6 Hour Tampa Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore Gulf of Mexico fishing adventure for groupsTarget snapper, grouper, kingfish, cobia, and other Gulf speciesAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included onboard
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 6-hour charter with FishHawk Charters puts you right where the big fish live. Starting at 8:00 AM, you'll head out on their 35' Contender ProSport Series boat with space for up to 6 anglers. The captain knows these Tampa waters like the back of his hand and will work hard to keep you on fish all day long. From bottom fishing over structure to trolling the blue water, you'll cover ground and target everything from snapper and grouper to kingfish and cobia. All your gear, bait, tackle, and fishing license are covered, so just bring yourself and get ready for some solid fishing action.
This charter is all about maximizing your time on productive fishing grounds. Your captain will start the day by checking conditions and deciding where the fish are biting best. You might begin over some nearshore structure working for grouper and snapper with bottom rigs, then move out to troll for kings, cobia, and maybe even sailfish if conditions are right. The 35' Contender is a proven offshore platform that handles the Gulf swells well and gives you plenty of room to fight fish. With 6 hours on the water, there's time to try different techniques and move around to find the hot bite. The captain will adjust the game plan based on what's working, whether that means staying put on a productive bottom spot or covering water to find schools of pelagics.
You'll fish with a variety of methods to target different species throughout the day. Bottom fishing involves dropping heavy lead weights with circle hooks baited with cut bait or live pinfish down to grouper and snapper on hard bottom structure and artificial reefs. For trolling, the crew will pull a spread of lures and live baits at different depths to cover the water column for kingfish, cobia, and tuna. Live bait fishing with free-lined pilchards or threadfin herring can be deadly when you find schools of fish on the surface or around floating debris. The boat carries quality conventional reels spooled with appropriate line weights, from lighter spinning gear for snapper to heavy tackle for big amberjack and grouper. Circle hooks are standard to improve fish survival, and the crew knows how to rig everything properly so you can focus on fishing.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of these waters, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. These massive fish can exceed 300 pounds and will test your tackle and stamina. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is something you'll never forget. Most goliaths are found around deep structure and wrecks, and they have a habit of heading straight back to their hole when hooked. King Mackerel are speed demons that hit trolled baits with authority, often jumping and making blistering runs that will have your reel screaming. They're excellent table fare and abundant in Tampa's offshore waters, especially around bait schools and temperature breaks. Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are some of the most beautiful and acrobatic fish you'll encounter. They love floating debris and weed lines, and their bright colors and aerial displays make them a favorite target. Greater Amberjack are bulldog fighters that will take you deep into your backing, using their broad sides to fight in the current. They're common around structure and make excellent eating when prepared properly. Cobia are curious fish that often cruise near the surface, sometimes following rays or sharks. They're prized for their white, flaky meat and will readily take both live and artificial baits.
Goliath Grouper are most active during summer and fall months when water temperatures are warmest. These prehistoric-looking giants can live over 50 years and are incredibly intelligent fish. They're ambush predators that wait in caves and under ledges for prey to swim by. The excitement comes from the initial hookup and the battle of wills as they try to reach cover while you try to turn their head. Since they're protected, you'll get great photos before releasing these magnificent fish back to the depths.
King Mackerel are year-round residents in Tampa Bay waters, but fall and winter months often produce the largest fish as they move inshore to spawn. These toothy predators are built for speed, with streamlined bodies that can reach 40+ mph. They typically hit trolled baits or live bait near the surface, and their initial run is often spectacular. Kings are excellent eating and a staple of Gulf Coast fishing tournaments. Look for them around bait schools, temperature breaks, and structure in 60-120 feet of water.
Mahi Mahi are typically found in warmer months when Gulf Stream water pushes closer to shore. These fast-growing fish rarely live more than 4 years but can reach 30+ pounds. They're known for their brilliant gold, green, and blue colors and their habit of traveling in schools. When you find one mahi, there are usually more nearby. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Greater Amberjack are most abundant in fall and winter months when they move shallow to spawn. These powerful fish can exceed 100 pounds and are known for their incredible stamina. They're found around deep structure, wrecks, and reefs where they hunt for smaller fish and squid. Amberjack will test your drag system and your arms, often making multiple deep runs before you can get them to the boat.
Cobia are warm-water fish that are most common from spring through fall in Tampa waters. They're often mistaken for sharks when seen from above due to their brown coloration and broad, flat heads. Cobia are curious fish that will investigate boats and often follow other marine life like rays and sharks. They're considered one of the best eating fish in the
Hit the Gulf waters aboard our 35-foot Contender, built to handle Tampa's offshore conditions with speed and rock-solid stability. This fishing machine comes loaded with Raymarine electronics, fish finder, GPS, and radar to put you on the fish fast. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight their catch, while the T-top provides shade between hookups. Live bait tank keeps your bait frisky, and the enclosed head means comfort during those long 6-hour trips. Icebox keeps drinks cold and your catch fresh. With trolling motor for stealthy approaches and multimedia system for downtime, this boat's ready for serious Gulf fishing from Snapper and Grouper to Kingfish and Sailfish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their brown color and single dorsal fin. They average 30-50 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water, though they can go deeper. Spring through summer is peak season, especially during their spawning migration. What's special about cobia is they're usually sight-fished - you'll see them cruising just under the surface. They're strong fighters and make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. We use bucktail jigs, live bait, or even fly gear. Here's the trick: cobia are curious, so when you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your lure slowly. Don't spook them with the boat - they'll come investigate.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the largest grouper in the Atlantic. You'll find them around shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-150 feet of water. They're protected, so it's strictly catch and release, but the fight alone makes it worth targeting. These fish have zero fear - they'll actually stalk divers and aren't shy about taking bait. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. The key is using heavy tackle with 50-80 class reels and 400-600 pound mono since they'll try to break you off in the rocks immediately. My tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to create noise - it draws them out from their hiding spots. The initial pull will test your grip, so hold tight!
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are powerful fighters that can grow to 6 feet and average around 40 pounds. You'll find them around deep structure - wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 80-200+ feet of water. They're here year-round, but spring is prime time during their spawning season when they're most aggressive. What makes them special is their raw power - they fight straight down and test your drag like few other fish. They're excellent table fare too, with firm, white meat. We target them with heavy tackle, vertical jigging, or live bait around structure. The key is getting them up quickly before they can wrap you around the structure. My advice: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure - don't let them get their head down or they'll cut you off on the bottom.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are fast, aggressive fish that average 30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds. We find them in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They're here year-round in the Gulf, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action when water temps are in that 68-84°F range. What makes them popular is their speed - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and put up a blistering fight with long runs. Plus, they make great table fare despite the mercury concerns. We typically troll with live bait or spoons, but here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose of your bait, another trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll catch, with brilliant blues, greens, and golds that put on a light show when they come to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall are prime, especially when we find floating sargassum or debris lines offshore. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they jump, dive, and change colors the whole time. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with mild, sweet meat. When trolling, make your baits skip on the surface to mimic flying fish, their favorite meal. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water briefly - mahi are curious and others often come up to investigate.
Tierra Verde, FL