Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Tampa Bay

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Tampa, FL
$500 - $1,100 price range
Updated Date: December 4, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious offshore action in Tampa Bay? This 4 to 8-hour trip takes you out to the deep waters where the big fish play. We're talking grouper, snapper, and amberjack – real heavyweights that'll put your skills to the test. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so they'll put you right on top of the hotspots. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, we've got top-notch gear and plenty of know-how to share. It's all about reeling in those trophy fish and having a blast while you're at it. With room for 4 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Florida Raised Fishing Adventures has everything dialed in to make sure you have a successful day on the water. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to head offshore and see what's biting!

Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Tampa Bay

Deep Water Trophies

Two people fishing with fishing rods in Riverview

Tampa Bay snook catch

Tampa Bay fishing made easy

Spotted weakfish caught by angler in Riverview

Tampa Florida fishing adventure

Family Reeling in redfish Tampa FL

Reel in the Big Ones: Tampa Bay Offshore Adventure

Ready to tangle with some serious fish? Our Tampa Bay offshore charter is your ticket to hauling in grouper, king mackerel, and more. We're talking about a 4 to 8-hour deep-water excursion that'll have you battling hard-fighting bottom dwellers and lightning-fast pelagics. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, our crew's got the know-how to put you on the fish. We'll cruise out to the hotspots, drop lines, and wait for that rod to bend. Trust me, when a gag grouper hits, you'll know it – and you'll be hooked for life.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're miles offshore, the skyline of Tampa Bay just a memory on the horizon. The deep blue waters beneath you are teeming with fish, and you've got top-notch gear in your hands. Our captain's been running these waters for years, so we know exactly where the fish are biting. We'll start by targeting those bottom-dwelling monsters – grouper and snapper that'll test your arms and your drag. Then, we might switch it up and troll for king mackerel, those speedsters that'll make your reel sing. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of attention and chances to land the big one. And hey, nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner!

Techniques and Tackle Talk

On this trip, we're pulling out all the stops. For bottom fishing, we'll be using heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line – trust me, you'll need the strength when you're yanking grouper from their hidey-holes. We'll rig up with live bait or jigs, depending on what's working that day. When we switch to trolling for kings, it's all about speed and flash. We'll deploy planers to get our lines down and use spoons or ribbon fish to entice those toothy critters. Our crew will walk you through each technique, so even if you've never held a rod before, you'll be fishing like a pro in no time.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Steven is a great captain and knows the bay like the back of his hand. He is very patient with beginners and kids. We all had a blast and we got enough fish for dinner!" - Curtis

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These silver bullets are the speedsters of the Gulf. Known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics, kings can hit speeds of up to 60 mph. We typically see them in the 15-30 pound range, but don't be surprised if you hook into a smoker pushing 50 pounds. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, and there's nothing quite like watching your line peel off as one of these bad boys makes a run for it.

Lesser Amberjack: Don't let the name fool you – there's nothing "lesser" about the fight these fish put up. Amberjack are like the bulldogs of the sea, all muscle and determination. They hang out near underwater structures and reefs, usually in the 10-30 pound range. When you hook one, be ready for a workout. These guys are notorious for making powerful runs back to the bottom, so keep that rod tip up and hang on tight!

Red Snapper: Ah, the prize of the Gulf. With their bright red color and delicious white meat, red snapper are at the top of many anglers' wish lists. We find these beauties hanging around reefs and wrecks, typically in the 5-15 pound range. The season for reds is tightly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. They put up a great fight and make for some of the best eating you'll ever have.

Lane Snapper: These smaller cousins of the red snapper might not be as famous, but they're a blast to catch and just as tasty. Lanes usually run 1-3 pounds and love to hang out near the bottom in decent numbers. What they lack in size, they make up for in flavor and fun. Plus, they're often more abundant than their red relatives, so you can expect plenty of action.

