10 Hour Tampa Red Snapper Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper and Grouper in federal watersLicensed captain and first mate provide full tackle, bait, and fishing licensesExtended trip maximizes offshore time for reaching limits on quality keeper fish
If you're serious about putting quality fish in the cooler, this 10-hour offshore charter with FishHawk Charters is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about a full day in federal waters aboard a 35-foot Contender ProSport Series, targeting American Red Snapper and Grouper when the seasons are open. This isn't a quick trip around the bay – we're heading out to the deep structure where the big fish live, and we're staying there long enough to make it count. With room for up to 6 anglers, this charter gives you the time and access needed to fill your limits while enjoying some of the best offshore fishing the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.
Your day starts at 7:00 AM sharp, which means we'll be running offshore while the water is still calm and the fish are active. The Contender ProSport Series is built for these longer offshore runs – she cuts through the Gulf swells like butter and gets us to the fishing grounds fast. Once we hit our first spot, you'll be fishing federal waters that require special permits, so you know you're getting access to areas that not everyone can fish. Our licensed captain and first mate will have you rigged up and ready before we even reach the bottom. The whole crew knows these waters inside and out, from the rock piles that hold snapper to the ledges where grouper stack up during feeding times. With 10 hours on the water, we've got time to work multiple spots and really dial in on what the fish want that day.
We're bottom fishing with heavy tackle here – we're talking about serious gear that can handle the pull of a big grouper coming off structure 80 feet down. All your rods, reels, bait, and tackle are included, plus we've got your fishing license covered so you can focus on fishing. The technique is straightforward but effective: we'll anchor up on productive bottom structure and drop down with a mix of live bait and cut bait. The live stuff gets the attention of cobia and amberjack cruising the water column, while fresh cut bait on the bottom is pure candy for snapper and grouper. Your first mate will keep you stocked with fresh bait all day and help you work your rig properly – there's a real art to feeling the bite and setting the hook when you're fishing deep structure. The heavy tackle isn't just for show either; when a big gag grouper grabs your bait and heads straight for the rocks, you'll need every ounce of drag your reel can give you.
Red Snapper are the stars of this show when they're in season, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the table. A typical Tampa Bay red snapper runs anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds, with the occasional beast pushing 25 pounds or more. They school up around rocky bottom and artificial reefs, and when you find them, you can usually fill the boat. The best part about snapper fishing is the consistency – once you locate a school, multiple anglers can hook up at the same time. Red snapper season is heavily regulated, so when it's open, every day on the water counts.
Gag Grouper are another crowd favorite, especially for anglers who like a good fight. These fish live in caves and under ledges, and when they grab your bait, they immediately try to get back to their hole. A big gag can easily weigh 20 to 30 pounds, and they'll test your drag system and your back muscles. The meat is fantastic – firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Gag grouper are most active during cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for targeting them on these offshore trips.
Greater Amberjack bring serious horsepower to the table. These fish cruise the water column around structure, and when they hit, they hit hard. A typical AJ runs 30 to 50 pounds, but the big ones can push 60 pounds or more. They're notorious for long, powerful runs that'll make your arms burn, and they're perfect for anglers who want to feel their tackle work. Plus, they're great eating when prepared right – the meat is firm and meaty, perfect for steaks on the grill.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing around Tampa. These fish look like sharks when they cruise up to the boat, but they're actually one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They average 20 to 40 pounds and are curious by nature, often swimming right up to check out the boat. When cobia are around, you might even get a shot at sight-casting to them, which is about as exciting as it gets. They're most common during the warmer months when they're following rays and other baitfish around the offshore waters.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of Tampa Bay offshore fishing. These protected fish can weigh hundreds of pounds, and hooking into one is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many anglers. While they must be released, the fight alone is worth the price of admission. They live around the biggest structure and wrecks, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know immediately that you've connected with something special. The photo opportunities are amazing, and the stories last forever.
This 10-hour offshore charter represents some of the best value fishing you'll find in Tampa Bay. You're getting maximum time on productive water with a professional crew that knows how to put you on fish. The extended trip length means we can weather any slow periods and really work the water until we find the bite. Whether you're a local angler looking to make the most of red snapper season or a visiting group that wants to experience real Gulf Coast fishing, this trip delivers. The Contender ProSport Series gives you the platform and comfort
This 35' Contender cuts through Tampa Bay and Gulf waters with serious speed and rock-solid stability when you're chasing red snapper in federal waters. Built for the long haul, this fishing machine handles 10-hour offshore runs like a champ with its advanced Raymarine electronics keeping you locked onto productive bottom structure. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work heavy tackle while the large live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh in the Gulf heat. When you hook into those deeper dwelling grouper, the T-top provides welcome shade between battles. The enclosed head means comfort during those extended trips, while the fish finder and GPS combo ensures your captain can locate those honey holes holding keeper-sized fish. An onboard icebox keeps drinks cold and your catch fresh, plus the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish below.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the Gulf, usually traveling solo except during spawning season in late summer. These brown torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and around floating debris in 20-100 feet of water. What's cool is they're often sight-fished - you actually see them swimming near the surface. They're strong fighters with incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. Spring migration and summer months are prime time. They hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and even topwater lures. Pro tip: when you see one, look for more nearby during spawn. Cast ahead of them, not directly at them - they spook easily but once hooked, they fight like crazy with powerful runs.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the workhorses of Gulf bottom fishing, typically running 5-15 pounds with some reaching 30+ pounds. These mottled gray fish love rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet of water. They're ambush predators that sit in holes waiting for bait to drift by. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they dive straight for cover trying to break you off. The meat is top-shelf, firm and sweet. Fall through spring offers the best action during cooler months. Live pinfish, grunts, and cut squid work great on heavy tackle. Here's the key: when you hook one, immediately apply maximum drag pressure and horse them up quickly. Give them any slack and they'll find a hole to bust you off on. Circle hooks are required but they work perfectly for these structure huggers.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs, reaching 200-400 pounds and living in shallow structure from 20-100 feet. These massive fish are completely protected - catch and release only. They're curious creatures that often approach divers and will investigate boats. What makes them special is their prehistoric look and that bone-crushing initial pull when hooked. Finding one is like discovering a submarine on the reef. They're year-round residents but more active in warmer months. Large live baits like jacks, rays, or big chunks work best on heavy tackle - think 80-130 pound gear. The fight is brief but intense - they don't run far, just pull straight down with incredible power. Pro tip: have your camera ready before you even hook up. These gentle giants photograph beautifully at boatside, and proper release keeps them around for future generations to enjoy.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruiser amberjacks average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds out in federal waters. You'll find them around deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 80-200 feet. They're aggressive feeders that hit live bait hard, especially during warmer months. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run when hooked - they'll peel line off your reel and head straight for cover. The meat's excellent too, firm and white. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They're smart fish that know every hole and ledge down there. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cigar minnows for best results.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, averaging 3-8 pounds with trophy fish hitting 15+ pounds. These bright red beauties live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-200 feet of federal waters. They're smart, structure-loving fish that school up tight. The limited season makes every trip count - usually just a few days in summer. What guests love is the steady action and fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. They fight hard for their size, making strong runs toward cover. Fresh cut squid, cigar minnows, and live pinfish work best on heavy bottom rigs. My go-to tip: drop your bait right to the bottom, then reel up two cranks. Keep it moving slightly - a motionless bait often gets ignored by these finicky feeders.
Tierra Verde, FL