Tampa Bay Fishing - Weekday
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques & Tackle
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Chet's weekday charters book up fast, especially during