Expert Guided Flats Fishing in Tampa Bay Waters
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Light tackle casting with artificial lures in shallow flatsTarget bluefish, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, and spotted seatroutProfessional guides lead 4hour or 8hour fishing trips
Tampa Bay's shallow flats offer some of the most productive inshore fishing you'll find on Florida's Gulf Coast. Our light tackle charters put you right where the action is, casting artificials in skinny water where the fish feed most actively. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip or want to spend a full day on the water, we've got you covered with both 4-hour and 8-hour options. These flats hold everything from feisty ladyfish to keeper-sized sea trout, and with our catch-and-release approach, you'll help keep these waters healthy for future anglers. We keep groups small at just 3 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of casting opportunities and personalized attention from your guide.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the flats haven't been pressured by boat traffic. We'll cruise out to productive areas where grass beds meet sandy potholes – prime real estate for the species we're targeting. The beauty of flats fishing is you can actually see what's happening below the surface. Watch for nervous water, baitfish schools, and those telltale wakes that give away cruising fish. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will position you for the best shots at feeding fish. The boat stays in deeper water while you wade the shallows, or we'll pole into casting range when the fish are spooky. Either way, you're using light spinning gear with artificial lures – no heavy tackle needed here. The fights are pure fun on this setup, and you'll feel every head shake and run.
We're talking about true light tackle fishing – spinning reels loaded with 10-15 pound test and rods that let you feel every bump and bite. Your arsenal includes soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs depending on conditions and what the fish are showing us. Soft plastics rigged on jig heads work magic when bounced along grass edges, while spoons flash through the water column to trigger reaction strikes from aggressive fish. When the surface action heats up, there's nothing like watching a sea trout or bluefish crush a topwater plug in shallow water. Your guide will coach you on retrieve speeds, lure selection, and reading the water. These flats can be ankle-deep to waist-deep, so you'll do some wading when conditions allow. The sandy bottom makes for easy walking, and polarized sunglasses help you spot fish and structure below the surface.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay flats fishing. These spotted beauties love grass beds and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from 14 to 20+ inches. They hit soft plastics with authority and put up a solid fight on light tackle. The bigger gator trout come out during cooler months and provide some of the most satisfying catches you'll experience in these waters.
Ladyfish are pure entertainment – they jump, run, and never give up without a fight. These silver rockets are most active during warmer months and will absolutely demolish small spoons and jigs. Don't let their modest size fool you; pound for pound, ladyfish fight harder than most species twice their size. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and teaching proper fish handling techniques.
Spanish Mackerel show up in good numbers during spring and fall migrations. These speed demons prefer deeper edges of the flats where they chase baitfish in spectacular feeding frenzies. Small spoons and fast retrieves trigger explosive strikes. They're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within regulations, and their razor-sharp teeth make every hookup an adventure.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage on Tampa Bay's sandy bottoms. These flatfish ambush prey from their perfectly hidden positions, striking with lightning speed. Fall offers peak flounder action as they stage for their offshore spawning run. Finding flounder requires patience and precise presentations along channel edges and deeper pockets. When you hook one, expect a determined fight and some of the finest eating fish in the bay.
Bluefish bring raw power to light tackle fishing. These voracious predators travel in schools and create some of the most exciting action you'll see on the flats. When blues are feeding, the water comes alive with baitfish jumping and birds diving. They'll hit almost anything you throw at them, but be ready for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Summer months typically produce the best bluefish action in Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay's flats fishing delivers consistent action year-round, making every trip a worthwhile adventure. Our low-rate deposits secure your spot, though they're non-refundable due to high demand for these top-rated charters. Want to extend your time on the water? Add extra hours for just $150 each – many anglers find the fish turn on right when they're supposed to head back to the dock. Remember to bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a cooler with ice if you plan to keep any fish within legal limits. We provide all tackle and lures, so just show up ready to fish. Book early, especially during peak seasons, because these small-group charters fill up fast with both locals and visiting anglers who know Tampa Bay's reputation for world-class inshore fishing.
Step aboard our custom 20' Aquasport, built specifically for Tampa Bay's shallow flats fishing. This motorboat cuts through skinny water where the big fish hide, getting you into prime fishing spots other boats can't reach. With GPS navigation and a fish finder onboard, we'll locate active schools of redfish, snook, and trout cruising the grass flats. The boat comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, giving everyone plenty of casting room without crowding the deck. A built-in bait tank keeps your live shrimp and pinfish fresh throughout the day. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water or working structure for spotted seatrout, this shallow-draft vessel puts you right where the action happens. The stable platform makes it easy to fight fish and land your catch, while the quiet trolling motor won't spook wary flats species when we need to move in close.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay - aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth that'll attack anything in their path. These blue-green fighters typically run 12-20 inches and 2-8 pounds around here. You'll find schools feeding in channels, around structure, and wherever baitfish are schooling. Summer and fall are best when they're actively feeding in our waters before heading south for winter. What anglers love is their hard strikes and strong runs - they're pure fight on light tackle. They're also good eating when fresh, with firm, flaky meat. Just watch those teeth when handling them! They'll hit cut bait, live shrimp, spoons, and jigs. Pro tip: when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Work the area fast because they move in schools and can disappear as quickly as they appeared.
Elops SaurusKnown as the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are silver torpedoes that'll give you a real show. These slender fish hit 12-24 inches and love to jump and thrash when hooked, making them perfect for light tackle fun. You'll find them year-round in our shallow bays, canals, and around mangroves where they hunt small fish and crustaceans. They're not great eating, but they're aggressive biters that'll hit just about anything - live shrimp, jigs, or small spoons. Kids love catching them because they're always willing to bite and put on an acrobatic display. Best part? You can catch them any time of day on any tide. Here's the trick: use a heavy mono leader because those small teeth will cut through light line, and be ready for them to go airborne the second they feel the hook.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are one of Tampa Bay's most popular targets, running 14-24 inches and averaging 1-5 pounds. These silver beauties with distinctive black spots love our grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They feed heavily on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're most active in the shallows. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's excellent table fare - just don't overcook it. They put up a decent fight on light tackle and are perfect for beginners. Pro tip: look for them over grass beds in 2-4 feet of water during moving tides. Soft plastics that mimic shrimp work great, and a slow retrieve usually gets their attention.
Paralichthys LethostigmaTampa Bay's flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. These "left-eyed" fish typically run 15-18 inches, though some reach over 30 inches. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms around oyster bars, channel edges, and shallow flats where they hunt shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're most active before heading offshore. What makes them special is the challenge - they don't fight hard but they're tricky to locate and hook. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. The secret is fishing slow and low. Drift live shrimp or bull minnows on 1/4 to 3/8 oz jig heads right along the bottom. Feel for that subtle "tick" - flounder bites feel like you snagged grass, not a hard strike.
Scomberomorus MaculatusThese speed demons are some of the fastest fish in Tampa Bay, hitting around 18 mph when they're feeding. Spanish mackerel typically run 12-24 inches and 1-3 pounds, with beautiful silver sides covered in golden spots. They school up near the surface around structures, grass flats, and channel edges. Spring through fall is prime time when they're chasing baitfish in our warmer waters. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and the fact they're outstanding table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. They'll hit fast-moving lures like small spoons, jigs, and even flies. The key is keeping your lure moving because they won't chase anything slow. Watch for diving birds - that's usually where you'll find the schools feeding on the surface.
St. Petersburg, FL