Deep Water Action: Tampa Bay Offshore Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing up to 60 miles targeting premium speciesEquipment and licenses included with professional charter serviceBottom-fishing and trolling techniques for Grouper and Tuna
When you're ready to leave the bay behind and hit the real fishing grounds, this Tampa Bay offshore charter takes you up to 60 miles into the Gulf of Mexico where the big fish live. Captain and crew at Down2Fish Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. We're talking prime bottom structure and blue water where Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, and Blackfin Tuna call home. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the deep stuff where every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime.
Your day starts early with a ride out to proven fishing spots that most weekend warriors never see. We'll cruise past the nearshore structure and keep pushing until we hit the 60-100 foot depths where the serious fish hang out. The boat's equipped with everything you need – top-shelf rods and reels, fresh bait, tackle, and all the licenses are covered. You just need to bring your appetite for action, some food for the day, and plenty of sunscreen because you'll be out there for hours. The captain runs a clean operation with quality gear that can handle whatever we hook up. Whether we're working the bottom for Grouper and Snapper or pulling lines for Tuna and Amberjack, you'll be fishing with confidence knowing the equipment won't let you down when it counts.
We fish two main ways out here – trolling the blue water and working the bottom structure. When we're trolling, we'll spread out a pattern of lures and baits behind the boat, covering water to find schools of Tuna and Amberjack that are actively feeding. The captain knows the right speeds, the productive depths, and which lures produce on any given day. For bottom fishing, we anchor up over ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where Grouper and Snapper stack up. You'll drop heavy sinkers with circle hooks loaded with cut bait or live offerings right to the bottom. The key is getting your bait in the strike zone and being ready when something big decides to eat. Bottom fishing takes patience, but when a 20-pound Gag Grouper grabs your bait and heads for the rocks, you'll understand why we make the long run offshore.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Tampa's offshore waters hold some beautiful fish. These guys love structure and will stack up on ledges and artificial reefs in 60-120 feet of water. Red Snapper are smart and can be picky eaters, but when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare. Peak season runs from summer into fall, and a good Red Snapper day will have you dropping baits as fast as you can rig them.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom, and they'll test your tackle and technique every time. These fish love rocky bottom and ledges where they can ambush prey and duck back into cover when hooked. A quality Gag will run 15-25 pounds, and they hit hard before trying to cut you off on the nearest structure. They're year-round residents, but the cooler months often produce the biggest fish. When you hook a Gag, you better be ready to put some serious pressure on them right away.
Blackfin Tuna are speed demons that'll scream line off your reel and jump all over the surface. These fish travel in schools and feed aggressively on the surface when conditions are right. They're perfect for trolling, and when we find them, it's usually multiple hookups at once. Blackfins average 10-20 pounds but make up for size with pure athleticism. They're strongest in warmer months and love clean blue water where baitfish concentrate.
Red Grouper are steady bottom dwellers that provide consistent action when other species get finicky. They're not as aggressive as Gags, but they're plentiful and willing to eat a properly presented bait. Reds average smaller than Gags but still provide solid fights and great eating. You'll find them over sandy bottom mixed with rocks and shell, and they're one of the most reliable catches on any offshore trip.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the deep structure, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These fish can push 40+ pounds and have the power to back it up. Amberjacks love vertical structure like wrecks and deep ledges, and they'll hit both live bait and trolled offerings. When you hook a big AJ, get ready for a long fight because they don't give up easy. They're most active in warmer water and can provide world-class action when you find the right school.
This Tampa Bay offshore fishing adventure with Down2Fish Charters delivers the real deal – deep water fishing where trophy fish live and fight like they mean it. You'll fish productive waters that consistently hold quality fish, use professional-grade tackle that won't let you down, and learn from a captain who knows how to put clients on fish. The 60-mile range opens up a huge area of prime fishing grounds that most anglers never access. Whether you're after a trophy Grouper for the wall, a mess of Snapper for the table, or just want to feel your drag screaming on a big Tuna, this trip puts you in the right place with the right gear. Book your offshore adventure today and get ready to fish the deep water like it's meant to be fished.
Hit the deep waters of Tampa Bay aboard our 2020 Robalo 30-footer – a serious fishing machine built for offshore action up to 60 miles out. This center console beast packs twin Yamaha 300HP engines that'll get you to the prime fishing grounds fast, cruising at 50 knots when the bite is hot and you need to cover water quickly. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, and Blackfin Tuna. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and schools, while the GPS keeps you locked onto productive spots. When visibility drops or weather moves in, the radar keeps you safe and on course. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish below. Comfort matters during long offshore runs – the icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold, and there's an onboard head when nature calls. We've got all the tackle, gear, and licenses covered, so just pack your food and sun protection. Whether you're dropping bottom rigs on deep structure or pulling lines for pelagics, this Robalo handles whatever Tampa's offshore waters throw at you.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the speed demons of our offshore trips, typically running 10-20 pounds with some pushing 30+. These dark-bodied fish with yellow highlights travel in schools over blue water, usually 20-60 miles out. Fall through spring is prime time when they move through Tampa Bay waters chasing baitfish. What makes them special is the fight - pure adrenaline on light tackle with blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is top-notch too, perfect for searing or sashimi. They school with dolphins and birds, so we watch for the action on the surface. Here's the trick: scale down your tackle when we find them. Use 30-pound fluoro leaders and smaller hooks - they've got sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear. Vertical jigs and live pilchards are money baits.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the workhorses of our offshore trips, usually running 15-25 pounds with some reaching 40+. These gray, marbled fish live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet of water. They're tougher to spot than other grouper since they blend in so well, but that's what makes landing one satisfying. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're feeding heavily. What guests love most is the fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to their hole. The meat is outstanding too, firm white fillets that cook up perfect. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock that reel down tight and don't give them an inch. Let them run and they'll cut you off on the rocks every time. Live pinfish or cut bait works great.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the ultimate test of your tackle and endurance, averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 60 pounds not uncommon. These silver and amber striped bruisers live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-300 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time before they head to deeper water. What makes them legendary is the fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that can take 15-20 minutes to win. The meat is good eating too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, jigs, or trolled lures. Here's what works: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line and a solid drag system. When we're over structure, drop live bait or work a jig vertically. Once hooked, let them make their runs but keep pressure on - they'll find every piece of structure to break you off.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing, averaging 5-15 pounds with some reaching 30+. These rust-colored fish with white spots live on muddy and rocky bottoms in 40-200 feet of water around Tampa Bay. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season. What makes them great targets is they're aggressive biters and excellent table fare - firm, flaky meat with a slight shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. They'll eat just about anything, but they fight surprisingly hard for their size. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure once hooked. They're bulldogs that'll try to get back to the bottom. Fresh shrimp, cut squid, or live pinfish work best. Don't be surprised when they inhale the whole bait.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf. They average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we occasionally land monsters up to 30+ pounds. These pink-to-red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet of water - wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottoms. Best fishing runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing with that sweet, nutty flavor, and they're just plain gorgeous fish. Plus, landing a big red snapper is always a highlight reel moment. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they'll try to cut your line on structure every time. Fresh squid or cigar minnows work great, but live pinfish will get you the biggest fish.
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