Deep Water Fishing Adventure in Tampa Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing trips venture up to 60 miles from Tampa Bay.Target Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, and Blackfin Tuna species.Equipment and fishing licenses provided by Down2Fish Charters.
Tampa Bay's deep blue waters hold some serious fish, and Down2Fish Charters knows exactly where to find them. This offshore trip takes you up to 60 miles from shore, where the Gulf's structure-rich bottom and blue water edges create perfect hunting grounds for trophy fish. You'll spend the day working both trolling spreads and dropping baits to the bottom, targeting some of Florida's most prized species. With all gear and licenses covered, you just need to show up ready to fish and bring your appetite for adventure.
This is serious offshore fishing – we're talking about a full day commitment that starts early and rewards you with world-class angling opportunities. The boat heads out before dawn, running hard to reach productive waters where grouper stack up on rocky ledges and tuna cruise the blue water column. You'll work a variety of structures and depths, from 80-foot ledges holding snapper schools to 200-foot drops where big amberjack patrol. The captain reads the water, adjusts tactics based on conditions, and puts you on fish using decades of local knowledge. Expect to switch between heavy bottom rods for grouper work and lighter tackle for tuna runs. Weather plays a big role this far out, so flexibility and patience often separate good days from legendary ones.
Down2Fish runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing that maximizes your shots at different species throughout the day. The trolling spread typically includes diving plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and teasers designed to pull blackfin tuna and smaller pelagics to the boat. When marking bottom structure, we switch to heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound braid, dropping live and cut baits on circle hooks sized for the target species. Grouper fishing requires heavy tackle and quick lifting power to pull fish away from structure before they hole up. The boat carries everything from 12-ounce sinkers for deep drops to wire leaders for amberjack that like to run you through the nearest wreck. All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are provided, along with the required fishing licenses. The setup changes throughout the day based on what's biting and where the action is hottest.
Red snapper remain the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Tampa Bay's offshore waters consistently produce quality fish. These crimson fighters typically range from 3 to 15 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 20-plus. They school heavily over hard bottom and artificial reefs, often stacking so thick that every drop produces a hookup. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when they move shallow to spawn and become more aggressive. What makes red snapper special is their combination of fight and table fare – they pull hard on the way up and taste even better on the dinner plate.
Gag grouper are the most common grouper species in these waters, known for their bulldog fighting style and tendency to head straight for the rocks when hooked. These fish average 5 to 20 pounds, with 30-pounders caught regularly during peak season. They prefer live bait like pinfish or grunt, but will smash a well-presented sardine or cigar minnow. Gags are most active during cooler months when they move to shallow ledges and wrecks. The challenge with grouper fishing is the chess match – you need heavy tackle to stop their initial run, but finesse to get them to bite in the first place.
Blackfin tuna bring pure speed and athleticism to the offshore experience. These smaller tunas typically weigh 5 to 25 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and testing your drag system. They're most active during warmer months and respond well to both trolled baits and live bait fishing around structure. What anglers love about blackfin is their willingness to bite when conditions are right – schools can stay up and feeding for hours, providing non-stop action on appropriate tackle.
Red grouper are the deepwater cousins of gags, typically found in 100-plus feet of water over sandy bottom with scattered structure. These fish grow larger than gags, with 20 to 40-pounders common in deeper offshore waters. They're less structure-oriented than other grouper species, making them slightly easier to land once hooked. Red grouper fishing is most productive during fall and winter months when they concentrate in deeper water. Their light pink coloration and excellent eating quality make them a customer favorite.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, capable of brutal fights that test both angler and equipment. These fish commonly exceed 40 pounds in Tampa Bay's offshore waters, with 60 to 80-pound fish caught regularly. They're most active around wrecks and deep structure, where they ambush bait schools and patrol territory aggressively. Spring months offer the best amberjack action when they move shallow to spawn. What makes AJs exciting is their combination of size and fight – they make long, powerful runs and don't give up easily, often requiring 20-minute battles on heavy tackle.
