6 Hour Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter accommodates up to six guests comfortablyTarget snook, redfish, trout, and snapper using light tackle techniquesAll equipment, licenses, bait, and refreshments included in charter price
When you want more than just a quick taste of Tampa Bay's legendary inshore fishing, Captain Cody's six-hour charter gives you the real deal. This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to the dock. With six solid hours on the water, you'll have time to work different spots, adjust your approach when the fish aren't cooperating, and really get into the rhythm that makes Tampa Bay one of Florida's top-rated inshore destinations. Whether you're rolling out at 8 a.m. to catch the morning bite or starting at 1 p.m. for an afternoon session, you're looking at prime time to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species.
This private charter handles up to six anglers, making it perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to serious fishing or groups of friends ready to test their skills against Tampa Bay's resident gamefish. Captain Cody keeps things relaxed but productive, moving between grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll be fishing light tackle – think spinning reels with 15-20 pound test – which gives you that satisfying fight when a redfish makes its run or a snook tries to bury itself in the mangroves. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: rods matched to the conditions, fresh bait, a tackle box full of proven local favorites, and all the required fishing licenses. Your captain handles the boat positioning and reading the water, while you focus on feeling that telltale tap on your rod tip that means game on.
Tampa Bay inshore fishing is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Some mornings they're crushing topwater plugs right at first light, sending explosive strikes across the flats that'll get your heart pumping. Other times it's a finesse game – dropping live shrimp or pinfish near structure and waiting for that steady pull that signals a quality fish. Captain Cody reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly, whether that means working the edges of grass beds with soft plastics, drifting live bait along drop-offs, or sight-casting to cruising fish in shallow water. The beauty of a six-hour trip is having time to try multiple approaches. If the topwater bite dies off, you can switch to bottom fishing. If the morning spots aren't producing, there's plenty of time to relocate and find where the fish are feeding. This flexibility turns good days into great ones and makes sure even slower periods become learning opportunities.
Spanish Mackerel are Tampa Bay's speed demons, and when they're around, you'll know it. These silver bullets typically show up in good numbers during spring and fall, often traveling in schools that can keep your group busy for hours. They hit fast and fight harder than their size suggests, making screaming runs that test your drag settings. Look for them around bait schools in 8-15 feet of water, and don't be surprised when they cut through the surface chasing fleeing baitfish. Kids especially love Spanish mackerel because they're aggressive biters and put up a spirited scrap on light tackle.
Goliath Grouper represent the ultimate Tampa Bay challenge – these gentle giants can stretch over six feet and tip the scales at several hundred pounds. While they're catch-and-release only, hooking into one of these prehistoric-looking fish is a bucket list experience that'll leave you talking for years. They hang around structure like bridges, docks, and artificial reefs, often in surprisingly shallow water. When a goliath takes your bait, there's no mistaking it – your rod doubles over, your drag screams, and suddenly you're connected to something that feels more like a small car than a fish. The fight is more about endurance than speed, and getting one boatside for photos before a careful release makes for epic fishing memories.
Sheepshead might not win any beauty contests with their prison-striped sides and bucktoothed grins, but they're among Tampa Bay's craftiest fish. These structure-loving thieves are notorious bait stealers, using their powerful jaws and human-like teeth to crush crabs, barnacles, and your offerings with surgical precision. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months when they school up around docks, bridges, and rock piles. Catching sheepshead consistently requires patience and skill – they're picky eaters who can clean your hook without moving your rod tip. But once you dial in their feeding rhythm, you'll appreciate both their fight and their excellent table fare.
King Mackerel turn Tampa Bay into a battleground when they move through during their seasonal migrations. These torpedo-shaped predators can stretch three feet or more and possess the speed and power to smoke your reel in seconds. Kings are open-water hunters that cruise the deeper edges of the bay, often following bait schools and ambushing anything that looks like an easy meal. When you hook a king, be ready for multiple long runs and acrobatic jumps as they try to throw the hook. They're notorious line cutters too, thanks to razor-sharp teeth that can slice through mono like butter. The key is staying calm, keeping steady pressure, and trusting your drag system during those heart-stopping runs.
