Fishing Charters Tampa Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4 or 8hour trolling trips targeting five Tampa Bay speciesCatch and release fishing using medium tackle and artificial luresSmall group charters accommodating up to 2 guests maximum
Looking for some serious fishing action in Tampa Bay? You've found the right crew. Our medium tackle trolling trips put you right where the fish are feeding, using techniques that local guides have perfected over decades. Whether you're planning a quick morning session or want to spend the whole day chasing fish, we've got options that'll keep your rod bent and your adrenaline pumping. These aren't your typical tourist trips - we're talking real fishing with conservation in mind, targeting species that fight hard and make for amazing stories back home.
We launch at 6:45 AM when the fish are most active and the bay is calm. You'll have your choice between a focused 4-hour session or go all-in with our 8-hour adventure - perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. The shallow flats around Tampa Bay are legendary among Florida guides, and for good reason. These grass beds and sandy bottoms hold incredible numbers of fish, especially during the cooler morning hours. We run medium tackle exclusively because it gives you the perfect balance - strong enough to handle anything we hook, but light enough that every fish puts up a real fight. All our trips are catch and release, which means these fisheries stay healthy and productive year after year. If you're having a hot bite and want to extend your trip, we can add extra hours for $150 each - many of our regulars do this when the fish are really cooperating.
Medium tackle trolling is an art form in these shallow Tampa Bay waters. We're not talking about the heavy offshore gear - this is precision fishing with artificials that mimic the baitfish these species can't resist. Our tackle boxes are loaded with proven lures that work in these specific waters: spoons that flash perfectly in the morning light, jigs that bounce just right off the grass beds, and soft plastics that drive sea trout absolutely crazy. The technique involves covering water efficiently while keeping your lures in the strike zone where fish are feeding. We'll adjust trolling speeds based on conditions and what the fish are telling us. Some days they want a fast-moving presentation, other days we slow it down and let the lures work more subtly. The shallow flats mean we're often fishing in just 3-6 feet of water, so you'll actually see fish following your lures before they strike. It's visual fishing at its finest, and when a Spanish mackerel comes flying out of the water after your spoon, you'll understand why guides love working these waters.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish love the grass flats and provide consistent action throughout the year. Spring and fall are absolutely prime time, when they school up in large numbers and feed aggressively. Sea trout typically run 15-20 inches in these waters, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed in. What makes them special is how they fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The soft plastic presentations we use drive them absolutely wild, especially early in the morning when they're actively feeding on the flats.
Ladyfish might be the most underrated fighter in Tampa Bay. These silver rockets provide non-stop action and will test your skills with their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. They school heavily during warmer months and hit artificial lures with incredible aggression. Most run 12-18 inches, but don't let their size fool you - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. When you hook into a school of ladyfish, get ready for your arms to get a workout.
Spanish Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that keeps anglers coming back. These torpedo-shaped fish are built for speed, and when they hit your lure, there's no mistaking it. They typically show up in good numbers during spring and fall migrations, though we see them throughout most of the year. The 14-18 inch fish we commonly catch here are perfect on light tackle, making screaming runs that'll have you questioning your drag setting. Their razor-sharp teeth mean we use wire leaders, and their aggressive nature means they'll often hit multiple times if you miss the first strike.
Southern Flounder are the opportunistic predators of the flats, laying in ambush near structure and grass edges. These flatfish are masters of camouflage but can't resist a well-presented jig bounced along the bottom. Fall is traditionally the best time to target them as they fatten up before their winter migration, but we find quality fish throughout the year. They typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, and their powerful fight is completely different from the other species we target - more like a bulldozer than a racehorse.
Bluefish bring the attitude and aggression that makes every strike memorable. These voracious predators travel in schools and when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely wild. They hit artificials with incredible force and fight dirty - expect powerful runs and head-shaking that'll test your tackle. Spring through fall are the most productive times, though we see them year-round. The 12-16 inch fish common in Tampa Bay are perfect for our medium tackle setup and provide the kind of consistent action that fills up a morning on the water.
Tampa Bay's shallow water fishing is some of the most consistent and exciting you'll find in Florida. Our early morning departure times mean you'll be fishing during prime feeding periods, and our catch-and-release philosophy ensures these fisheries stay productive for future trips. With space for just two anglers, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that larger boats simply can't offer. The combination of proven techniques, quality tackle, and productive waters makes this a top-rated choice for anyone serious about their fishing. Remember, these trips are non-refundable, so check your schedule and book when you're ready to get on the water
This custom 20' Aquasport is built for serious anglers who know Tampa Bay's shallow water flats. The boat's specialized design lets you get into those skinny water spots where the big sea trout and redfish like to hang out. You've got a reliable GPS to mark your hot spots and a fish finder to locate schools of Spanish mackerel and bluefish cruising the flats. The built-in bait tank keeps your live shrimp and pinfish fresh all day. With room for up to 2 guests, there's plenty of space to work your medium tackle setup without getting tangled up. The shallow draft hull cuts through Tampa Bay's gin-clear water without spooking fish, while the stable platform gives you solid footing when you're fighting that southern flounder. Perfect for targeting ladyfish on light tackle or working artificial lures around the grass beds where sea trout love to ambush bait.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay - aggressive, hard-fighting, and always hungry. These blue-green bruisers typically run 2-10 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find schools of them around baitfish throughout the bay, especially during summer and fall migrations. What makes blues special is their vicious strikes and powerful runs - they'll bend your rod double and test your drag. They're decent table fare when iced immediately, though smaller "baby blues" taste better than the big ones. Fair warning: these fish will bite anything, including your fingers. Always use a wire leader and keep them away from your hands - their teeth can do serious damage even after they're in the boat.
Elops SaurusKnown as the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are pure entertainment on light tackle. These slender, silvery fighters average 1-3 feet and put on quite a show when hooked - jumping and thrashing across the surface like their famous cousin. You'll find schools of them in Tampa Bay's shallow waters, canals, and around structures year-round. They're not much for the dinner table, but they're fantastic live bait for bigger predators. What guests love is the non-stop action - ladyfish are aggressive and will hit just about anything you throw at them. They're perfect for beginners and kids since they bite readily and fight hard. My advice: use a heavy mono leader because those small teeth are sharp, and keep your drag loose to enjoy the acrobatics.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of Tampa Bay's most popular targets, running 14-24 inches and averaging 1-5 pounds. These silvery beauties with distinctive black spots love our shallow grass flats and can be caught year-round, though fall and spring offer the best action. You'll find them cruising in 2-6 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They put up a decent fight on light tackle but won't break your line. Pro tip: work your lure slowly along the bottom and watch for that subtle tap - trout often mouth the bait before committing, so don't set the hook too early.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese masters of camouflage are Tampa Bay's ultimate ambush predators. Southern flounder typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to perfectly match the bottom they're lying on. You'll find them buried in sand and mud in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and near structures. Fall is prime time as they move toward deeper water for winter. What makes flounder fishing special is the challenge - they're not flashy fighters, but finding and fooling these bottom-dwellers takes real skill. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. The secret is slow presentation right on the bottom with live shrimp or mullet, and when you feel that subtle weight, lift gently - they often just inhale the bait.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese speed demons are some of the most exciting fish to target in Tampa Bay. Spanish mackerel typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-8 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure speed and aggression. Look for them in schools near the surface around structures, grass flats, and drop-offs, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. They're lightning fast and will absolutely smoke your drag when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. What makes them special is their willingness to hit fast-moving lures and their blistering runs. Here's the key: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast and cast shiny spoons or jigs into the frenzy.
St. Petersburg, FL