5.0(16 Reviews)Inshore Fishing Charter Tampa Bay for Snook and Redfish
5.0(16 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Target Snook, Redfish, Trout and six other inshore species48 hour guided charters with all gear and instruction providedPrivate trips available for up to 4 guests
Tampa Bay's inshore waters are legendary among anglers, and for good reason. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to target some of Florida's most prized gamefish with Captain Steve Swindal, a local guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler, this 4 to 8-hour charter delivers consistent action and memories that'll last a lifetime. With all gear provided and instruction tailored to your skill level, you'll focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
Captain Steve runs a top-rated operation that caters to up to 4 anglers per trip, keeping groups small and personal. You'll launch into Tampa Bay's productive inshore waters targeting the big three – Snook, Redfish, and Trout – along with bonus species like Tripletail, Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, and Cobia when conditions align. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you might be working a mangrove shoreline for Snook, the next you're sight-fishing Redfish on shallow flats. Steve's approach is simple but effective: he reads the conditions, follows the baitfish, and puts you where the fish are feeding. No sitting in one spot hoping for the best – if the bite slows down, you're moving to the next productive area. This hands-on style keeps everyone engaged and the action consistent throughout your trip.
All your tackle is provided, from light spinning gear perfect for Trout to heavier setups when targeting bigger Snook and Redfish. Steve stocks his boat with fresh bait – live shrimp, pinfish, and whatever's working best that day. You'll learn multiple techniques depending on what's biting: casting live bait around structure for Snook, working soft plastics on grass flats for Redfish, or drifting with shrimp for mixed bags of Trout and Snapper. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you stay focused on fishing. For beginners, Steve breaks down each technique step-by-step, from proper casting form to setting the hook. Experienced anglers appreciate his local knowledge – he'll point out subtle bottom changes, current breaks, and seasonal patterns that separate good days from great ones. The boat stays stocked with a variety of artificial lures too, perfect for those who prefer the challenge of throwing plugs and jigs.
"Steve swindal was on time was best guide we caught more fish then I ever have! Thank you Steve. I will definitely be back!" - Cody. "Captain Steve put us on the fish. We caught plenty of Salmon and enjoyed the hard strikes by snook. Fun day!!!" - Drew. "Captain Steven is the REAL DEAL. Hard working guide not like others that just sit in the one spot and make excuses why we are not catching fish! Excellent with kids and just a great person to be around. He loves what he does, and you can always tell that with a guide!" - Antonio.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay's inshore scene, and these copper-colored bruisers fight like they're twice their size. Most fish range from 18 to 28 inches, with slot-sized fish providing excellent table fare and the oversized "bulls" offering pure adrenaline. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially around oyster bars and grass flats during moving tides. What makes Redfish so special is their willingness to eat – they'll crush live bait, artificial lures, and everything in between. The visual aspect is incredible too; watching a Redfish's back break the surface as it inhales your bait in two feet of water never gets old.
Snook are Tampa Bay's most coveted gamefish, and landing one is a rite of passage for any serious angler. These ambush predators lurk around mangroves, docks, and bridges, exploding on baits with gill-rattling strikes. They're incredibly structure-oriented, so precise casting is key. Summer months are prime time when Snook are most active, though they bite year-round in Tampa Bay's temperate waters. What sets Snook apart is their fighting ability – they'll jump, make blistering runs, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. A keeper Snook (28 to 33 inches) is considered a trophy, and their flaky white meat rivals any restaurant fish.
Cobia are the bonus fish that can make your trip legendary. These brown sharks of the inshore world cruise Tampa Bay's channels and flats, often following rays or simply cruising near the surface. They're curious fish that respond well to sight-fishing techniques, and once hooked, they dive deep and pull hard. Spring migration brings the best Cobia action, with fish ranging from 20 to 40 pounds. What's exciting about Cobia is the hunt – spotting one cruising the surface and making the perfect cast is pure angling skill. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they're incredible fighters that test your tackle and patience. Tampa Bay's Black Drum range from small "puppy drum" perfect for kids to heavyweight bulls pushing 30-plus pounds. They're bottom feeders with a preference for crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets during slack tides around structure. Winter months often produce the largest fish, though they're caught year-round. What makes Black Drum special is their bulldogging fight – they don't jump or run, they just pull straight down with relentless power that'll make your arms burn.
