12 Hour Tampa Deep Drop Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour deep drop fishing charter targeting grouper and snapper offshoreMultiple techniques including jigging and trolling for diverse species catchesComplete setup with gear, bait, tackle and fishing license provided
Get ready for a full day offshore adventure that starts before sunrise and keeps you hooked until sunset. This 12-hour charter with FishHawk Charters puts you on their top-rated 35' Contender ProSport Series, heading out at 7:00 AM sharp into the productive waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You'll be targeting structure in 100 to 150 feet of water while also working the open blue for pelagic species. With space for up to 6 anglers, this trip combines deep drop techniques with trolling and jigging to maximize your shots at multiple species throughout the day.
Your captain knows these Tampa Bay offshore waters like the back of his hand, and he'll be reading conditions from the moment you clear the pass. The first part of your day typically focuses on deep drop fishing over known structure where Grouper and Snapper stack up in good numbers. You'll be working bottom rigs with heavy sinkers to get your baits down fast in the current, and the captain will position the boat to drift over productive ledges and hard bottom. As the day progresses, you'll shift tactics to cover more water, trolling spreads for Cobia, Mahi, and whatever pelagic species are moving through. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is having time to adapt - if the bite is hot on structure, you can stay put, but if conditions favor blue water fishing, you've got hours to explore and find active fish.
This charter comes fully rigged with everything you need to succeed in Gulf waters. For deep drop fishing, you'll be using conventional reels spooled with heavy braid and fluorocarbon leaders to handle big Grouper in structure. Bottom rigs typically feature circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish when available. The trolling spread includes a mix of diving plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and skirted baits to cover different depths and attract various species. Jigging comes into play when marking fish on the electronics - vertical jigs and bucktails can trigger strikes from Amberjack, Cobia, and other species that might be finicky about taking static baits. Your captain will adjust techniques throughout the day based on what the fish are telling him, and he'll make sure everyone on board gets hands-on instruction for each method you're using.
The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa serves up some of Florida's most consistent offshore fishing, and this charter targets species that make for both great fights and excellent table fare. Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of deep drop fishing here, with fish ranging from keeper size up to trophy specimens over 30 pounds. These fish live in rocky structure and caves, and they'll test your tackle with powerful runs back toward the bottom. Goliath Grouper are the giants of the reef - these massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and provide catch-and-release battles that'll leave your arms burning. King Mackerel patrol the edges of structure and open water, hitting trolled baits with vicious strikes and making screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. Greater Amberjack school around wrecks and hard bottom, and they're absolute bruisers that fight harder pound-for-pound than almost anything in the Gulf. Cobia are the wild cards - they show up when you least expect them, often following other hooked fish to the boat, and they're curious enough to eat almost anything you throw at them.
Gag Grouper are what most anglers think of when they picture Gulf bottom fishing. These fish average 5 to 15 pounds but can push 30-plus pounds for true trophies. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though you'll find them year-round in deeper water. Gags are ambush predators that hide in structure and caves, and they hit baits with authority before trying to drag you back into the rocks. What makes them special is their perfect combination of fight and flavor - they're arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate catch-and-release challenge for Gulf anglers. These prehistoric-looking giants can live over 40 years and reach massive sizes, with fish over 200 pounds being common in Tampa Bay waters. They're most active in summer months when water temperatures peak, and they'll absolutely destroy light tackle. The thrill comes from the sheer power - imagine hooking into something that weighs more than you do and doesn't want to come up from 150 feet of water.
King Mackerel bring speed and aggression to your offshore day. Spring and fall migrations see the biggest numbers, with fish ranging from 10-pound "school" kings up to 40-pound smokers that'll challenge heavy tackle. They're notorious for their blistering initial runs and acrobatic jumps, and they'll hit trolled baits so hard you'll think you snagged the bottom. Kings are also excellent eating when handled properly, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to take fish home.
Greater Amberjack are the bullies of Gulf structure, and they'll give you a workout like no other fish their size. These fish commonly reach 30 to 50 pounds around Tampa's offshore structure, and they fight with bulldogging power that'll have you questioning your tackle choices. They're most active in warmer months and respond well to both live bait and jigs. The challenge with AJs is getting them off the bottom before they wrap your line around structure - it's a tug-of-war that tests both angler and equipment.
Cobia are the opportunists of the offshore world, showing up when you least expect them and always ready for a fight. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds in Gulf waters and they're incredibly curious, often following hooked fish right to the boat. Spring brings the best Cobia action as they move
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this 35-foot Contender, a proven performer built to handle Tampa Bay and offshore conditions with confidence. This deep-sea fishing machine combines speed with rock-solid stability, perfect for those long 12-hour runs to productive grouper and snapper grounds in 100-150 feet of water. The spacious deck gives your crew of 6 plenty of room to work multiple lines while jigging structure or trolling for pelagics like mahi, cobia, and tuna. Advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder help locate the bite, while the large live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh all day. T-top provides welcome shade between hookups, and the enclosed head means comfort during those marathon offshore sessions. Onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, while GPS and radar ensure safe navigation in changing Gulf conditions.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - dark brown fish that average 30-50 pounds and fight like nothing else in these waters. They're loners, usually found cruising reefs, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet. Spring migration from March through May is absolutely prime time, but we catch them all summer around structure. What makes cobia special is their curious nature and incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They often come up to investigate the boat, giving you sight-casting opportunities. Their fight is pure power with long runs and stubborn headshakes. Look for them following rays or sharks, as they often tag along hunting scraps. My go-to technique: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're swimming. Don't cast right at them or they'll spook - lead them like you would a deer.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are one of our most reliable targets around Tampa's offshore structure. These fish typically run 20-30 inches and hang around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 80-150 feet of water. What makes them tricky is their habit of diving straight back to cover once hooked - they'll wrap your line around anything they can find. The marbled gray females and darker males both put up a solid fight, but it's brief and intense. They're excellent eating with firm white meat. Spring through early summer tends to be best when they're more active. My tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any slack once you set the hook. The second they feel that pressure, they're heading for the rocks, so you need to muscle them up and away from structure immediately.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs - we're talking fish that can reach 8 feet and several hundred pounds. You'll find them around shallow structure, wrecks, and ledges, typically in 50-150 feet. These fish are completely protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the experience is something else. When a Goliath hits, it's like hooking into a freight train. That first pull will test every piece of your gear and your footing on the deck. They're curious fish and will often follow divers or investigate boats. Best action is usually spring through fall when they're more active. The meat is actually excellent, but again, these are protected. My advice: use the heaviest tackle we've got and be ready for that initial run. Once you stop their first dive, the fight gets more manageable, but that opening move will surprise you every time.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, typically running 30-60 pounds around our Tampa waters. These bruisers love hanging around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet where they ambush anything that swims by. Their dark amber stripe and powerful build make them unmistakable. Spring is peak season when they move shallow to spawn, but we catch them year-round on structure. What guests love is their raw power - they'll make multiple deep runs and test your stamina over a long fight. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and trolled baits equally well. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work. They'll try to cut you off in the structure, so don't horse them - just maintain contact and wear them down.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target, averaging 20-40 pounds with larger females pushing 50-plus. These silver bullets cruise open water and structure edges in 40-150 feet, hunting baitfish with incredible speed. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel like few other fish can. Plus, they're great on the table with rich, flaky meat. We usually find them trolling the edges or sight-casting when they're busting bait on the surface. Here's the key: always use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When you see that telltale splash or your rigger starts screaming, get ready for a fight that combines raw speed with acrobatic jumps.
Tierra Verde, FL