Tampa Billfish Fishing: 10-Hour Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore charter targeting marlin and sailfish in Gulf watersProfessional captain provides tackle, bait, and fishing licenses for groupsExtended bluewater fishing experience aboard 35foot Contender vessel
When you're serious about chasing billfish in the Gulf of Mexico, this 10-hour charter aboard FishHawk Charters' 35' Contender ProSport is exactly what you need. Starting at 8:00 AM, you'll have the entire day to work the bluewater where marlin and sailfish patrol. The Gulf waters off Tampa are legendary for their billfish action, and with up to 6 anglers aboard, everyone gets their shot at hooking something that'll make their arms burn and their drag scream.
This isn't your typical half-day snapper trip – we're talking serious offshore fishing here. The 35' Contender ProSport is built for these long runs into the deep Gulf, where the water turns that beautiful cobalt blue and the real monsters live. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading current breaks, temperature changes, and bird activity to put you on fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a full day of battle: high-end Penn and Shimano reels, custom rods that can handle whatever you hook, and a livewell stocked with the best bait money can buy. You'll be trolling rigged ballyhoo, skirted baits, and whatever else is working that day. The Gulf of Mexico is famous for its billfish populations, and Tampa's location gives you access to some of the most productive waters on the entire coast.
Billfish fishing is all about presentation and persistence. Your captain will set up a spread of baits at different depths and distances, creating an irresistible buffet for any marlin or sailfish in the area. We're talking rigged ballyhoo with skirts, naked baits on the long riggers, and maybe some high-speed wahoo lures mixed in. The 35' Contender handles these big Gulf swells like a dream, keeping your baits swimming naturally even when conditions get sporty. All the tackle is tournament-grade – 50-pound class reels loaded with fresh line, fighting belts, and gaffs ready for action. When something hits, you'll know it. Billfish don't mess around, and neither does the gear we use to fight them. The captain will coach you through the fight, helping with boat positioning and making sure you stay connected to whatever's on the other end of that line.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf, and Tampa's offshore structure holds some absolute giants. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can push well over 100 pounds during peak season from April through July. When you hook an AJ, get ready for a straight-down fight that'll test your back muscles and your drag system. They head for structure immediately, so it's a tug-of-war from the moment you set the hook. Amberjack are incredibly strong for their size and fight dirty – they'll wrap you around anything they can find.
Cobia are the brown sharks of the fishing world, cruising near the surface and following rays, sharks, and anything else that might stir up an easy meal. Spring migration brings 40-60 pound fish through Tampa's waters, and sight-casting to these curious fish is about as exciting as it gets. They'll come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a perfect shot with live bait or jigs. Cobia are phenomenal table fare too – firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi.
Red Snapper fishing in the Gulf is legendary, and for good reason. These crimson rockets live on hard bottom and structure 80-200 feet down, and when conditions are right, the action can be non-stop. Tampa's offshore waters hold plenty of keeper-sized fish in the 5-15 pound range, with occasional monsters pushing 20-plus pounds. Snapper season typically runs from June through July, and every angler aboard will have multiple shots at filling their limit.
Gag Grouper are the most common grouper species you'll encounter on Tampa offshore trips, and they're absolutely delicious. These fish inhabit rocky bottom and structure from 60-200 feet, feeding on crabs, smaller fish, and anything else they can ambush. Gag grouper average 5-20 pounds, with larger fish becoming more common as you move into deeper water. They're strong fighters that head straight for cover, making them a challenge on lighter tackle.
Goliath Grouper are the gentle giants of the Gulf, and encountering one of these 200-500 pound monsters is something you'll never forget. These fish are catch-and-release only, but hooking into a "jewfish" will give you a story to tell for the rest of your life. They're surprisingly common around Tampa's offshore wrecks and structure, and while you can't keep them, the photo opportunities are incredible. When a goliath hits, you'll know immediately – nothing else in the Gulf pulls like these ancient behemoths.
