Quick Tampa Bay Inshore Redfish and Snook Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour guided Tampa Bay inshore fishing experienceTarget redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout with provided gearFlexible morning or afternoon departures with tide optimization
If you're looking to get into some solid inshore action without burning your whole day, this 3-hour charter with Capt. Tony Frankland is exactly what you need. Tampa Bay's shallow flats and grass beds are loaded with hungry redfish, snook, and seatrout year-round, and Tony knows exactly where to put you on them. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family out for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this trip delivers consistent action in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. You'll fish the same spots the locals hit, using proven techniques that put fish in the boat.
This charter runs morning or afternoon depending on the tides and what the fish are doing. Tony's been working these waters long enough to know that timing matters more than anything else when it comes to inshore fishing. You'll launch from one of Tampa Bay's convenient ramps and be on the fish within minutes. The bay's extensive grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines create perfect habitat for the species you're targeting. Expect to cover water efficiently, moving between productive spots as conditions dictate. The boat handles shallow water with ease, getting you into places where the big fish feel safe to feed. Don't be surprised if you're fishing in just 2-3 feet of water – that's where the magic happens in Tampa Bay.
All your gear comes included, from quality spinning reels spooled with the right line weight to a full selection of tackle proven effective in these waters. You'll primarily fish with live bait – shrimp, pinfish, and threadfin herring are the go-to options depending on what's available and what the fish want that day. Tony also carries an assortment of artificial lures for when the bite calls for it. Expect to do a mix of sight fishing and blind casting to structure. The shallow water means you'll often see your target before you cast, especially when hunting redfish tailing in the grass. Circle hooks are standard to ensure clean releases, and Tony will walk you through proper fish handling techniques to keep these populations healthy for future trips. Bring your own snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen – the Florida sun reflects hard off the water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. They're most active during moving tides, cruising the grass flats and ambushing prey around oyster bars. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight – they'll make long runs and use their broad sides to leverage against you. The slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are fantastic table fare, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline before swimming away to fight another day.
Snook are the glamour species of Tampa Bay, and they've earned that reputation through sheer attitude. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove overhangs, bridge pilings, anywhere they can hide and strike. They're incredibly line-shy and have razor-sharp gill plates that'll cut you off if you're not careful. A quality snook will jump repeatedly and make screaming runs toward whatever structure is nearby. They're primarily catch-and-release due to regulations, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Best action typically comes during dawn, dusk, or overcast conditions when they move into shallow water to feed.
Crevalle jacks are the gym rats of Tampa Bay – pure muscle with an attitude to match. These silver torpedoes travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They'll hit both live bait and artificials with authority, and their initial run will surprise anyone who's never tangled with one. Jacks are excellent light tackle fish that provide consistent action when the other species are being finicky. They're most common during warmer months and often show up as bonus fish while targeting other species.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, everything else stops. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing. They're strong fighters that don't give up easily, and the bigger ones will test every knot in your tackle box. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia opportunities, but residents are present year-round in deeper bay waters.
Bluefish add excitement to any inshore trip with their aggressive feeding behavior and sharp teeth. When blues are around, you'll know it – they attack bait schools with a vengeance, often driving prey to the surface where diving birds give away their location. They're excellent fighters for their size and fantastic table fare when handled properly. Wire leaders become necessary when blues are thick, as their teeth will slice through monofilament instantly.
Tampa Bay's inshore fishing is world-class, and this 3-hour charter gives you a perfect taste of what makes this fishery so special. Capt. Tony's local knowledge and flexible scheduling mean you'll fish during optimal conditions without wasting time searching unproductive water. The included license and quality tackle remove any barriers – just show up ready to fish. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or squeeze in some action during a busy schedule, this trip delivers consistent results in one of Florida's most renowned inshore destinations. Book now and experience why Tampa Bay keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your fishing platform for Tampa Bay's inshore waters is a reliable 22-foot Ranger Bay boat, perfectly sized for navigating the shallow flats and channels where redfish and snook love to hunt. Built in 2008 and powered by a 200hp Suzuki outboard, this boat cruises comfortably at 38 knots, getting you to the productive fishing spots quickly while the bite is hot. The shallow draft design lets your captain work the grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where these gamefish ambush their prey. On board, you'll find a GPS navigation system to pinpoint the best structures and a fish finder to locate schools of baitfish that attract your targets. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, plus storage for all the provided tackle and your personal gear. The open layout gives everyone clear sight lines to spot tailing redfish or snook busting bait in the shallows.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are Tampa Bay's buzzsaw - these blue-green predators with razor teeth typically run 2-8 pounds and travel in aggressive schools. They show up in fall and winter, moving through our area chasing baitfish. You'll find them in channels, around structure, and over grass flats where they create feeding frenzies that churn the water white. What makes blues exciting is their sheer aggression - they attack lures with abandon and fight hard with long runs. They're decent eating when handled right, though the bigger ones can be strong-flavored. Any fast-moving lure works - spoons, topwater plugs, jigs with soft plastics. The trick is using a wire leader since their teeth will cut through mono in seconds. When you find a school, work fast - they move quickly and you want to capitalize while they're feeding.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of Tampa Bay - these brown, shark-looking fish typically run 20-50 pounds and cruise solo around structure. You'll spot them near buoys, channel markers, and floating debris in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area to spawn. What makes cobia special is they're curious - they'll actually come up to investigate the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you don't get with other species. They fight strong and steady, plus they're top-shelf eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Bucktail jigs, live crabs, and large swimbaits work best. The secret is patience - when you see one, don't immediately cast. Let them settle down, then present your bait naturally about 10 feet ahead of where they're swimming.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of Tampa Bay - these brassy, golden-sided fighters average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds. They're schooling fish that roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often giving themselves away when birds start diving on baitfish they've pushed to the surface. Unlike other fish, you won't see jacks jumping, but the bird action is a dead giveaway. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when they're actively feeding. What guests love about jacks is their pure aggression and bulldogging fight - they'll bend your rod in half and test your drag. They're not great eating, but the sport is addictive. Silver spoons, fast-retrieved swimbaits, and topwater plugs work great. Here's the key: cast beyond the school and burn your lure back fast - these fish love the chase and respond to speed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's bread and butter - these copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 18-28 inches here. You'll find them cruising the shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and dock pilings. They love mud bottoms and aren't shy about feeding in water so skinny their backs show. Fall through spring offers the best action when cooler water gets them moving. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat just about anything - live shrimp, topwater plugs, soft plastics. They fight hard with strong runs and that distinctive head-shaking. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you see their tails waving in shallow water, cast past the school and work your bait back through - they spook easy when feeding like this.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's signature species - these silver-sided beauties with the prominent black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches around here. They're structure-oriented, hanging around mangroves, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in shallow water. Summer brings peak action during their spawning season when their fins turn bright yellow. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Live shrimp, pinfish, and soft plastic jerkbaits are top choices. The key with snook is fishing the transitions - dawn, dusk, and tide changes when they're most active. Here's my go-to tip: work your lure slowly around structure and be ready - when a snook hits, it's usually violent and happens fast.
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