5.0(2 Reviews)Tampa Bay Solo Angler Charter - Your Private Fishing Day
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour solo angler trip in Tampa Bay watersTarget Snook, Redfish, Jack Crevalle, and Mangrove SnapperBottom fishing, trolling, and spinning techniques included
Looking for a personal fishing experience without the crowd? This private 4-hour solo angler trip puts you one-on-one with Captain Andrew, giving you the flexibility to fish your way while learning from one of Tampa Bay's most experienced guides. Starting at 8:00 AM Monday through Friday, this charter is perfect for visiting anglers wanting to maximize their time on the water or locals looking to sharpen their skills in Tampa Bay's world-class inshore fishery.
Your morning starts early at the dock, where Captain Andrew will have the boat rigged and ready for whatever Tampa Bay throws at us. With just you aboard, we can adjust our game plan on the fly - if the snook are crushing topwater plugs around the mangroves, we'll stay put and work that bite. If the redfish are tailing on the flats, we'll pole over and sight-cast to them. This flexibility is what makes solo trips so productive. We'll cover both inshore grass flats and nearshore structure, giving you a taste of Tampa Bay's diverse fishing opportunities. The 4-hour window hits that sweet spot - long enough to really get into some fish, but short enough to fit into a busy schedule or leave time for afternoon plans.
Captain Andrew specializes in three main techniques that consistently produce fish in Tampa Bay. Bottom fishing around structure targets grouper and snapper using live and cut bait - we'll show you how to read your rod tip and feel the difference between a fish and the bottom. Trolling covers water efficiently while targeting jacks and other pelagics, perfect for when fish are scattered or we're moving between spots. Spinning with artificials is where the real fun happens - working soft plastics around mangroves for snook, throwing topwater plugs at first light, and sight-casting to redfish on the flats. With one-on-one instruction, you'll pick up techniques that would take years to learn on your own. All tackle and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rod if you want to feel that bend from a Tampa Bay fish.
"Captain Andrew of Crabtree Fishing Charters made our trip unforgettable! His expertise and passion for fishing ensured we had a fantastic day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and enjoyed every moment." - George
"An incredible fishing adventure with Crabtree Fishing Charters! Captain Andrew's experience and enthusiasm made our trip unforgettable. We caught a lot of fish and had a blast. Highly recommend!" - Franz
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of Tampa Bay's nearshore waters, typically running 15-25 pounds with fish over 30 pounds always a possibility. These bottom dwellers hang around hard structure and ledges in 15-40 feet of water, ambushing baitfish and crustaceans. Spring and fall offer the best action when gags move shallow to spawn, but summer fishing can be top-rated if you know the right spots. When a gag hits, there's no mistaking it - they'll try to get back to their hole immediately, making for a tough fight that tests your drag and technique. The key is getting them up and away from structure quickly, which Captain Andrew will coach you through.
Snook are Tampa Bay's signature species and the reason many anglers become obsessed with inshore fishing. These ambush predators lurk around mangroves, docks, and bridges, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with dawn and dusk producing the most explosive strikes. A 20-28 inch snook is standard, but the bay holds plenty of fish over 30 inches that will absolutely smoke your drag. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights - expect multiple jumps and that classic snook headshake that can throw your hook if you're not careful. The slot limit keeps this fishery healthy, so most fish go back to fight another day.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many call them, are flatfish that provide steady action throughout the warmer months in Tampa Bay. These chameleons of the bottom blend perfectly with sand and grass, waiting for shrimp, crabs, and small fish to pass overhead. They typically run 14-20 inches with occasional doormat fluke pushing 5+ pounds. Drifting with live bait or bouncing jigs along the bottom produces best, and feeling that subtle tap-tap-tap bite takes some practice. Flounder are excellent table fare and provide great action when other species are finicky. Summer months offer the most consistent bite, especially around channel edges and structure transitions where current brings food.
Redfish are the workhorses of Tampa Bay's grass flats, cruising shallow water in search of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored fighters average 20-27 inches and are renowned for their bulldogging runs that test your equipment. Year-round residents, reds can be targeted in multiple ways depending on conditions - sight-casting on shallow flats, blind-casting around oyster bars, or bottom fishing deeper holes. When hooked, they make powerful runs toward structure, using their broad tails and stocky bodies to maximum advantage. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify, and their willingness to eat both live and artificial baits makes them a customer favorite for anglers of all skill levels.
