4 Hour Tampa Nearshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour nearshore fishing charter targets snapper, grouper, and kingfishTrip accommodates up to six guests with all equipment includedProfessional captain provides guidance using local knowledge and techniques
Get ready to fish some of the most productive nearshore waters on Florida's west coast with FishHawk Charters and their top-rated 35 Contender ProSport Series. This 4-hour morning trip launches at 8:00 AM and takes up to 6 anglers into the prime fishing zones where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. You'll target snapper, grouper, kingfish, cobia, and whatever else is biting around the reefs and ledges that make this area a world-class fishery. Captain provides all the gear, bait, tackle, and your fishing license – just bring sunscreen, snacks, and get ready for some steady action on the water.
This charter hits the sweet spot for anglers who want great fishing without burning a full day offshore. The 35 Contender ProSport Series gives you a smooth, comfortable ride to the nearshore structure where the fish hang out. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – expect to fish around natural and artificial reefs, drop-offs, and ledges anywhere from 15 to 40 feet deep. The morning start time puts you on the water when fish are most active, and the 4-hour window keeps things focused on prime fishing time. Perfect for families, beginners, or experienced anglers who want consistent action without the long haul to deep water. The boat handles up to 6 people comfortably, so bring the crew and get ready to fill the cooler.
Your captain runs a mix of bottom fishing, light trolling, and live bait presentations depending on what's working best. Bottom fishing with cut bait and live shrimp around structure produces steady snapper and grouper action, while trolling spoons and small lures picks up kingfish, cobia, and other pelagic species moving through the area. The boat carries quality spinning and conventional tackle matched to the target species – medium-heavy rods for bottom fishing and lighter setups for trolling. Live bait like pinfish, grunts, and shrimp often makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. Your captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, moving between productive spots to keep lines tight. All tackle, bait, and rigging is handled by the crew, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots.
Hogfish are one of the most sought-after species in these nearshore waters, and for good reason. These colorful reef dwellers average 2-4 pounds but can push 8-10 pounds for real trophy fish. They're notorious for their excellent table fare – sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. Hogfish are structure-oriented and feed on small crustaceans and mollusks around the bottom. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving shallower during cooler months. They're tricky to hook since they pick at bait, but once you feel that head shake, you know you're connected to something special.
Wahoo might seem like an offshore species, but Tampa's nearshore waters produce surprising numbers of these speed demons, especially during cooler months. These fish are built for speed – torpedo-shaped bodies that can hit 50+ mph when they want to. Most nearshore wahoo run 15-30 pounds, perfect for the tackle used on this trip. They typically show up when trolling along temperature breaks or structure edges. The bite is explosive – one second you're trolling along, next second line is screaming off the reel. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their table quality is outstanding when prepared fresh.
Lane snapper are the bread and butter species that keep rods bent throughout the trip. These smaller cousins to red snapper average 8-12 inches but make up for size with numbers and fight. They school up around structure and eagerly take cut bait, shrimp, and small jigs. Lane snapper are excellent eating despite their size, and they're perfect for kids and beginners since they bite aggressively. Year-round residents in Tampa Bay waters, though summer months typically produce the largest schools. Their distinctive yellow stripes and pink coloration make them easy to identify, and they're always a crowd-pleaser when the action gets steady.
Gag grouper represent the heavyweight division of nearshore fishing around Tampa. These bruisers average 5-15 pounds but can exceed 20 pounds around deeper structure. Gags are ambush predators that lurk around ledges and holes, waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. They're notorious for their initial powerful run straight back to structure – you've got to turn them quick or they'll cut you off. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're staging for the spawn. Their firm, white meat makes them a top table fish, and landing a good gag always gets the boat fired up.
Goliath grouper are the true giants of the nearshore reef system, with fish ranging from 50 pounds to over 300 pounds. These prehistoric-looking fish are catch-and-release only, but hooking into one provides a battle you'll never forget. They're curious and often approach the boat, creating photo opportunities and excitement for everyone aboard. Goliaths are year-round residents around deeper structure and wrecks, feeding on crabs, fish, and anything else they can fit in their massive mouths. When hooked, they use their bulk and the structure to their advantage – it's more like pulling up an anchor than fighting a fish. The experience of seeing one of these giants up close is worth the trip alone.
