Afternoon Trout and Snook Charter – 4 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon charter targeting Speckled Trout and Snook in Tampa BayExplores inshore flats and mangroves with professional guide and tackle includedAccommodates all skill levels with potential for Florida inshore slam
When the afternoon sun starts working its magic on Tampa Bay's flats, that's when the fishing really heats up. This 4-hour charter departing at 1:00 PM from Ruskin puts you right in the sweet spot for targeting two of Florida's most sought-after inshore species – Speckled Trout and Snook. We'll work the productive waters around Apollo Beach and the maze of mangroves that make Tampa Bay a world-class fishery. While trout and snook are our main targets, don't be surprised if we hook into some chunky redfish or feisty grey snapper along the way. Whether you're picking up a rod for the first time or you've been chasing fish for decades, this trip is designed to put you on fish and show you why Tampa Bay consistently ranks as one of Florida's top inshore destinations.
We'll launch from Ruskin and immediately head to some of my favorite afternoon honey holes around Tampa Bay. The beauty of a 1:00 PM start is that we're fishing during prime time – when the water temperature is just right and baitfish are active along the mangrove edges and grass flats. The spring bite is legendary around here, and we'll capitalize on that by working structure where these fish love to ambush prey. You'll experience true sight fishing as we pole through skinny water, looking for telltale signs like nervous baitfish, swirls, or the classic redfish tail sticking up out of the water. The trip covers up to 3 anglers with room for a 4th if your group needs it. I keep the numbers small because that's how you get quality fishing time and personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
We fish with light tackle exclusively because that's what makes these inshore species so much fun to catch. I provide all the gear – quality spinning reels spooled with the right test line for our target species. We'll work with both live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. Live shrimp under popping corks is deadly on trout, while a well-placed live pilchard near a mangrove overhang can trigger explosive strikes from snook. When we switch to artificials, we're talking soft plastics on jig heads, topwater plugs that'll make your heart race when a big snook crushes it on the surface, and suspending twitch baits that drive trout crazy. I'll teach you how to read the water, work different lure presentations, and most importantly, how to set the hook when you get that bite. The shallow water fishing we do requires stealth and precision – we'll be poling quietly through areas where one wrong move can spook every fish in a 100-yard radius.
Speckled Trout are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides are aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. Spring is prime time for trout as they move into the shallows to feed and spawn. You'll find them over grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, often in schools that can provide non-stop action once you dial in their location. What makes trout special is their willingness to bite and their fantastic table fare – there's nothing like fresh speckled trout cooked the same day you caught it. They typically run 14-20 inches in our waters, with the occasional trophy pushing over 24 inches.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing and Tampa Bay holds some absolute tanks. These fish are ambush predators that lurk around structure – mangrove overhangs, docks, oyster bars, and creek mouths. What gets your adrenaline pumping is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag system. Snook are incredibly structure-oriented, so expect to make precise casts inches from cover where one small mistake means a break-off. The afternoon bite coincides perfectly with their feeding patterns, especially around moving water. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but the fight alone makes them worth targeting. A slot snook in the 28-32 inch range will give you a battle you won't forget.
Redfish round out the inshore slam possibility on every trip, and Tampa Bay's reds are known for their size and attitude. These copper-colored bulldogs love shallow water and you'll often spot them tailing in less than two feet of water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The sight fishing opportunities for reds are phenomenal – there's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch redfish slowly cruise toward your bait. When they eat, they eat hard, and the initial run will test your knots and your composure. Reds in our area typically run 20-35 inches, with the occasional oversized bull that'll remind you why they're considered one of the premier inshore gamefish.
Spanish Mackerel add speed and excitement when they're around, typically showing up in better numbers during the warmer months. These sleek predators are pure speed demons that'll rip line off your reel in blistering runs. They're excellent on light tackle and respond well to both live bait and small artificials worked with an erratic retrieve. While they don't get huge – most run 12-18 inches – their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights make them a blast to catch. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
This afternoon charter hits the perfect window when Tampa Bay's inshore fishing really shines. You're getting a top-rated experience with a captain who knows these waters inside and out, quality light tackle gear, live bait, and the chance to target multiple species that make
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bull-fighters of the flats, averaging 18-27 inches around Tampa Bay with that signature black spot near the tail. These copper-colored bruisers cruise 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs show above the surface. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines, especially areas with moving water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter bring the best action when they school up tight. What hooks anglers is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll peel drag and never give up easy. The smaller "slot" reds make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. My favorite local trick: look for "tailing" reds in super shallow water where they're feeding head-down. Approach quietly and drop your bait right in front of their nose for an instant hookup.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Tampa Bay's most reliable catch, running 12-20 inches with those distinctive black spots. These grass flat specialists love 2-8 feet of water over sandy bottom with patchy grass. Cool mornings and evenings produce the best bites, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. They school up heavily in winter, moving to deeper channels and holes. What makes trout fishing so enjoyable is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - mild, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and abundant. Here's my local secret: during cold fronts, forget the shallow flats. Find the deepest grass beds you can and work them slowly with soft plastics. The bigger fish hold there waiting for warmer water.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the prize of Florida inshore fishing, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloring. Most fish we catch run 18-28 inches, but Tampa Bay holds some real trophies over 30 inches. These ambush predators love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime time, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. Snook are strict about water temps, so they school up in deeper channels during cool spells. What guests love most is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to break off. The meat is sweet and flaky, but they're catch-and-release only during closed season. My go-to tip: work your lure slow and close to cover. They won't chase far.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and weigh 2-4 pounds around Tampa Bay. You'll spot these silver speedsters with yellow spots schooling near the surface, especially around structure and grass flats. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. They hunt in large schools, feeding on sardines, pilchards, and shrimp. What makes them popular is their lightning-fast strikes and aerial fights - plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. The key trick I share: when you see birds diving or bait jumping, get ready. Spanish macks often feed right under the commotion, so cast a small spoon or jig right into the chaos and hold on tight.
Ruskin, FL