Tampa Bay Offshore Fishing Charters
Tampa Bay is one of the best locations for deep sea fishing in the country. The fertile water is home to bait and fish of all kinds. If you want an offshore fishing experience like no other, book Tampa Bay offshore fishing charters with Aquatic Escapes. We offer an unforgettable offshore escape for fishing beginners and pros alike. Our expert crew will help you quickly get out into the action so that you can return with a boat full of fish. We provide everything you need to get started in the deep sea.
Why Use Us for Offshore Fishing Charters?
At Aquatic Escapes, all of our boats come with the latest fishing technology, safety gear, and equipment. We continuously improve our boats and equipment to provide you with the best Tampa fishing experience possible. We have a wide variety of trip options, so it’s easy to choose the perfect adventure. Contact us today for fun offshore fishing charters. We know what we’re doing—we’ll keep you safe, and help provide a thrilling fishing trip so you won’t come back to shore empty-handed.
Red Snapper
Tampa Bay Red Snapper Fishing Charters
Red snappers are an iconic species in Tampa Bay. Sign up for our red snapper fishing charters If you want to catch the biggest and brightest snappers. These fish are well-protected and in high demand, so catching one is a sought-after adventure.
Red Snapper Fishing
Red snappers get their name from their sharp teeth and reddish hues. While you can catch some snapper near the water’s surface, the largest ones tend to live a bit deeper. When you catch some, you can cook them up and enjoy a flaky, tasty reward for your effort. These fish can grow up to 40 inches long and weigh up to 30 pounds. They put up an exciting fight, making them fun for fishers of all skill levels. While you fish for red snapper, you may also come across:
- Mangrove snapper
- Scamp grouper
- Amberjack
- Tuna
- King mackerel
Red snappers tend to make the strongest appearance in summer. Usually, you’ll catch the biggest ones from June to September. However, you can target different types of snapper all year long. Book your red snapper fishing charters with Aquatic Escapes, and we’ll tell you what’s in season.Red snapper has a strict fishing season and only two snappers are allowed per person. These snappers must be 16 inches or larger. After you catch your limit of delicious snapper, we’ll help you target other fish in season.
Red Snapper Season
While most snapper species have an open season year-round, you can only catch red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico from June 11 through July 25, and this changes every year. In 2019, the season was only 11 days. Red Snapper also has a minimum length of 16 inches and you can bring home 2 per person.
Red Snapper Fishing Charters in Tampa
One of the most exciting parts of red snapper fishing is choosing the technique. They love natural bait such as squid, shrimp, bonita, or menhaden. However, you can also use artificial bait, lures, or jigs to catch these fish. When you start your trip, our experienced captain will advise you on the best strategy to catch fish. We’ll help every member of your group make a catch. No matter what, you are bound to return with a great story. During one of our trips, you can expect:
- A quick ride offshore so you can start fishing fast
- Top of the line boat and equipment
- Guidance from a crew of experts
Why Fish with Aquatic Escapes?
When it comes to fishing, every year is different. However, we expect red snapper fishing to continue improving season after season. Our team at Aquatic Escapes will make sure that you have an enjoyable and fruitful experience on our red snapper fishing charters. Our equipment is friendly for beginners and experts of any age. Additionally, our boat comes equipped with quality safety gear, including life jackets. Come with your family and friends to have a great time fishing in Tampa Bay. Captain Jarrod and his first mate Jack, the dog, will guide you in having fun, staying safe, and landing big fish.
Grouper
About Grouper Fishing
The gag grouper is one of the most sought-after catches. They are aggressive, and they put up a hard fight. They also eat almost anything, from small fish to crabs and shrimp. They go after live bait quickly, and sometimes you can get away with using a butterfly jig or bucktail jig. You can find grouper fish in deeper water in warm months and shallow water during cooler months. At Aquatic Escapes, we understand the art of grouper fishing. These fish love to feed around a structure, so let Captain Jarrod lead you right to their spot. Some of the fish you may catch on your grouper fishing charters include:
Black grouper. These are one of the bigger types of grouper, weighing up to 100 pounds.
Gag grouper. Gag grouper looks like black grouper, but are slightly smaller.
Goliath Grouper. Goliath grouper is the largest member of the family. They can weigh over 800 pounds and fight hard when you hook them. However, you cannot keep these fish, as they are a protected species.
Grouper Fishing Charters in Tampa Bay
Do you want to catch a fish that will put up a fun fight and taste great? Grouper makes for one of the most thrilling fishing experiences in Tampa Bay. Grouper fishing season fluctuates yearly. We’re on the water all year long, so we stay up to date on the species you can keep. Sign up for one of our grouper fishing charters to find out what’s in season.
Tampa Grouper Fishing Charters
Grouper regulations constantly change. For this reason, it is important to go on grouper fishing charters with a knowledgeable crew. Our Tampa crew knows the rules, so you don’t have to worry about them. This experience is unforgettable, whether you are a veteran or novice fisher. Grouper fish are fighters, and the thrill of securing one is unmatched. We’ve been catching huge grouper for years, and we rarely return empty-handed. You can enjoy fishing for sport with Aquatic Escapes at any time of year. Contact us to schedule a fishing charter or tour.
