10 Hour Tampa Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour deep sea charter targeting grouper, snapper, and pelagic speciesLicensed captain and first mate with fully equipped 35' Contender vesselAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included for up to 6 guests
FishHawk Charters brings you one of Tampa's top-rated offshore fishing experiences aboard their 35' Contender ProSport Series. This world-class deep sea charter takes you into prime Gulf of Mexico waters where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of the region's most sought-after game fish. With a fully licensed captain and experienced first mate running the show, you'll spend quality time in 100-150 foot depths targeting trophy Grouper and Snapper, plus open water trolling for the big pelagics that make Tampa Bay famous among saltwater fishing enthusiasts.
Your day starts early at 7:00 AM for good reason – the best fishing happens when most folks are still hitting snooze. The Contender ProSport Series is built for offshore work, giving you a stable platform that handles Gulf swells like a champ while keeping up to 6 anglers comfortable during the extended trip. You'll cover serious ground, starting with deep drop techniques over structure where the big Grouper and Snapper live, then shifting to open water trolling when conditions are right for Cobia, Mahi, and the occasional Marlin or Wahoo. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, so you're always fishing the most productive spots and methods. Everything's included – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and your Florida fishing license – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler.
This charter showcases the versatility that separates good captains from great ones. Deep drop fishing in 100-150 feet means using heavier tackle and learning to feel the bite through serious current and depth. You'll work bottom rigs with cut bait and live offerings, targeting structure where Grouper and Snapper stage up. The first mate coaches you through proper technique – when to drop, how to work the bait, and most importantly, when to set the hook hard enough to turn a big Grouper's head before it reaches the rocks. When it's time to switch gears, the crew sets up trolling spreads designed for Gulf pelagics. Different lures run at various depths and distances, creating a feeding scene that draws strikes from Cobia cruising the surface to Mahi working floating debris. Jigging adds another dimension, especially around structure where Amberjack and other species respond to vertical presentations that mimic fleeing baitfish.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, typically running 20-40 pounds with the occasional beast pushing 60 or more. These fish stage up around wrecks and ledges, especially during cooler months from October through April. When you hook an AJ, expect a straight-down power run that tests your drag system and your back. They're notorious for diving into structure, which is why the captain positions the boat perfectly and the first mate talks you through the fight. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf when prepared right.
Cobia are the gentlemen of the offshore world, often approaching the boat with curiosity before deciding whether to eat your offering. Spring through fall brings the best action, with fish ranging from 20 pounds up to true trophies over 50. They cruise alone or in small groups, sometimes following rays or sharks. Sight fishing for Cobia is pure excitement – watching a big brown torpedo rise from the depths to investigate your bait. They fight with surprising power and make excellent table fare, which is why Tampa anglers specifically target them during peak season.
Red Snapper remain the holy grail of Gulf fishing, and for good reason. These crimson beauties combine challenging fishing with outstanding table quality. During open seasons, typically summer months, they school up over hard bottom in the depths you'll be fishing. A trophy Red Snapper runs 8-15 pounds with occasional fish pushing 20 or more. They're line-shy and structure-oriented, requiring precise presentation and quick hook sets. The fight is steady rather than spectacular, but the payoff is fish that consistently ranks among the best eating in the ocean.
Gag Grouper are the most common Grouper species you'll encounter, running 5-20 pounds with larger fish possible. They're year-round residents of Tampa's offshore waters, though cooler months often produce the biggest specimens. Gags are ambush predators that live around structure, using their powerful jaws to inhale prey. When hooked, they immediately dive for the rocks, which is why heavy tackle and proper technique are essential. Their mild, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite, and the captain knows exactly where they congregate.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate catch-and-release experience. These giants can exceed 200-400 pounds and provide battles that become fishing stories told for years. Currently protected, Goliaths must be released, but the experience of hooking into one of these prehistoric fish is worth the trip alone. They inhabit the same areas as smaller Grouper but require serious tackle and technique. The first mate helps with proper release methods, ensuring these magnificent fish swim away healthy to fight another day.
This 10-hour deep sea adventure delivers the complete Tampa offshore experience that serious anglers dream about. You'll work multiple techniques, target diverse species, and fish waters that consistently produce both quantity and quality. The Contender ProSport Series provides the perfect platform, while the licensed captain and first mate ensure you're always fishing effectively and safely. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or that trophy fish photo, this charter puts you in position to succeed. The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa holds some of Florida's best fishing, and FishHawk Charters knows exactly how to unlock it. Book your spot now and discover why this offshore experience keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your offshore fishing adventure starts aboard a sleek 35' Contender, built to handle Gulf waters with confidence. This high-performance boat cuts through Tampa Bay and beyond with ease, taking you to prime fishing grounds 100-150 feet deep where grouper and snapper wait. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those long offshore hours. Advanced Raymarine electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best spots, and the large live bait tank keeps your bait fresh all day. When you're jigging the bottom or trolling for cobia, mahi, and tuna, the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly without spooking fish. The onboard icebox keeps drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the enclosed toilet and multimedia system add comfort to your 12-hour Gulf adventure. With room for 6 anglers, this boat is perfectly equipped for serious offshore fishing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that cruise shallow waters looking like sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. They average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100, making for serious battles on medium tackle. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet, especially during spring migration from March through May. What guests love is the sight fishing - spotting these brown torpedoes just under the surface before making the cast. The meat rivals any fish in the Gulf with firm, white flesh that tastes amazing. Here's the key: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig past it and work it back slowly. Cobia are curious and will often follow the bait, so don't get excited and speed up your retrieve.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that average 15-25 pounds and love hiding around rocky structure, wrecks, and reefs in 80-200 feet. They're most active during cooler months from October through March when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them a favorite is that classic grouper fight - they'll try to pull you straight into the rocks the second they feel the hook. The mottled gray coloring helps them blend with structure perfectly. Table fare doesn't get much better than fresh gag grouper. Here's what works: get your bait right on the bottom near structure, and when you get bit, horsehair that fish up immediately. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around every piece of structure down there.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the ultimate catch-and-release trophy, reaching 400-800 pounds and living up to 100 years. We find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-150 feet where they've taken up residence. Year-round fishing is good, but late summer brings spawning aggregations for the best action. What makes them special is that first bone-crushing run that'll test every piece of tackle you own - plus knowing you're battling a fish older than your grandfather. Remember, they're protected so it's strictly catch, photo, and release. Key tip: anchor far enough from structure to have fighting room, use 80-wide reels with 400-pound mono, and keep steady pressure. These fish have no fear and will come right up to the boat if you handle them right.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruiser fish average 39 pounds but can hit 6 feet and fight like hell. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 100-200 feet of water. They've got that distinctive amber stripe and turn darker when they're fired up - which they will be once hooked. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run and stubborn fight all the way to the boat. The meat's excellent if you stick to smaller fish. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep that drag locked tight and don't let them get back to structure - they'll wrap you up in the rocks every time if you give them slack.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 5-10 pounds with trophy fish pushing 20-plus. We target them in 80-150 feet around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges where they school up. Summer months from June through August offer prime fishing when they're spawning and most aggressive. What makes them special is that classic snapper fight - strong runs toward the bottom trying to cut you off in the rocks, plus they're absolutely delicious table fare. The bright red color and big red eyes make them easy to identify. My advice: use a heavy sinker to get down quick, and once you feel that thump, reel fast and steady. Don't let them get their head down or they'll take you straight into the structure.
Tierra Verde, FL