12 Hour Tampa Deep Drop Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour deep drop fishing targeting Grouper and Snapper offshoreMultiple techniques including jigging and trolling for diverse speciesAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing license included
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip. When you book FishHawk Charters' 12-hour deep drop adventure, you're signing up for a full day of serious offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, you and up to five buddies will spend the entire day working productive structure in 100 to 150 feet of water, plus trolling the open blue for whatever's running. Captain's got the local knowledge to put you on fish, and with 12 hours on the water, you've got time to really dial in on what's biting.
Picture this: you're rolling out of Tampa Bay before sunrise, coffee in hand, watching the city lights fade as we head into the deep Gulf. By the time the sun's up, we're already setting up on our first piece of structure. The 35-foot Contender ProSport handles the offshore conditions like a dream, giving you a stable platform to work from all day long. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to fish, and we're going to hit multiple spots using different techniques until we find what's working. Some days the grouper are stacked up on the hard bottom, other days we're trolling ballyhoo and finding mahi scattered under weed lines. That's the beauty of having 12 hours – we can adapt and move with the conditions instead of being stuck in one spot.
We're running two main game plans out there. First up is the deep drop fishing, where we're anchored over structure in 100 to 150 feet targeting grouper and snapper. We're talking heavy tackle, circle hooks, and cut bait or live sardines dropped right to the bottom. You'll feel that distinctive grouper thump, and then it's game on trying to turn their head before they get back to their hole. The second technique is trolling the open water with a spread of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and skirts. This is where we pick up the fast movers – cobia cruising the surface, mahi under floating debris, and if we're lucky, a wahoo or tuna blasting through the spread. All the rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, plus your fishing license is covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and plenty of water for the long haul.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they're absolutely stacked on the right pieces of structure. These fish fight like bulldogs, pulling straight down and trying to cut you off on the rocks. Most of our gags are running 15 to 25 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing 30-plus. They're active year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special is that combination of fight and table fare – there's nothing better than fresh gag grouper on the grill that same evening. Goliath grouper are the giants of the Gulf, and while they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a 200-pound goliath is something you'll never forget. These prehistoric beasts will test your tackle and your back, often requiring multiple anglers to get them up for a quick photo before release. They're most active during the summer months and tend to hang around larger structure and wrecks. King mackerel are speed demons that will smoke your drag when they hit a trolled bait. Most of our kings are running 15 to 30 pounds, and they're perfect for the cooler when you want something that bleeds well and makes great steaks. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, when the water temperature is just right and they're feeding aggressively on the bait schools. Greater amberjack are the bullies of the reef, and they'll give you an arm-burning fight from the moment they're hooked. These fish can push 40 to 60 pounds and they know how to use that weight, making long powerful runs and testing every knot in your rig. Summer is peak amberjack season when they're spawning and feeding heavily around structure. Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your whole trip, cruising the surface like brown submarines and absolutely crushing a jig or live bait. Most of our cobia run 20 to 40 pounds, and they're incredible table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Spring migration is peak cobia time, but we see them throughout the warmer months following rays and sharks.
Look, 12 hours on the water with FishHawk Charters isn't just a fishing trip – it's a full day of chasing fish using every technique in the book. You're getting a world-class captain who knows these waters inside and out, top-rated equipment, and enough time to really put a hurt on whatever's biting. Whether you're after a cooler full of grouper and snapper or hoping to tangle with something big on the troll, this trip gives you the best shot at both. The Gulf of Mexico is fishing as good as it has in years, and the 12-hour format lets you make the most of it. Don't wait around – the best fishing days fill up fast, and you don't want to be stuck on the dock wishing you'd booked when you had the chance.
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this 35-foot Contender, built to handle Tampa's offshore conditions with speed and rock-solid stability. This fishing machine comes loaded with Raymarine electronics, GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those productive bottom structures where grouper and snapper hang out in 100-150 feet of water. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to work, while the T-top provides shade during those long 12-hour days. You'll appreciate the large live bait tank for keeping your bait fresh, plus an icebox for drinks and snacks. When you're jigging the bottom or trolling for cobia, mahi, and tuna, the wireless trolling motor lets you maneuver quietly without spooking fish. The enclosed head means no rushed trips back to shore, and the multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. This boat's designed for serious offshore fishing where comfort meets performance.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. These loners average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, with that distinctive lighter belly and streamlined body. We find them cruising shallow structure, buoys, and floating debris, usually in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll go deeper to 200+ feet around rigs. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving and feeding actively. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll often come right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is strong and steady, not flashy but determined. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and some of the best eating you'll find. Since they're solitary fish, we typically sight-fish for them or target structure where they hang out. Bucktail jigs work great, and color doesn't seem to matter much - just get it in front of them.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds in our deeper waters. These grey, marbled fish love rocky bottoms, reefs, and structure in the 100-150 foot range we fish. Males are darker with distinctive reticulated dorsal fins, while females show more of that classic marbled pattern. They feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish, making them prime targets year-round, though spring and fall produce the best action. What makes them special is the bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their rocky hideouts. The meat is excellent, firm and flaky. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any line when they first hit. If you let them run even a little, they'll wrap you up in the rocks and it's game over. Circle hooks work great with cut bait.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the true giants of our reefs - these massive fish can hit 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the biggest grouper in the Atlantic. We find them around shallow structure, wrecks, and ledges, usually in 30-150 feet of water. They're loners that hang tight to cover and aren't shy about taking big baits. The fight is short but incredibly powerful - that first run will test your back and your gear. Spring through fall gives us the best shots at these monsters when water temps are right. What guests love is the sheer size and power, plus they're curious fish that will often follow divers or check out the boat. Remember, these are strictly catch-and-release only - they're protected and need our help to recover. My advice: use the heaviest tackle you own, anchor close but not too close to structure, and be ready for that first crushing pull.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are bruisers that can reach 6 feet and 40+ pounds, known for their bluish-grey color and that distinctive amber stripe. These powerful fish patrol structure, wrecks, and deep ledges, usually in our 100-150 foot zone. They're here year-round but fishing peaks in spring during their spawning period from April to May. What guests love is the raw power - they'll pull straight down and test every knot you tied. The amber stripe on their head actually gets darker when they're fired up and feeding. They're not picky eaters, taking live bait, jigs, and cut bait with equal enthusiasm. The meat is excellent table fare with firm, white flesh. My go-to technique is dropping live pinfish or blue runners right to the bottom near structure, then working them just off the reef. Use heavy tackle - 50-pound test minimum - because they'll try to cut you off on anything they can find.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These olive-backed torpedoes average 20-30 pounds but females can push 50+ pounds out here. We find them in open water and around structure from 40-150 feet, especially when bait schools are thick. They're here year-round but peak from spring through fall when water temps hit that 68-84 degree sweet spot. What makes them exciting is pure speed - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. The meat is rich and flavorful, though it's got that higher oil content. These fish are smart and will often bite the back half of your bait, so always rig with a stinger hook behind your main hook on a wire leader. Live bait works best - threadfin herring, cigar minnows, or blue runners. When trolling, vary your speeds to trigger strikes.
Tierra Verde, FL