"The Waterman" Full Day Tampa Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12-hour full day charter targeting multiple fish species offshoreTampa and Ruskin pickup locations with all gear includedAccommodates groups up to 8 anglers for corporate events
Looking for the ultimate test of your fishing endurance? This 12-hour marathon fishing adventure with Slobby Joe Charters separates the weekend warriors from the true watermen. We're talking about a full day that starts before sunrise and doesn't quit until you've covered every type of water Tampa Bay has to offer. From the deep blue offshore grounds to the grass flats inshore, this isn't your typical half-day trip – it's a fishing odyssey that'll have you telling stories for years to come.
When I say we cover it all, I mean it. This top-rated charter takes you on a grand tour of Tampa's fishing grounds, hitting offshore reefs for the big boys, nearshore structure for consistent action, and inshore flats for those bucket-list species. You'll start with your choice of pickup – either downtown Tampa or our Ruskin location down south. The beauty of a 12-hour trip is we've got time to chase the bite wherever it's happening. Morning might find us 20 miles offshore pulling on red snapper, while the afternoon could have us sight-casting to tarpon in the backcountry. Your captain reads the water, weather, and fish movement to put you on the best action all day long. Everything's included – your fishing licenses, live bait, tackle, and gear – so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some extra Dramamine if you're not used to long days on the Gulf.
We run a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting and where we are in the day. Offshore, we're dropping heavy bottom rigs for snapper and grouper, running live bait under corks for cobia, and pulling trolling spreads for Spanish mackerel and kingfish. The boat's rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and we've got everything from 20-pound spinning gear for the smaller stuff up to 50-pound conventional setups for when the goliaths show up. Inshore, we switch gears completely – lighter tackle, live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials for working the grass flats and oyster bars. Your captain will match the technique to the conditions and target species, but don't worry if you've never used certain gear before. Part of the fun is learning new methods, and by the end of 12 hours, you'll have a PhD in Gulf Coast fishing techniques. We keep multiple rods rigged and ready because when you find a hot bite, you want to capitalize on it fast.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of our offshore game, and Tampa's artificial reefs hold some monsters. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging tight to the bottom around wrecks and hard bottom in 60-120 feet of water. Peak season runs June through August, but we catch quality snapper year-round. What makes them special is the fight – they'll pull drag on the way down and test your technique bringing them up from depth. A 10-pound snapper feels like 20 when it's bulldogging toward the bottom, and the table fare is absolutely world-class.
Spanish mackerel are our go-to species for consistent action and they're perfect for anglers who love fast-paced fishing. These speed demons patrol the nearshore waters from spring through fall, typically in 20-40 feet over grass beds and sandy bottom. They hit trolled spoons, live sardines, and small jigs with authority. What guests love about Spanish mackerel is the numbers game – when you find a school, you can catch them back-to-back until your arms are sore. They're also fantastic eating and perfect for smoking or grilling whole.
Goliath grouper are the stuff of legends, and Tampa Bay is one of the few places you can realistically target these giants. These prehistoric-looking fish can exceed 400 pounds and are found around deep structure, bridges, and wrecks. Summer months are prime time when they aggregate for spawning. While they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a goliath is a bucket-list experience that'll leave you shaking. The initial strike feels like you've hooked a submarine, and the fight is more about leverage and endurance than speed. Getting one to the boat for photos is an achievement that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is legendary for good reason – we've got year-round residents plus massive migrations during summer months. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class up to giants pushing 150 pounds or more. What makes tarpon special isn't just their acrobatic fights and gill-rattling jumps, but their intelligence. They're spooky, selective, and will test every aspect of your angling skills. Peak season runs May through August, but we catch them in the backcountry all year. The rush of watching a 6-foot tarpon clear the water next to the boat never gets old.
Redfish are Tampa Bay's signature inshore species, and these copper-colored bruisers are perfect for sight-fishing on the shallow flats. They range from schooling rats in the 18-22 inch range up to bull reds that can hit 40 inches and 30+ pounds. Fall and spring offer the best action, but we catch reds year-round in different areas of the bay. What guests love about redfish is the visual aspect – watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water, making perfect presentations with live shrimp or cut bait, and feeling that distinctive head-shaking fight. They're also excellent table fare in the slot-size range.
A 12-hour fishing adventure isn't for everyone, but if you're serious about experiencing everything Tampa's waters have to offer, this is your trip. Whether you're planning a bachelor party, corporate outing
Step aboard our restored 2002 Ranger bay boat and get ready for a serious day of fishing around Tampa Bay and the Gulf. This 300HP Mercury-powered beast cruises at 45 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast so you can maximize your time with lines in the water. We've packed this rig with everything you need – fish finder to locate schools, GPS to hit those productive numbers, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard multimedia system keeps things lively between bites. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room whether we're working inshore flats for redfish and snook, hitting nearshore structure for grouper and snapper, or running offshore for kingfish and cobia. The boat handles chop well and the wide beam gives you a stable platform for fighting fish. Captain knows these waters inside and out, from the grass flats of Tampa Bay to the deeper Gulf waters where the big ones cruise. This setup is built for anglers who want to fish hard all day long.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of the Gulf - these prehistoric monsters can hit 200-400 pounds and grow over 6 feet long. You'll find them around wrecks, bridges, and deep structure in 30-100 feet, where they sit like underwater boulders waiting to ambush prey. Year-round fishing, but summer months are best when they're most active. The thrill is hooking into something that can literally pull you overboard - that first run is pure adrenaline. Remember, these are protected so it's strictly catch and release, but the bragging rights last forever. My advice: use 80-pound gear minimum with big circle hooks and whole fish baits. Get anchored close enough to the structure but not too close - once hooked, you've got about 10 seconds to turn their head before they cut you off.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are one of the Gulf's premier bottom fish, typically running 2-10 pounds with occasional giants pushing 20+. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-200 feet - think reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. Peak season runs May through September when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is the solid fight they put up, always trying to cut your line on structure, plus they're absolutely delicious with that sweet, flaky white meat. The key trick is getting your bait right to the bottom fast - they won't come up for it. Use heavy sinkers and circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and be ready to pull them away from the structure immediately after hookup or they'll break you off every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's most reliable inshore target, averaging 18-30 inches with that signature black spot near their tail. These copper-colored fighters love shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. You can catch them year-round, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up heavily. What makes redfish special is their versatility - they'll eat live shrimp, cut bait, topwater plugs, and soft plastics. Plus they fight hard and taste great with sweet, firm meat. The explosive topwater bite in skinny water gets everyone's heart pumping. Key tip: look for "tailing" fish with their backs out of the water while feeding head-down in the shallows. Approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back through their path.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a fast, fun fight on light tackle. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and travel in schools near the surface, especially around grass flats and structure in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing baitfish closer to shore. What guests love is their willingness to hit everything - live shrimp, spoons, small jigs - and they put on quite a show when hooked with their acrobatic jumps. Plus they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you find one, work the area fast because the whole school is usually there. Keep your lures moving quickly and don't overthink it - they'll chase down anything shiny.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay, growing 80-150 pounds with some giants over 200. These acrobatic fish migrate through our waters May through September, hanging around bridges, deep holes, and channel edges in 10-50 feet. What makes tarpon fishing special is watching a 6-foot fish launch itself completely out of the water - pure magic. The fight can last an hour, and they'll test every knot and piece of gear you have. We practice catch and release since the meat isn't great anyway. The real reward is the photos and memories. Best tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line during their aerial show and prevents them from throwing the hook. Live crabs and large pinfish work best here in Tampa Bay.
Tampa, FL