Tampa Bay Offshore Fishing Charters

Tampa Bay Offshore Fishing Charters

Best Offshore Fishing Charters in Tampa Bay

Offshore Fishing in Tampa Bay

The offshore fishing Tampa Bay is known for is nothing short of legendary. If you’ve had your share of inshore expeditions, and you’d like to explore what awaits beyond the bay, the Gulf of Mexico is there for the taking. 
 
For the greatest chance of success in the offshore waters, head to the mouth of the bay, near  St. Pete Beach. Bear in mind that most charters go up to nine miles from the shore, which is locally considered “offshore.” So to get on the trail of Groupers, Snappers, King Mackerel, and more, book an offshore fishing trip.
 
Choose a half day trip to go after Gag, Red, Scamp, and Goliath Grouper, or a plethora of Snappers, including Red, Vermillion, Yellowtail, and Mangrove beauties. All these fish make for scrumptious table fare.
 
If you’d like to combine inshore and offshore fishing, or you simply want more time to explore the bountiful offshore waters, full day trips are the way to go. To target big Mahi Mahi and Tuna, book a deep sea fishing charter. Choose a captain who is federally licensed so you can go 40–60 miles offshore to chase the pelagic royalty. Going on longer trips (8 or 10 hours) grants you more time with your line in the water, not to mention you will avoid the crowds.
 
One of the great things about fishing with a captain is that you don’t need any experience to have a great time on the water and catch plenty of fish. The charter will also cover your fishing license, which you would have to buy on your own if you were going fishing solo. Before you set out to test the offshore fishing of Tampa Bay, you will need a supply of food, drinks, and sunscreen, and leave everything else in the hands of your capable guide.
Tampa Bay
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 26,584 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Offshore Fishing in Tampa Bay

Be ready for anything and get ready to have fun because itโ€™s impossible not to! Book a trip asap!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for anything and get ready to have fun because itโ€™s impossible not to! Book a trip asap!
Brady  S.
Brady S. Burnsville, MN
Book a guide. Alot of rules for running the waterways here with alot of shallow flats also.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a guide. Alot of rules for running the waterways here with alot of shallow flats also.
Sonny  G.
Sonny G. Charleston, SC
If you can book a trip late May prior to schools getting out and summer kicking off youโ€™ll have a great time. I suggest a weekday as during the weekend it get really busy on the water and beaches but our Saturday trip was still very do-able and a great time! Zero complaints about the charter and the area we selected
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you can book a trip late May prior to schools getting out and summer kicking off youโ€™ll have a great time. I suggest a weekday as during the weekend it get really busy on the water and beaches but our Saturday trip was still very do-able and a great time! Zero complaints about the charter and the area we selected
Karl  L.
Karl L. Keller, TX
The captains all have a strategy for the best outcome given everchanging weather conditions, and tides. They are not magicians. If the charter involves spinning gear, then KNOW how to use it BEFORE your trip !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The captains all have a strategy for the best outcome given everchanging weather conditions, and tides. They are not magicians. If the charter involves spinning gear, then KNOW how to use it BEFORE your trip !
Douglas  P.
Douglas P. Roach, MO
Book with Costal Chaos Fishing Charters! They were professional, punctual, informative, knowledgeable, eager and capable of putting us in fish. Captain Cameron runs a top notch outfit.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Costal Chaos Fishing Charters! They were professional, punctual, informative, knowledgeable, eager and capable of putting us in fish. Captain Cameron runs a top notch outfit.
Christopher  C.
Christopher C. United States
Early morning before the wind comes up. Offshore is a blast if conditions are right. Otherwise you canโ€™t miss w/ inshore fishing. Snook, snapper, sheep head, redfish a plenty
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Early morning before the wind comes up. Offshore is a blast if conditions are right. Otherwise you canโ€™t miss w/ inshore fishing. Snook, snapper, sheep head, redfish a plenty
Peter  S.
Peter S. Morristown, NJ
Be sure to visit the local downtown Restaurants and micro breweries. Enjoy all Dunedin has to offer!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be sure to visit the local downtown Restaurants and micro breweries. Enjoy all Dunedin has to offer!
Steve  C.
Steve C. Auburndale, FL
It was my first time fishing out of Bradenton. I would recommend it to everyone.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was my first time fishing out of Bradenton. I would recommend it to everyone.
James  W.
James W. Chardon, OH
Great time to get out there. The waters were calm and the fish bite constantly. Only down side of this time of year is several species are closed, so they can't be kept, including amberjack, red snapper, and gag grouper.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great time to get out there. The waters were calm and the fish bite constantly. Only down side of this time of year is several species are closed, so they can't be kept, including amberjack, red snapper, and gag grouper.
Patrick  R.
Patrick R. Lawrenceburg, KY
Tampa is full of fish, many different species. Makes for a great fishing experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tampa is full of fish, many different species. Makes for a great fishing experience.
Dan  U.
Dan U. Lineboro, MD
Captain was great. Wanted to troll for a while going out . He did everything I expected. And I've been deep sea fishing here for 15 years & he will be the captain I'll every use for all my future trips . As a matter of fact I booked him for another trip while still down here !!! 10 stars
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain was great. Wanted to troll for a while going out . He did everything I expected. And I've been deep sea fishing here for 15 years & he will be the captain I'll every use for all my future trips . As a matter of fact I booked him for another trip while still down here !!! 10 stars
Mark  S.
Mark S. Grand Rapids, MI
I can't speak to the deep water or inshore experience, but the backwater experience was super.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I can't speak to the deep water or inshore experience, but the backwater experience was super.
Phil  J.
Phil J. Baltimore, MD
Be ready for a fun adventure! This was our first Charter and definitely will do again with Zack when we come back!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be ready for a fun adventure! This was our first Charter and definitely will do again with Zack when we come back!
Catherine  V.
Catherine V. Kissimmee, Florida
Nothing! but wear your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen! You will have a great time!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Nothing! but wear your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen! You will have a great time!!
Patrick  K.
Patrick K. Lindley, NY
10000/10 would recommend nautical soules thank you so much! Caught a ton of fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
10000/10 would recommend nautical soules thank you so much! Caught a ton of fish!
Brent  C.
Brent C. Lutz, Florida
Hell to the yes!! Go see Captain Jacob with Double O Fishing Charter, you won't be disappointed!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Hell to the yes!! Go see Captain Jacob with Double O Fishing Charter, you won't be disappointed!
Cassandra  D.
Cassandra D. Avon Park, FL
It's a great time to go out. Snowbirds are leaving, and the kiddo's are still in school.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It's a great time to go out. Snowbirds are leaving, and the kiddo's are still in school.
Ron  K.
Ron K. The Villages, FL
If you have motion sickness take a ginger supplement for 5 days before you go. Tip from the captain
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you have motion sickness take a ginger supplement for 5 days before you go. Tip from the captain
Scott  M.
Scott M. Brighton, MI
Be prepared to catch some fish! Even if the weather looks calm and perfect, bring a light jacket, the wind picks up on the water when the boat is moving quick and it can get chilly.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared to catch some fish! Even if the weather looks calm and perfect, bring a light jacket, the wind picks up on the water when the boat is moving quick and it can get chilly.
Jacob  P.
Jacob P. Shawnee, KS
Fish can be hit or miss. As long as the weather is good. Fishing is fishing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish can be hit or miss. As long as the weather is good. Fishing is fishing
Evan  H.
Evan H. Bowling Green, KY

Top Targeted Offshore Fishing Species in Tampa Bay