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 seasonallyIncludes gear, bait, licenses for 2-6 experienced anglers
Captain Kirby's got something special cooking for serious anglers looking to get after some quality fish in Tampa Bay's offshore waters. This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip – we're talking about pushing out up to 9 miles from shore where the real action happens. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species in waters that separate the weekend warriors from the dedicated fishermen. With room for up to 6 anglers but priced for 2, you've got plenty of space to work without bumping elbows when that kingfish makes its screaming run.
This 3/4 day charter puts you right in the sweet spot – long enough to really get into the fish but not so long that you're completely wiped out by sunset. Captain Kirby knows these offshore reefs like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about running to where the fish are biting. You'll be working structure, ledges, and artificial reefs where the big boys like to hang out. The boat comes loaded with all the tackle you need, from heavy spinning gear for the kings to stout conventional setups for those bruiser grouper. Fresh bait's provided, but don't be surprised if Captain Kirby breaks out some live stuff when conditions are right. The Gulf can be unpredictable, but that's what makes it exciting – one minute you're battling a cobia, the next you've got a goliath grouper testing your drag system.
We're talking serious offshore fishing here, so expect to use techniques that actually work in these deeper waters. You'll be dropping baits on the bottom for grouper, drifting the reefs for cobia, and working the water column for kings and tripletail. Captain Kirby runs quality gear – think 50-80 pound class conventional reels paired with stout rods that can handle the pressure. For the kingfish, we'll be trolling with wire leaders and diving plugs, or drifting live bait when we can get it. Bottom fishing means circle hooks and enough weight to stay down in the current. Don't worry if you're not familiar with offshore tackle – Captain Kirby and his crew will get you sorted out. Just remember, this isn't light tackle fishing. These fish have teeth, attitude, and the open Gulf to run into, so we fish accordingly with gear that can actually land what we hook.
The kingfish around Tampa Bay are absolute rockets, and when they're running, you'll know it. These fish typically show up in good numbers during the cooler months, roughly October through March, and they don't mess around. A decent king will go 20-30 pounds, but don't be shocked if you tie into something pushing 40 or 50. They hit trolled baits like a freight train and immediately head for deep water, peeling line off your reel faster than you'd believe. What makes kings special is that first run – it's pure adrenaline and exactly why serious anglers target them.
Cobia are the opportunists of the reef, and they're always looking for an easy meal. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, cruise around looking curious about everything. They'll eat just about anything you put in front of them, from live crabs to chunk baits, and they fight like they mean it. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Captain Kirby's got that figured out. A good cobia will go anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds, and they've got the stamina to make multiple runs before you get them boat-side.
Tripletail might be the most underrated fish swimming around these reefs. They hang around floating debris, markers, and structure, looking like floating leaves until they decide to eat your bait. These fish are absolutely delicious and fight way harder than their laid-back appearance suggests. They're year-round residents, but summer and fall tend to be most productive. Most tripletail you'll catch will run 10-20 pounds, perfect table fare and a blast on appropriate tackle.
Bull sharks are the wild card that keeps things interesting. These fish are pure power and attitude, and when one decides to eat your grouper bait, you'd better hold on tight. They show up when the water's warm and can range from 50 pounds to well over 200. You're not keeping them, but the fight is something you'll talk about for years. Just remember – respect these fish and listen to Captain Kirby when it's time to cut the leader.
Goliath grouper are the monsters that make this trip legendary. These giants can exceed 300 pounds and live around the same structure where you'll be fishing for their smaller cousins. When a goliath eats your bait, there's no question what you've hooked – they head straight for the bottom with unstoppable power. You won't be keeping them since they're protected, but getting one to the surface for a quick photo is a fishing experience that'll stay with you forever. They're year-round residents, but summer months tend to produce more encounters.
