worth it: real bottom-fishing time, gear and bait handled for you, crew help when you’re new, and a payoff at the end with cleaning and filleting.

The biggest decision is budget and group size. If you can fill the boat with friends or family, it’s easier to see the value. If you can’t, you may want to compare against other options that spread costs differently.

FAQ

How long is the bottom fishing charter on Shady Grady?

The trip lasts about 4 hours.

What time does the charter depart?

The experience starts at 1:00pm.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It starts and ends at Turtle Cove Marina, and the activity returns back to the meeting point.

How many people can this private charter accommodate?

It accommodates up to 6 passengers, plus her crew of two.

What fishing equipment and supplies are included?

Fishing gear and bait are included, along with all fees and taxes.

Are snacks and drinks provided?

Yes. You’ll have snacks, sodas, water, and light beer, and alcoholic beverages are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Will the crew clean and fillet the fish?

Yes. Upon return to dock, the crew will clean and fillet your fish.

Do you offer pickup in addition to meeting at the marina?

Pickup is offered for resorts along the Grace Bay area and out with, but private transportation isn’t included. Different charges apply based on area, so you’ll want to confirm in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.