6 Hour Tampa Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing adventure for groups.Target snapper, grouper, kingfish, cobia, tuna, and sailfish species.All equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included onboard.
Ready to hit the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico? This 6-hour offshore charter with FishHawk Charters puts you right where the big fish live, starting at 8:00 AM when the bite is hot. You'll cruise out in their 35' Contender ProSport Series – a serious fishing machine built for comfort and performance in Gulf waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives your crew plenty of space to work without getting tangled up. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got one mission: keeping your lines tight and your fish box full.
Once you clear the bay and hit blue water, the real fishing begins. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan – maybe start with some bottom fishing over structure for grouper and snapper, then move to trolling the edges for kings and cobia. The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa is loaded with productive fishing grounds, from nearshore reefs to deep-water drop-offs where the pelagics cruise. Six hours gives you serious fishing time – no rushing, no watching the clock. You'll work different spots, try various techniques, and adapt to what the fish are telling you. The boat comes fully rigged with top-notch tackle, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. Your captain provides the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one.
This charter runs the full playbook to maximize your chances. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle targets the reef dwellers – grouper, snapper, and amberjack that hug structure and fight like freight trains. You'll drop baits down 60 to 120 feet, feeling for that perfect bottom contact before the fish slam your offering. Trolling covers water fast, pulling lures and rigged baits behind the boat to trigger strikes from kings, cobia, and mahi when they're around. Live bait fishing is the ace in the hole – nothing beats a frisky sardine or cigar minnow when the fish are finicky. The captain switches tactics based on what's working, current conditions, and seasonal patterns. All your rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait, and even your fishing license are handled, so you can concentrate on setting hooks and fighting fish.
Goliath Grouper are the stuff of legends – massive fish that can tip the scales at hundreds of pounds. These gentle giants hang around structure and will absolutely smoke your drag when hooked. They're catch-and-release only in Florida waters, but landing one is a bucket-list experience. The fight is pure power, and watching one of these prehistoric-looking fish come up from the depths gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Best chances are around rocky bottom, wrecks, and ledges where they ambush prey.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting trolled baits with vicious strikes that'll wake up anyone dozing on deck. These silver rockets can stretch the tape to 40+ inches and provide blistering runs that test your tackle and technique. Spring through fall offers the best action, with kings following bait schools and cruising temperature breaks. They're also fantastic table fare when handled properly, making them a favorite target for anglers who want sport and dinner.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical flair to Tampa's offshore scene, especially during warmer months when they follow the current lines and floating debris. These colorful fighters put on an aerial show with spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Mahi are schooling fish, so where you find one, there's usually more. They're also primo eating fish with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Look for them around floating grass lines, debris, or anywhere birds are working.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using every piece of structure to their advantage during the fight. These amber-sided bruisers can exceed 50 pounds and will try to wrap your line around anything available. They're notorious for long, powerful runs followed by stubborn head-shaking battles near the boat. Amberjack are year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. They'll hit both live and cut baits, and bigger specimens often cruise slightly off the main structure.
Cobia are the wild cards that can make your day special. These brown sharks of the reef are curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. They can stretch over 40 inches and fight with a combination of power and endurance that tests every knot in your rig. Cobia are most common during spring and fall migrations, but residents stick around year-round. They'll eat live bait, jigs, or even flies when they're fired up.
Six hours offshore gives you the real Gulf of Mexico experience – time to work different spots, try multiple techniques, and put together a mixed bag that'll have you talking for years. FishHawk Charters brings the local knowledge, quality equipment, and fishing expertise that separates the pros from the wannabes. Whether you're after bragging-rights fish or just want to spend a day doing what you love, this charter delivers the goods. The Gulf is calling, and your spot on this top-rated charter is waiting. Book now and get ready to see why Tampa's offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Get ready to fish the productive Gulf waters aboard this 35' Contender, a proven offshore machine built to handle Tampa's challenging conditions. This speed-focused vessel cuts through waves with confidence while keeping your crew of up to 6 anglers comfortable during the full 6-hour adventure. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work while targeting snapper, grouper, kingfish, and whatever else is biting in Gulf waters. Advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder tech help locate productive structure, while the large live bait tank keeps your presentation fresh. Stay cool under the T-top shade between hookups, grab cold drinks from the icebox, and use the onboard facilities when needed. With GPS navigation, radar for safety, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches, this boat has everything covered. Your captain knows these waters and will put you on fish using bottom rigs, trolling spreads, and live bait techniques based on current conditions and species activity.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that look like swimming torpedoes with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin. They average 30-50 pounds and can hit 100-plus. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris, usually cruising just under the surface in 20-80 feet. Spring migration and summer spawning season offer the best action. What makes cobia special is they're often sight-fished - you can actually see them swimming and cast to them. They're also top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that's prized in restaurants. They're typically loners, so when you see one, that might be your only shot. My go-to technique is a bucktail jig in the 4-8 ounce range. Color doesn't matter much - it's all about presentation. Work it near the bottom around structure, and be ready for a strong, sustained fight.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can reach 800 pounds and 8 feet long, making them the largest grouper in the Atlantic. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-150 feet of water. What makes them special is they're completely protected - catch and release only. The thrill comes from that first pull when you hook one; they'll test your gear and your grip on the boat. They're curious fish that aren't shy about checking out baits. Summer through fall gives you the best shots at them when they're more active. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with 400-600 pound mono and a 20/0 circle hook. Anchor close enough to the structure so they'll come out for your bait, but far enough that you can pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldozers of the deep, averaging 30-40 pounds with that classic amber stripe down their sides. They live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Best fishing is spring through early summer when they're spawning and more aggressive. What draws people to AJs is their raw power - they'll make long, strong runs and test your drag system. They're great table fare too, though larger ones can carry ciguatera. The key is getting your bait down fast before other fish grab it. Use heavy jigs or live bait on stout tackle - 50-pound class minimum. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They'll make several runs, so be patient and let your drag do the work. AJs have a habit of diving straight back to structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are fast, aggressive fish that average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50-plus. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, often following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 68-84°F. What guests love about kings is their blistering speed - they'll scream line off your reel like few other fish. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to consistent success is running two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait like sardines or cigar minnows. Hook one through the nose, let the second treble dangle near the tail. Kings typically bite the back half of the bait, so that trailing hook is your money shot. Keep your baits moving with a slow troll.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter, flashing gold, blue, and green when they're fired up. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall is peak season when they move through our area following warm water. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - lots of jumping and tail-walking. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water while you get more lines ready. Mahi are schooling fish, and that hooked fish will often keep the school around the boat. Work the area with live ballyhoo or colorful lures to capitalize on multiple fish.
Tierra Verde, FL