Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender

100% (2) 1 - 12 People 10 Hours From $3,500

About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Fish Hawk Charters is excited to offer "THE MIDDLE GROUNDS BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE" this 10 hour trip out to the Middle Grounds offshore, a true angling oasis about 90 miles plus into the deep blue waters - The Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tampa Bay. If you're looking for that next level fishing trip, you've come to the right spot. Our 35' Contender Pro Tournament Series vessel is operated under the direction of...

About Your Trip

Fish Hawk Charters is excited to offer "THE MIDDLE GROUNDS BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE" this 10 hour trip out to the Middle Grounds offshore, a true angling oasis about 90 miles plus into the deep blue waters - The Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tampa Bay.

If you're looking for that next level fishing trip, you've come to the right spot. Our 35' Contender Pro Tournament Series vessel is operated under the direction of
the exorbitantly credentialed Pelagic Expert Master Licensed Captain Brian and dedicated 1st Mate.

This unique, high relief, and live bottom site in the Gulf of Mexico is chock full of the larger elusive species, bottom fish, mid-depth swimmers and Pelagic activity, so get ready for an EPIC DAY fishing because you'll be headed out there with one of the most elite outfits in the St. Pete-Clearwater Tampa Bay area!

If you're looking for that next level fishing trip, you've come to the right spot. Our 35' Contender Pro Tournament Series vessel is operated under the direction of the exorbitantly credentialed Pelagic Expert Captain Brian and 1st Mate. Fish Hawk Charters is excited to offer this HIGHLY DESIRABLE LIMITED BUCKET LIST opportunity.

Equipped with all the possible federal permits, credentials, and over 20 years on the water experience, Captain Brian and 1st Mate both Master Licensed are here to go above and beyond to do whatever it takes to ensure you have an incredible experience!

There's truly no telling what you'll haul up from the depths when you're out at the middle grounds. As they like to say, it's a Grab Bag that Grab's Back! If there is a specific Pelagic Species, you're particularly interested in catching Captain Brian is more than happy to rig your rods with the best baits and tackle for that target species. Whether a deep dropping bottom rig, a mid-depth jig rig, or big plugs for trolling. Nothing makes Captain Brian and 1st Mate more than happy than delivering on your goals for the day!

With Captain Brian at the helm, you'll be riding out aboard a beautifully maintained Contender 35 ft Pro Tournament Series boat equipped with HO-high output triple 300 horsepower Yamahas outboard engines and a deep-V hull design that effectively cuts through the chop & get you to and from the fishing grounds quickly and safely. This vessel’s ride has a reputation in the fishing community as being one of the smoothest and driest on the water. We can get you out to the middle grounds in the shortest amount of time to maximize the amount of time spent fishing.

You will depart from the beautiful Tierra Verde Marina Resort in St. Pete. Along-side mega yachts and classy sportfishing vessels, Captain Brian and his crew will help load your gear aboard the boat and ensure you are comfortable and properly briefed for your day before you depart. Ron suggests that you arrive 30 mins prior to departure time for all trips to ensure your captain has enough time to get all your gear onboard and properly orient you for the day ahead!

All fishing essentials/credentials are provided along with a cooler with ice and water. Bring your own lunch and beverages, and a small personal cooler is fine as well. No need to chase down a Florida Fishing License - We Have U All Fully Covered!

SAFETY, HEALTH & WELFARE ARE PARAMOUNT!

We Deliver The Results & Exceed Expectations!
Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 5 days before the trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

Pricing Matrix

10 Hours
1 Person
$3,500.00
2 People
$3,500.00
3 People
$3,500.00
4 People
$3,500.00
5 People
$3,500.00
6 People
$3,500.00
7 People (Second Boat)
$7,000.00
8 People (Second Boat)
$7,000.00
9 People (Second Boat)
$7,000.00
10 People (Second Boat)
$7,000.00
11 People (Second Boat)
$7,000.00
12 People (Second Boat)
$7,000.00
Pay 10% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
Loading...