Captain Kirby's 3/4 day reef fishing charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – access to quality offshore fishing without the politics of a crowded boat. You're getting a top-rated Tampa Bay fishing experience with a captain who knows where to find fish and isn't afraid to run to get on them. All gear, bait, and licenses are included, so just bring your cooler, camera, and appetite for some real fishing. This charter fills up fast during peak season, and once you fish with Captain Kirby, you'll understand why his repeat customers book their next trip before they even get back to the dock. Don't wait around – good fishing doesn't last forever, and neither do open spots on the calendar.
Get ready to hit the offshore waters aboard this pristine 2023 26ft Collier Boat Works! This beauty runs on a powerful 250HP Suzuki 4-stroke that'll get you out to the productive fishing grounds up to 9 miles from Tampa Bay. The captain keeps this rig spotless and tournament-ready with top-shelf tackle and gear for targeting everything from kingfish and cobia to massive goliath grouper. You'll have a fish finder to locate the action, GPS to mark those honey holes, and VHF radio for safety. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the ride out, while the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. Built for serious anglers who want to fish the deeper reefs where the big boys hang out - perfect for experienced fishermen ready to battle some real bruisers in the Gulf's prime fishing zones around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are serious business - thick-bodied predators that can reach 8-10 feet and 300+ pounds in our waters. These gray bruisers patrol shallow coastal areas year-round but are most active during warmer months. You'll find them cruising reefs, channels, and near structure in 20-80 feet of water. What makes bull sharks special is their raw power and ability to handle both salt and brackish water. The fight is pure adrenaline - short, brutal runs that test your gear and skills. They're catch-and-release only, making each encounter a true photo opportunity. We use heavy tackle with 80+ pound test and circle hooks for safety. Fresh eel is hands-down the best bait - its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls while staying on the hook through smaller fish. Always maintain respect for these apex predators.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solid fighters that average around 30-50 pounds, though we see some pushing 80+ pounds out here. These dark brown fish are loners - you won't find them schooling up. They love hanging around our reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially during their spawning runs from June through August. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and topwater lures. Here's a tip that works well in Tampa Bay: when you spot one cruising near the surface, cast well ahead and work your bait back toward them. They spook easy but once hooked, they'll give you a memorable fight with long runs and stubborn pulls.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - these massive fish can reach 6-8 feet and several hundred pounds. They're solitary creatures that hang around structure, wrecks, and ledges in 30-100 feet of water. Summer and fall offer the best encounters when they gather near spawning areas. What makes goliaths special is the sheer power - that first run will test every piece of your gear and technique. They're strictly catch-and-release, making each hookup about the experience and photos. These fish are curious and unafraid, often following divers and investigating boats. Use heavy tackle with 80+ pound test and big circle hooks. Live or dead baits like rays, jacks, or large crabs work best. Key tip: anchor close enough to the structure so they'll come out to feed, but far enough that you can pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Menticirrhus SaxatilisNorthern kingfish are scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight class. These 10-14 inch members of the drum family have distinctive bronze-green backs with dark V-shaped markings. They're bottom dwellers, using the single barbel under their chin to hunt crabs, worms, and small fish in sandy areas. Late summer gives us the best kingfish action when they move into shallower waters near shore. While small, they put up a surprisingly good fight and make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. You'll find them in 10-30 feet around sandy bottoms and structure. Light tackle with small hooks works best - think 1/0 circle hooks with bloodworms or small pieces of clam. Here's a local trick: bounce your bait along the bottom to create some disturbance. Kingfish are curious and that little cloud of sand often triggers them to investigate and bite.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - they look like floating debris until they come alive on your line. These chunky fish average 2-5 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. You'll find them floating near the surface around weed lines, markers, and structure, making them perfect for sight fishing. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps stay above 70 degrees. What guests love about tripletail is their acrobatic fight - despite their bulky appearance, they jump and thrash like tarpon. The meat is outstanding too, often compared to snapper or grouper with its firm, sweet flesh. Watch for their razor-sharp gills when handling. My best tip for tripletail: cast past the fish and drag your bait toward them. They're easily spooked, but if you let them ambush the bait naturally, they'll usually commit to a solid hookup.
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