Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Tarpon in Tampa Bay watersLive bait provided with captain preparing gear before departureAccommodates up to 4 anglers with fishing license included
If you're looking for some of the best inshore fishing action on Florida's west coast, you've found the right guy. Captain Bucky Goldman has been working these Tampa Bay flats for years, and he knows exactly where to find the fish that make anglers' hearts race. This isn't your typical touristy fishing trip – we're talking about real fishing with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's never held a rod, Bucky's got you covered with everything you need for a top-rated day on the water.
When you show up at the dock, Captain Bucky will already be there with fresh bait netted that morning and plenty of ice-cold water to keep you hydrated. That's the kind of attention to detail that separates the real guides from the weekend warriors. We're heading out into Tampa Bay's legendary inshore waters where the grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines create perfect habitat for some of Florida's most sought-after game fish. This is primarily a live bait operation – nothing beats the natural presentation when you're targeting spook-smart snook or finicky redfish. But if you're the type who likes throwing artificials, just let Bucky know and he'll set up the trip accordingly. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families, buddy trips, or even when you need to impress some clients. And here's the best part – you don't need to worry about fishing licenses since everyone's covered under the captain's commercial license.
Tampa Bay inshore fishing is all about reading the water and understanding fish behavior. Captain Bucky starts each trip by netting fresh bait – typically scaled sardines, pilchards, or shrimp depending on what's available and what the fish are eating. We'll be fishing with circle hooks and just enough weight to get the bait down naturally. The technique here is patience and presentation. When we're working the mangroves for snook, we'll position the boat to drift live baits right along the structure where these ambush predators like to hide. For redfish on the flats, it's about finding the right depth and letting that bait swim naturally over the grass. If we spot rolling tarpon, we'll switch tactics entirely – using larger baits and heavier tackle because these silver kings don't mess around. The beauty of fishing with an experienced Tampa Bay guide is that he's constantly adjusting based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing and what most anglers dream about when they think Florida fishing. These fish are pure attitude – they'll slam a bait one minute and completely ignore it the next. Snook love structure, especially mangrove shorelines and dock pilings where they can ambush prey. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods. What makes them so special is their explosive strike and the way they'll try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. A good Tampa Bay snook will run anywhere from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional giant pushing the 40-inch mark.
Redfish, or reds as we call them, are the workhorses of the flats. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive feeders and put up one heck of a fight pound for pound. Tampa Bay's grass flats are perfect redfish habitat, and these fish will cruise the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Slot-size reds (18-27 inches) are common, but don't be surprised if we hook into a bull red that'll test your drag system. What anglers love about reds is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight that'll make your arms burn.
Sea trout, specifically spotted seatrout, are another Tampa Bay staple that shouldn't be underestimated. These fish have mouths like paper, so the fight is more about finesse than raw power. They love grass flats and will often school up in good numbers. Trout fishing can be fast and furious when you find the right spot, and they're excellent table fare. Most Tampa Bay trout run 14 to 18 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing into the 20-plus range.
Tarpon are the wildcards that can make any trip legendary. Tampa Bay is famous for its tarpon fishing, especially during the spring and summer months when these silver kings migrate through the area. Hooking a tarpon is like grabbing lightning – they'll jump, run, and do everything possible to throw the hook. Even a smaller tarpon in the 40 to 80-pound range will give you a fight you'll never forget. The larger fish can reach well over 100 pounds and provide the kind of stories anglers tell for decades.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're powerful fighters that will surprise you with their strength. These bottom feeders love oyster bars and structure, and they'll give you a slow, powerful fight that's completely different from the other species we target. Tampa Bay drum typically run 20 to 40 pounds, and they're known for their ability to find every piece of structure on the bottom to try and break you off.
Tampa Bay's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and Captain Bucky Goldman's reputation speaks for itself. This isn't just another charter – it's your chance to fish with someone who genuinely cares about putting you on fish and showing you why Tampa Bay has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're looking to check some species off your bucket list, introduce the family to serious fishing, or just get away from the daily grind for some time on the water, this charter delivers. The captain handles all the details, from
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay - thick, powerful fish that average 5-15 pounds but can push 40+ pounds. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and channel edges in 3-20 feet, using their crushing jaws to feed on crabs and shellfish. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - it's wild when a whole school gets going. What guests love is the steady, heavy fight they put up, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Bigger fish get tough and stringy, so we usually release those. Pro tip: use fresh cut crab or shrimp on the bottom near oyster beds, and don't set the hook hard - just lift and start reeling when you feel the weight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's most reliable fighters, running 18-32 inches with bronze backs and that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-6 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs show above water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are peak times when they school up. What guests love is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll peel drag and make multiple strong runs to structure. Plus, slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. The sight-fishing is addictive when you spot their copper backs tailing in shallow water. Local tip: when you see redfish tailing or cruising shallow, approach quietly and cast beyond them, then work your bait back into their path - spook them and they're gone for good.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are bread-and-butter fish in Tampa Bay, typically running 12-20 inches with some pushing 24+ inches. They love grass flats and sandy holes in 3-12 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Cool weather from fall through spring brings the best action, especially on moving water. What makes trout fishing great is they're willing biters and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also forgiving for beginners but still fun for experienced anglers. The bigger "gator trout" put up a respectable fight with good runs. Here's a local secret: work the deeper grass edges on falling tides with live shrimp under a popping cork. The sound attracts them from a distance, and the shrimp drifting naturally in the current is irresistible.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier inshore game fish, running 18-36 inches typically. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and bridges in 2-15 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. These sleek silver fish with the distinctive black lateral line are incredibly aggressive when they hit. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blazing runs that'll test your drag. Plus, smaller ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing dock lights at night, cast your live shrimp or pinfish just outside the light cone where snook wait to ambush prey moving through the bright water.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of Tampa Bay - silver giants that average 80-120 pounds and stretch 4-6 feet. These prehistoric fish cruise the flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-40 feet of water, rolling on the surface to breathe air. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon fishing special is the spectacular jumps - they'll launch 8 feet in the air trying to throw the hook. It's pure adrenaline watching a 100-pound fish go airborne right next to the boat. We release all tarpon since they're not great eating and are important to the ecosystem. The fight can last 30 minutes or more on medium tackle. Local trick: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - keeps tension off the line and prevents break-offs during those crazy aerial shows.
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