Grey
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are Tampa Bay's heavyweights, typically weighing 10-30 pounds with those distinctive chin whiskers. They cruise shallow grass flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Spring spawning season from March through May is when they school up and really feed. Guests enjoy the steady, powerful fight and that drumming sound they make underwater. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with mild, flaky meat. These bottom-feeders use their strong jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Best approach is fresh cut crab or live shrimp on the bottom near oyster structure - use enough weight to stay down and be patient, they're deliberate feeders but worth the wait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of Tampa Bay, typically running 20-50 pounds with that dark brown shark-like appearance. You'll find them cruising solo around channel markers, bridge pilings, and crab traps, usually in 10-30 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area. Guests love them for the strong fight and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. These fish are curious and will often follow the boat, making for exciting sight fishing. My go-to technique is dropping a bucktail jig right in front of them as they cruise by - let it fall naturally and be ready for that powerful take.
Lutjanus GriseusMangrove snapper are Tampa Bay's sneaky fighters, usually running 12-18 inches with those copper-red sides and dark eye stripe. They hang around docks, bridges, and rocky structure in 5-25 feet of water year-round. Summer evenings produce the best bite when they come up to feed. Anglers love them because they're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They're opportunistic but spook easily, so finesse is key. These fish are notorious bait thieves with sharp teeth and quick reflexes. My secret: use a small 4/0 circle hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure - patience pays off with these clever fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay favorites, running 20-35 inches with that signature black spot near the tail. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike and their strong runs through the shallows. The meat is sweet and flaky when they're slot-sized. These fish are ambush predators, so work your bait slowly around structure. Local tip: when you see their backs or tails breaking the surface, cast past them and work your lure back into their path - spooking them with a direct hit kills your chances.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's most prized gamefish, typically measuring 18-28 inches with that distinctive black lateral line. They hug mangrove shorelines, dock lights, and bridge shadows in 2-15 feet of water. Summer nights are magic, especially around the full moon when they're most active. What makes them special is that vicious strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run like nothing else in these waters. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is worth every second. These fish are super structure-oriented and temperature sensitive. Pro tip: cast parallel to the mangroves rather than straight at them - snook sit in pockets and ambush prey moving along the shoreline.
5.0 out of 5.0Steve swindal was on time was best guide we caught more fish then I ever have! Thank you Steve. I will definitely be back!
Had a blast my first time fishing! As a group, we caught 10+ fish. He showed us how to do everything. I’ll definitely be back!
We had a great trip. Caught like 10 fish! Steve was a great guide. Very helpful and patient with those who were inexperienced. Wou...
Very awesome. The captain, Stephen, was very helpful. He was so excited for us when we caught a fish. This was an amazing experien...
Captain Steve was wonderful for our family trip. He encouraged the kids and was excited when they caught fish! Highly recommend an...
From start to finish Capt Steve of Florida Raised Fishing was awesome. Never overbearing but able to provide advice and assistance...
William Reiner, Thank you! You folks were awesome. I had a great time with yall. Looking forward to...
We’ve fished a couple times with Captain Steven, going for shark, snook and redfish in the past. This trip we caught a limit of tr...
Steven was phenomenal with our family of six! We have four boys ranging from 5-14 and he took time with each of them. Only having ...
Brian Reves, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Had a great time today. Took two boys- ages 6 and 9 and they had a great time on first fishing trip. Caught tons of fish- mackerel...
If you want to fish the Southeast side of Tampa Bay, Capt. Steven Swindal is the perfect choice. My two friends and I have been f...
Thank you for your wonderful review, James! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your fishing trip ...
Captain Steven is the REAL DEAL. Hard working guide not like others that just sit in the one spot and make excuses why we are not...
Thank you so much, I had a blast fishing with ya’ll! Looking forward to next time 🤙
This was our third trip with Captain Steven Swindal. All three have been excelent, we have always caught lots of fish. I look...
Captain Steve put us on the fish. We caught plenty of Salmon and enjoyed the hard strikes by snook. Fun day!!!
Probably 50-60 fish between the 3 of us, constant action! Talk about putting you on fish!!!
Tampa, FL