5.0(1 Reviews)Tampa Bay Fishing - Weekday
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventure in Tampa Bay's pristine shallow flatsTarget multiple species including Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, and SharksIntimate 2guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Captain Chet Jennings knows Tampa Bay like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard for this weekday adventure, you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's Gulf Coast. This isn't your crowded weekend charter experience – weekdays mean cleaner water, less boat traffic, and fish that haven't been pressured all morning. You'll be targeting the backcountry flats and grass beds where the big ones like to hang out, with a captain who's been putting clients on fish in these waters for years. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Captain Chet runs a tight ship focused on putting you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. You'll launch early and head straight to where the action is – whether that's working the mangrove edges for snook, drifting the grass flats for trout and redfish, or setting up on structure for snapper and grouper. The shallow water fishing here is visual and exciting, with crystal clear flats where you can often see your target before you cast. Chet knows how to read the tides, wind, and weather to put you in the right spot at the right time. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, from light spinning gear for the flats to heavier setups when you're targeting bigger fish. The boat's rigged with a shallow draft hull perfect for getting back into those skinny water honey holes where the weekday warriors rarely venture.
You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. Live shrimp is the go-to for trout, redfish, and snapper, while pinfish and pilchards work great for the bigger predators like tarpon and sharks. When the fish are spooky in the clear water, Chet switches to artificials – soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that won't spook educated fish. The technique changes throughout the day based on tides and conditions. Early morning might find you sight-casting to tailing redfish on the flats, while midday could have you anchored up on a productive drop-off letting the fish come to you. Captain Chet handles the boat positioning and gives you tips on presentation, but you'll be doing the casting and fighting. The tackle is matched to the target species – light enough to feel every bump but with enough backbone to turn a big fish away from structure.
Spanish Mackerel are some of the most fun fighters you'll encounter in Tampa Bay. These silver speedsters show up in schools and hit fast-moving lures with authority. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action usually happening over grass beds in 8-15 feet of water. They're not huge – most run 1-3 pounds – but they make screaming runs and jump like mini-tarpon. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridges – anywhere they can hide and pounce on baitfish. They're most active during the warmer months and around the new and full moons. A slot snook (28-32 inches) is a trophy, and the way they slam a topwater plug or dart under a dock will get your heart racing. They're catch and release only during closed seasons, so Chet focuses on the experience and the photos.
Grey Snapper (Mangrove Snapper) are year-round residents that provide steady action when other species are finicky. They school up around structure and are excellent eating. Most run 12-16 inches, but the occasional 4-5 pounder will test your drag. They're smart fish that require finesse – light leaders and natural presentations work best.
Tarpon are the ultimate Tampa Bay gamefish. These silver giants migrate through the bay from April through October, with peak action in late spring and early summer. Even a juvenile tarpon in the 50-80 pound range will give you a fight you'll never forget. They jump repeatedly and make powerful runs that can empty a reel in seconds. It's all catch and release, but landing a Tampa Bay tarpon is a rite of passage for serious anglers.
Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing. They're found year-round over grass beds and provide consistent action when other species are tough. The bigger "gator trout" over 20 inches are prized catches, and they're excellent on the dinner table. They hit both live bait and artificials readily, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are another Tampa Bay favorite, known for their copper-colored flanks and powerful fights. They cruise the flats in schools and provide some of the most exciting sight-fishing opportunities in the bay. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the table, while the big bulls over 27 inches are catch and release. Nothing beats watching a red crush a topwater plug in two feet of crystal clear water.
Blacktip Sharks add an element of excitement to any Tampa Bay trip. These athletic sharks are common in the bay's deeper channels and around bait schools. They typically run 3-6 feet and put on an aerial show when hooked, jumping completely out of the water multiple times. They're catch and release, but the photos and memories last forever. Summer months provide the most consistent shark action.
Captain Chet's weekday charters book up fast, especially during
Hit the productive waters of Tampa Bay aboard Captain Chet's well-equipped motorboat, perfect for targeting everything from feisty snook to massive tarpon in the shallow backcountry flats. This fishing machine comes loaded with a fish finder to locate your next catch, GPS to navigate the maze of mangrove islands, and a whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor that won't spook those wary redfish. Keep your bait fresh in the onboard ice box while you work the grass beds and oyster bars for spotted seatrout and mangrove snapper. The VHF radio keeps you connected, and when nature calls, there's a head onboard. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast and fight everything from Spanish mackerel to the occasional shark that crashes your inshore party.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are the acrobats of Tampa Bay, known for those spectacular jumps that can reach 20 feet high. They average 4-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, with those distinctive black-tipped fins making them easy to identify. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, channels, and around structure in 8-30 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime time when baitfish are thick. What makes them exciting is that initial jump and the sustained runs that'll test your drag and arms. They're catch-and-release only, so it's all about the adrenaline rush. Best tip: use heavy braided line and circle hooks, and get a good chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel - their noses will find you.
Lutjanus GriseusMangrove Snappers are some of the smartest fish in Tampa Bay, which makes landing them that much more satisfying. Most run 10-14 inches around docks and structure, but the bigger ones hiding in 20+ feet can push 3-4 pounds. They're homebodies that stick to the same spots - think bridges, reefs, and mangrove edges. Year-round fishing is good, but summer nights are prime time when they're most active. People love the challenge because they're picky eaters, but the payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with and let live shrimp sit motionless near the bottom. These fish study your bait before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's copper-colored bulldogs, easily spotted by those black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and fight way above their weight class. They love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs show above the surface - around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up. What gets people hooked is watching them tail in inches of water and that initial bulldogging run when you hook up. They're excellent eating too, with sweet, firm meat. My secret: look for nervous water and mudding in the shallows. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook them and the game's over.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout are Tampa Bay bread-and-butter fish, perfect for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. They run 14-20 inches on average with beautiful spotted sides and that soft mouth that gives them their name. Look for them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs. Cool mornings and evenings from spring through fall are best, with winter bringing bigger schools to deeper channels. They're fun because they hit topwater lures with authority and are some of the best eating fish we catch - tender, flaky meat that's hard to mess up. Key tip: use a gentle hookset since their mouths are soft, and fish popping corks over the grass beds at dawn.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of Tampa Bay's backcountry, with that distinctive black lateral line and attitude to match. They average 18-28 inches but can push 40+ pounds in deeper water. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangroves, oyster bars, and bridge pilings where they can hide and strike. Summer months are peak season, especially around new and full moons. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they jump and run when hooked. Plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: cast live shrimp or pinfish right to the structure, not in open water. Let it drift naturally - snook want easy meals.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are one of the fastest fish in Tampa Bay, hitting 12+ mph with those silver bodies and yellow spots flashing. Most run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters that'll make your drag sing. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structure - bridges, reefs, and channel edges in 10-40 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time when baitfish are thick. They're fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat that grills up perfect. My go-to trick: when you see diving birds, get there fast and cast spoons or small jigs right into the feeding frenzy. They hit hard and fast, so keep your hooks sharp.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay - massive fish that can hit 100+ pounds and jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked. Most average 40-80 pounds and 4-6 feet long. They cruise the shallow flats, channels, and bridge areas in 5-15 feet of water during spring and summer migrations. What makes them legendary is that heart-stopping jump and the 30-minute battles that'll test your gear and stamina. They're not great eating, so it's all about the fight and bragging rights. We practice catch-and-release to keep these ancient fish around. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip to give them slack or they'll throw the hook every time.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt Chet is a great guy and if you want to catch fish (Snook) he is the MAN! Had a super trip, caught fish in three different loc...
Tampa, FL