5.0(4 Reviews)Extended Half Day Afternoon Tampa Bay Fishing
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full 6-hour inshore fishing trip targeting grouper and snapperSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboardEarly return allows time to cook fresh catch
Looking for a real fishing adventure that gives you time to actually put some serious fish in the cooler? This 6-hour afternoon trip with Fishin Magician Inshore Charters is exactly what you need. Captain Eric knows Tampa Bay like the back of his hand, and he's got a reputation for putting his anglers on quality fish - grouper, snapper, and whatever else is biting that day. You'll be targeting multiple species with plenty of time to work different spots, and the best part? You'll be back early enough to fire up the grill and show off your catch to the family.
This isn't your typical rushed fishing trip where you barely get your lines wet before heading back to the dock. Six hours gives you the luxury of really fishing - moving between productive spots, adjusting techniques when the bite slows down, and having those conversations with your fishing buddy that make these trips memorable. Tampa Bay's afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal, especially when you've got a captain who knows exactly where to position the boat. The water tends to settle down after the morning boat traffic, and that's when the fish really start cooperating. You'll be working inshore waters where the structure holds fish year-round, and Captain Eric's got the spots dialed in. With a maximum of just two anglers, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably.
Tampa Bay inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll be using medium to heavy tackle depending on what you're targeting - lighter setups for the snapper and Spanish mackerel, but stepping up the drag when those gag grouper decide to test your skills. Live bait is king out here, and Captain Eric keeps the wells stocked with the good stuff. You might be dropping baits around structure for grouper, drifting for kings, or sight-fishing tripletail around markers and debris. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is having time to try different techniques. If the bottom fishing slows down, you can switch to trolling or casting artificials. The boat comes equipped with quality gear, but if you've got your favorite rods and reels, bring them along - there's nothing like landing a personal best on your own setup.
"This was my second trip with Eric. He definitely did not let me down. We caught a lot of fish. Very well organized and definitely knows where the fish are biting." - Leroy
"Hands down best fisherman in the area!! Do yourself a favor and book a trip , you won't regret it. Our last trip we slayed the grouper and snapper Inshore. Awesome time!!!!!" - Robert
"The fishin magician worked his magic again!!! Captain Eric is the best guide we've dealt with! We'd highly recommend him! Top notch operation. Thanks for all the successful trips that always come with heap of fish on that filet table!!!!" - Shelly
"Amazing guide!!! Limited in snapper in 2 hours and got us on the fish quickly! Highly recommend!!!" - Wyatt
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay fishing, and for good reason. These bruisers love hanging around hard bottom, rocks, and artificial reefs where they ambush unsuspecting baitfish. Gags typically run 15-30 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones definitely swim around if you know where to look. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through April, when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes them so exciting is that initial run - they'll head straight for the nearest hole or ledge, testing your drag and your nerves. The fight is just the beginning though; gag grouper are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as most folks call them, are Tampa Bay classics that never get old to catch. They're smart, finicky, and will test your patience, but that's exactly why landing a good one feels so satisfying. These fish range from schoolie size up to legitimate 4-5 pound slabs that'll surprise you with their power. Summer months bring the biggest concentrations, especially around structure during moving tides. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll need to stay sharp and react quickly to those subtle taps. The reward is some of the finest table fare Florida waters have to offer.
King Mackerel bring the speed and spectacular jumps that every angler craves. Tampa Bay's kings typically run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus if you get lucky. Spring through fall is prime time, when schools of baitfish draw these predators into range of inshore fishing. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are mandatory. The initial run on a king mackerel is pure adrenaline - they'll scream drag and often launch themselves completely out of the water. Even experienced anglers get their hearts pumping when a big king decides to show off.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller cousins to the kings, but they make up for size with pure aggression and numbers. These 2-4 pound torpedoes will attack anything that moves, making them perfect for lighter tackle and constant action. They're year-round residents in Tampa Bay, though spring and fall bring the thickest schools. Spanish mackerel are excellent for anglers who want steady action and bent rods. They're also fantastic on the dinner table - many locals consider them superior to their larger king mackerel cousins for eating.
