5.0(6 Reviews)Half Day Snook and Redfish Fishing in Tampa Bay
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday inshore fishing targeting snook, redfish, and sea trout.Captain provides all equipment and bait for hasslefree experience.Small group charter accommodates up to 3 guests maximum.
Captain Joe Masi knows Tampa Bay's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 3-4 hour charter with Masi Boys Fishing Charters is perfect for anglers who want to target the bay's most sought-after species without burning a whole day on the water. Whether you're chasing that first snook or looking to add another redfish to your tally, Joe's got the local knowledge and persistence to make it happen. With room for up to 3 guests, this trip keeps things intimate and gives everyone plenty of personalized attention from a captain who genuinely loves what he does.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip where you sit in one spot and hope for the best. Captain Joe actively works the water, moving between productive areas throughout Tampa Bay to find where the fish are feeding. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one cast you might hook into a hard-fighting redfish in the shallows, and the next you could be battling a gag grouper near structure. Joe provides all the tackle, bait, and equipment you'll need, so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and learning the nuances of fishing these productive waters. The bay's scenic backdrop doesn't hurt either, with dolphins often making appearances and plenty of bird activity to point you toward baitfish schools.
Tampa Bay's inshore fishing success comes down to reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Joe runs a well-equipped boat with quality spinning gear perfect for the species you'll be targeting. Depending on conditions and fish activity, you'll be using live bait like shrimp and pilchards, or working artificial lures around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. The captain switches up locations based on tides, weather, and recent fish activity - sometimes that means working deeper channels for trout and grouper, other times it's sight-fishing reds in skinny water. Joe's approach is hands-on; he'll teach you how to feel the difference between a fish bite and bottom structure, proper hook-setting techniques, and how to fight different species without losing them at the boat.
"This was my second trip with Joe, we went out last year for the 4hr trip and brought back a dozen keeper grunt fillets to cook up. This year we were coming off a couple days of rainy, windy weather and the gulf was rough so we stayed on the intracostal areas but the water was still murky. Had a fair amount of bites, boated some trout that were just undersized so had to throw back but still fun to catch. Plus a couple hammerhead sharks about 18-20 inches that fought pretty good. Joe is very active on the boat, organized and worked hard for us, changing spots several times. Unfortunately no keepers this time, but that's why it's "fishing" and not "catching"!" - Michael
"we had an amazing fishing trip today with Joe! From start to finish, it was a great expereince. Joe was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone was comfortable and having fun the entire time. He knew exactly where to go and was incredibly patient and helpful, whether you're experienced or brand new to fishing. The trip was well organized, relaxed, and overall just a really fun day on the water. Highly fecommend booking with Joe if you're looking for a great fishing charger in St. Pete!" - Chase
"Had a wonderful experience with Joe Masi from Masi Boy's Fishing today with my sons. We are avid fishers from Long Island and going forward we will be spending plenty of time fishing in the St. Pete's area with Joe. Fish were plentiful and a wide range of species in only a 3 hour trip. Captain Joe was both very knowledgeable and helpful to my young sons in teaching them the waters and how to fish. See you again in a few months! Thank you Captain for the trip!" - Pete
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around mangrove shorelines, bridge pilings, and dock lights where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and aerial acrobatics once hooked - they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. The best snook action typically happens during warmer months when they're more active, but Tampa Bay's year-round mild climate means you've got shots at them most of the year. Their razor-sharp gill plates and that distinctive black lateral line make them instantly recognizable, and their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating fish in Florida waters.
Redfish, or red drum as they're officially known, are the workhorses of the flats. These copper-colored fighters are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style - once a red gets its head down, you're in for a battle. Look for that characteristic black spot near their tail, though some reds have multiple spots or none at all. They're year-round residents in Tampa Bay, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish in shallow waters. What anglers love about reds is their willingness to eat - they're aggressive feeders and not nearly as finicky as some other species. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits, with firm white meat that works great blackened or grilled.
Sea trout are Tampa Bay's most abundant gamefish and perfect for building confidence, especially for newer anglers. These spotted beauties are found throughout the bay's grass flats and sandy bottom areas, feeding primarily on shrimp and small fish. Trout have a relatively soft mouth, so you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them in - they'll teach you fin
Captain Joe's 24-foot ProLine is built for serious Tampa Bay fishing action. This spacious boat gives you plenty of room to fight those stubborn snook and redfish without bumping into your buddies. The 60-gallon livewell with dual pumps keeps your bait swimming strong all day, while two massive 90-quart coolers handle your catch and cold drinks. You'll appreciate the wireless trolling motor when sneaking up on shallow water reds, and the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. With tackle and equipment already onboard, you just need to show up ready to fish these productive inshore waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. Most run 20 inches, but we've pulled some real bulls pushing 30+ pounds from Tampa Bay's structure. They love hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and any hard structure they can find - think bridge pilings, artificial reefs, and drop-offs. Best action happens spring through fall when they're actively feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. What makes them special is that powerful initial run - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their hole. The meat is top-shelf white and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure, or they'll cut you off every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's signature species - those copper-colored bruisers with the distinctive black spot near their tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and put up a serious scrap with powerful runs and head shakes. They patrol shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing stays solid, but fall brings the best action as they school up. What hooks people is watching them cruise the shallows like submarines and that explosive topwater bite. Sweet, mild meat makes them table favorites too. Best bet: sight-fish them on the flats with gold spoons or live shrimp, and always approach quietly - they spook easy in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are perfect starter fish that still pack plenty of fight. Most run 14-18 inches with occasional 3-4 pounders that'll surprise you. They cruise grass flats and shallow bays, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Spring and fall offer consistent action, while winter brings some of our biggest fish. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky white meat - some of the best eating in the bay. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Local secret: work the edges of grass beds right at daybreak with a slow-sinking jig head and you'll find them every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier inshore game fish, running that classic ambush-and-run style that keeps you on your toes. Most average 18-24 inches, though slot fish around 28-32 inches give the best fights. They stick to mangrove shorelines, dock lights, and creek mouths where they can ambush baitfish. Prime time is dawn and dusk during warmer months, with spawning season May through September producing the hottest action. What guests love is their explosive strike and gill-rattling jumps - pure adrenaline. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Key trick: work the mangrove edges with live shrimp or pilchards, but be ready to horse them away from cover fast once hooked.
5.0 out of 5.0This was my second trip with Joe, we went out last year for the 4hr trip and brought back a dozen keeper grunt fillets to cook up....
we had an amazing fishing trip today with Joe! From start to finish, it was a great expereince. Joe was friendly, knowledgeable, a...
Had a wonderful experience with Joe Masi from Masi Boy’s Fishing today with my sons. We are avid fishers from Long Island and goin...
It was an unseasonably cold day in St. Pete, not exactly the best weather for fishing. In spite of that, Joe was courteous, knowle...
What a great kid!!! ( I’m an old lady) very personable, friendly professional & knowledgeable taught me a lot! Would definitely go...
Captain Joe was awesome! He was very persistent on putting us on fish. We tried several locations to diversify our catch. We lande...
St Petersburg