Cobia are Tampa Bay's gentle giants of the inshore world, curious fish that often approach the boat for a closer look before deciding whether to bite. These brown-backed bruisers can push 40 inches and 30 pounds, making them one of the bay's most prized catches. Spring brings the best cobia action as they move into shallow water for their spawning runs, often following rays and sharks while hunting for crabs stirred up from the bottom. Cobia are sight-fishing favorites because you can often spot them cruising just under the surface, their distinctive shark-like silhouette unmistakable in clear water. They're strong
Step aboard this 26-foot Andros center console, your floating fishing platform powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki outboard that gets you to the productive spots fast. Built for Tampa Bay's inshore waters, this stable boat cuts through chop with ease and gives all six anglers plenty of room to work the rods. The wide gunwales and open layout mean no one's crowding each other when that snook makes its run or when you're fighting a stubborn redfish around the mangroves. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and can quickly reposition to follow the bite, whether you're working grass flats for trout or targeting structure for snapper. The boat's shallow draft opens up those skinny water spots where the big fish hide, while the smooth ride keeps everyone comfortable during the full six-hour trip. Perfect setup for families and groups who want serious fishing time without the offshore run.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown submarines of Tampa Bay, averaging 20-50 pounds and often mistaken for sharks due to their dark coloring and single dorsal fin. These solitary fish cruise around structures, buoys, and channel markers in 15-60 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May brings the best action, though they're around all summer. What makes them special is their curious nature - they'll follow the boat and inspect lures, giving you multiple chances. They're also premium table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any offshore fish. Cobia eat crabs, eels, and smaller fish, making them willing to hit both live bait and jigs. Best tip: when you spot one, stay calm and make a good presentation. They're smart fish that spook easily, but if you get the bait in front of them without making a commotion, they'll usually eat.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of Tampa Bay's inshore waters, reaching massive sizes of 200+ pounds and living 50+ years. These prehistoric-looking fish hang around docks, bridges, and artificial reefs in 20-100 feet of water. They're ambush predators that rarely move far from their chosen structure. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they're most active and feeding heavily on crabs and smaller fish. What draws anglers is the pure power - that first run can strip line like nothing else, and the fight is all about brute strength rather than speed. They're completely protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but landing one is a bucket-list experience. My advice: use heavy tackle and get them up quickly for a photo. These fish are curious and will often come right up to the boat if you're patient.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are built for speed and typically run 15-30 pounds in Tampa Bay waters, though bigger fish cruise the deeper edges. These olive-green torpedos with razor-sharp teeth patrol depths from 40-150 feet around structure and bait schools. Fall through spring offers prime fishing when they move closer to shore following baitfish migrations. What gets anglers fired up is their blistering runs and aerial displays - they'll scream drag and leap clear of the water when hooked. They're also excellent table fare with rich, flaky meat perfect for grilling or smoking. Kings are opportunistic feeders that hit both live bait and lures hard. My go-to technique: troll large spoons or live bait on wire leaders near structure. The key is using strong tackle because these fish have teeth like razors and the power to back them up.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate structure fish, hanging tight around docks, bridges, and oyster bars throughout Tampa Bay. These 2-5 pound convicts with their black stripes and human-like teeth are notorious bait thieves. Winter months from December through March offer peak fishing when they school up for spawning. What makes them challenging and fun is their finicky feeding - they'll nibble baits clean off hooks if you're not paying attention. The reward is some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet, flaky white meat. They feed on barnacles, fiddler crabs, and shrimp around structure. Here's the key: use small hooks, keep your bait tight to the pilings, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They have powerful jaws, so a firm hookset is essential to land these crafty fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, flashy fish that run 1-3 pounds on average, with their silver bodies marked by distinctive yellow spots. They're speed demons that travel in schools and show up consistently in Tampa Bay's warmer months. You'll find them cruising near the surface around structures, grass flats, and channel edges where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive strikes and sizzling runs - they'll test your drag and put a good bend in lighter rods. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that grills beautifully. Pro tip: when you hook one, work the area thoroughly because where there's one Spanish, there's usually a whole school nearby ready to bite.
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