Tripletail are the wild cards that make Tampa Bay fishing special. These oddball fish hang around floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats where they're perfectly camouflaged. They typically run 8-
Your ride for this Tampa Bay fishing adventure is a rock-solid 24' Blazer Bay center console that knows these waters like the back of your hand. Built in 2020, this modern fishing machine packs a serious 300HP Suzuki that'll get you out to the good grouper and snapper spots at 40 knots when conditions are right. The center console layout gives you plenty of room to work your lines and fight fish from any angle. What really makes this boat shine is the wireless trolling motor - perfect for those sneaky approaches to structure where the big fish hang out. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots trip after trip. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and those all-important fishing reports from other boats. With space for up to 6 anglers normally, you'll have extra elbow room with just 2 guests aboard. More space means less tangles and better shots at landing those cooler-filling catches you're after.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing in Tampa Bay. These bruisers average 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll recognize them by their mottled gray color and the males' distinctive reticulated dorsal fins. They live around rocky bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 20-200 feet of water year-round, though spring and summer offer the best action. What makes gag grouper special is their powerful fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. Guests love them because they're pure muscle and make outstanding table fare with firm, white, flaky meat. The fight is honest and hard. Here's the trick: the moment you feel that thump, lock your drag tight and keep your rod low - don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the structure and break you off every time.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are one of the smartest fish in Tampa Bay waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, but offshore specimens can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around docks, mangroves, grass flats, and any structure that offers cover in 5-100 feet of water. They're year-round residents with peak action during warmer months and full moon periods when they spawn. What makes them special is they're incredibly wary - they'll inspect your bait like a suspicious detective. Guests love the challenge and the reward: white, flaky meat that's restaurant-quality. They're nocturnal feeders, so late afternoon and evening trips often produce best. My secret: use a small 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then reel up just a foot. No movement - let them come to you and don't set the hook until you feel solid weight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are the speed kings of Tampa Bay's offshore waters. These silver rockets typically weigh 10-30 pounds but can exceed 50 pounds. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and an appetite to match. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools. Peak season runs spring through fall when they migrate through our waters. What guests love most is the raw power - kings make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag and test your tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating when bled and iced properly. The meat has a rich flavor that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Here's my go-to setup: slow-troll live sardines or blue runners on a wire leader with two hooks - one through the nose, one free-swinging near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of the bait, so that trailing hook is crucial for solid hookups.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a fast, fun fight on light tackle. These silvery bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds. They travel in massive schools near the surface, making them easy to spot when they're feeding. In Tampa Bay, you'll find them around structures, flats, and grass beds, especially when the water warms up. They're year-round residents but fishing peaks in spring and fall when big schools move through. Guests love them because they hit hard, make blistering runs, and are fantastic on the dinner table - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The meat is packed with healthy omega-3s too. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or bait getting pushed up, get there fast and use small silver spoons or live sardines - the action can shut off as quickly as it starts.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of the more unique catches you'll find in Tampa Bay. These odd-looking fish get their name from their rounded dorsal and anal fins that mirror their tail, giving them a distinctive three-finned appearance. They average 2-13 pounds but can grow up to 40 pounds. What makes them special is their habit of floating on their sides near the surface, mimicking debris or floating weeds - it's their main defense strategy. You'll spot them around weed lines and floating objects in 10-210 feet of water. They're year-round residents but peak during summer spawning season. Guests love them because they're surprisingly acrobatic fighters for their chunky build, and the meat tastes similar to red snapper. Here's the key: when you spot one, cast well past it and slowly work your bait back - they spook easily if you cast directly at them.
5.0 out of 5.0This was my second trip with Eric. He definitely did not let me down. We caught a lot of fish. Very well organized and definitely ...
Hands down best fisherman in the area!! Do yourself a favor and book a trip , you won't regret it. Our last trip we slayed the gro...
The fishin magician worked his magic again!!! Captain Eric is the best guide we’ve dealt with! We’d highly recommend him! Top notc...
Amazing guide!!! Limited in snapper in 2 hours and got us on the fish quickly! Highly recommend!!!
Tampa Bay