Tarpon, Sharks & Grouper Specialty Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target tarpon, sharks, mackerel, and grouper seasonally offshoreCharter accommodates up to 6 anglers with cleaning includedAvailable May through December across Tampa Bay waters
If you're tired of catching the same old fish every time you head out, this specialty charter with Slobby Joe Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about targeting the big boys – tarpon that'll test your drag, sharks that fight like freight trains, and grouper that know every rock pile from Tampa Bay to the Gulf. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're hoping for anything with fins. We're going after specific species during their peak seasons, and trust me, the difference is night and day.
From May through August, we're in prime time for tarpon and shark action around Tampa, Clearwater, and Ruskin. The waters come alive with baitfish, and that brings in the predators we're after. Starting June 1st, grouper season kicks in and runs all the way through December, giving you even more options for that cooler weather fishing. This charter handles up to 6 anglers (base price covers 4, with additional spots at $75 each), so bring your crew – there's nothing better than having your buddies there when you hook into a 100-pound tarpon. We've got your licenses, bait, and cleaning covered, so all you need to worry about is hanging onto your rod when things get wild.
We fish both offshore and nearshore depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For tarpon, we're often working the passes and nearshore structure with live bait – pilchards, crabs, and threadfins work magic when these silver kings are rolling. Shark fishing means moving to deeper water with chunk baits and circle hooks, letting them run before setting the hook. When we're after grouper, it's all about finding the right bottom structure – wrecks, ledges, and rock piles where these bruisers hang out. We use heavy tackle and knocker rigs to get baits down fast before the snappers and grunts steal your offering. The beauty of this specialty charter is we adjust our approach based on what's in season and what's been producing.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that hit hard and fast, typically running 2-4 pounds with some bigger fish mixed in during peak season. They school up around bait pods and structure, making for fast-paced action when you find them. The best time is early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes them exciting is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights – they'll jump, run, and test your reflexes. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared fresh.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of our local waters, with fish over 200 pounds not uncommon around Tampa Bay's structure. These prehistoric-looking bruisers live around wrecks, bridges, and deep holes, and they're catch-and-release only, which keeps the population healthy. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active. The thrill comes from the initial hit – it's like hooking into a Volkswagen that suddenly decides to swim away. You'll need serious tackle and even more serious arm strength.
Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish, with fish ranging from 50 to 200 pounds showing up in our waters from May through August. They migrate through Tampa Bay and surrounding waters, following bait schools and warm water temperatures. Peak season coincides with their spawning runs, when they're most aggressive and numerous. The fight is legendary – multiple jumps, long runs, and enough power to straighten hooks if your drag isn't set right. Landing one is a bucket-list experience for any serious angler.
Bonnethead Sharks might be smaller than their blacktip cousins (usually 2-4 feet), but they're perfect for getting kids and new anglers hooked on shark fishing. They're active year-round but peak during summer months when water temperatures climb. These sharks are curious and often approach the boat, making for great photo opportunities. They fight harder than their size suggests and are completely safe to handle for quick photos before release.
Blacktip Sharks bring serious muscle to the fight, typically running 3-6 feet with some real bruisers mixed in. Peak season runs May through September when they follow bait schools into our area. These sharks are known for their spectacular jumps – sometimes completely clearing the water – and their powerful runs that'll test your tackle and technique. They're aggressive feeders and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. The combination of power, speed, and aerial displays makes them a top target for any shark enthusiast.
This specialty charter books up fast, especially during peak tarpon and shark season from May through August. With grouper season extending through December, you've got options, but the best fishing happens when conditions align with peak activity periods. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or someone wanting to experience world-class fishing in Tampa Bay waters, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of multiple target species, seasonal timing, and our local knowledge of productive waters makes this a top-rated choice for serious fishing action. Don't wait until everyone else figures out what you're missing – grab your crew and book your date for an epic day on the water.
This restored 2002 Ranger bay boat cuts through Tampa Bay waters at 45 knots, powered by a reliable 300HP Mercury that gets you to the fishing grounds fast. The 2020 restoration brought modern electronics including GPS, fish finder, and VHF radio to help locate those seasonal trophy catches. Whether you're targeting massive tarpon rolling in the shallows, aggressive sharks prowling the deeper channels, or grouper holding tight to offshore structure, this boat handles both nearshore and offshore waters with ease. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida summer days. With room for up to 6 anglers (3 included, additional spots $75 each), the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained between bites. Captain provides all licenses, bait, and will clean your catch at trip's end. Peak season runs May through August for sharks and tarpon, while grouper action extends through December starting June 1st.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are easy to spot with those black-tipped fins and streamlined bodies that average 4-5 feet long. These are active, excitable sharks that patrol artificial reefs, nearshore structures, and muddy bays in 30-100 feet of water. Our shark season runs May through August when they're most active in the Gulf. What makes them special is their acrobatic nature - they'll jump clear out of the water and are known for their aggressive feeding style. They're sociable fish that can work into feeding frenzies, making for fast action. You'll need heavy braided line rated for 20-50 pounds with circle hooks and wire leaders. They love oily baits like mackerel, sardines, and herring. Best technique is to set up a good chum slick with ground mackerel - once you get their attention, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the smallest hammerheads with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that sets them apart. These guys run 3-4 feet long and are way more mellow than their bigger cousins - actually pretty harmless and even a bit shy. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, especially during our warmer months from May through August. They travel in small schools of 3-15 fish, making for steady action once you locate them. What's fun is they're scrappy fighters that'll give you a good battle on medium tackle. They feed heavily on crabs and shrimp, so fresh blue crab cut in half works best for bait. Use a 20-pound setup with a wire leader and circle hooks. Pro tip: cut that crab in half and hook it through one of the legs - the scent trail drives them crazy and they can't resist it.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are massive fish that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds - true ocean giants. These stocky, broad-headed fish hang around coral reefs, wrecks, and structures in 60-150 feet of water. Our grouper season runs June through December, with August-October being prime time when they gather to spawn. What makes them special is that first pull - it's like hooking a freight train that'll test every piece of your gear. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but the photos and stories last forever. These fish can live 50+ years, so treating them right matters. You'll need heavy tackle - 50-80 wide reels with 400-600 pound mono. My advice: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough to pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silvery fighters that run 1-2 feet long and weigh 8-11 pounds on average. You'll spot their distinctive yellow oval spots along the sides. These speedsters travel in large schools and show up consistently in our Gulf waters, making them reliable targets year-round with peak action in warmer months. They cruise nearshore structures, flats, and around artificial reefs, usually in the top 30 feet of water. Guests love the hard initial runs and multiple jumps - they're genuine speed demons that'll test your drag. Plus, they make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that grills beautifully. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working baitfish, get there fast and throw small spoons or live sardines - the mackerel won't be far behind.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings that every angler dreams about - 4-8 feet of pure athleticism that'll jump 10 feet out of the water. These prehistoric fish average 80-100 pounds but can hit 280. Our tarpon season runs May through August when they migrate through Tampa Bay and nearshore waters. They hang in channels, around bridges, and shallow flats where you can sight-fish them in just a few feet of water. What guests love most is watching a 6-foot fish go completely airborne multiple times during the fight. They're catch-and-release only, but landing one is a lifetime memory. Medium tackle works fine - 5000-7000 spinning reels handle them well. Best bait is live mullet, pinfish, or crabs. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - keeps them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
Tampa, FL