Full Day Tampa Bay Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour offshore charter targets grouper, snapper, and king mackerelPrivate boat accommodates up to six guests with included equipmentBottom fishing and trolling techniques from experienced local captain
When you're ready to leave the shallow waters behind and chase the big fish where they live, Captain Cody's 8-hour offshore charter is your ticket to Tampa Bay's most productive deep water fishing grounds. Starting at 8 a.m. from Hooks Bar and Grill in Ruskin, this full-day adventure gives you and up to five buddies the chance to target some serious fish while enjoying the freedom of a private charter. We're talking about a real fishing day here - not some rushed half-day trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to the dock.
This isn't your typical inshore redfish hunt. We're heading out to the deeper structure where the big boys hang out, and that means targeting species like grouper, king mackerel, cobia, and even the legendary goliath grouper. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is the flexibility - we can hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in what's working that day. You'll start the morning with coffee and anticipation as we cruise out to the first fishing spot, watching the shoreline fade behind us. The ride out gives everyone time to get rigged up, talk strategy, and maybe spot some dolphins or sea turtles along the way. Captain Cody knows these waters like his own backyard, so you're not just getting a boat ride - you're getting decades of local knowledge about where the fish are holding, what they're eating, and how to get them to bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's never held a fishing rod, you'll get hands-on guidance that actually makes sense. No confusing jargon or showing off - just practical tips that help you catch more fish.
We'll be running two main techniques on this trip, and both are proven fish producers in Tampa Bay's offshore waters. Bottom fishing is where we drop rigs down to structure like ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where grouper, snapper, and other reef fish like to hang out. You'll be using circle hooks with live or cut bait, feeling for that telltale thump when a fish picks up your offering. The key is staying connected to the bottom while keeping your bait in the strike zone - something that takes a little practice but pays off big when a nice gag grouper decides to cooperate. Trolling is a completely different game, covering water while pulling lures or rigged baits behind the boat to target pelagic species like king mackerel, spanish mackerel, and cobia. There's something addictive about watching those rods tip and hearing the drag scream when a king mac hits your spoon at 6 knots. All the rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, along with your fishing license, so you can focus on the fun part. Captain Cody runs quality gear that can handle whatever we hook up with, from 20-pound spinning outfits for smaller species up to heavier conventional tackle when we're targeting bigger fish around structure.
Spanish mackerel are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay offshore fishing, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute blast on light tackle, making blistering runs and jumping when hooked. They school up around bait pods and structure, and when you find them, you can often catch them one after another. Kids love these fish because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size, plus they make excellent table fare when prepared fresh. Goliath grouper are the true giants of these waters, and while they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a 200-400 pound fish is something you'll never forget. These prehistoric-looking fish hang around wrecks and deep structure, and when one decides to eat your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is more like moving a refrigerator than catching a fish, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights are unmatched. King mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of ripping line off your reel faster than you can blink. Fall and winter are prime time for kings in Tampa Bay, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds showing up around temperature breaks and bait schools. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic jumps, making them both challenging to land and exciting to fight. Cobia are the wildcards - these brown, shark-looking fish can show up anywhere from 20-60 pounds and are known for their curious nature and powerful runs. Spring is peak cobia season as they migrate through Tampa Bay, often swimming right up to the boat before deciding whether to eat your bait. Sheepshead might not be the most glamorous fish on the list, but they're some of the best eating and most challenging to hook. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait stealers, requiring patience and skill to consistently catch around structure and pilings.
This 8-hour offshore charter represents the best value for serious anglers who want maximum fishing time and the flexibility to target multiple species in one trip. With everything included except your lunch and drinks, you're getting a world-class fishing experience without the hassle of gear, licenses, or local knowledge. The private charter format means you're fishing with your own group at your own pace, whether that means focusing on one technique all day or bouncing around to different spots chasing whatever's biting. Captain Cody's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and the convenient departure location at Hooks Bar and Grill makes it easy to grab breakfast or a cold beer after the trip. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to your date before booking. The boat can handle up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for family trips, bachelor parties, or just a group of friends who want to experience Tampa Bay's offshore fishing at its finest. Don
Your offshore fishing adventure runs on a 26-foot Andros center console powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki outboard. This well-designed fishing machine cuts through Tampa Bay waters with speed and stability, getting your crew of up to six anglers to the productive offshore grounds quickly and safely. The center console layout gives everyone plenty of room to fish comfortably, whether you're dropping lines for grouper on the bottom or trolling for king mackerel. Built tough for Florida's Gulf waters, this boat handles the bigger waves offshore while keeping the ride smooth enough for all-day fishing comfort. The open deck design means easy movement around the boat when fighting fish, and there's ample storage for all the gear, bait, and your catch. Perfect platform for targeting everything from snapper to cobia in deeper waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are big brown sharks lookalikes that average 20-50 pounds, with fish over 60 pounds not uncommon. They're loners that hang around structure, buoys, and wrecks in 30-100 feet, though we often spot them cruising just under the surface. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move shallow for spawning. What makes them special is they're curious - they'll actually follow the boat and eat a well-placed bait or jig. The fight is bulldogging power with long, steady runs. They're top-shelf table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. We sight-fish them with bucktail jigs or live crabs. Key tip: when you see one, don't get excited and throw right at it - cast ahead of where it's swimming and let the bait sink naturally into its path.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are massive fish that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, though most we see run 100-300 pounds. These giants hang around structure in shallow water, typically 30-150 feet near reefs, wrecks, and ledges. They're curious fish that will actually approach divers and boats. Peak season is summer through early fall when they gather for spawning. What makes them special is the sheer power - that first run will test your back and your tackle. Remember, these are protected fish, so it's strictly catch and release. The fight is usually short but intense. You'll need heavy gear - 80-pound class rods and 600-pound mono because they'll try to cut you off in the rocks. My tip: use big live baits like jacks or rays, and once hooked, keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure immediately.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of offshore fishing, typically weighing 15-40 pounds with some reaching 60-plus. These silver bullets cruise in 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Best fishing is spring through fall when they migrate through our area following baitfish. What gets people hooked is that initial smoking run - they'll peel line like few other fish. The fight combines speed with power, making multiple long runs. They're good eating when prepared right, though the meat is rich and oily. We troll with live baits, spoons, or diving plugs at 6-8 knots. Pro tip: rig live baits with a stinger hook because kings often hit the tail first. Use wire leader - those razor teeth will cut through mono instantly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, usually running 2-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered structure. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they move to deeper structure for spawning. What makes them tricky is they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll test your patience but once you get the hang of it, they're steady producers. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks, and get as close to structure as possible. Here's the key: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook hard immediately or they'll steal your bait every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, streamlined fish that typically run 1-3 pounds with their distinctive yellowish spots along silver sides. These speedy swimmers travel in schools near the surface, making them easy to spot when they're feeding. You'll find them around structure in 20-80 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They hit trolled spoons and jigs hard, putting up a good fight with quick runs. What guests love most is how cooperative they are - when you find a school, you can usually boat several before they move on. The meat is excellent eating, mild and flaky when grilled or fried. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your speed around 6-8 mph and use small silver spoons or feathers - they can't resist that flash.
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