Fish with Aquatic Escapes
We know how to have fun, catch fish, and stay safe. Grouper fishing is one of our specialties. Since they range in size, they are great for anglers with any level of experience. Our grouper fishing charters know how to find the best grouper fishing in Tampa Bay. Snap a picture with your fish and let it go or save it to prepare later. Either way, Aquatic Escapes provides a simple process for getting out into the water and reeling in fish. We provide:
- A licensed and experienced fishing captain
- The latest fishing and safety equipment
- Amenities such as coolers, live wells, and sound system
Grouper season is a busy one, so reserve your grouper fishing charters with Aquatic Escapes today.
Amberjack
Tampa Bay Amberjack Fishing Charters
Well-known for their impressive fighting spirit, Amberjack fishing provides an exhilarating challenge with just rewards—a trophy Amberjack can easily top 100 pounds. Amberjack is one of the top fish varieties in Tampa Bay. At Aquatic Escapes, our team can help you reel in one of these monsters and get that big fish story you’ve always wanted. As Tampa’s leading fishing charter, we can help you perfect your fishing technique and catch bigger and better fish. Our guided fishing tours include everything you need for a day out on the water from bait to ice for your catch. Call (813) 997-9897 today to get started
Amberjack Fishing
Amberjack are deep-water dwellers, often referred to as reef donkeys for their stubborn persistence to not end up in the boot. If you’re looking for a fighter—this is the perfect fish to target. They are also a hefty catch, ranging from around 10 pounds to over 150, depending on the species. Tampa Bay is home to several variety, including:
Greater Amberjack:
Typically found far offshore near wreckage or rocky reefs, Greater Amberjacks are the largest variety of the species. The heaviest Greater Amberjack caught on record weighed an impressive 155 pounds! They have a mild flavor with high oil content, leading to a buttery touch.
Lesser Amberjack:
A smaller—and reportedly smarter—version of Greater Amberjack, Lesser Amberjack typically weigh in under 10 pounds, but don’t let their lesser girth fool you—they put up just as much fight. They are also just as good on a dinner plate.
Banded Rudderfish:
Slightly larger than a Lesser Jack but still far smaller than a Greater, Banded Rudderfish dwell in shallower waters than most Amberjack species. They favor floating debris and weed lines over wreckage and reefs, often trailing after sharks and other large fish looking for leftovers. Like other Amberjacks, they are carnivorous and feed primarily on shrimp and small fish in addition to scavenging off larger predator’s kills. No matter what type of Amberjack—or fish in general—piques your interest, at Aquatic Escapes, we know just where they’re biting and can make sure you have a successful voyage.
Pelagic
Pelagic Fishing Offshore from Tampa
Pelagic fishing offshore from Tampa offers exciting opportunities to target a variety of migratory fish species. Here’s some information to get you started:
What are Pelagic Fish?
Pelagic fish live in the open sea, away from the bottom and near the surface or in the water column. They are often fast-swimming predators.
Common Pelagic Species Offshore Tampa:
You can expect to find the following pelagic species when fishing offshore from Tampa, particularly during the warmer months (summer is often considered peak season for many):
Cobia: These strong fighters are often found near structures, buoys, or even following rays. They can be caught with live bait, jigs, or bucktails.
Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish): Known for their vibrant colors and fast runs, they are often found near weed lines or floating debris. Trolling with lures or rigged baits is a common method.
Wahoo: A prized catch known for their incredible speed. They are typically targeted by high-speed trolling with specialized lures.
Barracuda: Can be found around reefs and wrecks and are known for their aggressive strikes on trolled or casted lures.
Tuna (various species): While not always a primary target close to Tampa, venturing further offshore into deeper waters could yield Blackfin Tuna and potentially other tuna species.
Sailfish: A highly sought-after billfish known for its spectacular jumps. They are typically caught by trolling rigged baits.
King Mackerel (Kingfish): A popular and aggressive species often caught by trolling live bait or lures. They can be found year-round, but their presence might peak at different times depending on the specific location offshore.
Spanish Mackerel: Smaller and often found in schools, they are also targeted with fast-moving lures and live bait.
Best Time for Pelagic Fishing:
Summer: Generally considered the best time for a wide variety of pelagic species like King Mackerel, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, and potentially Sailfish.
Year-Round: Some species like King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel can be caught throughout the year, although their abundance may vary.
Water Temperature: Warmer water temperatures generally bring in more pelagic species.
Amberjack Season
As migratory fish, the Amberjack population varies significantly in Tampa Bay, depending on the season. The high season is during spring and fall, and the low season is in summer and winter. Don’t let this worry you if you’ve already booked your trip. Even if you come to Tampa Bay during the heart of winter, there’s still a chance that you could encounter some Amberjack. Tampa is sunny year-round and houses plenty of fish, so you will still likely reel something in during an off-season trip.
Why Fish with Us?
Whether you’re looking for a fun, challenging, or relaxing day at sea, Aquatic Escapes of Tampa Bay has you covered. We will tailor your trip to meet your specific needs and skill level, ensuring that you have access to all the best fish that the Gulf has to offer, including Amberjacks and Kingfish. We offer a safe and exciting experience, so invite a friend to tag along!
