6 Hour Tampa Snapper Grouper Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targets red grouper and snapper in federal watersFederal permit provides access to deeper Gulf fishing grounds unavailable elsewhereComplete setup includes rods, reels, bait, tackle and fishing licenses
When you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in Tampa Bay waters, this 6-hour charter with FishHawk Charters puts you exactly where you want to be. We're talking about a proper Gulf of Mexico adventure that starts at 7 AM and gives you the full offshore experience. Captain runs a federally permitted 35' Contender ProSport Series that can legally fish those deeper federal waters where the big boys hang out. You'll be targeting red grouper and snapper primarily, but don't be surprised when we hook into tuna, cobia, and whatever else decides to bite. This isn't your typical half-day trip - we're giving you the time to really work the bottom structure and find where the fish are stacked up.
This charter is built for anglers who want more than just a quick trip to the nearshore spots. We're heading out to the deeper federal waters in the Gulf where the structure holds quality fish year-round. The 35' Contender handles the offshore conditions beautifully, and with up to 6 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably. Your captain knows these waters inside and out - we're talking about someone who's been working these same productive spots for years. The federal permit means we can access grounds that a lot of other charters simply can't reach, giving you shots at fish that don't see as much pressure. Everything you need is provided - rods, reels, all the tackle, fresh bait, and your fishing license is covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready to put some serious fish in the boat.
We're primarily working bottom fishing techniques on this trip, which means dropping baits down to where the grouper and snapper live. The captain sets up over known structure - artificial reefs, natural ledges, and hard bottom areas that hold fish consistently. You'll be using circle hooks with live and cut bait, working everything from sardines to pinfish depending on what's biting best. Vertical jigging comes into play when we mark fish on the electronics, especially for those cobia and bigger predators that cruise the mid-water column. The technique isn't complicated, but having quality gear makes all the difference. The Contender's electronics help us stay on the productive spots, and the captain will coach you through the techniques if you're not familiar with offshore bottom fishing. When the current's running and the fish are feeding, it's all about getting your bait to the bottom quickly and keeping it in the strike zone.
King mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit your bait, and Tampa's Gulf waters produce some quality kings throughout the warmer months. These fish typically run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing even bigger. They're aggressive feeders that love live sardines and threadfins, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. The fight is all about that first screaming run - they'll peel line off your reel like it's going out of style. Best action usually happens from spring through early fall when the bait schools are thick offshore.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of hitting 60 mph when they're running. These toothy critters are built for pure speed, and landing one is like winning the lottery. They're not as common as kings, but when conditions are right - usually when we're fishing the deeper water columns - wahoo will absolutely crush a bait. They're excellent table fare too, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. Most of our wahoo come on live bait intended for other species, making them a fantastic bonus catch.
Cobia are the curious ones - they'll often swim right up to the boat to check us out. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are fantastic fighters and excellent eating. They typically range from 20 to 50 pounds in our waters, with bigger fish showing up during their spring and fall migrations. Cobia love structure and will often be found cruising around the same spots where we're targeting grouper and snapper. They're suckers for live bait, especially crabs and eels, and they fight with a stubborn, powerful style that'll test your tackle.
Red snapper are the prize of the federal waters, and there's good reason they're so heavily regulated. These beautiful fish live on the hard bottom structure in 60 to 200 feet of water, and they're absolutely delicious. A good red snapper will run anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, with the occasional bruiser pushing even bigger. They're smart fish that can be finicky about bait presentation, but when you find a good school, the action can be fast and steady. The federal season dates change yearly, so timing your trip during open season is crucial.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom structure. These guys are built like linebackers and fight like it too. They'll grab your bait and immediately head for the nearest hole or ledge, testing your drag and your technique. Gags are excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for any cooking method. They're typically found in the same areas as red snapper, making them a natural target on these offshore trips. Size limits and seasons apply, but when they're open and biting, gag grouper provide some of the most satisfying fishing you'll find in the Gulf.
This 6-hour offshore charter gives you the real deal - quality time on productive water with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The federal permit opens up fishing grounds that most recreational anglers never get to see, and the extra time means we're not rushing back to the dock when the bite gets hot. Whether you're after that trophy red snapper, a cooler full of quality bottom fish, or just want to experience what serious Gulf fishing is all about, this
Your fishing platform is a 35' Contender built to handle Tampa Bay's choppy waters and the Gulf's offshore swells with ease. This high-performance boat cuts through the waves to get you to the grouper and snapper grounds fast, then provides a stable platform for working those productive depths. The spacious deck gives your group of six plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines, while the T-top keeps you shaded during those long battles with stubborn grouper. The captain relies on advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder technology to locate structure and schools in federal waters where the big snapper live. When you hook into something substantial, the boat's stability really shines - no wobbling around while you're trying to winch up a nice red grouper from 80 feet down. The large live bait tank keeps your offerings frisky, and the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish below.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bruisers of the flats and reefs, commonly running 30-60 pounds with some pushing 80+ pounds. They cruise shallow waters around buoys, wrecks, and oil rigs from 20-100 feet deep. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're moving through Tampa Bay heading to spawn. What guests love is their bulldog fight - they'll pull straight down and test your tackle. The meat rivals grouper for quality, firm and white with a mild flavor. These fish are usually solo, not schooled up, so when you see one there's likely more around. My go-to trick: pitch a live crab or bucktail jig near any floating debris or structure. Cobia are curious and will often come check out the boat.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are ambush predators that average 5-15 pounds, with 20+ pound fish common around Tampa's offshore structure. They live on rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks from 40-120 feet, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. Fall and winter months are best when they're feeding heavily before spawn. Guests love the initial strike - it's like hooking a truck that suddenly decides to back up. The white, flaky meat is some of the finest eating in the Gulf. These fish are notorious for diving into holes once hooked, so lock that drag down tight and horse them up immediately. Live pinfish or large chunks of cut bait work best, but keep your rod tip low and be ready to muscle them away from cover.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen them hit 60+ pounds out here. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around Tampa, especially near structure and drop-offs. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. These fish are built for speed - they'll scream drag off your reel like few others. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for smoking or grilling. Here's the key: always use wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When trolling, watch for diving birds - kings often feed in the same areas where baitfish are getting worked over.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 3-8 pounds with 15+ pounders always possible in federal waters. They stack up on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks from 60-200 feet deep. Season typically runs June through July, though regulations change yearly. These fish fight hard for their size, diving straight for cover when hooked. The sweet, mild meat is restaurant-quality - there's a reason they're so sought after. We target them with live pinfish, cigar minnows, or fresh squid on circle hooks. Here's the secret: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and crank them up quick. Let them get back to the rocks and they'll wrap you up every time.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the Gulf, hitting 60 mph when they want to. Most run 30-50 pounds, but we've caught them over 80 pounds in Tampa waters. They patrol the blue water from 50-200 feet, often near temperature breaks and current edges. Fall months from September through November are prime time here. What makes wahoo special is that lightning-fast run when hooked - they'll strip 200 yards of line before you know what hit. The meat is white, flaky, and absolutely delicious - some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Pro tip: troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Wahoo often strike right at the boat, so be ready when bringing in other fish.
Tierra Verde, FL