Tampa Bay offshore fishing with Down2Fish Charters puts you in the game for some of the Gulf's best species using proven techniques and top-rated equipment. This single-angler trip offers personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what's biting and your fishing preferences. With 60 miles of productive water to explore, each trip is different, but the potential for trophy fish remains constant. The captain's local knowledge combined with quality gear gives you the best shot at a memorable day on the water. Don't wait for perfect conditions – book your offshore adventure now and experience why anglers keep coming back to Tampa Bay's deep waters.
Ready to chase trophy fish up to 60 miles offshore in Tampa Bay? Our 2020 Robalo 30-footer gets you there fast with twin Yamaha 300HP engines hitting 50 knots. This center console beauty handles rough Gulf waters while keeping your crew of 6 comfortable during those long runs to the fishing grounds. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need – fish finder to mark structure where Grouper and Snapper hide, GPS and radar for safe navigation in changing conditions, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking fish. Whether you're dropping lines on offshore reefs for Amberjack or trolling for Blackfin Tuna in blue water, this boat delivers. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish, and the onboard facilities mean you can stay out longer when the bite is hot. All fishing gear and licenses are included – just bring food and sun protection for your Gulf adventure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are speed demons that'll give you the fight of your life. These smaller tunas average 10-20 pounds but don't let size fool you - they're fast, strong, and relentless. We find them in blue water 20-40 miles offshore, usually traveling in schools near the surface. Best fishing is fall through spring when water temps are in the 70s. What guests love is the non-stop action once you find a school, plus the sashimi-quality meat that's perfect for the grill. They have sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Pro tip: when we find them, start chunking with pilchards to keep the school fired up. Vertical jigging works great too. These fish will test your drag and your arms.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our favorite targets because they fight like hell and taste even better. Average fish runs 20 inches, but we regularly see 30+ inchers that can go 15-20 pounds. They love hanging around offshore structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges where they can ambush prey. Best action is fall through spring when they're more active. What makes them special is that fierce fight - once hooked, they'll drag straight down trying to get back to their hole. Use live pinfish or cut bait like squid and crab. Here's the key: lock your drag tight and don't let them freewheel. Keep your rod tip low and muscle them up fast, or they'll wrap you around structure. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and perfect for grouper sandwiches.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the muscle cars of our offshore trips - big, fast, and built to fight. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+ pounds and 6 feet long. They patrol wrecks, reefs, and offshore structure in 60-300 feet, always looking for an easy meal. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What guests love is the pure power - once hooked, they'll make long, strong runs that'll test your drag and endurance. Use heavy tackle with 50+ pound line and circle hooks. Live bait like blue runners or pinfish work best, but jigs are deadly too. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't pump the rod - let the fish tire itself out. The meat's good eating, but watch for larger fish that might carry ciguatera.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are a favorite because they bite aggressive and taste fantastic. Most run 5-10 pounds, but 20+ pounders aren't uncommon. They prefer muddy and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet, often around ledges and structure. Year-round fishing is good, but avoid January through April when they're closed for spawning. What makes them special is that firm, flaky meat with a slight shellfish flavor - it's some of the best eating you'll find. They're tough fighters that'll head straight for cover once hooked. Use shrimp, crab, or cut bait on the bottom. Here's my tip: these fish are aggressive feeders, so don't overthink the presentation. Get fresh bait down to them and be ready for a solid hookup. They'll give you a good battle before coming to the boat.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of our offshore trips, and for good reason. Most fish we catch run 1-3 feet long and weigh 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones can hit 35+ pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom. Best fishing is May through October when they're spawning and feeding heavy. These fish put up a solid fight and will try to run straight back to cover, so keep your drag tight. The meat is top-notch - mild, sweet, and flaky. Pro tip: use fresh squid or live pinfish and get your bait right to the bottom fast. Once hooked, don't give them any slack or they'll wrap you around structure and cut your line. They're true warriors that make for great dinner.
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