8 Hour Tampa Grouper Hogfish Kingfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore Gulf fishing targeting grouper, hogfish, and kingfishAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses included onboardAccommodates up to 6 guests with experienced local captain guidance
When you're looking for a serious day of offshore fishing in Tampa Bay, this 8-hour charter with FishHawk Charters puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about a full day on the Gulf of Mexico aboard a top-rated 35' Contender ProSport Series, built for comfort and performance in blue water. Starting at 8:00 AM, you'll have plenty of time to work multiple spots, from shallow reefs to deeper structure where the trophy fish hang out. This isn't a quick tourist trip – it's designed for anglers who want to put in the time and see what Tampa's offshore waters can really produce.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not just driving you around randomly. We're hitting proven spots where Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Kingfish, and other pelagic species are actively feeding. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – if one area isn't producing, we've got time to move and find the bite. You'll spend your day working reefs and ledges in 60-120 feet of water, depending on what the fish are telling us. The boat handles beautifully in Gulf swells, so even if it's a bit bumpy, you'll be fishing comfortably. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up. All your gear, bait, tackle, and fishing license are covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
We're running a mix of bottom fishing and trolling to cover all the bases. For the grouper and hogfish, we'll anchor up on structure and drop live pinfish, grunts, or cut bait right down to where they're holding. Heavy tackle is essential here – these fish will try to get back to their holes fast, so we're using stout rods with plenty of drag to turn them. When we're targeting kings and other pelagics, we'll troll live baits and lures along the edges of reefs and temperature breaks. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for bait schools, current lines, and structure that holds fish. Live bait is king out here, and we'll spend time catching fresh baits or picking up premium live offerings to keep your hooks loaded with what the fish want to eat. The 35' Contender gives us the range to hit multiple spots throughout the day, from nearshore reefs to deeper ledges 20+ miles offshore.
Goliath Grouper are the giants that make your arms shake and your drag scream. These massive fish can exceed 200 pounds and are more active in Tampa waters from June through October when water temperatures peak. While they're catch-and-release only, landing one is a bucket list experience – imagine fighting a fish that outweighs you while it tries to drag you back to its cave. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, so when you hook up, it's an immediate test of your tackle and technique.
King Mackerel are speed demons that hit fast and run hard, making them a customer favorite for their explosive strikes and blistering runs. Spring and fall offer the best action when schools of kings move through Tampa's offshore waters, following bait migrations. These fish average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds during peak season. They're notorious for their sharp teeth and acrobatic fights – one second you're cranking, the next you're watching a chrome missile launch out of the water.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical vibes to Tampa fishing, especially during summer months when Gulf Stream eddies push closer to shore. These colorful fighters are renowned for their aerial displays and lightning-fast color changes when hooked. They typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters, though bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, so multiple hookups are common.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad shoulders and stamina to test every ounce of your fishing gear. These fish are most active during cooler months from November through March, when they move up from deeper water to feed on reefs and wrecks. AJs typically range 30-60 pounds in Tampa waters, with fish over 80 pounds always possible. They're known for their powerful runs and ability to sound back toward structure – it's a true arm-burning battle that separates serious anglers from weekend warriors.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anywhere, anytime, making every cast exciting. These curious fish often approach the boat and will follow baits or lures right to the surface, giving you a clear shot at a trophy. Spring migration brings the best cobia action to Tampa, typically March through May, when fish in the 30-50 pound range cruise the reefs looking to spawn. They're sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing – seeing a 40-pound brown shark-looking fish cruise up to your bait never gets old.
This 8-hour charter represents serious value for anglers who want extended time on productive water with world-class guidance. You're getting access to prime Gulf of Mexico fishing grounds, professional-grade tackle, premium baits, and a captain who lives and breathes these waters. The 35' Contender ProSport Series delivers the comfort and fishability that makes long days on the water enjoyable rather than endurance tests. With everything included except your cooler for the catch, this trip takes the hassle out of offshore fishing while maximizing your chances at quality fish. Book now to secure your spot on one of Tampa's best offshore fishing experiences – these full-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot.
This 35' Contender is built to handle Tampa Bay's choppy waters and the Gulf's deeper swells with serious anglers in mind. The high-performance hull cuts through waves while you're running between reef spots and structure, keeping your group of up to 6 comfortable during the full 8-hour push offshore. The spacious deck gives everyone room to work lines without getting tangled up, whether you're dropping baits on grouper holes or pulling kings on the troll. Advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder help locate productive bottom structure where gag grouper and hogfish hold, while the radar keeps you safe when Gulf weather rolls in. The large live bait tank keeps your sardines and pinfish lively for those finicky kingfish, and the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over sensitive spots without spooking fish. T-top shade provides relief during Florida's intense midday sun, and the enclosed head means no awkward stops during productive bite windows. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold through the long offshore grind.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that look like sharks swimming near the surface but fight like bulldogs. They average 40-60 pounds around here and can push past 100. You'll spot them cruising shallow reefs, wrecks, and around buoys, usually in 30 feet or less during spring and summer. They're loners except during spawning season, which makes each one special. The brown coloration with lighter belly is distinctive, and they're curious fish that will come check out the boat. They're prized for their excellent table fare - some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Sight fishing is the most exciting way to target them. My tip: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's swimming and work it back slowly. They're aggressive but spook easily if you drop bait right on their head.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can hit 800 pounds and 8 feet long, making them the biggest grouper in the Atlantic. You'll find them around reefs and structures in 30-150 feet of water. Important thing - they're fully protected, so it's catch and release only. They're curious fish that will actually follow divers around sometimes. The fight is short but brutal - that first run will test your drag and your grip. Best fishing is summer through fall when they gather for spawning. Use heavy tackle with 80-wide reels and 600-pound mono because they'll head straight for the rocks. My tip: bounce your bait off the bottom to get their attention. They're not shy and have no natural predators, so they'll come investigate the commotion.
Seriola dumeriliAJs are bruisers that'll average 40 pounds and fight you all the way to the boat. They hang around deep structure, wrecks, and offshore rigs, usually in 60-200 feet of water. Best fishing is spring through early summer when they're most active. Anglers love them because they're strong, aggressive fighters that will really test your tackle and endurance. The amber stripe down their side darkens when they're feeding or excited. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat. Use heavy tackle - 50-pound class minimum - because they'll head straight for structure to break you off. Live bait works best, especially big pinfish or blue runners. Key tip: once you hook up, fight them hard and fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll average 30 pounds, with some pushing past 90. You'll find them in 40-150 feet over structure and ledges, especially when water temps hit 68-84 degrees. Spring through fall is prime time here in Tampa Bay. They're popular because they fight hard, run fast, and make great table fare. These fish are built for speed - they'll peel line off your reel like few others can. Use live bait like blue runners or Spanish sardines, and always rig with wire leader because their teeth are razor sharp. Pro tip: use a stinger hook about 6 inches behind your main hook - kings love to hit bait from behind and you'll miss a lot of fish without it. Troll around 6-8 knots to trigger their predatory instincts.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters you'll hook, averaging 15-29 pounds with that famous golden shimmer. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. Spring through summer is peak season when they move through our area. What makes them special is the aerial show - they'll jump and tail-walk when hooked, changing colors the whole time. The meat is excellent too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. They're fast growers that don't live long, so the population stays healthy. My advice: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water nearby. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. Use skipping baits on the surface to mimic flying fish.
Tierra Verde, FL