Monster Goliath Grouper & Shark Adventures St Petersburg
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target goliath grouper and 68 foot sharks offshorePerfect for bachelor parties and experienced fishing familiesMarch through August season with potential yearround availability
Looking to get your drag screaming and feel what it's like when a true monster decides to take your bait for a ride? This extended half-day charter with Playin' Hooky Charters is designed for anglers who want to tangle with the Gulf's heaviest hitters. We're talking goliath grouper that can weigh more than you do and sharks that'll have you questioning who's really in charge out there. Based out of St. Petersburg, this top-rated fishing experience targets the kind of fish that create lifelong memories and maybe a few sore arms along the way.
This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip – we're heading offshore where the big boys live. You'll be fishing in 40-80 feet of water around structure that holds serious fish. The extended half-day format gives us enough time to properly target these beasts without feeling rushed. We're looking at 6-8 foot sharks as our bread and butter, with sandbar, blacktip, spinner, lemon, and nurse sharks being the most common catches. The real prize though? Those goliath grouper that can stretch over 6 feet and weigh 200+ pounds. Don't be surprised if we also hook into king mackerel, bonito, cobia, or if lady luck is smiling, maybe even a sailfish or blackfin tuna. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, which means everyone gets plenty of action and personalized attention from the crew.
We're fishing with heavy tackle here – think 50-80 pound class rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. For the goliath grouper, we're typically bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait, or large jigs around ledges, wrecks, and natural structure. The key is getting your bait down quick before the smaller fish can steal it, then holding on tight when something big decides to eat. Shark fishing involves a different approach – we'll often drift with live or cut bait on circle hooks, letting the scent trail do the work. The crew provides all the gear, tackle, and bait you'll need, plus they know exactly how to rig everything for maximum success. They'll coach you through the fight too, because trust me, when you hook a 200-pound goliath or a 7-foot shark, technique matters more than brute strength.
Goliath Grouper are the undisputed kings of this fishery. These prehistoric-looking giants can live over 50 years and grow massive in Florida's protected waters. March through August offers the best action, though you can find them year-round. When hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole immediately – it's a tug-of-war where the fish has home field advantage. The fight is pure power, and watching one surface next to the boat never gets old. These fish are catch-and-release only, but the photos and bragging rights last forever.
Dusky Sharks are some of the most challenging fighters you'll encounter offshore. These apex predators can reach 8+ feet and are known for their long, powerful runs. They're most active during warmer months and prefer deeper water around structure. What makes duskies special is their stamina – they'll fight hard from the first run to the boat, making multiple deep dives that'll test your endurance and drag system.
Sandbar Sharks are probably the most common catch on these trips, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're easy. These thick-bodied sharks average 4-6 feet but can push 8+ feet and fight like fish twice their size. They're present year-round in Tampa Bay's offshore waters and are known for their bulldogging fights – lots of headshaking and circular runs that'll wear you out quick.
Blacktip Sharks bring the acrobatics to the party. When hooked, these sleek predators often jump clear out of the water multiple times, spinning and thrashing in spectacular displays. They're fast, aggressive, and perfectly built for speed. Spring and summer months see the biggest concentrations, and their aerial shows make for some of the best fishing photos you'll ever take.
Bull Sharks are the wild cards – powerful, unpredictable, and built like underwater trucks. These apex predators can show up anywhere from shallow water to deep offshore structure. When you hook a bull shark, you know it immediately from their aggressive runs and raw power. They're less common than the other species but when they show up, they make the trip memorable for everyone on board.
This world-class big game fishing experience is perfect for bachelor parties looking for some serious action, families with older kids who have some fishing experience, or any group of anglers ready to test themselves against Florida's heavyweight fish. The extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds – enough time for serious fishing without committing to a full day on the water. Peak season runs March through August, but St. Petersburg's year-round fishery means there's always something biting. With only 4 spots available per trip, these customer-favorite charters fill up fast, especially during prime season. Book your big game adventure with Playin' Hooky Charters and get ready to experience what happens when you hook something that can drag you around the boat.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world and always put on a show. These sleek sharks average 4-6 feet but pack serious energy. You'll find them in 60-100 feet over reefs and structure, especially during our spring through summer season. What makes them a blast to catch? They jump - sometimes 20 feet in the air - and they're fast. Really fast. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're also pretty excitable, which leads to some wild feeding frenzies. Use 20-50 pound braided line with circle hooks. Oily baits like sardines or mackerel work great. Pro tip: have multiple lines ready because once the action starts, it gets hectic fast. And hold on tight - they've been known to jump right into the boat!
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are pound-for-pound the strongest sharks we target, and they're year-round residents in Tampa Bay. These thick-bodied bruisers run 6-10 feet and can weigh 300+ pounds. Unlike other sharks, bulls come right into shallow water, brackish areas, and even freshwater. You'll find them from 10 feet to 100+ feet deep. Summer months are best when they're most active in our inshore waters. What makes them special is their raw power and aggressive nature - they hit hard and fight dirty. Fresh eel is the secret weapon bait due to its high oil content and tough skin. Set up a chum line with cut mackerel or bonito. My tip: use heavy tackle and steel leaders - their bite force is massive and they'll test every piece of your gear.
Carcharhinus ObscurusDusky sharks are some of the hardest fighting sharks you'll encounter in our waters. These bronze-colored bruisers average 6-8 feet but can hit 14 feet and 765 pounds. They cruise deeper waters from 60-200 feet, often near the continental shelf edge. Spring through summer is your best bet when water temps hit 66-82°F. What sets them apart is their incredible endurance - they'll make multiple long runs that test your drag system. They're opportunistic feeders, so fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito works great. Pro tip: use a wire leader and be patient on the hookset. These sharks have tough mouths, so let them take the bait and run before setting the hook hard.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants are the ultimate test of your tackle and will power. Growing up to 8 feet and 800 pounds, they hang around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 60-150 feet of water. March through August is prime time, though we see them year-round in Tampa Bay. What makes them special? That first run will humble anyone - they'll try to drag you straight into the rocks. It's strictly catch and release since they're protected, but the fight alone is worth it. You'll need heavy gear - 80-wide reels with 400+ pound line minimum. My tip: once hooked, keep constant pressure and try to turn their head up immediately. Let them get back to structure and you're done for.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusSandbar sharks are perfect for anglers wanting a solid fight without the chaos of some other species. These stocky sharks typically run 5-8 feet and are known for their distinctive tall dorsal fin. They prefer sandy bottoms and structure in 60-200 feet of water, which is why we target them on the deeper reefs. March through August is peak season when they move into our area. What guests love is their predictable, powerful fight - they'll make strong runs but won't go crazy like blacktips. Fresh bait works best - bluefish, mackerel, or squid. My go-to rig uses a 9/0 circle hook with 200-pound wire leader. Key tip: once hooked, keep steady pressure and work them toward sandy bottom where you can land them easier.
St. Petersburg