Seasonal Specialty Fishing: Tampa Bay's Best
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target tarpon, sharks, mackerel and grouper seasonallyOffshore charter accommodates up to 6 anglers totalIncludes licenses, bait, catch cleaning and equipment
When you want to target the hottest fish in Tampa Bay waters, Slobby Joe Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. This isn't your typical "catch whatever bites" trip - we're talking about a world-class specialty charter that changes with the seasons, putting you on the fish that are running hot right now. From May through August, you'll have shots at monster tarpon and aggressive sharks that'll test your drag system. Come June, grouper season kicks in and runs through December, giving you months of bottom fishing for some of the tastiest fish in the Gulf. We fish the productive waters around Tampa, Clearwater, and Ruskin, hitting both offshore and nearshore spots depending on what's biting best.
Your day starts early because that's when these fish are most active. We'll pick our spots based on current conditions, tides, and what species you're targeting. During tarpon season, expect to head to the nearshore waters where these silver kings roll and crash bait schools. The boat gets positioned just right, and you'll be casting live bait or working lures through the feeding zones. Shark fishing means heading to deeper water with heavy tackle and chunky baits that get their attention from miles away. When we're after grouper, it's bottom fishing over structure and wrecks where these bruisers hide out. The package covers everything you need - licenses, bait, tackle, and we'll clean your catch so you can take home dinner. With room for up to six anglers at $75 per additional person beyond the base four, it's perfect for getting the whole crew together.
Each target species requires different approaches, and that's what makes this charter so engaging. For tarpon, we're talking about sight fishing with live pilchards, crabs, or cut bait on circle hooks. These fish are incredibly strong, so expect 30-50 pound class tackle that can handle long runs and spectacular jumps. Shark fishing means switching to heavy conventional reels spooled with 60-80 pound line, using wire leaders and chunks of fresh bait fished on the bottom or suspended in the water column. The grouper game is all about precision bottom fishing over hard structure using heavy jigs, live pinfish, or cut bait on stout rods that can pull these fish up from their rocky hideouts before they cut you off. Captain Joe keeps all the gear maintained and ready, but if you have your own favorite rods, bring them along - just make sure they're up to the task.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect warm-up fish and often the most consistent producers throughout the season. These speed demons typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute blast on light tackle. They school up around bait pods and structure, hitting small spoons, jigs, or live shrimp with aggressive strikes. Best action usually happens early morning or late afternoon when they push bait to the surface. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality - perfect for anglers who want steady action and a fish fry at the end of the day. Goliath Grouper represent the heavyweight champions of these waters, often exceeding 100 pounds and testing every piece of tackle you own. These giants hang around wrecks, bridges, and deep structure from June through December. Landing one is a team effort, and the fight can last 20-30 minutes of pure muscle against muscle. They're catch-and-release only due to regulations, but getting a photo with a 200-pound goliath is a lifetime memory that proves you conquered one of Florida's most powerful fish. Tarpon earn their nickname "silver king" for good reason - they're the ultimate game fish combining size, strength, and acrobatics into one challenging package. Running from 50-150 pounds during our May through August season, they're famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The key is keeping constant pressure without pulling too hard during their aerial displays. Many veteran anglers consider tarpon the pinnacle of inshore fishing, and Tampa Bay offers some of the most consistent tarpon action on the entire Gulf Coast. Bonnethead Shark might be smaller than their blacktip cousins at 2-4 feet, but they're fantastic for younger anglers or anyone wanting to experience shark fishing without the intimidation factor. These gray sharks are common in shallow waters and grass flats, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They fight harder than their size suggests and are perfect for building confidence before targeting larger sharks. Their unique shovel-shaped head makes them instantly recognizable, and they're generally very manageable for photos before release. Blacktip Shark bring serious power and speed to your shark fishing experience, typically running 3-6 feet and known for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked. These aggressive predators patrol the nearshore waters from spring through fall, and once you hook one, expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're perfect eating size if you decide to keep one within regulations, with firm white meat that's excellent for steaks or shark bites. The combination of power and aerial ability makes blacktips a customer favorite for anglers wanting that true big-game experience.
