6 Hour Tampa Red Snapper Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper and GrouperFully permitted vessel with licensed captain and first mateAll equipment, bait, tackle and fishing license included
When the federal waters open for red snapper season, there's no better way to get after these prized fish than with FishHawk Charters aboard their 35-foot Contender ProSport Series. This top-rated 6-hour offshore charter starts at 7:00 AM and takes up to 6 anglers to the productive federal grounds where big red snapper and grouper hold tight to structure. Captain and crew know exactly where to put you on fish, and with all permits, tackle, bait, and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to bend some rods. The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa serves up some world-class bottom fishing, and this trip puts you right in the thick of it.
This charter runs like clockwork – you'll meet at 7:00 AM sharp for a productive day targeting keeper-sized red snapper and grouper. The 35-foot Contender handles Gulf conditions beautifully, getting you to the offshore structure quickly and comfortably. Once we reach the productive federal waters, it's all about precision bottom fishing over ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom where these fish stack up. The crew sets you up with heavy tackle designed for pulling fish up from 60-100+ feet of water, using circle hooks and either live pinfish or cut bait depending on what's working best. Expect to work for your fish – red snapper don't come easy, but when you hook into a 5-10 pound snapper or a hefty grouper, you'll understand why anglers plan their whole year around these limited season openings. The first mate keeps everyone organized, re-rigging as needed and making sure your cooler fills up with quality fish.
This trip is all about heavy tackle bottom fishing – the most effective way to target structure-holding species in federal waters. You'll fish with stout conventional reels loaded with 50-80 pound test, paired with rods built to handle the pressure of lifting big fish from depth. The technique is straightforward but requires finesse: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a few cranks, and stay alert for that telltale thump of a red snapper or the steady pull of a grouper. Circle hooks are mandatory for red snapper fishing, and the crew matches your bait to conditions – live pinfish when available, or fresh cut bait like squid and sardines. GPS and fish finder technology put you right on productive structure, but reading the bottom and adjusting to current and wind takes experience. The captain positions the boat to maximize your time in the strike zone, and the first mate helps with everything from rigging to fighting fish, ensuring even novice anglers can succeed in these deeper waters.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of Tampa's offshore scene, reaching weights of 200-400 pounds or more. These massive fish hang around wrecks and ledges in 60-100 feet of water, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know instantly. The fight is more about endurance than speed – goliaths use their bulk and the structure to their advantage, trying to break you off or wrap you up. They're catch-and-release only, but landing one of these behemoths is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years. Best time to target them is during warmer months when they're most active, and cut bait like bonita or large live baits work best.
King Mackerel cruise these same offshore waters, especially along temperature breaks and structure edges. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can stretch well into the 40-50 pound range during peak season. Kings are notorious for their blazing runs and acrobatic jumps, making them one of the most exciting fish to battle on heavy tackle. They'll hit live bait like blue runners or pinfish, and their razor-sharp teeth mean wire leaders are essential. Fall and spring offer the best king mackerel action, when schools of baitfish draw them close to the structure you're fishing for snapper and grouper.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical excitement to Tampa's offshore fishing scene, especially during summer months when warm water pushes close to shore. These fish are pure energy – fast-growing, hard-fighting, and absolutely beautiful with their golden flanks and electric blue backs. Mahi average 10-25 pounds but can reach 40-50 pounds when conditions align. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or following schools of baitfish. What makes mahi special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for both sport and the dinner table.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad shoulders and powerful tails to wage war in the depths. These fish commonly reach 30-60 pounds around Tampa's offshore structure, with real giants pushing 80-100 pounds during peak season. AJ's fight straight down, testing your tackle and your arms as they try to reach the safety of the wreck or ledge. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, jigs, or cut bait, making them a reliable target species when red snapper fishing is tough. Summer and fall provide the best amberjack action, and their firm white meat makes them excellent for the grill or smoker.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – you never know when one might show up to make your day. These brown sharks of the reef (though they're not sharks at all) average 20-40 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. Cobia are curious fish that often follow rays, sharks, or even your boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities in clear water. They'll eat live bait, jigs, or even topwater lures when the mood strikes them. Spring migration brings the biggest numbers, but residents hang around structure year-round. What anglers love
Your offshore red snapper adventure starts aboard this 35-foot Contender, a serious fishing machine built to handle Tampa's Gulf waters with confidence. This high-performance boat cuts through chop while keeping you stable over those productive bottom structures where keeper snapper and grouper hide. The spacious deck gives your crew of six plenty of room to work heavy tackle, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those long battles with fish from the deep. Advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder technology help locate the hottest spots, and the large live bait tank keeps your offerings fresh and lively. When you need a break from the action, grab a cold drink from the icebox or use the enclosed head. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. With radar for safety and GPS to mark productive numbers, this federally-permitted vessel and experienced crew have everything needed to put you on legal-limit red snapper during those precious season openings.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that look like sharks but fight like freight trains, averaging 6 feet and 100 pounds. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish cruise shallow structure - reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration and spawning season is when we sight-fish for them near the surface. They're prized for their firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. What's unique is they're curious - often swimming right up to the boat. We target them with bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures. The fight is all power with surprising speed bursts. Best technique is sight-casting when you spot one cruising. Drop a jig or live crab right in front of them and be ready - they hit hard and head straight for the nearest structure.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese massive groupers can reach up to 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the giants of our reefs. We find them around wrecks, ledges, and structure in 30-150 feet of water. Important note - these fish are protected, so it's strictly catch and release only. They're surprisingly curious and will often approach divers or even follow boats. The fight is legendary but short-lived - that first pull will test your tackle and your grip. We target them with heavy rods, 50-80 wide reels, and 400-600 pound mono since they try to head straight back to structure. Live bait like crabs, jacks, or big chunks work best. Pro tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to create noise - these giants aren't shy and the commotion draws them out from the reef.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - they average 39 pounds but can reach 6 feet and fight like they're twice that size. These bronze-colored bruisers live around hard bottom, wrecks, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they spawn, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special is that stubborn, head-shaking fight - they'll test your drag and your back. The meat is excellent table fare, firm and white. We target them with heavy tackle, 50-pound test minimum, using live bait or big jigs. They're not picky eaters but live pinfish or cigar minnows work best. Here's the trick - once hooked, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly. If you let them get back to the bottom, they'll wrap you up in the structure every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish we target, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These silver speedsters cruise the 40-150 foot range, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. Prime time is spring through fall when they're migrating through our waters. What makes them special is that blazing speed - they'll peel drag like few other fish. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though it's got higher mercury levels. We typically troll with planers and heavy tackle, using live ballyhoo or big spoons. The key is running two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the rear of live bait, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters in the Gulf, flashing gold, green, and blue while putting on aerial shows. They average 15-30 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and fight hard. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges, usually in that blue water beyond 100 feet. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit the upper 70s. What guests love is the combination - beautiful fish, great fight, and some of the best eating you'll find. The firm white meat is perfect grilled or blackened. Look for birds diving on bait schools, that's where we'll find them. Once you hook one, keep the others around by leaving hooked fish in the water - mahi are curious and will stay with their buddy.
Tierra Verde, FL