Half Day Guided Fishing in Tampa Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, cobia, and Spanish mackerelFourhour guided trip accommodates up to two guests maximumCaptain Tony Frankland provides local expertise in Tampa Bay waters
When you step aboard with Capt. Tony Frankland, you're getting more than just a fishing trip—you're tapping into decades of Tampa Bay know-how. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter where you'll be elbow-to-elbow with strangers. With just 2 anglers max, Tony keeps things personal and focused on putting you on fish. Whether you're after that first redfish or looking to add cobia to your logbook, these waters deliver year-round action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even tie off at the dock.
Your 4-hour window starts early when the bite's hot and the boat traffic's light. Tony knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and structure pile where Tampa Bay's gamefish like to hang out. You'll be working shallow water most of the day—think 2 to 8 feet—where sight fishing becomes part of the game. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the diversity. One cast might pull up a hefty jack crevalle that'll test your drag, while the next could be a sneaky mangrove snapper picking at your bait. Tony's been running these flats for years, and he's got the local intel that separates good days from great ones. Expect to move around and cover water—that's how you stay on the bite when conditions change throughout the morning.
Tony runs a versatile setup that adapts to whatever the fish are doing. Live bait's often the ticket—pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish work magic on everything from snook to cobia. But don't be surprised if he breaks out the artificials when the fish are aggressive. Soft plastics rigged weedless are perfect for working the grass flats without hanging up every cast. You'll be using spinning gear mostly, with baitcasters coming into play for bigger baits and structure fishing. The technique here is all about reading the water—watching for bait schools, bird activity, and subtle changes in water color that signal fish. Tony's got the electronics to mark fish, but half the fun is learning to spot the visual cues that tell you where to cast next.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and oyster bars scattered throughout the bay. You'll find them year-round, but spring and fall produce the most consistent action. Reds typically run 18 to 30 inches here, with the occasional oversized bull pushing 40-plus. What makes them special is how they fight—that initial run will test your drag, and they've got the stamina to keep pulling right to the boat. Plus, they're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live shrimp to cut bait.
Cobia show up when the water warms in spring and stick around through fall. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat. They're structure-oriented, hanging around channel markers, crab traps, and dock pilings. When you hook a cobia, you know it immediately—they're strong, stubborn fighters that love to dive for cover. Most Tampa Bay cobia run 25 to 45 inches, making them perfect for the dinner table or a great photo before release.
Jack crevalle might be the most aggressive fish you'll tangle with on this trip. These silver bullets hit baits like freight trains and fight way above their weight class. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Jacks aren't much for eating, but they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. They're year-round residents, but summer months produce the most action as they chase bait schools across the flats.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Tampa Bay holds plenty of them. These ambush predators love structure—docks, mangrove shorelines, and bridge pilings are prime spots. They're seasonal here, with the best action during warmer months when they're actively feeding. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and that distinctive black lateral line. They're slot-regulated, so Tony knows exactly which ones are keepers and which ones go back to fight another day.
Bluefish might surprise you with their aggressive strikes and sharp teeth. These toothy customers show up in cooler months, often in large schools that create feeding frenzies. When they're around, the action can be non-stop. Blues hit fast-moving baits and artificials, making them perfect targets when you want to keep your rod bent. They're excellent on the table when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for the grill.
Tampa Bay's inshore fishery is world-class, but having the right guide makes all the difference between a good day and a memorable one. Capt. Tony's local knowledge, combined with his commitment to small groups, gives you the personalized experience that builds lasting fishing memories. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking to check new species off your list, this top-rated charter delivers the goods. Don't wait for the perfect weather forecast—some of the best fishing happens when conditions aren't picture-perfect. Book your half-day adventure and discover why anglers keep coming back to these productive Tampa Bay waters.
Captain Tony's 22-foot Ranger Bay boat is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best fishing action. Built in 2008 and powered by a reliable 200hp Suzuki engine, this speedy vessel cruises at 38 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The boat's shallow draft design lets us navigate Tampa Bay's flats and backcountry waters where redfish, snook, and cobia love to hang out. With GPS navigation and a quality fish finder onboard, we'll track down the fish while you focus on landing them. The spacious casting deck gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Whether we're sight-fishing the shallows for tailing redfish or targeting structure for snapper and mackerel, this Ranger handles Tampa Bay's waters like a dream and gets us back to the dock with coolers full of fresh fish.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are seasonal visitors to Tampa Bay, showing up in good numbers during cooler months when they follow baitfish south. These aggressive predators average 2-8 pounds and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies. You'll find schools working bait in open water, channels, and around structure. Fall through early spring offers the most consistent action when water temperatures drop. Blues fight hard with strong runs and provide excellent table fare when handled properly - just bleed them immediately and keep them cold. The oily, rich meat has great flavor when fresh. Watch for bird activity to locate feeding schools, and don't be shy with your lures. Metal spoons, cut bait, and fast-retrieved jigs work best. Pro tip: bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of Tampa Bay, usually traveling solo and reaching impressive sizes of 20-50 pounds. These dark brown, shark-looking fish cruise around structure like channel markers, bridges, and crab traps in 15-40 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, with good fishing continuing through summer. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. The fight is strong but manageable, and the white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the Gulf. They're basically the best eating fish that swims. Here's the key: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Throw your jig or live bait about 10 feet ahead and let them find it naturally. They're smart fish that spook easily if you're too aggressive.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of Tampa Bay, typically running 3-5 pounds but capable of hitting 15+ pounds when you find the right school. These brassy, broad-shouldered fighters love structure - bridges, docks, and channel edges where they ambush baitfish. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools, and you'll know you're on them. Spring through fall brings the best action, especially when bait is thick. Guests love jacks because they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're not great table fare, but the adrenaline rush makes up for it. Pro tip: when you find a school, work fast with silver spoons or white jigs. Keep your lures moving quickly - these aggressive predators want something that looks like it's trying to escape.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of Tampa Bay's most reliable targets, running 20-35 inches on average with that signature copper-bronze back and distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and grass beds where they root for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are steady. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and how they'll eat just about anything - topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you spot a red with its back out of the water, cast well past it and work your bait back slowly. They spook easy in skinny water, but patience pays off with these beauties.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier gamefish, with that unmistakable black lateral line and golden sides. Most run 18-28 inches, but trophy fish over 30 inches are always possible. They're structure lovers, hanging around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths in depths from 2-20 feet. Summer brings the best action during spawning season, though they bite year-round when water stays above 60 degrees. Snook are special because they combine explosive strikes with acrobatic jumps, plus the meat is absolutely top-shelf when in season. They're catch-and-release only during certain months, so check regulations. These ambush predators love live pilchards, but topwater plugs and soft plastics work great too. Local secret: fish the shadow lines under docks and bridges during the day. Snook position themselves right on the edge where light meets dark, waiting to ambush baitfish.
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