5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Morning Fishing Trip In Tampa Bay
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Four-hour morning charter targeting Grouper and SnapperBackcountry option available for Snook and RedfishAccommodates up to two guests with experienced captain
There's nothing quite like hitting Tampa Bay's waters in the early morning when the fish are hungry and the bay is calm. This 4-hour charter with Captain Eric puts you right in the action, targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species. Whether you're after bottom fish like grouper and snapper or want to work the backcountry flats for snook and redfish, this trip adapts to what's biting best. With room for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight fish without bumping into other guests.
Captain Eric tailors every trip based on seasonal patterns, weather conditions, and what the fish are doing that particular morning. Some days you'll be anchored up over structure dropping baits for grouper and snapper, while other trips might find you poling shallow grass flats stalking redfish and snook. The beauty of Tampa Bay is its diversity – you've got everything from deep holes and ledges to mangrove shorelines and oyster bars all within a short boat ride. Eric's been working these waters long enough to know which spots produce when, and he's not afraid to move around until he finds active fish. The morning bite is typically the strongest, so you'll be making the most of prime feeding times when predators are actively hunting.
All your fishing gear comes included, from spinning rods rigged with live bait to heavier bottom rigs for grouper fishing. When targeting snapper and grouper, you'll be using traditional bottom fishing techniques with circle hooks and weights to get your bait down to where these fish hold. For the backcountry action, expect lighter tackle perfect for sight fishing and working artificial lures around structure. Captain Eric provides everything from live shrimp and pinfish to soft plastics and spoons, depending on what the target species are responding to. He'll show you the right techniques for each situation, whether that's how to work a jig along the bottom or how to present a live bait to cruising redfish in skinny water.
"Eric was extremely accommodating! He came to our house in Anna Maria Island to pick us up from our little dock on the canal! He took us straight to the fish and kept us on the fish all day long. He cleaned our fish and gave us tips and advice on how to keep it fresh and tasty. He truly is a guide I would like to see again. Can't say that about most guys. Huge thank you. See ya in a few months." - Harrison
"Cap Eric is a top notch guide and fisherman. He not only is friendly and courteous but really knows his fish. Everything from bait fish to flounder to red fish to grouper and dolphin watching Eric knows it all. Been out twice summer and winter and my hubby and I would rather fish with Eric than go to Disney any day. I cannot say enough good things about our incredible times. It's pure magic any time of year with Cap. Eric!!!" - Kelly
"My wife an I vacation around the Tampa Bay area every year. The last 2 years we have chartered with captain Eric an have had a awesome time everytime. He is very accommodating with his scheduling an definitely knows where the fish are great time!!" - Bryan
Redfish are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in this system and fight like freight trains once hooked. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months often produce the best action as schools of reds move through the shallows feeding heavily. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they'll feed in water so shallow you can see their backs. When you hook one in 2 feet of water, get ready for a drag-screaming run that'll test your tackle and your nerves.
Gag grouper are the heavyweight champions of Tampa Bay's offshore structure, regularly weighing 15-25 pounds with occasional giants pushing 30-plus. These fish are ambush predators that lurk around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges waiting to inhale unsuspecting baitfish. Summer and early fall provide the most consistent gag action, though they can be caught year-round when you find the right depth and structure. What anglers love about gags is their bulldogging fight – they'll try to drag you straight back to their rocky hideout, testing your drag system and arm strength in equal measure.
Snook are Tampa Bay's most prized gamefish, combining spectacular fights with incredible table fare. These silver-sided predators love structure, especially around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridges where they ambush baitfish. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with summer nights producing some of the most consistent action. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs, often throwing the hook with acrobatic leaps. Their strict slot limit and seasonal closures make every keeper-sized snook a real prize.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are Tampa Bay's most reliable bottom fish. These bronze-colored fighters typically run 12-18 inches and can be found around any type of structure from shallow grass flats to deep ledges. They're year-round residents that provide steady action when other species are finicky. Don't let their size fool you – grey snapper pound for pound are some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay, and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Their sharp eyesight and cautious nature make them a fun challenge on light tackle.
This half-day morning charter offers the perfect taste of Tampa Bay fishing without eating up your entire vacation day. Captain Eric's local knowledge and personalized approach mean you're not just another
This 24' Blazer Bay center console is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best fishing spots. Built in 2020, she's powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki that'll get you cruising at 40 knots to beat other anglers to the productive waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for grouper and snapper, while the fish finder helps locate those schools holding near ledges and rocks. GPS navigation takes the guesswork out of finding your way back to that honey hole, and the VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fish reports. Whether you're targeting bottom fish on the hard spots or sneaking through the backcountry shallows for redfish and snook, this boat handles Tampa Bay's varied conditions with ease. Perfect for two anglers who want room to fight fish without bumping elbows.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the heavyweights of our Tampa Bay structure fishing, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 40+ pounds. These bottom dwellers hang around rocky ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom areas in 40-100 feet of water. You'll recognize them by their mottled gray pattern and that aggressive attitude once hooked. Spring and summer offer the best grouper action when they're most active. What guests love about gag grouper is the initial surprise - they hit hard then immediately try to drag your bait back into their rocky hideout. It's a real tug-of-war that tests your gear and technique. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock down that drag tight and keep steady pressure. Don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the nearest structure and cut you off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are Tampa Bay's most reliable year-round catch. These smart fish typically measure 12-16 inches inshore, with occasional 3-4 pounders around deeper structure. Look for them around docks, mangroves, rock piles, and grass flats where they ambush small fish and crustaceans. They're active day and night, but low-light periods often produce the best action. What makes mangrove snapper great targets is their excellent table fare - sweet, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also scrappy fighters for their size, making quick dashes for cover. The challenge is their wariness; they'll inspect your bait carefully before committing. Here's my local secret: use the smallest hook you can get away with, like a #4 circle hook with live shrimp. Let that bait sit motionless near structure - any unnecessary movement will spook these cunning fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of Tampa Bay's most sought-after backcountry species, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in our waters, with that distinctive black eyespot near their tail that fools predators. You'll find them cruising the shallow grass flats in 1-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. They love those super shallow areas where their backs sometimes show above the surface. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warm. What makes redfish special is their aggressive topwater strikes and bulldog fight - they'll pull drag and make long runs. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. My local tip: when you spot one tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're moving, not right on top of them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier gamefish, known for that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. Most of our fish run 24-35 inches, but they can reach over 40 inches. These ambush predators love structure - mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-15 feet of water. They're temperature sensitive, so spring through fall provides the best fishing when waters stay above 70 degrees. What makes snook special is their explosive topwater strikes and acrobatic jumps once hooked. They'll make blistering runs toward cover, testing your drag and reflexes. The fight alone keeps anglers coming back. They're catch-and-release only, which adds to their mystique. My go-to technique: use live shrimp or pinfish around structure, but here's the trick - don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it a few seconds, then come tight. They often grab bait sideways first.
5.0 out of 5.0Eric was extremely accommodating! He came to our house in Anna Maria Island to pick us up from our little dock on the canal! He to...
Cap Eric is a top notch guide and fisherman. He not only is friendly and courteous but really knows his fish. Everything from bait...
My wife an I vacation around the Tampa Bay area every year. The last 2 years we have chartered with captain Eric an have had a awe...
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