8 Hour Tampa Red Snapper Grouper Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore charter targeting Red Snapper and Grouper speciesTriple-engine 35-foot Contender provides fast access to productive watersAll equipment, bait, tackle and fishing licenses included onboard
When you're serious about bottom fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, this 8-hour charter with FishHawk Charters delivers the goods. We're talking about a full day targeting prime species like Red Snapper and Gag Grouper in federally permitted waters where the big fish live. Starting at 7:00 AM sharp, you'll have plenty of time to work the structure and fill your cooler with keeper-sized fish. Our 35-foot Contender ProSport powered by triple 300 HP Yamaha engines gets you to the productive grounds fast, so you spend more time fishing and less time running. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip works perfect for groups who want to experience world-class Gulf fishing without the crowds.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the deep structure where the trophy fish hang out. The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa holds some of the best bottom fishing on the west coast, and we know exactly where to find the honey holes. You'll be fishing depths ranging from 60 to 120 feet, working rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and natural structure that Red Snapper and Grouper call home. The boat handles the Gulf chop like a dream, giving you a stable platform to fight fish even when the seas pick up. We provide everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license – so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the box. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish while sharing tips that'll make you a better angler.
Bottom fishing for Snapper and Grouper requires the right approach, and we've got it dialed in. We're using heavy conventional tackle with enough backbone to turn big Grouper away from structure and haul Red Snapper up from the depths. Circle hooks are the name of the game here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth for better survival rates and help you stay within regulations. Live bait works magic on these species, especially pinfish, grunts, and threadfin herring that we'll catch fresh or bring along. Cut bait like sardines and squid also produces when the bite gets tough. The key is getting your offering down to the bottom quickly in the current and keeping it in the strike zone. We'll anchor over productive structure and use enough weight to maintain contact with the bottom while the Gulf current tries to sweep your rig away. When a fish hits, you'll know it – Grouper slam the bait and head straight for cover while Snapper provide that classic head-shaking fight that makes them so popular among Gulf anglers.
American Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Tampa's offshore waters hold some beauties. These crimson-colored fighters typically run 15 to 25 pounds in our area, with occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. Red Snapper are structure-oriented fish that live around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 60 to 200 feet of water. They're most active during federal season openings, usually running from June through July, though dates can vary year to year. What makes Snapper special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll test your tackle and your technique. The meat is phenomenal, with firm white fillets that taste amazing grilled, blackened, or fried. Local anglers consider them the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Gag Grouper are another top-rated target that calls Tampa's offshore structure home. These brown and gray mottled predators average 20 to 40 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and determination to reach cover when hooked. Gag Grouper season typically runs from January through December with some closures during spawning season, making them available most of the year. They're ambush predators that lurk around ledges and holes, waiting to inhale unsuspecting baitfish. When you hook a Gag, expect an immediate dive for the bottom and a sustained fight that'll test your arms. The fillets are thick and meaty with a mild flavor that's perfect for any preparation.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of Tampa Bay offshore fishing, available year-round and always willing to bite. These reddish-brown fish typically range from 15 to 30 pounds and are more abundant than their Gag cousins. Red Grouper prefer sandy bottom areas adjacent to hard structure, making them slightly easier to land since they don't immediately head for cover like Gags. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or traditional preparations. Many anglers love Red Grouper fishing because they're consistent biters and provide steady action throughout the day.
Hogfish are the bonus species that'll make your day extra special when they show up. These colorful fish with their distinctive snouts are prized for their incredible eating quality – many consider Hogfish the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. They typically run 3 to 8 pounds around Tampa's offshore structure and are most active during cooler months. Hogfish use their snouts to root around sandy areas near reefs, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. When you connect with one, expect a spirited but manageable fight. The white, flaky meat has a sweet, almost lobster-like flavor that commands top dollar in restaurants.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of Tampa's offshore world, and while they're catch-and-release only, they provide an experience you'll never forget. These massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and are commonly found around the same structure where you're targeting Snapper and smaller Grouper. When a Goliath hits your bait, you'll know immediately – they're like hooking a volkswagen that doesn't want to cooperate. The fight is more about leverage and endurance
Hit the Gulf waters aboard this 35-foot Contender that's built to get you to the red snapper and grouper grounds fast. Triple 300HP Yamaha engines push this fishing machine through Tampa Bay and out to the deep reefs where the keeper fish live. The boat handles Gulf chop like a champ with plenty of deck space for up to 6 anglers to work the bottom rigs. Advanced fish finder and GPS get you on structure quickly, while the large live bait tank keeps your baits lively in the current. When the Florida sun gets heavy, duck under the T-top for shade between hookups. The enclosed head keeps things comfortable during those long 8-hour runs, and the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. Raymarine electronics and radar help navigate back loaded with snapper and grouper.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are scrappy bottom dwellers that'll give you a real tussle. Most run 2-4 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 15-20 pounds around Tampa's offshore reefs. They love hanging around rocky structure, ledges, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water. The bite is best during cooler months when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. The meat is fantastic too, firm and mild with a clean taste. These fish are smart though, so here's what works: use a heavy jig head with live pinfish or cut squid, but here's the key - keep your rod tip low and reel fast right after the hookset. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the monsters of our reefs - true giants that can stretch 6+ feet and weigh several hundred pounds. These protected fish live around shallow structure, wrecks, and ledges in 20-150 feet. We see them year-round in Tampa waters, but summer months bring the best action when they're more active. What makes them special? Pure raw power and an attitude to match. That first run will test every piece of gear you've got. Remember, these are catch-and-release only, but the experience is unforgettable. Use heavy tackle - 80-pound class rods with 400+ pound mono and big circle hooks. My tip: anchor far enough from structure so you can muscle them away from cover, but close enough they'll come out to investigate. Live or cut bait works, but make some noise - bounce it off the bottom to get their attention.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most unique catches you'll find around Tampa's reefs - distinctive pig-like snout and bright colors make them easy to spot. They typically run 2-8 pounds with the occasional 10+ pounder showing up. Look for them around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and rocky structure in 20-80 feet where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are up. What makes them special? The fight is decent, but the meat is what people remember - sweet, flaky, and some say it's the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. They're also hermaphroditic, changing from female to male as they grow. Here's the trick: use small hooks with live or cut shrimp, and fish right on the bottom. Make some noise by bouncing your sinker - they're curious fish and the vibration draws them in.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are probably the most reliable bottom fish we target around Tampa - rusty red with white spots, they average 5-10 pounds but can push 20+ on a good day. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms in 60-200 feet, hanging close to ledges and structure year-round. Fall and winter offer the best fishing when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What guests love is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight, plus they're absolutely delicious - firm, flaky meat with a slightly sweet taste from their crab and shrimp diet. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so cut squid, crabs, and live pinfish all work well. Here's my tip: when you get bit, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure. Don't pump and wind - just lean on them and reel steady. They'll try to get back to structure, but consistent pressure wins.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing - these crimson beauties average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen 20+ pounders that'll test your arm strength. They live around hard bottom structure and artificial reefs in 30-200 feet, preferring water temps between 50-70 degrees. Prime season runs May through October when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. What makes them special? They fight like hell, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-shelf - mild, flaky, and sweet. Here's the trick: when you feel that first thump, don't hesitate. Lock down that drag and horse them up quick before they can reach the structure and cut you off. Use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish on a circle hook, and keep your bait right on the bottom where they're cruising.
Tierra Verde, FL