3/4 Day Reef Fishing Near Tampa Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore reef fishing up to 9 miles from Tampa BayTarget kingfish, cobia, tripletail, and goliath grouper seasonallyAll gear, bait, and licenses included for 26 anglers
Tampa Bay's offshore waters hold some serious fish, and Captain Kirby's 3/4 day reef fishing charter puts you right where the action happens. We're talking up to 9 miles out, where the bottom structure changes and the big boys hang out. This isn't your typical inshore trip – you'll be working deeper water where kingfish cruise the edges, cobia patrol the structure, and grouper stack up on the hard bottom. With room for up to 6 anglers but priced for 2, you've got plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered, so just bring your cooler, some snacks, and get ready to put the reel to work.
This charter targets the reef systems and structure that make Tampa Bay's offshore fishing so productive. You'll be fishing anywhere from 30 to 60 feet of water, depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat rides out to proven spots where artificial reefs, ledges, and natural bottom changes create the perfect ambush points for predator fish. Expect to spend most of your time anchored up or doing controlled drifts over structure, though we'll also do some trolling runs if the kingfish are moving. The pace stays steady – you're not just soaking bait, you're actively working different presentations and adjusting to what the fish want. Weather and seasons dictate exactly where we fish, but Captain Kirby knows these waters and puts you on the most productive spots for the day.
We fish with medium to heavy spinning and conventional setups that can handle everything from 15-pound kings to 200-pound goliath grouper. Most fishing happens with live bait – pilchards, pinfish, and grunts work great for the variety of species we target. You'll also throw some artificials, especially when cobia are around or when we're working schools of baitfish. Bottom fishing with circle hooks keeps things simple and effective for grouper and snapper, while the live bait on float rigs or free-lined brings out the predators cruising mid-water. The key is staying versatile – one minute you might be pulling up a nice grouper from the bottom, the next you're watching a cobia swim right up to the boat. We keep multiple rods rigged and ready because opportunities come fast out here.
Cobia are the crown jewel of this fishery, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These brown sharks, as some call them, can push 40-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you a clear shot at sight-casting. Best months are April through June and September through November. What makes cobia so special is their aggressive takes and bulldogging runs – they don't jump much but they'll test your drag and your back.
Tripletail are the oddball species that keep things interesting. They float on their sides near structure or debris, looking like floating trash until you get close. These fish are incredibly strong for their size, typically running 10-20 pounds with occasional bigger ones. Fall months, especially September and October, are prime time. They're ambush predators with mouths that can inhale a bait, and once hooked, they shake their heads like tarpon trying to throw the hook.
Northern Kingfish are the speed demons of the bunch. These fish school up along the edges of reefs and structure, hitting trolled baits or live offerings with authority. Most run 15-30 pounds, but the smoker kings in the 40-pound range show up regularly. Winter months often produce the biggest fish as they move inshore to spawn. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and make blistering runs, so wire leaders are essential. They're also excellent table fare when handled properly.
Bull Sharks add serious excitement to any trip. These apex predators patrol the same areas we fish, often showing up when you least expect them. They're incredibly powerful, typically running 100-200 pounds, and they don't give up easy. Summer months see more bull shark activity, especially around the deeper structure. What makes them special is their unpredictability – they might cruise by and ignore everything, or slam a bait so hard they nearly pull the rod out of your hands.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of Tampa Bay's offshore waters. These prehistoric-looking fish can exceed 200 pounds and provide battles you'll remember forever. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight alone is worth the trip. Summer and early fall typically see the most goliath activity around the deeper reefs. When a big goliath eats your bait, there's no mistaking it – they inhale the offering and head straight for the rocks. The fight is all about leverage and patience, keeping steady pressure while they try to wrap you up in structure.
Tampa Bay's offshore reef fishing delivers year-round action with seasonal peaks that make certain times absolutely outstanding. This 3/4 day format gives you serious time on the water without the full commitment of an all-day trip. Captain Kirby's local knowledge and quality gear make this a top-rated charter choice for anglers who want to step up from inshore fishing. Whether you're after a trophy cobia, a cooler full of kingfish, or just want to experience the power of a goliath grouper, this trip puts you in the right spots at the right times. Book early, especially during peak seasons – the best offshore days fill up fast.
Step aboard this pristine 2023 26ft Collier Boat Works, powered by a reliable 250HP Suzuki 4-stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This well-maintained vessel comes loaded with top-notch gear and tackle for targeting kingfish, cobia, tripletail, and even goliath grouper up to 9 miles offshore from Tampa Bay. The onboard fish finder helps locate productive structure while GPS keeps you on the best spots around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Stay comfortable with the multimedia system, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and communicate safely with VHF radio. Everything's included - rods, reels, bait, and licenses - so just bring your food, drinks, and get ready to battle some serious fish in the productive waters off Florida's Gulf Coast.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of Tampa Bay - thick, aggressive predators that can handle both salt and fresh water. These gray torpedo-shaped fish average 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds, with razor-sharp triangular teeth. They cruise shallow coastal waters year-round but are most active during summer months from late June through September. What makes them special is their ability to move into brackish areas where other sharks can't go. They put up brutal fights and are pure adrenaline on heavy tackle. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and current breaks. We use whole fish like mullet or cut bait, but here's the secret - fresh eel works better than anything due to its oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook during long fights.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary fish that cruise Tampa Bay's reefs and structures, often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These bruisers average 6 feet and 100 pounds, putting up aggressive fights that test your gear. You'll find them around depths of 30-70 feet near reefs, wrecks, and buoys, especially during spring spawning season from June through August. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals mahi. Since they're loners, we sight fish for them near the surface or target structure where they hunt crabs and small fish. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig in any color - weight matters more than looks with these fish. A 4-8 oz jig worked near bottom structure is your best bet.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of Tampa Bay reefs - these monsters can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds. They're mottled tan and gray, living around coral reefs, wrecks, and structure in shallow tropical waters up to 150 feet deep. What makes them special is that first pull - it'll nearly yank you overboard if you're not ready. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the fight alone is worth it. They're curious fish that aren't afraid of boats or divers. You'll need extra-heavy tackle with 400-600 pound line and 20/O circle hooks. Use whole fish like jacks or ladyfish for bait. Pro tip: anchor close enough to the reef to get their attention, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are scrappy little members of the drum family that punch above their weight class. These bronze and silver fish average 10-14 inches and up to 1.5 pounds, but don't let the size fool you - they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them on sandy and rocky bottoms in shallow water, though they move deeper in winter. Late summer is prime time when they're most abundant near shore. They're bottom feeders with a single barbel under their chin that they use to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish. The white meat is delicious and flaky. Use light tackle with small hooks - they have small mouths. Bloodworms and small pieces of clam work best. Key tip: keep your bait on or near bottom and be ready for that aggressive first strike.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are weird-looking fish that get their name from three rounded fins at the back end. They average 18 inches and 2-13 pounds, but can reach 40 pounds if you're lucky. These fish are masters of disguise - they'll lay on their sides mimicking floating debris, and can change color from mottled brown to black or white. You'll spot them near the surface around weed lines and floating objects year-round in Tampa Bay. They're becoming popular with fly fishermen because they're surprisingly acrobatic for their chunky build. The meat tastes similar to snapper or grouper. Best technique is sight casting - once you see one, cast past it and drag your bait toward them. Be stealthy though, they spook easily if you cast too close.
Tampa