Tampa Afternoon Fishing: Prime Inshore Action
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting flounder, redfish, and sharksSmall group experience accommodating up to 2 guestsFast transport to prime Tampa fishing locations
If you're looking for a fast-paced Tampa fishing adventure that won't eat up your whole day, Fat Cat Fishing Charters has your ticket to some seriously good inshore action. This quarter-day afternoon trip is perfect for anglers who want to hit the water when the fish are biting without committing to a full day charter. With just two spots available, you're getting personalized attention from our crew as we zip you out to the hottest fishing spots around Tampa Bay. No crowds, no waiting around – just you, your fishing buddy, and some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer.
This isn't your typical leisurely cruise around the bay. We're talking about a high-energy fishing trip where every minute counts. Our crew knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns, so we waste no time getting you to the action. You'll be fishing productive grass flats, oyster bars, and structure where Tampa's inshore species love to hang out. The afternoon timing works perfectly because that's when many species become more active as the sun starts to soften and baitfish begin moving. With our fast boat and local knowledge, we can hit multiple spots during your trip, giving you the best shot at a variety of species. The intimate two-person setup means you're not competing with a crowd of other anglers for prime fishing real estate.
We've got all the gear dialed in for Tampa's inshore fishery. You'll be using medium to medium-heavy spinning rods paired with quality reels that can handle everything from scrappy ladyfish to hard-fighting redfish. Our tackle box is loaded with the right baits for the season – live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait that Tampa fish can't resist. Depending on what we're targeting, we'll switch between different techniques throughout the trip. Drift fishing over grass flats works great for flounder, while sight fishing around structure can produce some explosive redfish strikes. For the bigger predators like blacktip sharks, we'll bump up to heavier tackle and fresh cut bait. Our crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of tying knots.
Grey Snapper are one of Tampa Bay's most reliable fighters, and these guys are active year-round in our waters. They typically run anywhere from keeper size up to hefty 5-pounders that'll test your drag system. What makes snapper so fun is their attitude – they hit hard and fight dirty, diving straight for structure the second they feel the hook. Spring through fall is prime time, but even winter afternoons can produce solid snapper action around deeper holes and channels.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as many anglers call them, are Tampa's premier table fare and a blast to catch on light tackle. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sandy areas waiting to ambush baitfish. The afternoon hours are actually perfect for flounder since they become more active as shadows lengthen. A typical Tampa flounder runs 14 to 20 inches, but we regularly see doormat-sized fish pushing 5 to 6 pounds. The fight might not be the flashiest, but that head-shaking, bulldogging battle is addictive.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Tampa inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, with broad tails that can strip line in a hurry. Tampa Bay reds typically range from slot-sized fish around 18 to 27 inches up to bull reds that can hit 40 inches or more. Fall is absolutely prime time for big reds, but our afternoon trips produce quality fish throughout the warmer months. When a red hits your bait, you'll know it – they don't mess around.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but these silver rockets provide some of the most heart-pumping action you'll find in Tampa waters. They're incredibly aggressive and will hit just about any bait or lure you throw at them. What makes ladyfish special is their acrobatic fighting style – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll have you questioning whether you hooked something much bigger. They're active all afternoon and make great bait for targeting larger predators.
Blacktip Sharks represent the apex predator experience on our charters, and Tampa Bay has some fantastic blacktip fishing. These sharks are pure muscle, typically running 3 to 6 feet in our waters, with occasional bigger specimens showing up. Blacktips are known for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked – it's not unusual to see them launch completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. Summer and early fall provide the best blacktip action, especially during afternoon high tides when they move into shallower feeding areas.
With only two spots available on each trip, these afternoon charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing season. The beauty of this quarter-day format is that it fits perfectly into your Tampa vacation schedule – you can fish the afternoon and still have your evening free for dinner and other activities. Our crew's local knowledge and fast boat mean you're maximizing every minute on the water, and the personalized attention ensures you'll learn techniques you can use on future fishing trips. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for a quick fishing fix or someone wanting to experience Tampa's world-class inshore fishing without a huge time commitment, this trip delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to see why Tampa Bay fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Jump aboard The Hanson Boat, a reliable 24-foot center console that's been working Tampa's inshore waters since 2012. This spacious fishing platform runs on a powerful 115HP Suzuki 4-stroke engine that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 37 knots. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. The boat comes equipped with GPS to navigate Tampa's productive fishing grounds and a fish finder to locate schools of redfish, flounder, and seasonal species hiding in the shallows. When conditions are right, you might even find yourself battling blacktip sharks in deeper water. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for sight fishing the flats or drift fishing structure. This is serious fishing gear built for Tampa's diverse inshore fishery.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese sleek sharks with black-tipped fins are Tampa's most exciting inshore predator. Averaging 4-6 feet, they're surprisingly acrobatic - capable of jumping completely out of the water when hooked. They patrol shallow waters around structure and baitfish schools, especially during warmer months. What guests love is the raw power and aerial displays that rival any gamefish. They're also surprisingly shy, often circling before committing to the bait. We find them in 20-100 feet over sandy bottoms and around artificial reefs. The fight is intense but manageable on proper tackle. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or sardines. Set up a chum slick and be patient - once they show up, the action gets wild fast.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these greyish-red fish with the dark eye stripe are one of Tampa's most reliable targets. You'll find them around docks, piers, and structure in 10-20 feet of water year-round. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but they're smart - they're nocturnal feeders and spook easily. What guests love is the excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they bite consistently. My tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then reel up just a foot. Don't jerk when you feel the bite - let them take it and set the hook gently. Patience pays off with these wary fish.
Elops SaurusKnown as "poor man's tarpon," these silver rockets are pure action fish that'll test your light tackle skills. Running 2-4 pounds typically, they're found in bays, canals, and near beaches in brackish water year-round. What makes them special is the aerial show - they jump and thrash like crazy when hooked, giving kids and beginners a real thrill. They're not great eating, but they're fantastic live bait for bigger fish like tarpon and snook. You'll find schools roaming flats and channels, especially around moving water. They hit small jigs, flies, and live shrimp aggressively. Pro tip: use a heavy mono leader since their small teeth will cut light line, and be ready for multiple jumps. Perfect warm-up fish before targeting bigger species.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum with those distinctive black spots near the tail are Tampa Bay classics. These copper-colored fighters love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Most fish we catch run 20-28 inches and put up a solid fight in skinny water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months. What guests love is the aggressive topwater strikes and strong runs. The meat is sweet and mild too. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet around structure and grass beds. Best tip: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and work topwater plugs or soft plastics slowly. They spook easy, so stay quiet and make long casts.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are the chameleons of Tampa's sandy bottoms, changing color to match their surroundings perfectly. Running 15-20 inches on average, they're ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to pass overhead. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active. What makes them fun is the challenge - you need to feel for that subtle pickup since they don't slam the bait. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. They prefer sandy areas and channel edges in 15-30 feet of water. Here's the key: use a slow drift with live minnows or strip baits near the bottom. Keep your rod tip low and watch for line movement rather than waiting for a hard strike.
North Pinellas Avenue, FL