10 Hour Tampa Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting grouper, snapper, and pelagic speciesDeep drop fishing and trolling techniques in Gulf watersFully equipped vessel with captain, mate, and all gear included
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 10-hour deep sea charter with FishHawk Charters puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about a proper day on the water – departing at 7:00 AM and running 20-30 miles offshore to work the prime fishing grounds between 100-150 feet of water. You'll be fishing aboard a 35' Contender ProSport Series, one of the most respected offshore platforms in the business, with room for up to 6 anglers. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're giving you the time and range to really capitalize on what Tampa's offshore waters have to offer.
Your day starts early at 7:00 AM, which gets us to the fishing grounds right when the bite heats up. The first part of our trip focuses on deep drop fishing over structure and hard bottom in that sweet spot between 100-150 feet. This is prime real estate for grouper and snapper, and we'll have you working traditional bottom rigs as well as some jigging techniques to cover more water column. Once we've worked the bottom fishery, we'll shift gears and start trolling the open Gulf for the pelagic species – cobia, mahi, and depending on the season, we might hook into marlin, tuna, or wahoo. The beauty of a 10-hour charter is flexibility – we can adjust our game plan based on what's biting and what you want to target. Our federally permitted vessel means we can fish the prime offshore spots that produce consistent action, and with a licensed captain and experienced first mate running the show, you're in good hands.
We run a full spread of techniques on this charter, which is what separates it from shorter trips. For the deep drop action, we're talking about heavy conventional reels loaded with braid, fishing 8-12 ounce weights to get down fast and stay in contact with the bottom. You'll be working cut bait, live pinfish, and some artificial jigs depending on what the fish want. When we transition to trolling, we'll pull a spread of baits – ballyhoo, diving plugs, and rigged teasers – covering different depths and presentations. All your tackle is provided, from the heavy bottom rods to the trolling setups, plus we've got you covered on bait, tackle, and your fishing license. The Contender's got plenty of rod holders, a spacious cockpit for fighting fish, and all the electronics you need to locate structure and mark bait. Our first mate will be right there helping with rigging, gaffing fish, and making sure you're set up for success on every drop.
The Greater Amberjack we target here are absolute bulldogs – these fish will test your drag system and your back. Tampa's offshore waters hold some serious AJs, with fish regularly pushing 40-60 pounds. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, and when you hook one over structure, get ready for a freight train pulling toward the bottom. What makes amberjack so exciting is their initial run – they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else in these waters. Red Snapper are the bread and butter of our deep drop fishing, with Tampa Bay's offshore ledges and structure holding good populations. These fish are smart and spooky, which makes landing a nice red snapper especially satisfying. They average 3-8 pounds, but the bigger females can push 15-20 pounds and provide excellent table fare. The bite is typically best from June through August when they're spawning over the hard bottom areas. Gag Grouper are another main target, and Tampa's nearshore and offshore structure holds some quality fish. Gags are ambush predators that live around rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs, and they'll absolutely crush a well-presented bait. They're open year-round with varying bag limits, and a 20-30 pound gag makes for some serious fish tacos. Cobia show up during our trolling runs, especially in the spring and fall when they're moving along the coast. These fish are curious and will often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing. They fight hard and grow large – a 30-40 pound cobia will give you a workout. Goliath Grouper are the giants of our local waters, and while they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a 100-300 pound goliath is something you'll never forget. These massive fish live around the offshore structure and provide the ultimate test of tackle and angling skill.
This 10-hour offshore charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. You're getting access to Tampa's best offshore fishing grounds, professional-grade tackle and equipment, and the expertise of a licensed captain and mate who know these waters inside and out. With everything included – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and licenses – all you need to bring is your cooler, snacks, and sunscreen. The extended time offshore means we can adapt to conditions and chase whatever's biting, whether that's working structure for bottom fish or running and gunning for pelagic species. Six-angler capacity keeps the boat from getting crowded while still allowing you to bring friends or family for a shared fishing adventure. Tampa's Gulf waters are fishing well right now, and our calendar fills up fast during prime season. Don't wait to secure your spot on what could be the fishing trip that sets the bar for all your future offshore adventures.
Get ready to fish the deep waters of the Gulf aboard our 35' Contender, a proven offshore machine built to handle Tampa's challenging waters with speed and rock-solid stability. This high-performance fishing platform comes loaded with everything serious anglers need – advanced Raymarine electronics, GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a top-tier fish finder to locate your targets in 100-150 feet of water. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work while you're dropping for grouper and snapper or jigging for whatever else is biting down deep. When conditions are right, we'll troll the open water hunting cobia, mahi, and maybe even marlin or tuna. The large live bait tank keeps your bait fresh all day, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those long Gulf sessions. Creature comforts include an enclosed head, icebox for your drinks and snacks, and even a multimedia system for the ride out. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over productive spots without spooking fish. Your fully licensed captain and first mate handle all the technical stuff while you focus on bending rods and filling the cooler.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of the most exciting sight fishing targets we get in Tampa waters. These brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and cruise alone near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris. They're curious by nature and will often come right up to the boat to investigate. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through in good numbers. What guests love is watching them eat - they'll hammer a bucktail jig or live bait with authority. The fight is strong but manageable, and the meat is some of the best you'll taste. Here's the key: when you spot one, get that bait in front of them quickly but don't splash it down hard. They spook easy but once hooked, they're yours.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of our most sought-after bottom fish, typically running 5-20 pounds with some real giants pushing 30+ pounds. These gray, mottled fish love rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-120 feet of water around Tampa. They're ambush predators that prefer live pinfish or grunt, but will hit cut bait too. Fall through early spring is prime time before they head offshore to spawn. What makes them special is the fight - they'll try to drag you straight down into their hole the second they're hooked. The meat is outstanding, white and firm. Here's the deal: when you hook one, lock that drag down immediately and lift hard. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around structure and break you off every time.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs, reaching 200-400 pounds and living around wrecks, ledges, and structure in 60-100 feet of water. These massive fish are completely protected - catch and release only - but hooking one is a bucket list experience. They're curious and will eat large baits like whole jacks or big chunks of fish. Year-round fishing is good, but summer months seem most productive. What guests love is the sheer power - that first run will test every piece of gear you have. They're not fast but incredibly strong. The photo opportunities are amazing before release. Big tip: use the heaviest tackle we have and plan to muscle them up quickly. Let them get their head down and they'll find a hole to hide in that no amount of pulling will get them out of.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjacks are powerhouse fighters that average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds out here in Tampa waters. These silvery bruisers with their distinctive amber stripe love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet of water. They're aggressive predators that hit both live bait and heavy jigs hard. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that initial run - they'll peel drag like no other and try to wrap you around structure. The meat is excellent eating too, firm and white. Pro tip: once you hook one, lock down that drag and horse them up fast. Give them time to think and they'll find the nearest ledge to break you off on.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the bread and butter of our deep water fishing, living on hard bottom and structure in 100-150 feet around Tampa. These bright red fish typically run 3-8 pounds, though we see some nice 10+ pounders. They're aggressive biters that love live pinfish, squid, and cut bait dropped right to the bottom. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. What makes them popular is the steady action - where you catch one, there's usually more - and they're absolutely delicious table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The fight is strong for their size with lots of head shaking. Key tip: use circle hooks and keep steady pressure. They love to run toward structure when hooked, so don't give them slack to dive into the rocks.
Tierra Verde, FL