5.0(1 Reviews)Tampa Inshore Black Drum Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Drum with specialized inshore fishing techniquesAccommodate up to four guests on guided charter tripsBonus opportunities for Redfish and Snook near dock
If you're looking for a serious fight on the flats, this Tampa inshore charter is built for anglers who want to tangle with some of the most stubborn fish swimming these waters. Captain Josh runs a tight ship that focuses on Black Drum action, but don't worry – we're not putting all our eggs in one basket. When these bruisers are cooperating, you'll experience some of the best inshore fishing Tampa Bay has to offer. And on the ride back? That's prime time to throw lines at Redfish and Snook that love to ambush bait near the channels and grass flats.
This four-person charter keeps things intimate, so you're not fighting for rod space or wondering if the captain remembers your name. We're talking about a full day targeting Black Drum in their favorite haunts around Tampa Bay's expansive flats and deeper pockets. These fish don't mess around – when they grab your bait, you'll know it. The boat heads out to proven spots where these heavyweight fighters congregate, usually around oyster bars, channel edges, and structured areas where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving spots if the action slows down. Pack your own snacks and drinks because once you hook into your first Black Drum, you'll work up an appetite real quick. The return trip isn't just a scenic cruise – it's prime hunting time for Redfish and Snook that patrol the shallows during different parts of the day.
Black Drum fishing requires a different approach than your typical inshore setup. We're talking medium to heavy action rods with enough backbone to turn these fish away from structure, paired with reels that can handle sustained pressure. The captain provides all the tackle, but if you've got a favorite setup, bring it along. Bottom fishing with circle hooks is the name of the game here – we'll be using fresh cut bait like blue crab, shrimp, and sometimes mullet chunks depending on what's working. The technique involves reading the tide, finding the right depth, and having the patience to let these fish commit to the bait. When we shift gears for Redfish and Snook on the way back, expect to switch to lighter tackle and maybe throw some artificial lures around grass beds and mangrove edges. Sight fishing opportunities come up regularly, especially during the warmer months when these fish cruise the shallows looking for easy meals.
"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 main attraction here, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can weigh anywhere from 5 pounds up to 40-plus pounds in Tampa Bay waters, with the bigger specimens showing up more consistently during cooler months from November through March. They're bottom feeders with a serious attitude problem – once hooked, they'll use every ounce of their strength to head for the nearest oyster bar or piling. What makes them so addictive to target is their unpredictability. One minute you're wondering if there's anything down there, the next your rod is doubled over and your drag is screaming. They school up in good numbers, so where you find one, you'll often find more.
Redfish are Tampa Bay legends, and they show up year-round with peak action during spring and fall months. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 27 inches in our waters, with plenty of oversized fish that'll test your tackle and your patience. They're notorious for their bulldogging runs and their habit of heading straight for the nearest grass bed when hooked. What anglers love most is their aggressive nature – they'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. Sight fishing for Redfish during low light periods or overcast days provides some of the most exciting inshore action you'll find anywhere.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Tampa Bay's population is as healthy as it gets. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings, and channel edges where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly seasonal, with summer months providing the most consistent action when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. A typical Tampa Bay Snook runs anywhere from 20 to 35 inches, with larger fish always a possibility. They're known for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times and making blistering runs toward cover. The challenge with Snook is their finicky nature – they can be incredibly aggressive one day and completely shut down the next.
Sea Trout are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being difficult. These spotted beauties prefer grass flats and deeper holes, typically running 14 to 20 inches with larger "gator" trout pushing 25 inches or more. They're particularly active during dawn and dusk periods, and they respond well to both live bait and artificial presentations. What makes them a favorite among anglers is their willingness to bite and their respectable fight relative to their size. Peak season runs from April through June and again from September through November.
Grey Snapper round out the target list as opportunistic feeders that show up around structure and deeper water edges. These fish might not grow as large as their offshore cousins, but they make up for it with their scrappy attitude and excellent table fare. They typically run 12 to 18 inches in these waters and can be caught year-round with peak action during warmer months.
Your Tampa Black Drum adventure begins aboard a reliable 26-foot Carolina Skiff built for serious inshore fishing. This motorboat handles Tampa's shallow waters like a dream, getting you to those prime drum holes where the big fish hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking your targets, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure below. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The live bait well keeps your shrimp and crabs fresh all day, and the GPS ensures you'll find your way back to those productive spots. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and weather updates, plus there's even a head onboard for longer trips. After you've battled those hard-fighting Black Drum, the ride back offers shots at Redfish cruising the flats and Snook lurking around structure. The multimedia system adds some tunes to the mix, making those runs between spots even better. This boat's designed for Florida's inshore game – shallow draft, stable platform, and all the electronics you need to put fish in the cooler.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Tampa Bay, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50-plus. These bottom-feeders have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, and they'll test your drag system with powerful runs. You'll find them around oyster bars, muddy flats, and creek mouths in 2-20 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you can hook multiple fish. They're actually part of the same family as redfish and make those distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is the fight - pure power and endurance that'll wear you out. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare, but the big bulls are better released. Fresh blue crab is the ultimate bait, but here's a local secret: use live or fresh dead shrimp on a knocker rig around oyster bars during moving water. The key is keeping your bait on bottom where they feed.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper as we call them locally, are smart fish that'll test your patience. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but you can find bigger ones in deeper water. They love structure - docks, mangroves, rocks, anything that gives them cover to ambush prey. These nocturnal feeders get more active as the sun goes down, making evening trips productive. They're opportunistic hunters that'll eat shrimp, crabs, and small fish. What guests love is the challenge - they're finicky biters that require finesse, but the reward is some of the best eating fish in Tampa Bay. That white, flaky meat is restaurant quality. Night fishing around lighted docks is prime time, but here's the trick: use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then reel up just enough to stay off the structure. Be patient and don't jerk when you feel the first nibble.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's signature species, easily spotted by those black spots near the tail and bronze coloring. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but the bull reds offshore can hit 40-plus pounds. These shallow water specialists love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and willingness to eat both live bait and artificials. The slot-sized fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're also sight-fishing targets - you can actually see them cruising and tailing in shallow water. Their distinctive eyespot fools predators into attacking the wrong end. Here's a money tip: look for muddy water trails on grass flats during moving tides. That's redfish feeding, stirring up the bottom. Cast ahead of the mud cloud with a gold spoon or live shrimp and hang on.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are Tampa Bay staples, running 14-24 inches and known for their distinctive spots and delicate mouth. These grass flat specialists prefer shallow water over sandy bottom with good grass coverage, especially during warmer months. Winter pushes them to deeper holes and channels where they school up. They're active dawn and dusk feeders with a preference for live shrimp, but they'll hammer artificial lures too. What guests enjoy is their willingness to bite and decent fight, plus they're some of the best eating fish we have - that white, flaky meat is perfect for the dinner table. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when water temps are in the comfort zone. They're not the strongest fighters, but their soft mouth makes landing them a challenge. Here's the key: use light tackle and don't horse them - that paper-thin mouth tears easily. Fish grass flats with live shrimp under a popping cork, and when you hook up, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay favorites, typically running 1-3 feet long with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, though they'll move deeper in winter when temps drop. They're estuarine fish that handle both salt and fresh water well. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the spawning months of May through September when they school up near passes and bridges. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll run straight for cover once hooked. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky when they're slot-sized. Here's a local tip: fish the shadow lines around docks and bridges with live shrimp or pinfish. Snook sit in that shade waiting to ambush bait, and a well-placed cast to the dark water usually gets bit.
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