5.0(1 Reviews)Tampa Fishing Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Drum on specialized inshore fishing charterAccommodates up to four guests with Nordic Fishing ChartersAdditional opportunities for Redfish and Snook catches
When you're looking for a solid day on Tampa's inshore waters, this Black Drum-focused charter with Nordic Fishing Charters and Excursions delivers exactly what serious anglers want. Captain Josh runs a tight ship that accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention without the chaos of crowded party boats. You'll spend your day targeting the hard-fighting Black Drum that Tampa Bay is famous for, but don't be surprised if we switch things up on the way back to chase some aggressive Redfish or that trophy Snook you've been dreaming about. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about real fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
This charter is built around one thing: putting you on fish. We start early when the water's calm and the fish are active, heading out to the productive flats and structure where Black Drum congregate. The boat's perfectly sized for four anglers, so you won't be bumping elbows or fighting for space at the rail. Captain Josh focuses on the spots that consistently produce, using his local knowledge to put you where the fish are feeding. The trip runs long enough to really work the water properly, and if the Black Drum bite slows down, we've got backup plans. On the return trip, we'll hit the mangrove shorelines and grass flats where Redfish patrol and Snook ambush baitfish. Pack your own snacks and drinks – you'll need the fuel for what these fish are going to put you through.
Black Drum fishing requires specific tactics, and Captain Josh has the setup dialed in. We're talking about medium to heavy spinning tackle that can handle these bruisers when they decide to make their runs. The technique varies depending on conditions – sometimes we're sight fishing the flats, other times we're anchored up over structure with fresh bait. Circle hooks are standard to ensure proper releases, and we keep a variety of bait options on board. When we target the Snook and Redfish, we switch to lighter tackle and different presentations – live bait under the mangroves, artificial lures worked along the grass lines. Captain Josh provides all the gear, but if you've got your favorite rod and reel combo, bring it along. He's flexible about techniques too – if you want to throw lures instead of soaking bait, just speak up.
"Captain Josh is one of a kind. We had an amazing snorkeling trip for scallops on his perfect sized fishing boat. Josh is a great guide and is very knowledgeable about the area. I can't recommend his charter enough. He preaches safety and fun. The kids had an amazing time. We will be booking him again no doubt. It's hard to find good down to earth people like captain Josh." - D
Black Drum are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These fish average 15-30 pounds in Tampa Bay, but don't be shocked if you hook into a 40-pounder that'll test your drag system and your patience. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding in shallower water. What makes Black Drum special is their fight – they're not flashy jumpers like Tarpon, but they'll pull steady and hard, using their broad sides to leverage against your tackle. The bigger fish are smart too, so don't expect them to make mistakes. They're bottom feeders that love blue crab, shrimp, and cut bait, and they'll often feed in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
Redfish are Tampa Bay's most reliable inshore species, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These copper-colored fighters average 20-28 inches in our waters, with some oversized bulls pushing 30+ inches. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. What anglers love about Redfish is their predictability – they feed aggressively during moving tides and aren't too picky about presentations. They'll eat live shrimp, pinfish, cut bait, and a variety of artificial lures. The fight is classic inshore action – strong initial runs followed by dogged resistance as they try to reach structure. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.
Snook are the glamour fish of Tampa's inshore waters, and landing one is always a highlight. These ambush predators average 18-26 inches, with trophy fish reaching 30+ inches and 8+ pounds. They're structure addicts that live around mangroves, docks, bridges, and creek mouths. What makes Snook fishing addictive is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, gill-rattle, and run for cover like their life depends on it. They're also moody fish that can be incredibly finicky about presentation, water temperature, and tide. Summer offers the most consistent action, but the cooler months can produce bigger fish. They love live pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish, but they'll also hit well-presented artificials.
Sea Trout are Tampa Bay's most abundant inshore species, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches, with keeper fish running 15+ inches. They're grass flat specialists that feed actively during low-light periods and moving tides. Sea Trout are willing biters that'll eat live shrimp, artificial lures, and cut bait with enthusiasm. The fight isn't as dramatic as other species, but their soft mouths and tendency to jump make them interesting to play. They're also excellent table fare, making them popular with anglers who want to take dinner home. Year-round fishing is possible, but spring and fall
Your Black Drum adventure begins aboard a well-equipped 26' Carolina Skiff designed to get you on the fish fast. This reliable motorboat handles Tampa's inshore waters with ease, carrying up to 4 anglers comfortably while you target those hard-fighting drums known for their stubborn battles. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly into prime fishing spots without spooking your targets, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper channels. GPS navigation keeps you on productive structure, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. The live bait well keeps your shrimp and crabs fresh all day, crucial for tempting picky Black Drum. After wearing yourself out battling these bruisers, you'll appreciate the onboard toilet and multimedia system during the ride back. On the return trip, keep your rods ready – those same flats and grass beds often hold hungry Redfish and Snook waiting to bend your rod one more time before heading to the dock.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Tampa's inshore scene, typically ranging 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. These bottom-feeders cruise oyster bars, shallow mud flats, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is their bulldogging fight; they'll pull drag and test your patience. Smaller drums under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones are tough and better released. They're perfect for anglers wanting a serious workout. Here's my local secret: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig around oyster beds during moving tides. The key is keeping your bait on the bottom where they feed.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-red beauties are some of the smartest fish in Tampa Bay. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. They're night feeders that love docks, piers, and mangrove areas during the day. You can catch them year-round, but summer nights are prime time when they're actively hunting. What guests love about greys is their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they bite consistently. The challenge is their wariness; they'll inspect your bait forever before committing. My go-to trick is using a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. No bobbing - let them find it naturally.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay legends with their copper backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, though bulls over 30 inches patrol deeper waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines - often in water so skinny their backs show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're cruising the flats in schools. What makes reds special is their power and that famous "red run" when hooked. Plus, slot-sized fish are outstanding table fare with firm, mild meat. You can sight-fish them in clear water, which adds to the excitement. Here's a Tampa tip: look for tailing fish on low tide mornings around oyster bars. Use a 1/4-ounce gold spoon or soft plastic and make your cast well ahead of cruising fish - they spook easily in shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are Tampa Bay's bread-and-butter fish. Most run 14-18 inches with plenty of those telltale black spots along their silver sides. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes trout popular is their willingness to hit artificials and their sweet, tender meat - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and bite consistently. In winter, look for bird activity over deeper water where they gang up. My favorite setup is a 1/8-ounce jig head with a soft plastic shrimp tail worked slowly along the bottom edges of grass beds.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay favorites that typically run 1-3 feet long, with those golden flanks and that distinctive black lateral line. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and brackish water. They love structure and ambush their prey with lightning-fast bursts. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the new and full moons from May to September when they're spawning. What makes snook special is their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and skill. The smaller ones make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: work your lure slow around the mangroves and be ready for that explosive strike. They're spooky, so keep noise to a minimum and make accurate casts to the shadows.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Josh is one of a kind. We had an amazing snorkeling trip for scallops on his perfect sized fishing boat. Josh is a great g...
Tampa, FL