5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Tampa Bay Fishing Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon fishing trip targeting grouper and snapper speciesSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests per bookingLate afternoon departure designed for working professionals' schedules
Picture this: you're getting off work, the sun's still got a few good hours left, and instead of sitting in traffic, you're casting lines in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. That's exactly what this 4-hour afternoon fishing trip delivers. Tampa Bay isn't just another fishing spot – it's a year-round playground packed with hungry gamefish that'll bend your rod and fill your cooler. This charter was built for folks who work the 9-to-5 grind but still want to get their fishing fix without burning a vacation day.
Your afternoon starts around 2 PM when most people are still stuck behind a desk, but you'll be heading out to prime fishing grounds that have been producing for decades. Tampa Bay's unique mix of grass flats, structure, and deep channels creates the perfect storm for multiple species fishing. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're working a grass flat for redfish, the next you're dropping down to structure for some quality grouper. With a maximum of 2 anglers, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The guide knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the shallow flats near Weedon Island to the deeper holes around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. You'll fish multiple spots depending on conditions, tides, and what's biting that day.
Tampa Bay fishing is all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day. You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials, switching between techniques as conditions dictate. For the shallow water targets like redfish and trout, expect to throw soft plastics under popping corks or work live shrimp on jig heads around grass beds and oyster bars. When targeting grouper and snapper, you'll drop down with heavier tackle, using circle hooks and cut bait or live pinfish around structure and ledges. The guide provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need – spinning gear for the finesse stuff and conventional reels for the bottom fishing. Bait selection varies with the season, but count on live shrimp, pinfish, sardines, and an arsenal of proven artificials. The key to success here is reading the water, understanding the tides, and knowing when to make the move from one technique to another.
"Great two days. Very knowledgeable of the local waters." - Frank
"Best fishing trip you will have . Super knowledgeable of the area and will put you on the fish . Been out 2xs now and can't wait for our 3rd trip ." - Scott
"Top notch! Trip of a lifetime. Family friendly! Thanks for the memories the last 4 years and the full cooler of fish!" - Kristy
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and can be found year-round, though spring and fall offer the best action. They're aggressive feeders that'll hammer live shrimp under popping corks or chase down soft plastic jigs. What makes trout fishing so addictive is their willingness to bite and their spectacular jumps when hooked. A good trout will go 18-24 inches and provide plenty of fight on light tackle. The best part? They're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Redfish are the apex predator of the shallow flats, and Tampa Bay holds some bruiser reds that'll test your drag system. These copper-colored fighters are ambush predators that cruise the grass beds and oyster bars looking for an easy meal. Fall and winter months are prime time for bull reds over 27 inches, while slot-sized fish in the 18-27 inch range provide consistent action throughout the year. When a red takes your bait, get ready for a bulldogging fight that'll have your arms burning. They're notorious for making powerful runs toward structure, so you better be ready to put the pressure on.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement to your Tampa Bay adventure. These silver rockets show up in big numbers during the warmer months, typically from spring through early fall. They're sight feeders that love shiny spoons, small jigs, and live bait presented near the surface. When the Spanish are running, it's fast-paced action that'll keep you busy for hours. They're perfect for light tackle enthusiasts who love that screaming drag and acrobatic fights. Plus, they're outstanding on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. Tampa Bay's flounder fishing picks up during the cooler months, with the best action typically from fall through early spring. These flatfish require a different approach – slow presentations with live bait or soft plastics bounced along the bottom near structure, docks, and channel edges. Don't let their appearance fool you; a quality flounder will put up a surprising fight and they're considered one of the best eating fish in these waters. A keeper flounder runs 12 inches or better, with the real trophies pushing 20+ inches.
Gag Grouper are the prize catch that every angler hopes to connect with. These bottom dwellers hang around structure, ledges, and hard bottom areas throughout Tampa Bay. Summer months offer the best shot at keeper-sized gags, though they can be caught year-round. Grouper fishing requires heavier tackle and a quick hook set – these fish are notorious for diving straight back to their holes once hooked. The fight is all about power and endurance, with the angler trying to keep the fish away from structure while the grouper uses every trick in the book to break you off. A quality gag grouper starts around 24 inches an
Your fishing platform for this Tampa Bay adventure is a solid 2020 24' Blazer Bay center console that knows these waters well. The 300HP Suzuki gets you to the productive spots fast, hitting 40 knots when you need to beat the crowd to where the grouper and snapper are biting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the fish finder helps mark schools and bottom features. GPS keeps you on your favorite numbers, and the VHF radio ensures you stay connected. With room for your small group, this bay boat handles Tampa's shallow flats and deeper channels with equal confidence. The center console design gives everyone plenty of casting room and easy access to the fish box when the afternoon bite heats up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the classic Tampa Bay bottom dwellers that average 20-30 inches and pack serious muscle. These gray, marbled fish live around hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water. Spring and fall are best when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning season. What makes gags exciting is the initial strike and then the battle - they'll try to dive straight back to their hole and break you off on the structure. They're also premier table fare with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Live pinfish, grunts, and cut bait work great. Here's the deal: once you hook one, lock down that drag and horse them up immediately. Give them any line and they'll wrap you around the reef every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water warriors in Tampa Bay. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love cruising oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot their distinctive black spots near the tail, and sometimes their backs break the surface when they're really shallow. Fall and spring are peak seasons when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make powerful runs and never give up easy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. They hit cut bait, live shrimp, and gold spoons. Here's the trick: when you see one, there's usually more nearby, so work the area thoroughly and keep your presentations quiet.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are some of Tampa Bay's most reliable fish, running 14-24 inches and weighing 1-5 pounds on average. They love shallow grass flats and hang around structure during cooler months. You'll find them in 2-8 feet of water most of the year, but they move to deeper channels when it gets cold. These fish hit hard and make great table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're feeding actively. They'll take live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: work your bait slowly over grass beds and listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound - that's how you know you're in the right spot.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise on Tampa Bay's sandy and muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. You'll find them in shallow bays, around docks, and near creek mouths in 3-15 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward passes to spawn. What makes flounder fishing special is the challenge - they're ambush predators that bury in the bottom and strike when prey passes overhead. They're also top-notch eating with sweet, white meat. Live mud minnows, shrimp, and small jigs work best. The secret is slow presentation right on the bottom - let your bait sit still and they'll find it.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons that show up in Tampa Bay spring through fall, averaging 1-3 pounds with their silver bodies covered in yellow spots. These fish travel in schools near the surface around structure, bridges, and channel edges. They're lightning fast swimmers that provide non-stop action once you find them. What guests love most is the constant bite - when mackerel are around, everyone's catching fish. They make excellent table fare too, with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They'll hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait like sardines. The key is trolling or casting small, shiny lures at moderate speed. Once you hook up, keep working the same area because the school will stick around if you don't spook them.
5.0 out of 5.0Great two days. Very knowledgeable of the local waters.
Best fishing trip you will have . Super knowledgeable of the area and will put you on the fish . Been out 2xs now and can’t wait f...
Top notch! Trip of a lifetime. Family friendly! Thanks for the memories the last 4 years and the full cooler of fish!
Tampa Bay