This 4-hour nearshore charter delivers everything you want in a fishing trip – steady action, quality fish, and the expertise to put you on them consistently. The morning schedule gets you back to shore with time to clean fish and still enjoy your day, while the
Your fishing platform for this Tampa Bay adventure is a 35' Contender built to handle Gulf waters with confidence. This high-performance boat cuts through chop while keeping you stable over productive reefs and ledges where snapper and grouper hang out. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those sunny morning hours. Captain relies on top-shelf Raymarine electronics and fish finder to locate schools and structure where the action happens. The large live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh and lively - crucial when targeting finicky kingfish and cobia. When you need to sneak up on spooky fish, the wireless trolling motor lets you approach quietly without spooking them. Onboard amenities keep the crew comfortable during your 4-hour trip. The icebox handles your drinks and snacks, while the enclosed head means no uncomfortable moments. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation whether you're running to offshore structure or working inshore grass flats. The multimedia system adds entertainment between fishing spots, though most guests stay focused on the next hookup. With room for 6 anglers, this Contender delivers the perfect mix of fishing capability and comfort for your Gulf Coast adventure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay bottom fishing - tough fighters that'll test your tackle and reward you with excellent table fare. Most run 15-25 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 30-40 pounds around the deeper structure. They love rocky bottoms, reefs, and shipwrecks in 20-100 feet, with bigger fish holding on offshore structure. Best fishing is typically fall through spring when they're more active in cooler water. What guests love is the initial battle - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The key is keeping steady pressure and not letting them get their head down. The fillets are thick, white, and mild - some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, and keep your reel locked tight on the hookset. Don't give them an inch or they'll find a hole to break you off.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our nearshore waters - true bucket list fish that can reach 6-8 feet and several hundred pounds. These massive grouper hang around structure, reefs, and wrecks in 20-150 feet, often the same spots year after year. Summer and fall offer the best opportunities when they're most active. What makes them special is the sheer power - that first pull can literally drag you across the deck if you're not ready. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the experience of battling one is something you'll never forget. The fight is usually intense but short-lived since they try to get back to cover quickly. You'll need heavy tackle - 50-80 class gear with strong line. Local tip: use big live bait like jack crevalle or large cut bait, and anchor close enough to the structure to draw them out but far enough to pull them away from cover.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the more unique catches you'll find around Tampa's nearshore reefs and structure. These wrasse can grow up to 3 feet and 22 pounds, though most run 12-18 inches. You'll spot them by their pig-like snout and bright orange spines - males have a distinctive black spot behind their fins. They love rocky bottoms and hard structure in 10-100 feet, using that snout to dig for crabs and shrimp. Peak season runs spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them special is the fight - they're surprisingly strong for their size - and the table fare is outstanding, sweet and mild like premium grouper. Here's a local tip: they're curious fish attracted to noise, so bounce your bait on the bottom to get their attention. Live shrimp or small crabs work best.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are perfect for families and beginners - they're aggressive biters that'll keep your rod bent all day. These colorful little fighters typically run 10-14 inches with distinctive pink and yellow stripes running down their sides like candy canes. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with vegetation, usually in 20-80 feet of water. They're most active during spawning season from March through September, and they feed heavily at night. What makes them fun is they're not shy about hitting your bait, and they put up a scrappy fight for their size. The meat is excellent eating - sweet and firm. They often show up as bonus fish when we're targeting other snappers or grouper. Local secret: they love fresh shrimp, and since they feed more aggressively after dark, late afternoon trips often produce the best action.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph when they take your bait. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet and make for some of the most thrilling fights you'll experience. They cruise open water but come close to structure and oil rigs, especially during cooler months from July through November. What guests love is that explosive first run - it'll test your drag and your grip on the rod. The meat is premium table fare too, white and flaky with a mild, sweet taste that's perfect for fish tacos. We usually pick them up while trolling for other species, but when we mark baitfish in open water, that's prime wahoo territory. Pro tip: use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your drag smooth and be ready for that initial blast.
Tierra Verde, FL