Tampa Bay Full Day Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour charter targets redfish, snook, grouper, and sharksCovers both shallow flats and productive nearshore reefsAll gear, bait, tackle, and licenses included
If you're looking to make the most of Tampa Bay's legendary fishing, this 7-hour charter with Baytime Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a proper full day on the water – enough time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics based on conditions, and really dial in on what's biting. Tampa Bay is one of Florida's most productive fisheries, and with a full day charter, you get to experience both the shallow grass flats where reds and snook love to hang out, plus the deeper structure where grouper and snapper stack up. This top-rated trip accommodates up to 2 guests, making it perfect for a fishing buddy adventure or intimate family outing where everyone gets plenty of rod time.
Your captain knows Tampa Bay like the back of their hand – every oyster bar, grass flat, and productive piece of structure that holds fish year-round. Depending on the season and what's happening with tides and baitfish, you might start the morning working the shallows for redfish and snook, then move offshore to target bigger game like king mackerel and cobia as the day progresses. The beauty of a full day trip is flexibility – if the bite is hot in one area, you can stay put and capitalize. If it's slow, you've got time to relocate and try different techniques. All your gear, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are covered, so you just need to bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. The boat is equipped with everything from light tackle for sight fishing to heavier gear for bottom fishing and trolling.
Tampa Bay offers incredible variety, which means you'll likely use several different fishing techniques throughout the day. In the morning, expect to work the grass flats with live bait or artificial lures, sight fishing for tailing redfish or casting to structure for snook. As the day heats up, you might move to deeper water where bottom fishing with cut bait or live pinfish produces grouper and snapper. The captain will also keep an eye out for diving birds or bait schools that signal kingfish or cobia activity – perfect opportunities to break out the trolling gear or throw live bait at surface-feeding fish. The boat is rigged with quality rods and reels matched to each technique, from spinning gear for finesse fishing to conventional tackle for bigger fish. Circle hooks and proper release techniques ensure healthy fish populations for future trips.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters love structure – docks, mangroves, oyster bars – anywhere they can ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized to trophy specimens over 30 inches. What makes snook so addictive is their explosive strike and aerial acrobatics once hooked. They'll jump, gill-rattle, and make blistering runs toward structure. Live shrimp, pilchards, or well-presented artificials all work, but presentation is key since these fish can be finicky.
Goliath grouper encounters are pure adrenaline – these gentle giants can exceed 300 pounds and will test your tackle and stamina. Found around structure in 15-40 feet of water, they're catch-and-release only, but the experience of hooking one is bucket-list material. They don't run like other fish; instead, they use their massive bulk and gill plates to anchor up and bulldoze toward cover. Circle hooks with heavy tackle and live or cut bait work best. The fight might be short, but you'll remember the raw power for years.
King mackerel show up when conditions are right – typically when baitfish are thick and water temperatures are in the 70s and 80s. These speed demons can hit 40+ mph and will peel drag like nothing else in Tampa Bay. Trolling with live bait or spoons along structure edges or temperature breaks is the go-to technique. Kings average 15-30 pounds locally, with occasional monsters pushing 40+. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their initial run is absolutely electric.
Redfish are Tampa Bay's most reliable year-round target, and they're perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These copper-colored drum cruise shallow flats in small schools, often with their backs out of water while feeding. They're not picky eaters – live shrimp, cut bait, gold spoons, and soft plastics all work. Reds fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps, and their willingness to bite makes them ideal for keeping kids engaged. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are excellent table fare, while oversized "bull" reds provide serious fights in shallow water.
Cobia are the wildcards that make full day trips special – you might not see one all day, then suddenly spot a 40-pounder cruising the surface. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) are curious and will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing with live crabs or jigs. They're powerful fighters that make long runs and can be tricky to land due to their size and stamina. Peak season runs from March through June, when they're moving through Tampa Bay during their spawning migration.
A full day charter with Baytime Charters gives you the complete Tampa Bay fishing experience – multiple species, various techniques, and enough time to really get dialed in on what's working. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to experience Florida's world-class inshore fishing, this trip delivers. The 7-hour timeframe means you're not rushed, and the 2-guest capacity ensures personalized attention from your captain. Tampa Bay's year-round fishing means there's never a bad time to book, but spring and fall typically offer
This 22' Nautic Star bay boat is built to handle Tampa Bay's diverse fishing grounds with ease. Whether you're working the shallow grass flats for redfish and snook or heading to deeper structure for grouper and snapper, this versatile rig has you covered. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly through skinny water without spooking fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. GPS and radar keep you on productive spots and safe in changing conditions. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 7-hour adventure. With room for your group and all the tackle you need, it's the perfect platform for targeting whatever's biting in Tampa Bay's prolific waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - their dark color and single dorsal fin fool a lot of people at first glance. These fish average around 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, though they come shallow too. Spring migration through summer is prime time, especially during spawning season. They're mostly loners, which makes each one special. The fight is aggressive and powerful, and the meat is fantastic - firm white flesh that's restaurant quality. They're curious fish and will often follow the boat or circle baits. Best approach is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range. Color doesn't matter much - they'll hit anything. When you see one, get that jig down fast and work it with sharp jerks near structure.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese are the giants of Tampa Bay - we're talking fish that can reach 8 feet and hundreds of pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-150 feet of water. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but what a rush it is. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps are warm. That first pull will test every piece of gear you have - they're incredibly strong but usually short bursts. People love the challenge and the photos with these prehistoric-looking fish. Remember, they have no fear and will come right up to investigate. Here's the key: anchor far enough from structure so you can pull them away, but close enough they'll come out. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 class gear minimum - and big baits like whole jacks or ladyfish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest runs in Tampa Bay. Most average around 30 pounds, but we see plenty in the 50-90 pound range. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when baitfish are thick. What guests love is that screaming first run - they're built for speed and will peel line like nothing else. Plus, they're excellent eating with that rich, flaky meat. The key is trolling with live bait on a stinger rig - one hook in the nose, treble hook near the tail. Kings love to attack from behind, so that back hook is crucial. Use wire leader because those teeth are razor sharp, and be ready for that initial blast when they hit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for all skill levels and love Tampa Bay's shallow grass flats and oyster bars. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we also find big bulls over 40 inches in deeper water. They feed year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. That distinctive black spot and copper color make them easy to identify. What people enjoy is the variety - sight fishing the flats, working structure, or even topwater action in skinny water. They're also great table fare when kept in slot. The fight is steady and strong, using that broad tail to pull hard. My go-to technique is working a gold spoon or soft plastic around oyster bars on moving water. They're not picky eaters, but match your bait size to the fish you're seeing.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Tampa Bay's premier gamefish, averaging 1-2 feet with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water where they ambush baitfish. They're most active during warmer months, especially around new and full moons when they move to spawn. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every bit of cover to try breaking you off. The meat is excellent too, firm and white with great flavor. Pro tip: when working mangroves, cast your bait right into the roots and be ready - they hit hard and fast, so keep that drag tight enough to turn them away from structure but loose enough they don't break off.
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