5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting redfish and sea troutLight skiff navigates shallow waters and coastal flats effectivelyGuests take home fresh fillets from their catches
Picture yourself casting lines in the legendary waters of Tampa Bay, where crystal-clear shallows meet grass-covered flats that practically guarantee fish on every drift. Captain Juan's light skiff cuts through these productive waters like butter, getting you into spots where bigger boats can't reach. This full-day charter isn't just about fishing – it's about experiencing Tampa Bay's world-class inshore fishery the way locals have for generations. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water while targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species.
Your day starts aboard a nimble light skiff specifically designed for Tampa Bay's shallow-water fishing. These boats are the gold standard for inshore work – they draft just inches of water, letting Captain Juan slide into backcountry spots that hold the biggest fish. You'll spend your time working two distinct environments that make Tampa Bay fishing so productive. First, the mangrove shorelines where snook and redfish cruise the shadows, waiting to ambush baitfish. Then there's the grass flats, where spotted seatrout and sheepshead feed in the early morning and late afternoon light. The beauty of this charter is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're working structure for snapper and mackerel. Captain Juan reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling him.
Tampa Bay inshore fishing is all about adapting to conditions and presenting baits naturally. You'll be using light spinning tackle – think 15-20 pound test on reels that can handle long runs when a big redfish decides to head for deep water. Live bait is king here, with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp accounting for most hookups. But don't overlook artificials – soft plastics worked along mangrove edges can trigger explosive strikes from snook, while topwater plugs create heart-stopping surface explosions at dawn and dusk. The flats fishing requires stealth and precision. You'll be making long, accurate casts to fish you can actually see – sometimes in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Structure fishing around bridges and docks calls for different tactics, often involving heavier jigs to get down quickly in the current. Captain Juan provides all the gear, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their favorite rods.
"Juan and a million!!! After searching for a charter for me, my wife, and my sister I chose Juan based on one thing…fun. Most of the reviews I read talked about his 'contagious jovial laugh', which shows he's an easy goin feller…and he was. Loved laughing at jokes, bad casts, and anything else one would consider funny. Just an all around good man. We had never fished on the ocean from a boat like this and Juan made the experience as comfortable as one can do for their guests. We fished under the skyway bridge and caught three different species such as Sheepshead, grey snapper, and the occasional red snapper. All were turned into amazing tacos with citrus toppings. Finger lickin good.!!!" - Erik
Spanish Mackerel are Tampa Bay's speed demons, and when they're running, the action is non-stop. These silver bullets typically show up in good numbers from spring through fall, often feeding in schools that stretch for hundreds of yards. They hit fast-moving baits with authority – small spoons, tube jigs, and live sardines all trigger savage strikes. What makes mackerel so popular with charter guests is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. A cooler full of fresh mackerel fillets means fish tacos for weeks.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay structure fishing. These bottom-dwellers love bridge pilings, docks, and rocky areas where they can ambush crabs and small fish. They're notorious for their light bite – you'll feel more of a weight than a strike – but once hooked, they put up a respectable fight. The key to consistent snapper success is fresh bait presented right on the bottom. These fish are excellent eating and perfect for anglers who want steady action without long runs between bites.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" from the black stripes running down their silver sides, but locals know them for their incredible eating quality and frustrating bite. These fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, which means they can steal bait without moving your rod tip. Successful sheepshead fishing requires patience and a gentle touch – they're often caught around structures where fiddler crabs and sand fleas are abundant. Winter months typically produce the biggest sheepshead as they move into shallow water to spawn.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are Tampa Bay's most reliable target species. These beautiful fish with distinctive black spots love grass flats and can be caught year-round using a variety of techniques. Morning and evening provide the best action when trout move shallow to feed. They respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. A good day on the trout flats can produce dozens of fish, and the larger "gator" trout over 20 inches provide trophy potential.
Redfish represent the pinnacle of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These bronze-colored bruisers are built for power, with broad tails that can strip line off reels in seconds. Reds feed in extremely shallow water, often with their tails sticking out as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Sight-fishing for tailing redfish ranks among Florida's most exciting angling experiences. They're available year-round but really light up during cooler months when they school in massive numbers. The slot-sized fish between 18-27
Our 2015 21-foot Carolina Skiff is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best inshore fishing spots. Powered by a reliable 150HP Mercury engine, this shallow-draft boat cuts through the water and slides right over those productive grass flats where the redfish and sea trout love to hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on feeding fish along the mangroves, while the GPS and fish finder help us locate the hottest bite. With space for up to 4 anglers and a built-in icebox to keep your catch fresh, this skiff is perfectly rigged for a productive day chasing snook, trout, and whatever else Tampa Bay decides to throw at us. Whether we're casting to structure or drifting the shallows, you'll have plenty of room to work your lures and bring in some dinner.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these smart fish are some of the wariest targets in Tampa Bay. Most run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and mangrove edges where they ambush prey. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are picky and fight hard when hooked. Plus, they're top-shelf eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: fish at night or dawn when they're less spooky. Use live shrimp on a light leader and let it sink naturally near cover. Don't jerk when you feel that first nibble - greys will test your bait before committing. Set the hook only when you feel solid weight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's signature species - bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but bull reds over 30 pounds patrol deeper waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings spectacular action when they school up. Guests love them because they eat well, fight hard, and you can sight-fish them in skinny water - watching a red inhale your lure is pure magic. My best advice: look for tailing fish or wakes in shallow water on calm days. Use weedless spoons or soft plastics, and make long, quiet casts ahead of moving fish. Let them find your bait naturally.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are Tampa Bay classics that guests love targeting on the grass flats. Most range 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though trophy fish over 5 pounds cruise deeper waters. They prefer shallow grass beds and sandy holes, especially during dawn and dusk. Spring and fall offer prime fishing when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent table fare - tender white meat that's hard to beat. Pro tip: look for nervous water over grass flats, especially during moving tides. Throw a soft plastic shrimp or topwater plug, and work it slowly. Trout have soft mouths, so ease up on the drag and don't horse them in or you'll pull the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Tampa Bay with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds, but 8-pounders lurk around deeper structure. Find them hugging barnacle-covered pilings, bridges, and docks year-round, with peak action in cooler months when they school up for spawning. They're notorious bait thieves but fight surprisingly hard for their size. The payoff? Sweet, mild fillets that rival any table fare. My trick: use fiddler crabs or live shrimp on a small hook, and keep your bait tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't wait - set the hook immediately. They'll steal your bait faster than you can blink, so stay alert and keep fresh bait ready.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll typically find these silver speedsters in 1-3 pound range, though bigger ones hit 5+ pounds. They love open water around Tampa Bay, especially near structures and grass flats where baitfish gather. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They hit hard, run fast, and taste fantastic - mild white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. My go-to tip: when you see diving birds or bait balls on the surface, get there quick. Spanish mackerel school up underneath and will hammer small spoons or jigs. Just use a wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
5.0 out of 5.0Juan and a million!!! After searching for a charter for me, my wife, and my sister I chose Juan based on one thing…fun. Most of ...
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