Pacific Crevalle Jack bring pure excitement to any fishing trip with their aggressive strikes and never-quit attitude. These golden torpedoes travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Averaging 15-25 pounds in Tampa Bay, jacks are built for speed and endurance - they'll make screaming runs that empty your reel in seconds. Peak activity occurs during warmer months when baitfish are abundant, often creating surface commo
Set out on Tampa Bay's productive inshore waters aboard our nimble 2013 Skeeter Bay Boat. This 22-foot center console is built for serious fishing, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha VMAX that'll get you to the hotspots fast and keep you there all day. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into those shallow mangrove pockets where snook and redfish love to hide. With GPS navigation and fish finder onboard, we'll zero in on structure and baitfish concentrations. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to work a rod, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. Perfect for bottom fishing over grass flats, trolling the channels, or casting spoons around oyster bars. This boat handles Tampa Bay's variable conditions with ease, whether we're running the flats at first light or heading offshore for bigger targets.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your tackle once hooked. These gray, marbled fish average around 20 inches but can push 50+ pounds in deeper waters. You'll find them around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks - juveniles stick closer to shore while adults prefer offshore spots in 60-100+ feet. They're ambush predators that love crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Fall through spring gives you the best shots when they're more active. Guests love the fight they put up, trying to drag your bait straight back to the rocks. The meat's excellent eating too - firm white fillets that grill perfectly. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep that drag tight and don't let them run. They'll head straight for the nearest ledge or hole to break you off, so muscle them up quick before they know what hit them.
Caranx CaninusNote: Pacific Crevalle Jack are not typically found in Tampa Bay waters. However, Crevalle Jack (Atlantic species) are common here. These silver bullets are pure muscle, averaging 2-5 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. They travel in aggressive schools, often seen "blitzing" baitfish on the surface throughout Tampa Bay's open waters and around structure. Spring through fall provides the hottest action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the non-stop fight - they'll bend your rod double and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. They're not great table fare, but the sport fishing is addictive. Look for diving birds or surface commotion - that's your cue to get there fast. Topwater plugs, spoons, or anything flashy works when they're feeding. Here's the key: use heavy tackle because they fight dirty, and have pliers ready - those gill rakers will shred your hands if you're not careful.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's signature shallow water fighter, and they'll give you a workout every time. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black spots run 20-30 inches on average but can reach 40+ inches in deeper water. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What guests love is watching them cruise the flats and that bulldogging fight once hooked - they'll strip drag and make long runs. Great eating too, with firm white meat. The trick is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. Topwater plugs at dawn work magic, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. Keep the boat in deeper water and wade the flats when possible.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier inshore gamefish, and for good reason. These silvery beauties with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, but the big females can hit 40+ inches. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. Warmer months from May through October are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they fight - jumping, tail-walking, and making blistering runs toward cover. Plus they're fantastic table fare with flaky white meat. The challenge is they're ambush predators with sharp gill plates that'll cut your line in a heartbeat. My go-to trick is always use a short wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon, and work your bait right along the mangrove edges where they're waiting to ambush.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise on sandy bottoms throughout Tampa Bay's nearshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and are built for ambush - both eyes on one side, perfectly camouflaged against the sand. Look for them on soft bottom areas in 10-40 feet, especially near structure transitions or drop-offs. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're feeding heavily before winter. What's great about targeting them is the steady action they provide and the table fare - few fish eat better than fresh flounder. They're not big fighters, but finding them takes skill since they bury in the sand. The key is drift fishing with live minnows or strip baits, keeping your offering right on bottom. Watch your rod tip closely - they'll pick up the bait and swim off before really chomping down, so give them a few seconds before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Andrew of Crabtree Fishing Charters made our trip unforgettable! His expertise and passion for fishing ensured we had a fa...
An incredible fishing adventure with Crabtree Fishing Charters! Captain Andrew’s experience and enthusiasm made our trip unforgett...
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