Full Day Inshore to Nearshore Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targeting tarpon, grouper, snapper, and redfishEarly morning departure maximizes fishing time on waterSpacious 24foot center console accommodates up to four guests
Captain Jake Nickol's full day charter gives you eight solid hours on Tampa Bay's most productive fishing grounds. Starting before sunrise, you'll beat the crowds and heat while targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore and nearshore species. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a real fishing adventure where you have time to work different spots, change tactics, and really dial in on what's biting. The 24-foot center console gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around, plus we keep it intimate with just two anglers so everyone gets maximum fishing time.
We launch early to make the most of prime feeding times when fish are actively hunting baitfish in the shallows. Tampa Bay's diverse ecosystem means we can target everything from shallow grass flats for redfish and snook to deeper structure for grouper and tarpon. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility – if the bite slows in one area, we have time to relocate and try different presentations. You'll experience the peaceful morning hours when the bay is glass-calm, then transition to more active fishing as the day progresses. Captain Jake reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, whether that means sight fishing the flats or dropping baits near structure. The extended time also allows for longer runs to less pressured nearshore spots where bigger fish often lurk.
This charter covers multiple fishing styles depending on target species and conditions. For inshore work, we'll use live bait like shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish on circle hooks with light tackle that lets you feel every head shake. Artificial presentations include soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons worked around grass beds and mangrove shorelines. When we move nearshore for grouper and larger tarpon, we step up to heavier conventional gear with bottom rigs and live bait. The boat is rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels, and all tackle is included. Captain Jake provides instruction on proper fighting techniques, especially important when tangling with powerful fish like tarpon and goliath grouper that can test your skills and endurance.
Gag Grouper: These bottom dwellers are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing around Tampa Bay. Gags typically run 15-30 pounds and are ambush predators that lurk around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs. Best targeted during cooler months when they move into shallower water to spawn. They fight hard with powerful runs toward structure, making them a favorite among serious anglers. The meat is premium table fare with firm, white fillets that taste amazing grilled or blackened.
Snook: The most popular inshore gamefish in Florida, snook are aggressive predators with that distinctive black lateral line and oversized mouth. They average 20-35 inches and love ambush points like mangrove overhangs, dock pilings, and grass bed edges. Peak action happens during warmer months, especially around moving water during tide changes. Their powerful runs and gill-rattling jumps make every hookup exciting, plus they're catch and release only, so you get bragging rights without the pressure of keeping dinner.
Goliath Grouper: These prehistoric giants can exceed 300 pounds and provide the ultimate test of angling skill and tackle. Goliaths are year-round residents around Tampa Bay's deeper structure and bridges. They're completely protected, so it's strictly catch, photo, and release, but landing one is a bucket list achievement. The fight is more about endurance than speed – they use their massive bulk and knowledge of structure to try breaking you off. Hearing that distinctive "boom" when they inhale your bait is something you'll never forget.
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is Tampa Bay's signature species and the ultimate light tackle challenge. These acrobatic fighters can reach 6 feet and 150+ pounds, known for their spectacular jumps and long runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line. Peak season runs May through August when massive schools migrate through the bay. Even smaller "juvenile" tarpon in the 20-50 pound range provide world-class action on lighter gear. They're almost always released, making tarpon fishing pure sport fishing at its finest.
Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are perfect sight fishing targets in Tampa Bay's shallow waters. They average 20-30 inches with that distinctive black spot near the tail, and they're surprisingly powerful fighters that make long runs across the flats. Reds are year-round residents but fishing peaks during fall and winter when they school up in large numbers. They're excellent eating within the slot limit and fun to target with both live bait and artificials, especially topwater plugs during low light conditions.
This full day charter represents the best value for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on Tampa Bay's world-class fishery. Eight hours gives you the flexibility to adapt to conditions, target multiple species, and really learn the water with an experienced local captain. Whether you're after that photo-worthy tarpon, a cooler full of snapper and grouper, or the challenge of sight fishing redfish on the flats, this trip delivers the complete Tampa Bay fishing experience. Captain Jake's knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive spots puts you on fish while avoiding the crowds that hit popular areas later in the day. Book early since full day trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing months. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for the best fishing adventure Tampa Bay has to offer.
This 24-foot center console is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best fishing action. Powered by a reliable 200HP engine, she cuts through the water with ease whether you're working shallow flats for redfish or heading to nearshore structure for grouper and snapper. The open deck gives you plenty of room to fight fish and move around, while the onboard fish finder helps locate those productive spots your captain knows will produce. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour adventure, and the GPS ensures you can return to those honey holes. With seating for up to 4 anglers, this boat handles everything from sight-casting to tarpon to bottom fishing for mangroves. The multimedia system lets you stay connected, but honestly, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to care. Built for Florida's coastal waters, this center console delivers the stability and performance serious anglers demand.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average 20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 50+ inches. These gray, mottled fish live around rocky bottoms, reefs, and structure in 20-150 feet of water. They love crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, making them perfect targets for live pinfish or cut bait. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Here's a key tip: keep your reel locked tight and don't let them freewheel after the hookset, or they'll dive into a hole and break you off on the rocks.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are true giants that can exceed 400 pounds and 6 feet in length. These protected fish inhabit shallow reefs, wrecks, and structure in 20-100 feet around Tampa Bay. They're catch-and-release only, making every encounter special. Summer months offer the best action when they gather near spawning areas. What makes them amazing is that first powerful run - they'll test every piece of tackle you own. Their curious nature means they'll often approach the boat, creating memorable photo opportunities. You'll need heavy tackle with 80-pound line minimum and big circle hooks. Here's the key: anchor close enough to structure to get their attention, but far enough away to have a chance of pulling them out before they wrap you up in the rocks.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's signature species, easily spotted by their copper-bronze coloring and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches in our slot limit, though bull reds over 27 inches provide serious battles. They thrive in super shallow water - grass flats, oyster bars, and mangroves in 1-4 feet where you can often see their backs. Fall and spring offer peak action when they school up and feed aggressively. Anglers love them for their strong runs and excellent eating - mild, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, and gold spoons. Local secret: look for nervous water or wakes on shallow flats during moving tides, and make long, quiet casts ahead of cruising fish to avoid spooking them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's most prized inshore gamefish, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 1-10 feet of water. Peak season runs May through September when water temps are warm, especially around new and full moons. What draws anglers is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, plus they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. These ambush predators hit live shrimp, pilchards, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: cast your bait upcurrent from structure and let it drift naturally into the strike zone. Snook are finicky about presentation, so if they're following but not biting, try switching to a smaller lure or lighter leader.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay, averaging 80-120 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow flats, bridges, and channels in 3-30 feet of water. Prime time is May through August when they migrate through our waters, especially on moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly, often 6-8 feet out of the water. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since the meat is poor quality due to small bones. Live crabs, shrimp, and threadfins work best. Critical tip: bow to the king when they jump - drop your rod tip toward the fish during each leap to prevent them from throwing the hook. The fight can last an hour, so be patient and let your drag do the work.
Clearwater