Reserve Your Trip

Select a date to view pricing. The date you selected is no longer available. Please select another date.
Date
Select a group size to view pricing.
Select a duration to view pricing.
Select a start time to check out.
You won't be charged yet

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ron

Ron F.

Outfitter 37 years of exp.
Talkative
Adventurous
Quality
Instructional
Captain Ron Principal Owner and his dedicated Crew of fully credentialed/highly decorated Master Licensed Captains and fleet of multiple vessels are here to cater to your experience out on the water. This outfit as featured on ESPN & select Sport Fishing Journals/Publications is not here to fish from 8-5 nor clock watch to get back to the dock. Instead they Deliver the Results Exceed Expectations out there to fulfill your request and provide you the...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ron

Ron F.

Outfitter 37 years of exp.
Captain Ron Principal Owner and his dedicated Crew of fully credentialed/highly decorated Master Licensed Captains and fleet of multiple vessels are here to cater to your experience out on the water. This outfit as featured on ESPN & select Sport Fishing Journals/Publications is not here to fish from 8-5 nor clock watch to get back to the dock. Instead they Deliver the Results Exceed Expectations out there to fulfill your request and provide you the best possible opportunity to catch the next limit and or trophy of a lifetime. The TEAM is dedicated to assure guests/clients an exceptional Fishing Excursion on the Florida's sunny Gulf Coast!

All Captain Ron's vessels are All FULLY Credentialed additionally Federally Permitted and inspected/exceeding all the necessary safety measures required by the USCG. All Captain's are fully licensed by the United States Coast Guard with 6-Pack (OUPV) and/or Master Credentials. Safety, Health & Welfare are considered PARAMOUNT as their number one priority, Captain Ron and his team specialize in custom excursions pairing you with the ideal angler TEAM including Captain and 1st Mate to provide you with the greatest experience & commitment on the water. All Captains & 1st Mates are all locals with decades of saltwater experience in the surrounding Gulf of Mexico - St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area and beyond! So whether you want hard-core fishing or a family cruise to the local islands, let Captain Ron hook you up!
Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What makes you different from other guides?
Unlike the others,, We provide a Fishing Charter  that DELIVERS you a completely tailored experience. Fish at your own pace and target the species that you want 2 catch.  We upsize Ur catch & hit max take home desirable Pelagic Targets - Both The Edibles & Battlers ! We Deliver The Results & Exceed Expectations! We provide nothing less than the highest quality experience, making memories that will last you a lifetime!  Fishing has never been so exciting!   We customize each day to meet guest/clients requests and offer several style fishing excursion experience vessels - ideal options, fully rigged/equipped to optimize/achieve all types of fishing, address different weather conditions, as well as participate in select key sport tournaments. Our Master Licensed Captains & 1st Mates on staff each have logged over 20 years of Pelagic experience fishing the local area - both Tampa Bay & Gulf of Mexico.  Our fishing TEAMS have earned honors, won several awards and we have placed guests/clients in the record books. Your excursion will take place on Target Date selected & secured.  USCG allows only up to 6 guests per - Laws, Rules & Regulations, regardless of vessel size selected, so everybody can fish in comfort, obtain our full attention to details, while Safety Health & Welfare is always -  PARAMOUNT. Once you’re on the boat, Captain will go through safety briefing.  He will let you choose the fishing techniques, and provide any/all advice – you will experience being placed on a variety of Pelagic activity throughout your duration on the water. Our superb expertise, knowledge, equipment & gear are considered the finest in the industry available to achieve optimum results.  You will mostly target - "The Edibles" coupled with "The Battlers". It all depends on ur request. Free to discuss Target Date requested.?? Respectfully Submitted Captain Ron Principal Owner
Scroll for more

Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.
You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.
Tierra Verde, Florida
Areas Fished
  • St. Pete Beach

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender
Boat photo for Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender
Boat photo for Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender
Boat photo for Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
CONTENDER PRO TOURNAMENT SERIE
Year Built
2017
Boat Length
35'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
CONTENDER PRO TOURNAMENT SERIE
Year Built
2017
Boat Length
35'
Engine Manufacturer
YAMAHA HO-HIGH OUTPUT
Total Horsepower
900
Number of Engines
3
Additional Amenities
Proper Restroom on-board vessel, GPS, Fish Finders, Seating, Navigation, Live Bait Wells, Multimedia System, Outriggers, YETTI Ice Box, Shade Canopy, Windless Anchor System, Spot-Lock, Wet Wells, Fully Equipped, etc.
Scroll for more

Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea

Skill Levels

Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 5 days before the trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

  • Artificial Lure Fishing
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Cut Bait Fishing
  • Deep Dropping
  • Drift Fishing
  • Heavy Tackle Fishing
  • Jigging
  • Live Bait Fishing
  • Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Personal Choice Snacks & Beverages, UV / Sun Protection, Motion Sickness Preventative Precautions, Personal Medications, Sun Glasses, & Digital Camera to Memorialize Your Success! Extra provisions can be provided on request. Negotiable. Fishing License, Proper Live & Set Bait, You Keep Catch, Drinks, Catch Cleaning Filleted Bagged & Iced, Full Restroom on-board/Toilet, Child Friendly, Ice Box, Coolers, Rods, Reels & Tackle included. Full Gear to ASSURE SUCCESS!
You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.
This trip is managed by an outfitter. Ron will be your point of contact and you will go out with one of their guides.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancel for free up to 5 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account.
In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0
based on 2 reviews

Jason

Verified Review

May 30

Capt. Rick and Hope were the best we’ve had a chance to fish with! Great boat, everything you need is offered, good fishing, and a lot of fun. We will be fishing with them again soon and I highly recommend if you are traveling with the whole family, friends, or kids. They have it covered.

Jason

Verified Review

May 30

Capt. Rick and Hope were the best we’ve had a chance to fish with! Great boat, everything you need is offered, good fishing, and a lot of fun. We will be fishing with them again soon and I highly recommend if you are traveling with the whole family, friends, or kids. They have it covered.
Scroll for more
Response from Ron:
Delivering The Results & Exceeding Client/Guests Expectations Respectfully Captain Ron Principal Owner

Response from Ron:

Delivering The Results & Exceeding Client/Guests Expectations

Respectfully

Captain Ron
Principal Owner
Scroll for more

Tim

Verified Review

July 21

The fish hawk was an outstanding charter and Captain Brian and mate were very professional and worked hard to fill the fish box. As soon as the bite slowed on a spot, we packed up and headed to another spot. We caught fish all day long. We had 6 people fishing on the boat and I know that takes a lot of effort from the crew and they both helped all day...

Tim

Verified Review

July 21

The fish hawk was an outstanding charter and Captain Brian and mate were very professional and worked hard to fill the fish box. As soon as the bite slowed on a spot, we packed up and headed to another spot. We caught fish all day long. We had 6 people fishing on the boat and I know that takes a lot of effort from the crew and they both helped all day long baiting hooks, taking fish off, and tying lines,,,,I highly recommend them and wil no doubt book again with these guys
Scroll for more
Response from Ron:
The Gulf of Mexico is a challenging body of water & the conditions require and we possess the proper Professional Credentials & Fully Federally Permitted vessels w/assigned Master Licensed Captain & 1st Mate. We own a fleet of vessels to assure we match ur request to customize the day as U outlined - "A Full Say in The Day" approach. We are Highly Cost Effective since our TEAMs assigned go daily w/ Guaranteed Results! More...

Response from Ron:

The Gulf of Mexico is a challenging body of water & the conditions require and we possess the proper Professional Credentials & Fully Federally Permitted vessels w/assigned Master Licensed Captain & 1st Mate. We own a fleet of vessels to assure we match ur request to customize the day as U outlined - "A Full Say in The Day" approach.

We are Highly Cost Effective since our TEAMs assigned go daily w/ Guaranteed Results!


More
than happy to provide an honest assessment of the daily conditions & match expectations & Definitely Deliver the Results Exceed Expectations!.

We are family owned & operated over 16 years & I grew up in the area know to customize each day for our Clients/Guests.

More than happy to accommodate

Respectfully

Captain Ron
Principal Owner

Scroll for more

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.
We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.
Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.
After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.