2 Day Fishing Trip in Tierra Verde, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
30hour offshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guestsAccess to prime fishing grounds for snapper, grouper, and tuna
Looking for the fishing trip that'll have you talking for years? This 30-hour offshore adventure starts at 8 a.m. and doesn't quit until you've had your fill of some of the Gulf's best action. We're talking about a serious fishing expedition here – not your typical half-day run to the nearshore reefs. With just four anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rail space when the bite gets hot. Tierra Verde sits right at the mouth of Tampa Bay, giving us quick access to both inshore structure and the deep blue water where the big pelagics roam. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not just taking you fishing – they're putting you on fish.
This isn't your average day trip. We're talking 30 hours of fishing time, which means you'll see different bite windows, tide changes, and have multiple shots at different species as conditions change. The boat heads out early to maximize your time on productive water, and you'll cover serious ground hunting down the best action. Morning might find you working structure for snapper and grouper, while afternoon could have you trolling the blue water for pelagics. The beauty of an extended trip like this is flexibility – if the kings are busting bait on the surface, we can stay and work them. If the tuna bite turns on at a specific spot, we've got time to capitalize. You'll experience the full rhythm of offshore fishing, from the early morning anticipation to those magical evening hours when big fish often feed. Pack layers because temperatures can shift, and bring plenty of snacks and drinks since meals aren't provided. The crew will keep you on fish, but fuel and hydration are on you.
The captain runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – expect to see a spread of lures working behind the boat at different distances and depths. When we're working structure for bottom fish, you'll be dropping baits on heavy tackle, feeling for that telltale thump of a big grouper or the head-shaking fight of a quality snapper. Live bait fishing comes into play when conditions are right, especially for cobia and big kings that want the real deal. The boat carries quality tackle suited for everything from 20-pound spinning gear for smaller pelagics up to heavy conventional setups for the big boys. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, and the crew knows how to rig everything from ballyhoo spreads to live pinfish. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the techniques – the captain and crew will get you dialed in quickly. They want you catching fish just as much as you do.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing, and Tierra Verde puts you right in prime king territory. These silver bullets are built for speed, hitting trolled baits with serious aggression and making blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring through fall is prime time, with fish ranging from schoolie sized up to true smoker kings pushing 40-plus pounds. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights – expect jumps, head shakes, and that classic king mackerel attitude. What makes them special here is the structure and baitfish concentrations just offshore that hold quality fish consistently.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the fight that keeps anglers coming back. These golden beauties are pure energy, hitting baits hard and putting on an aerial show that's second to none. Peak season runs late spring through summer, when schools of dolphin move through following bait and current edges. They're often found around floating debris or structure, and once you find one, there's usually more nearby. The bulls can push 30 pounds and fight with serious authority, while the smaller school fish make up for size with pure excitement. Their hit-and-run tactics and spectacular jumps make every hookup memorable.
Cobia are the brown bombers of the Gulf, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These fish patrol structure and often cruise near the surface, making them exciting sight-fishing targets. Spring migration brings big fish through the area, with specimens over 40 pounds definitely in the mix. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-casting when conditions are right. Once hooked, they dive hard and use their broad sides to fight every inch of the way to the boat. Their fighting style is pure power – no flash, just relentless pressure that'll work your tackle and your back.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate in offshore fishing excitement. These silver bullets combine size, speed, and stamina in a package that'll test every aspect of your tackle and technique. The Gulf populations include both school-sized fish and true giants, with the bigger fish often found around structure or temperature breaks further offshore. Their initial run is legendary – screaming drag and disappearing line at speeds that seem impossible. The fight is a marathon of power, combining long runs with deep, stubborn battles that can last 30 minutes or more on appropriate tackle. Hooking a quality yellowfin is what offshore fishing dreams are made of.
Red Snapper might be a bottom fish, but don't let that fool you about the excitement factor. These crimson beauties are both delicious and challenging, combining a willingness to bite with the smarts to test your presentation. The structure around Tierra Verde holds quality fish, and when the bite is on, you can load the cooler with keeper-sized snappers. They fight with that classic head-shaking, diving action that bottom fish are known for, and their aggressive hits often come without warning. Prime time is typically around structure changes and during specific tide movements that position baitfish where the snappers can ambush them.
This 30-hour fishing adventure gives you everything you're looking for in
This restored 46' Bertram is your ticket to serious offshore action in the Gulf waters around Tierra Verde. Twin 750HP Detroit engines push this classic sport fisher at 22 knots to reach those productive fishing grounds where snapper, grouper, tuna, and sailfish roam. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful 30-hour adventure - fish finder and GPS to locate the hotspots, radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from fighting fish, retreat to the air-conditioned cabin with full kitchen, bed, and head. The flybridge gives you that commanding view of the water while trolling or watching for diving birds that mark feeding fish. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. This isn't just a fishing trip - it's your chance to experience Gulf fishing at its finest aboard a boat built for the long haul.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the lab retrievers of the fishing world - curious, aggressive, and willing to eat just about anything you throw at them. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds. We typically find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water during their spring migration from March through June. They're often spotted cruising just under the surface, which makes for exciting sight fishing. Guests love cobia because they fight hard and make outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. The key to success is using heavy jigs (4-8 oz) and working them aggressively near structure. When you see one following, don't stop reeling - they often strike right at the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down one of the most beautiful fish we catch out here. They typically run 15-30 pounds and put on quite a color show when you bring them boatside - bright gold, green, and blue that fades after they come out of the water. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the warmer months, usually in the top 100 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What guests love most is their aggressive surface strikes and aerial acrobatics - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, mild white meat. Here's a tip: when you hook one, don't bring it in too fast. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more, so keep your other lines out.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and put up some of the best fights you'll find in Gulf waters. These silver torpedoes typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger ones pushing 50+ pounds fairly regularly. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around here, especially near structure and current breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on baitfish. What makes kings special is that explosive first run - they'll peel line like crazy and jump repeatedly. The meat's got a rich flavor that's perfect for the grill or smoker. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep your bait moving fast on the troll. Kings hit from behind, so if you see one following, speed up instead of slowing down.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the kings of bottom fishing in the Gulf - beautiful, hard-fighting fish that make outstanding table fare. Most run 2-8 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 15-20 pounds around deeper structure. They live on hard bottom, wrecks, and rocky ledges typically in 60-200 feet of water. The season runs during federal waters openings, usually summer months when they're most active. What guests love is the challenge of getting them up from deep water and their sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. These fish are smart and structure-oriented, so they'll try to cut your line on anything they can find. My advice: use a heavy sinker to get down fast, keep steady pressure once hooked, and don't give them any slack to run back to cover.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the ultimate pelagic gamefish - fast, strong, and absolutely delicious. Most of what we catch runs 20-60 pounds, though bigger fish over 100 pounds show up regularly. These torpedo-shaped speedsters live in the upper water column of deep Gulf waters, usually 30+ miles offshore. Summer months give you the best shot when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes yellowfin special is their raw power - they can hit 50 mph and will test every ounce of your tackle. The meat is prized for sushi and sashimi, with that deep red color and buttery texture. For consistent success, try chunking with live or dead bait to bring them up from the depths, then switch to poppers or jigs when you see them feeding on top.
Tierra Verde, FL