Full Day Pro Fishing Trip - St. Petersburg, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour advanced inshore charter targeting multiple species daily.Captain Jordan guides experienced anglers across Tampa Bay waters.Strategic fishing approach adjusting techniques based on conditions.
Captain Jordan Buendia knows Tampa Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this top-rated 8-hour inshore adventure. Launching from Maximo Boat Ramp, this isn't your typical tourist charter — it's built for serious anglers who want to fish Tampa Bay at its absolute best. You'll cover serious water, hit multiple spots, and adjust your approach based on what the fish are telling you. With only 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and prime positioning all day long. This is hands-down one of the best trips for experienced fishermen looking to dial in their inshore game on Florida's west coast.
This full-day charter is all about mobility and strategy. Captain Jordan runs a clean, well-equipped boat that'll get you to the fish fast and keep you comfortable during those long stretches when the bite is hot. You'll start early to make the most of prime feeding windows, then follow the action as it develops throughout the day. The beauty of Tampa Bay is its diversity — shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water, deeper channels where black drum stack up, and nearshore structure that holds everything from sheepshead to gag grouper. Jordan reads the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns to put you where the fish want to be, not just where they were yesterday. Expect to move around, try different techniques, and really learn how this world-class fishery works. The 8-hour format gives you time to dial in your approach, work through different areas, and capitalize when you find active fish.
You'll fish with a mix of live bait and artificials, depending on what's working and what species you're targeting. Captain Jordan provides all the gear, but he's also happy to let you throw your own rods if you want to test out new setups. On the flats, you might be sight fishing to tailing redfish with soft plastics or working live shrimp under popping corks. Around structure, expect to drop live pinfish or crabs for sheepshead and black drum, or work jigs and soft baits for sea trout and pompano. The key is staying versatile — Tampa Bay fish can be finicky, and the most successful anglers are the ones who adapt quickly. Jordan will coach you through reading water, understanding how tides affect fish behavior, and recognizing the subtle signs that separate good fishermen from great ones. This isn't about catching a fish for the photo — it's about understanding the why behind every bite and becoming a more complete angler.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized fish that'll test your drag and your patience. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter offer some of the most consistent action as they school up in deeper water. What makes redfish so addictive is their attitude — they eat aggressively, fight hard, and often travel in groups. Find one, and you'll usually find more. Crevalle jacks bring pure muscle to the fight. These silver torpedoes show up in spring and summer, often in massive schools that'll bend your rod and burn your arms. They're not table fare, but pound-for-pound, few fish pull harder. When you hook into a 15-20 pound jack, you know it immediately. Gag grouper around Tampa Bay are typically smaller than their offshore cousins, but they're scrappy fighters that love structure and will test your ability to turn them before they cut you off. Black drum are the heavyweights — these bottom-dwellers can push 30-40 pounds and provide a completely different kind of fight. They're methodical, powerful, and absolutely relentless once hooked. Florida pompano might be the most underrated fish in the bay. These silver beauties are fantastic table fare, fight well above their weight class, and require finesse to consistently hook up. They're seasonal visitors, but when they're around, they make every trip memorable.
This full-day charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class and the weather cooperates. Captain Jordan's reputation for putting experienced anglers on fish has made this one of the most sought-after trips in St. Petersburg. Whether you're looking to sharpen your inshore skills, explore new techniques, or just spend a full day fishing some of Florida's most productive waters, this charter delivers. The 2-angler limit means you get personalized instruction and plenty of fishing time without crowds or rushed moves. Book now and get ready to fish Tampa Bay the way it's meant to be fished — with strategy, skill, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years on the water.
Jump aboard Captain Jordan's 2017 Skeeter 23' and experience what serious Tampa Bay fishing is all about. This 23-foot speedster packs a 200HP Yamaha that'll get you to the best spots fast, hitting 40 mph when you need to chase the bite. Built for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the deck while targeting reds, grouper, and trout across the flats and channels. The GPS keeps you on track while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate structure and schools. With 8 hours of fishing time, this boat's speed means more time with lines wet and less time running between spots. Perfect setup for anglers who want to fish Tampa Bay the right way.
Pogonias CromisTampa Bay's heavyweights typically run 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. These black and gray bruisers use powerful jaws to crush oysters and crabs. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season when they school up - that's prime time. They love shallow oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in brackish water. The smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but bigger fish get tough and stringy. What's cool is their adaptability - they'll hit extremely shallow water or drop to 100 feet. Best bait is fresh crab since it won't get stolen by catfish. My advice: fish right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put.
Caranx HipposTampa Bay's bulldogs average 12-24 inches but can hit 4 feet and 60 pounds. These brassy green fighters travel in aggressive schools, pushing bait to the surface while birds dive from above - that's your cue to get over there fast. They'll hit anything that moves quickly, from silver spoons to topwater plugs. What makes them special is the raw power - they'll test your drag and your arms with bulldog runs. Look for them around structure, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish are getting worked. Summer through fall is peak season. Here's the key: cast past the school and rip your lure back through them as fast as you can retrieve it. They want the chase.
Trachinotus CarolinusThese silver bullets are Tampa Bay's table fare champions. Most run 12 inches and 1-3 pounds, but their fight is way bigger than their size suggests. These flat, deep-bodied fish have small mouths, so downsize your hooks. You'll find them working sandy bottoms and grass flats, often in schools feeding on crabs and mollusks. Summer and fall are best before they head to deeper water in winter. The buttery, flaky meat commands top dollar in restaurants for good reason. They're members of the jack family, so expect a serious scrap. Key trick: use small, bright jigs in yellow or orange, and keep them moving near the bottom where pompano root around for food.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese mottled gray fighters average 20 inches but can stretch to nearly 5 feet and 80 pounds. What makes gags special is the fight - once hooked, they'll dive straight for the nearest structure trying to cut you off. You'll find them around rocky bottom, reefs, and any hard structure in 20-100 feet. The meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm, white, and sweet. Spring and early summer are prime before they move deeper. Younger fish hang closer to shore while big adults prefer offshore structure. My tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch once you hook up. The second they feel pressure, they're heading for cover.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored fighters with their signature black spots are Tampa Bay classics. Most run 20-28 inches and love super shallow water - sometimes their backs stick right out. You'll find them cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. They hit hard and make long runs, which is why guests love targeting them. Spring and fall are prime time when they school up on the flats. The meat's excellent - mild and flaky. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where it's moving and let it sit still. They spook easy but can't resist a well-placed shrimp or gold spoon.
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