Tampa Bay Fly and Artificial Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Yearround sight fishing in Tampa Bay's pristine watersMaverick 17hpxs accesses hardtoreach fishing spotsCustom flies and tackle provided for two anglers
Captain Austin McWhorter runs some of the most sought-after sight fishing charters in Tampa Bay, and for good reason. His fly and artificial lure trips put you right in the thick of Florida's premier inshore fishery, where crystal-clear flats meet mangrove shorelines and every cast has serious potential. You'll be fishing from his Maverick 17hpxs – a skiff that's perfectly dialed in for getting into those skinny water spots where the big fish hang out. This isn't your typical drift-and-wait kind of fishing. We're talking about stalking fish in shallow water, watching them cruise the flats, and making precise presentations with fly rods and light tackle.
This charter maxes out at two anglers, which means you get plenty of personal attention and coaching from Captain Austin. The beauty of Tampa Bay is that it fishes well year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. During cooler months, you'll find fish stacked up in deeper pockets and around structure, while summer brings them onto the flats where sight fishing really shines. The Maverick 17hpxs is built for this kind of work – it draws maybe eight inches of water fully loaded, so you can slip into places bigger boats can't touch. The elevated casting platform gives you a clear view of the water, and when Captain Austin spots fish, he'll position the boat so you get clean shots without spooking anything. All fly rods and spinning gear come with the trip, plus you'll be throwing Captain Austin's custom-tied flies that he's dialed in specifically for these waters.
The fly fishing here isn't about technical dry fly presentations – it's sight fishing with streamers, shrimp patterns, and baitfish imitations that Tampa Bay fish can't resist. Captain Austin ties his own flies based on what's working in current conditions, whether that's a sparse clouser minnow for clear water or a bulkier pattern when the water's got some color to it. If you're more comfortable with spinning tackle, no worries – artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs absolutely crush fish in these waters. The key is being ready when Captain Austin gives you the word. You might be poling through a grass flat when he spots a laid-up redfish, or working a mangrove shoreline when a snook slides out to investigate your fly. The shots come fast, and the fish here have seen plenty of lures, so your presentation needs to be on point. That's where having an experienced guide makes all the difference – Captain Austin knows how to read the water and put you in position for success.
Snook are the kings of Tampa Bay's inshore scene, and they're built like torpedoes with attitude to match. These fish love structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings – anywhere they can ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during the warmer months when they move onto the flats to feed. A good Tampa Bay snook will run anywhere from 20 to 35 inches, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. They jump, they run, and they'll try every trick in the book to throw your hook. What makes them special here is that you can sight cast to them in shallow water, watching them react to your fly or lure in real time.
Redfish are another Tampa Bay favorite that perfectly suits this style of fishing. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in small schools or hang solo around oyster bars and grass edges. Unlike snook, reds are generally more predictable – they'll eat well year-round and don't shut down when a cold front moves through. A typical Tampa Bay red runs 18 to 27 inches, and they're absolute bulldogs on light tackle. They don't jump much, but they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system. The best part about sight fishing for reds is watching them tip down to grab your fly off the bottom – it's one of the most visual bites in shallow water fishing.
Sea trout might not get the same press as snook and reds, but they're a blast on fly tackle and artificial lures. Tampa Bay holds some seriously quality trout, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass flats and around structure. These fish are spooky, so the stealthy approach of the Maverick really pays off. A good trout will run 15 to 20 inches, with some real slobs pushing past the 24-inch mark. They hit hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. What's cool about trout fishing here is that you can often find them mixed in with other species, so you never know if that next bite will be a trout, a red, or something else entirely.
Tripletail are the wild card species that keeps things interesting on Tampa Bay. These oddball fish hang around crab trap buoys, channel markers, and floating debris, looking like pieces of wood until they decide to eat your lure. They're not as common as the other species, but when you find them, they're usually willing to bite. Tripletail fight weird – they roll and thrash and generally act like they don't want to come to the boat. Finding them is half the battle, but Captain Austin knows the spots and the signs to look for. A decent tripletail runs 3 to 8 pounds, and they're excellent on the dinner table if you decide to keep one.
Tampa Bay's reputation as a top-rated inshore fishery isn't going anywhere, and Captain Austin McWhorter's fly and artificial charters give you the best shot at experiencing what makes this place special. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler looking to test your skills on new water or a spinning tackle enthusiast ready to try sight fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The Maverick 17h
The Maverick 17hpxs is built for serious sight fishing in Tampa Bay's shallow waters. This nimble skiff draws just inches of water, letting you slip into skinny flats where the big reds and snook hang out. The wide casting deck gives you plenty of room to work your fly rod or spinning gear without bumping elbows with your fishing partner. GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. The integrated ice box keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. With seating for two anglers, this technical poling skiff is designed to get you close to the fish without spooking them. The captain provides all tackle including custom-tied flies, so you just need to show up ready to cast. Whether you're sight fishing the grass flats or working structure with artificials, this shallow-water machine puts you right where the action is.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's bread and butter sight fishing target. Most run 20-30 inches with that classic bronze color and black spotted tail. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best numbers as they school up. What makes them addictive is their powerful runs and that classic "red" behavior - tailing, cruising, and feeding aggressively in skinny water. Plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The secret is watching their body language: a nervous fish with its head down is feeding and will usually eat. But here's the key - cast well ahead of cruising fish and strip slow. They're smarter than they look and will bolt if you line them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for Tampa Bay's grass flats fishing. Most run 14-18 inches with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in shallow water. They school up over seagrass beds in 2-6 feet, especially around potholes and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some of the biggest fish when they stack up in deeper channels. What guests love is their willingness to eat flies and their delicate, flaky meat that beats most inshore species on the table. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with numbers and their habit of feeding in groups. Key tip: work your fly slow and steady - they prefer a methodical retrieve over erratic movements, and watch for nervous water over the grass.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's ultimate sight fishing challenge. These silver-sided predators average 18-28 inches and love hanging around mangroves, docks, and shallow flats. You'll spot that signature black lateral line from a good distance. They're ambush feeders with lightning-fast strikes that'll test your drag. Best fishing runs April through October when water temps stay above 70°F - they're temperature sensitive and go deep or head south when it gets cold. What makes them special is that explosive topwater bite and their table fare quality. Here's the trick: when sight casting, lead them by at least three feet and let your fly sink naturally past their nose. They spook easy, so one shot is usually all you get.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are Tampa Bay's most unique sight fishing opportunity. These oddly-shaped fish average 2-8 pounds and look like floating debris until they move. They hang near the surface around structure, weed lines, and channel markers throughout summer and fall. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight despite their bulky appearance - they'll jump and thrash like a tarpon. They're also premium table fare, tasting similar to grouper or snapper. The challenge is their spooky nature and tendency to lay on their sides mimicking floating weeds. Best months are June through October when they migrate through our waters. Pro tip: don't cast directly at them - they'll spook instantly. Instead, cast five feet past and slowly work your fly back toward them. Let them find it naturally and be ready for a wild ride.
Clearwater, FL