This 10-hour Tampa billfish charter represents serious offshore fishing at its finest. You're getting a full day aboard a top-rated vessel with an experienced captain who knows where to find fish and how to put you on them. All tackle, bait, and licenses are included, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the long day ahead. The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa is world-class fishing water, and this charter gives you the time and expertise to make the most of it. Whether you're chasing your first billfish or adding to an already impressive list, this is the kind of trip that creates lifetime memories. Book now and get ready for some of the best offshore fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Set out for deep waters aboard this 35' Contender, built to handle the Gulf's swells while chasing billfish in Tampa's offshore grounds. The boat's twin engines deliver the speed needed to reach productive blue water quickly, while advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder help locate where marlin and sailfish are feeding. A large live bait tank keeps your baits lively, and the spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The T-top provides shade during long trolling runs, and when someone hooks up, the boat's stability keeps you steady for the battle. An enclosed head, icebox for cold drinks, and multimedia system add comfort during the 10-hour offshore grind. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation, while the wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly when approaching structure or bait schools. Perfect setup for serious anglers targeting pelagic species in Gulf waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the Gulf, cruising solo and often mistaken for sharks with that dark brown coloring and single dorsal fin. These fish average around 30-40 pounds but can push 100, and they're curious enough to come check out your boat. You'll spot them in 30-70 feet around wrecks, reefs, and even free-swimming near the surface during spring migration. April through June is prime time when they're moving and feeding heavy. What guests love is the sight fishing - watching that torpedo shape glide up to your bait. They're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that tastes better than most restaurant fish. My go-to trick: when you see one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose and give it some action. They're aggressive feeders and rarely pass up an easy meal.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests with their mottled grey look, but they're serious fighters that live around hard bottom and structure in 40-120 feet. These ambush predators average 5-15 pounds, though big males can push 40+ and turn nearly black during spawning season. Fall and winter are peak times when they move shallower to feed. What makes gags special is that bulldog fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back into the rocks and cut you off. The meat is top-shelf eating, firm and sweet. Guests get a kick out of the tug-of-war battle. My secret: use live pinfish or cut bait on a knocker rig, and the second you feel that thump, reel hard and fast. Don't give them an inch or they'll find a hole and you'll be retying. Keep your rod tip low and muscle them up quick.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the gentle giants of our reefs - massive fish that can reach 400+ pounds and live 50+ years around wrecks and structure in 20-100 feet. These protected fish are curious and will often swim right up to divers and boats. Summer brings the best encounters when they're more active in the shallows. What makes them special is the sheer size and that rumbling sound they make when agitated. Since they're catch-and-release only, guests love the photo opportunity with these prehistoric-looking fish. The fight is incredible but short - that first run can nearly pull you overboard. My advice: use heavy tackle with circle hooks, and be ready with your camera. When you hook one, enjoy the battle but get them back down quick. These ancient fish deserve our respect and protection for future generations to experience.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers average around 39 pounds but can hit 6 feet and fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them hanging around offshore structure, wrecks, and reefs in 30-200 feet of water. The bluish-grey body with that distinctive amber stripe makes them easy to spot when they come up. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when water temps are in the 70s. What makes amberjack special is that raw power - they'll test your drag and your arms with their bulldogging runs. The meat is excellent eating when prepared right. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They know every hole and ledge down there, and they'll use it to break you off if you give them slack.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing - those bright red fish that turn any cooler into a trophy haul. Most run 2-5 pounds, but mature fish can hit 20+ pounds and live over 20 years around deep structure. You'll find them on reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet, where they school up tight. Summer months bring the best action when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. Guests love snapper because they fight hard for their size and the cooler fills up quick. Plus, there's nothing better on the dinner table - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. Here's the key: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait like cigar minnows, get it to the bottom fast, and be ready. When they bite, they're heading straight back to cover, so lock that drag and lift hard.
Tierra Verde, FL