Fly and Artificial Charters with Captain Austin
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Year-round sight fishing in Tampa Bay watersMaverick 17hpxs accesses shallow, hard-to-reach fishing spotsCustom flies and tackle provided for two anglers
Tampa Bay's shallow flats and backcountry waters are a sight fishing paradise, and Captain Austin McWhorter knows every productive spot. His fly and artificial lure charters put you right in the action aboard a nimble Maverick 17hpxs that can slide into skinny water where the fish hide. Whether you're throwing flies or working artificials, you'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species in crystal-clear water where you can actually see your targets before you cast.
This isn't your typical fishing trip where you anchor up and wait for something to bite. Captain Austin runs sight fishing charters, which means you'll be poling through shallow flats and mangrove shorelines looking for fish before you make your cast. The Maverick 17hpxs is the perfect platform for this style of fishing - it draws just inches of water and gives you a stable casting deck whether you're up front or fishing from the stern. You'll have your choice of fly rods or spinning tackle, and Captain Austin provides everything including his own custom-tied flies that have proven deadly on Tampa Bay's finicky fish. The boat accommodates up to two anglers, so you won't be fighting for casting room or dealing with crowds.
The beauty of sight fishing is the chess match between angler and fish. You'll spend your day scanning the flats for tailing redfish, cruising snook along the mangroves, or trout working bait schools in deeper potholes. Captain Austin will put you on the bow and quietly pole within casting range while calling out the shots - "redfish at 2 o'clock, 40 feet out, moving left." The fly rods are rigged with floating lines and leaders tapered for accurate presentations in shallow water. If you prefer spinning gear, you'll be throwing lightweight artificials like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that won't spook fish in clear, shallow water. The key is making precise casts and working your lure with subtle movements that trigger strikes without alarming nearby fish.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and these ambush predators love to lurk under mangrove overhangs and around dock pilings. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps once hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temperatures are above 70 degrees, and they become more aggressive as they stage for their spawning runs. A well-presented fly or perfectly twitched soft plastic near structure often triggers violent strikes that will test your reflexes and drag system. What makes snook so addictive is their unpredictability - they can be incredibly finicky one moment and absolutely savage the next.
Sea trout are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species get moody. These spotted beauties patrol grass flats and deeper edges, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. They're excellent targets for both fly and light spinning tackle, responding well to slow-sinking flies and soft plastics worked with erratic retrieves. Fall and winter months can be phenomenal as trout school up in deeper holes and creek mouths. While they might not have the raw power of snook, their willingness to eat and beautiful coloration make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers perfecting their sight fishing skills.
Redfish are the ultimate sight fishing target, often found tailing in water so shallow their backs are exposed. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats searching for crabs and shrimp, and watching one inhale your fly or artificial is pure magic. They're built for power rather than speed, using their broad tails to make bulldogging runs that will test your equipment and skills. Tampa Bay's reds are typically in the 20-30 inch range, perfect for the light tackle used on these charters. They're most active during moving tides and overcast conditions, though skilled anglers can find them year-round in the bay's extensive shallow water habitat.
Tripletail are the wild card species that can turn a good day into an legendary one. These bizarre-looking fish float near channel markers, crab trap buoys, and debris lines, often resembling floating leaves until they suddenly come to life. They're notorious for their ability to appear and disappear like ghosts, testing an angler's patience and casting accuracy. When hooked, tripletail are surprisingly strong fighters that jump and shake their heads violently. Finding tripletail requires sharp eyes and patience, but Captain Austin knows the productive areas where these unique fish congregate during their seasonal movements through Tampa Bay.
Captain Austin's fly and artificial charters offer something special - the chance to sight fish Tampa Bay's premier inshore species using techniques that put your skills to the test. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for these fish and the shallow water environment they call home. The Maverick's shallow draft capabilities mean you'll fish spots that bigger boats simply can't reach, while the custom flies and expert guidance give you every advantage. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or new to sight fishing, this charter delivers the kind of up-close encounters that make Tampa Bay famous among inshore enthusiasts. Don't wait - the best fishing days fill up fast, and Captain Austin's local knowledge and top-rated service make this a trip you'll want to book again before you even get back to the dock.
Your fishing platform is a sleek Maverick 17hpxs, perfectly designed for Tampa Bay's shallow waters and tight mangrove creeks. This technical poling skiff gets you into those hidden redfish holes and snook ambush points that bigger boats can't reach. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space on the clean deck while staying low-profile to avoid spooking fish. The boat comes equipped with GPS and fish finder to locate bait schools and structure, plus a quality ice box to keep your catch fresh. Captain provides fly rods, spinning tackle, and hand-tied flies - everything you need for sight casting to cruising tarpon, tailing reds, and feeding trout. The shallow draft hull lets you work skinny flats during low tide when the fish are most active.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay sight fishing - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. They average 20-30 inches but can stretch past 40 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, mangrove edges, and shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show. They're here year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their power - they make long, bulldogging runs that'll test your tackle. They're also great eating with mild, sweet meat. The trick is staying quiet and casting ahead of cruising fish. They spook easily in shallow water, so lead them by 10 feet and let your fly or lure sink into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are perfect for sight fishing Tampa Bay's grass flats and shallow waters. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-20 inches, though some reach 5+ pounds. They hang over seagrass beds in 2-6 feet, especially near drop-offs and potholes. Spring through fall offers the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. Winter finds them schooled up in deeper channels. What guests love is their willingness to eat flies and artificials - they're aggressive feeders on shrimp, small baitfish, and crabs. They fight well for their size and make fantastic table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. Pro tip: work your lure slowly over the grass, letting it flutter down into the potholes where they like to ambush prey.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier sight fishing target - sleek, golden fish with that signature black lateral line. Most run 18-24 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love structure like mangrove shorelines, docks, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. Summer through fall is prime time when they're most active, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their explosive strike and dogged fight - they'll jump, run to cover, and never give up easy. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's the key: cast past them and work your fly or lure back through their zone. Snook are ambush predators, so they want something moving by, not dropped right on their head.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of Tampa Bay's most unique sight fishing opportunities - odd-looking fish that float on their sides mimicking debris. They typically run 18-24 inches and 5-10 pounds, with olive and brown mottled coloration. Look for them around floating structure, weed lines, and channel markers in 10-30 feet during summer months when they move inshore. They're here April through October, with peak action in summer heat. What makes tripletail special is their acrobatic fight - they jump and thrash despite their chunky build. Plus they're outstanding table fare, tasting like snapper or grouper. The secret is being stealthy - they spook easily. Cast well past them and work your fly or jig back slowly. They like to ambush prey, so let them come to your offering rather than hitting them directly.
Clearwater, FL