This top-rated charter books up fast, especially during prime tarpon season and the early weeks of grouper season. The seasonal nature means you're getting the absolute best fishing for each species right when they're most active and aggressive. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or a family group wanting to experience the power of Florida's premier game fish, this trip delivers the goods. The all-inclusive approach means you just show up ready to fish - no worrying about licenses, bait, or tackle. Plus, having your catch cleaned and packaged means you're walking away with dinner and stories that'll last forever. Don't wait until the season's in full swing to book - the best dates disappear quickly
This restored 2002 Ranger bay boat is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best seasonal fishing action. With 300HP Mercury power pushing you at 45 knots, you'll reach prime tarpon and shark spots quickly during the May-August season, or chase grouper from June through December. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps you on productive structure. Stay comfortable with the onboard icebox for cold drinks and the multimedia system for tunes between bites. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fishing reports. Perfect for 3 anglers who want to target whatever's running hot - whether it's silver kings rolling on the surface, big sharks cruising the channels, or heavyweight grouper holding tight to offshore structure. This bay boat handles both nearshore and offshore waters around Tampa, Clearwater, and Ruskin with ease.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are solid fighters that average 4-5 feet, with those telltale black-tipped fins. They patrol our nearshore waters and artificial reefs from May through August, usually in 30-100 feet of water. These sharks are known for their jumps and aggressive strikes - they can be quite acrobatic when hooked. They're also social feeders, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The excitement comes from their speed and willingness to take bait aggressively. They feed on mackerel, sardines, and other schooling fish around structure. Use heavy tackle with 30-50 lb braided line and circle hooks. Oily fish like mackerel or sardines work best for bait. Pro tip: get a chum line going with ground mackerel. Once you get them fired up in a feeding mood, the action can be non-stop for the whole school.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the smallest hammerheads you'll encounter, averaging 3-4 feet with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're common in our shallow bays, grass flats, and nearshore waters during the warmer months from May through August. These sharks travel in schools of 10-15, making for steady action once you find them. They're completely harmless and actually pretty shy, but put up a scrappy fight for their size. Most folks enjoy the novelty of catching a hammerhead without the intimidation factor. They feed heavily on crabs and shrimp along the bottom. Use medium tackle with 20-lb test and a wire leader. Best bait is fresh blue crab cut in half - hook it through a leg. The key is fishing right on the bottom in 3-10 feet over grass beds where they hunt for crustaceans.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath Grouper are the giants of our reefs, reaching up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. These massive fish hang around wrecks, bridges, and rocky structure in 20-150 feet of water. June through December gives you the best shot at one during our grouper season. What makes them special isn't just their size - it's that first pull that'll test every piece of gear you own. They fight short but incredibly hard, trying to get back to their structure. Remember, these are protected fish, so it's catch and release only. Use heavy tackle with 80-wide reels and 400-600 lb mono. My tip: anchor far enough from structure to pull them away, but close enough they'll come out for bait. Fresh crab chunks work best - bounce it off the bottom to get their attention.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds. You'll spot their silver bodies with yellow spots racing through our waters in schools. They love nearshore structures, flats, and around bridges where baitfish gather. Peak season runs May through September when water temps warm up. These speedsters put up a solid fight with quick runs and jumps. Their mild, flaky meat is perfect grilled or smoked - way better than most people expect. Use light tackle with 12-20 lb line and shiny spoons or live sardines. Pro tip: when you see diving birds, head that direction fast. Spanish Mackerel often feed below the surface while birds pick off scraps above. Cast into the chaos and hold on.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our May-August season, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though some reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. These silver giants cruise shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas throughout Tampa Bay and nearshore waters. What makes them special is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and can hit 35 mph. Most anglers come for the fight, not the table since they're bony and rarely eaten. Medium tackle works fine - don't overdo it. Live shrimp, pinfish, and mullet are your best bets. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip. It keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during their acrobatics. Best fishing is early morning and late evening on the flats.
Tampa, FL