Full Day Tampa Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targets multiple species across Tampa Bay watersEight hour trips include shallow flats and offshore reef fishingAll tackle and bait provided for up to two anglers
When you want to experience the best of Tampa Bay fishing in one epic trip, this full-day charter delivers everything you're looking for. Starting around 8 AM and running 8-9 hours, you'll hit multiple fishing zones that showcase why Tampa Bay ranks as one of Florida's top fishing destinations. From shallow grass flats where snook lurk in the shadows to offshore reefs teeming with grouper and snapper, this trip covers serious ground. Captain adjusts departure times based on tides and weather because timing matters when you're chasing fish. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into other guests.
Your day starts in Tampa Bay's legendary shallow flats, where crystal-clear water reveals grass beds and oyster bars that hold some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. You'll sight-cast to tailing redfish, work topwater plugs around mangrove shorelines for explosive snook strikes, and drift live shrimp over grass flats where sea trout feed heavily. Mid-morning, the captain transitions to deeper structure - artificial reefs, natural ledges, and sunken wrecks where the bite changes completely. Here you'll drop bottom rigs for heavyweight grouper and snapper while staying alert for passing cobia and tarpon that cruise these same areas. The beauty of this full-day format means you're not rushed. If the bite heats up in one spot, you stay put and capitalize. When action slows, you move to the next productive zone.
This charter runs the full spectrum of inshore fishing techniques, giving you hands-on experience with multiple approaches. In the shallows, you'll work with light spinning tackle, throwing soft plastics on jig heads, suspending live pilchards under popping corks, and burning spoons over grass beds. The captain provides all gear and tackle, but brings your favorites if you have them. When you hit the reefs and wrecks, techniques shift to heavier conventional gear with circle hooks and enough weight to reach bottom in 15-30 feet of water. You'll learn to feel the difference between a grouper inhaling your bait and a snapper pecking at it. Live bait plays a huge role - fresh pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp caught in cast nets or purchased from local bait shops. The captain handles bait procurement and rigging while teaching you the nuances of each presentation.
Southern flounder have made a strong comeback in Tampa Bay, especially around creek mouths and shallow sand holes near grass beds. These flatfish typically range 14-20 inches with occasional doormat-sized specimens pushing 5+ pounds. Best action happens on moving tides when flounder slide off the flats to ambush baitfish. They're masters of camouflage, burying in sand with just their eyes exposed, making each hookup feel like you snagged bottom until that distinctive head shake gives them away. Snook remain the bay's signature species, with slot-sized fish (28-33 inches) providing explosive topwater action around dock lights, bridge pilings, and mangrove cuts. These ambush predators hit hard and immediately try to cut your line on whatever structure they can find. Peak snook fishing runs May through September when water temperatures stay consistently warm.
Sheepshead fishing peaks during cooler months when these black-and-white striped convict fish stack up around pilings, bridges, and rocky structure. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans, making them both frustrating and rewarding to target. Most sheepshead run 2-4 pounds with occasional slabs hitting 8+ pounds. Sea trout, or speckled trout, scatter across grass flats year-round but concentrate in deeper holes during winter months. They're cooperative biters that respond well to live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs during low-light periods. Trout typically range 14-18 inches with occasional "gator trout" exceeding 20 inches and 4 pounds.
Redfish are Tampa Bay's most consistent performers, available year-round in varying sizes and locations. Slot reds (18-27 inches) provide the best eating and fight with incredible power for their size. During summer, massive schools of oversized "bull" reds (30+ inches) move through the bay, offering arm-burning battles that can last 20+ minutes. These copper-colored bruisers often exceed 15 pounds and test every knot in your tackle box. Redfish feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, making them relatively easy targets for anglers using live or artificial baits.
This full-day Tampa Bay fishing charter combines the best of shallow water and deeper structure fishing into one comprehensive trip that showcases why local anglers never get tired of these waters. With all gear, tackle, and bait provided, plus a 2-angler maximum for personalized service, you're set up for success whether you're a seasoned pro or picking up a rod for the first time. The 8-9 hour timeframe allows you to experience multiple fishing scenarios and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Captain's local knowledge puts you on fish while teaching techniques you'll use long after this trip ends. Tampa Bay's year-round fishing opportunities mean there's never a bad time to book, though spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action across all target species.
Your fishing platform for this Tampa Bay adventure is a well-equipped 22' Nautic Star center console that handles these waters like a champ. The 225 HP Mercury Verado gets you from the shallow grass flats where snook and redfish cruise to the deeper structure where grouper and snapper hang out. Captain uses the Garmin GPS and fish finder to put you on the fish, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking spook-prone targets in skinny water. The boat's got everything sorted - livewell to keep your catch fresh, icebox for cold drinks during the long day, and plenty of deck space for up to four anglers to work comfortably. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds on the flats or dropping baits on offshore structure, this rig is built to fish Tampa's diverse waters effectively.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's most exciting sight-fishing target. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black eyespot typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows, though the big bulls offshore can hit 40+ inches. They cruise flats in 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is that powerful, drag-screaming run when hooked - they're pure muscle. The meat is firm and flavorful, especially from slot-sized fish. The real thrill is watching them cruise the flats and making that perfect cast ahead of them. Gold spoon or a DOA shrimp works great, but here's my tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, approach quietly and cast 10 feet ahead of where they're heading. Let it sink and twitch it just once.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Tampa Bay's most reliable inshore target, perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These spotted beauties typically run 14-18 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 4-5 pounds. They roam grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and pot holes. Spring through fall offers the best fishing, particularly on moving tides. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and that distinctive "trout bite" - a solid thump that gets your heart racing. They're also excellent table fare with tender, mild-flavored meat. The trick is covering water until you find the school, then work that area thoroughly. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but here's my go-to: a 1/4 oz jig head with a white paddle tail, worked slowly over the grass. Keep it just above the bottom and be ready for that strike.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate test of your bait presentation skills. These black-and-white striped fish, nicknamed "convict fish," typically weigh 2-6 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. You'll find them around any structure - bridges, docks, reefs - where they use those human-like teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is peak season when they school up for spawning. What guests love is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with incredibly light bites, but once hooked, they fight hard. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay, with sweet, flaky white meat. My secret: use the smallest hook you can get away with and keep your bait pinned tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle nibble, count to three, then set the hook hard - their bony mouths need aggressive hooksets.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay's shallow water fishing. These golden beauties with their distinctive black lateral stripe typically run 18-28 inches, though the big gals can push 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key is getting your bait tight to structure - they rarely chase anything more than a few feet from cover. Live shrimp or pinfish work great, but here's my tip: cast a topwater plug right at first light along the mangrove edge. That surface explosion is pure magic.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are Tampa Bay favorites that'll test your patience and skill. Most run 15-18 inches, but you can land doormat-sized ones pushing 25+ inches. They're masters of camouflage, burying in sand and mud on shallow flats and around structure, waiting to ambush prey. Fall through early spring gives you the best shot when they move into the bay to feed. What makes them special is that sneaky bite - they'll steal your bait before you know it. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Here's the trick: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim off a bit, then give a solid hookset. They've got soft mouths, so keep steady pressure without horsing them in.
Tampa