Gag Grouper: Now we're talking about some serious muscle. Gag grouper are the bruisers of the bottom, known for their powerful first run and stubborn fights. These fish can grow over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. Gags love structure, so we'll be dropping lines near reefs and ledges. When you feel that thump and your rod doubles over, you better hold on – it's going to be a battle!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're after a day of serious fishing that could put some serious fish in the cooler, this is your trip. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the spots to make it happen. Whether you're dreaming of that grouper sandwich or just want to feel the pull of a big king mackerel, we've got you covered. The Gulf is calling, and the fish are waiting. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your favorite hat, and let's get out there. Book your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.

Customer Review

Fish Fun with Steven

Steven is a great captain and knows the bay like the back of his hand. He is very patient with beginners and kids. We all had a blast and we got enough fish for dinner!

Curtis Gage

August 18, 2025

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the bottom-dwelling world. These fish average around 20 inches but can grow up to 5 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them lurking around rocky structures, reefs, and shipwrecks in waters from 60 to 250 feet deep. Gags are most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for targeting them. What makes them a favorite is their powerful fight and excellent table fare. When hooked, they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs, so you'll need to be quick on the reel. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works best, but cut squid or octopus can also do the trick. Here's a pro tip: keep your rod low and don't let them get any slack, or they'll bolt for cover. Gag Grouper fishing is all about the tug-of-war, and landing a big one is something you won't forget.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speedy predators that'll give you a run for your money. These fish typically range from 20-40 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90+. Look for them in waters 40-150 feet deep, especially near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're most active in warmer months, from spring through fall. Kings are prized for their hard-fighting nature - when they hit, be ready for screaming reels and acrobatic jumps. Their meat is tasty too, though watch the mercury levels. To boost your odds, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or cigar minnows. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. Keep an eye out for diving birds, which often signal feeding kings below. These fish can make or break a trip, so don't pass up a chance to tangle with the "silver bullets" of Tampa Bay.

Lane Snapper

Lane Snapper might be smaller than their Red cousins, but they're a blast to catch. These colorful fish usually run 10-14 inches, with some reaching up to 20. You'll find them in shallow inshore waters, often around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with lots of vegetation. They're most active at night, so evening trips can be productive. Lanes are aggressive feeders and not too picky, making them great for anglers of all skill levels. They'll hit a variety of baits - try shrimp, squid, or small minnows. What makes Lane Snapper fun is their abundance and willingness to bite. When you find a school, you can catch them one after another. Here's a local tip: fish near structure during the spawning season from March to September for your best shot at a bigger catch. While they may not be the biggest fish in the sea, Lane Snapper more than make up for it with their tasty meat and the action they provide.

Lesser Amberjack

Lesser Amberjack are the smaller cousins of the greater AJ, usually topping out around 10 pounds. You'll find them in deeper waters, typically 180-430 feet down, hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs. These fish are open-season year-round, but they're at their most active when the water's warm. Lesser AJs put up a solid fight for their size, and they're a unique catch that not every angler lands. To target them, try drifting with live bait or cut fish near the bottom. Mullet, spinach fish, and cigar minnows work well. Here's a local tip: use a vertical jig to get down where they're hiding. While they're not as well-known as other game fish, landing a good-sized lesser AJ can still qualify for a special "Unusual Species" award. It's a great chance to add something different to your catch list.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are the rockstars of bottom fishing here in Tampa Bay. These beauties can grow up to 3 feet and 35 pounds, but most catches are in the 1-2 foot range. You'll find them hanging out near structure in deeper waters, usually 30-620 feet down. The best time to target them is during their spawning season from May to October. Anglers love Red Snapper for their tasty meat and the fight they put up. When hooked, they'll make a beeline for cover, so be ready to muscle them away from snags. For bait, try cigar minnows, fresh squid, or live pinfish. Here's a pro tip: chum the area to get them fired up, then drop your line. The key is getting your bait down to where they're holding. Red Snapper fishing isn't just about the catch - it's about the whole experience of battling these deep-water bruisers.

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