Next AvailableMay 28

Book with Brian Lemelin

Guides > Captain Brian Lemelin

Optimus Fishing Charters

5 89 reviews Identity VerifiedIdentity Verified

Ruskin FL

Brian Lemelin, Captain at Optimus Fishing Charters

Identity VerifiedIdentity VerifiedGuidesly Guarantee

Capt. Brian is originally from Lake Luzerne, NY in the great Adirondack Mountains, where his passion for the outdoors started. While serving in the US Air Force, he had the opportunity to fish and hunt in various locations around the world. He moved to the Tampa Bay area 27 years ago and fell in love with the great fishing opportunities the bay and gulf waters provided. He honed his skills as a charter captain by fishing and first mating for many of the best Captains in Tampa Bay.


Capt. Brian has won and placed in numerous fishing tournaments in Tampa, Florida. He also gives back to the community as a sponsor, participant and volunteer. These include the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Wounded Warriors in Action, Veterans in Action, Martha Mary’s House for Abused Women, to name a few.


Capt. Brian specializes in inshore fishing targeting Snook, Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Cobia, Mackerel, Sharks, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, Grouper and various other species throughout Tampa Bay.


Capt. Brian is also the owner of South Shore Watersports (SSWS). Located at the beautiful Little Harbor Resort in Ruskin, Fl. SSWS provides all your watersport needs with Jetski, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Jetski tours, cruises, tubing, and bike rentals are also available.

Show more>

Upcoming Availability

May 2025
June 2025

Expertise & Attributes

previousnext

fishing

hunting

First-time huntersFirst-time huntersLong-rangersLong-rangersMountain huntingMountain huntingScoutingScouting
fishing

fishing

Deep Sea FishingDeep Sea FishingDrift FishingDrift FishingFly FishingFly FishingGood with FamiliesGood with FamiliesGood with KidsGood with KidsGood with Large GroupsGood with Large GroupsGood with New AnglersGood with New AnglersLive BaitLive BaitMaster GuideMaster GuideNature / Wildlife ViewsNature / Wildlife ViewsSaltwater FishingSaltwater FishingTechnical FishingTechnical Fishing

Fishing Techniques

JiggingHeavy TackleLight TackleDeep Sea / Bottom Fishing

What's Included

previousnext
Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Show More

License

License

Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Show More

What's Included

Keep your Catch

Keep your Catch

This guide offers trips that you are able to take home your catch.

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Show More

License

License

Read about the licensing details that is / is not covered in the below trips.

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

Show More

Trips Available with Optimus Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters Tampa Bay | 4 To 6 Hour Charter Trip

Fishing

Starting At $450

Fishing Charters Tampa Bay | 4 To 6 Hour Charter Trip

Fishing Area: Tampa Bay

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Optimus Prime 2 • 24' Kencraft • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Join Captain Brian for an action-packed fishing trip in Tampa Bay! Cruise the inshore and coastal waters on half-day, three-quarter-day, or full-day charters, reaching up to 10 miles offshore. Reel in Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Redfish, Trout, Sharks, Bluefish, and more. Whether you're an experienced angler or casting a line for the first time, Captain Brian's expert guidance ensures a successful and enjoyable day on the water. Enjoy top-quality gear, a comfortable boat, and the chance to catch trophy fish. Rates cover two guests, with an additional $50 per extra person. Book now for an unforgettable fishing experience! *Deposits are non-refundable.

Tampa Bay Charter Fishing | 8 Hour Charter Trip

Fishing

Starting At $850

Tampa Bay Charter Fishing | 8 Hour Charter Trip

Fishing Area: Tampa Bay

Fishing: Inshore

Fishing Boat:

Optimus Prime 2 • 24' Kencraft • Max 6 guests (base trip price includes 6 guests)

Description: Set out on an unforgettable 8-hour fishing trip in the waters of Tampa Bay! With experienced Captain Brian at the helm, enjoy the perfect mix of action and relaxation. Travel up to 10 miles offshore in search of Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Redfish, Trout, Sharks, Bluefish, and more. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, top-quality gear and expert guidance ensure a successful day. Cast your line, feel the excitement of the catch, and take in the scenic views of the bay. Rates cover two guests, with an additional $50 per extra person. Book your trip today! *Deposits are non-refundable.

Vehicle

Optimus Prime 2

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

6

Boat Length:

24 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Kencraft

Model Year:

2021

Engine Manufacturer Name:

Yamaha

# of Engines:

1

Horsepower Per Engine:

200

Maximum Cruising Speed:

40

Features: First Mate Bait Tank Trolling Motor Fish Finder GPS VHF Radio

Optimus Fishing Charters Kencraft Boat

2021 Kencraft 239 Bayrider

Boat

Optimus Fishing Charters Kencraft Boat image 0

Optimus Prime 2

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

6

Boat Length:

24 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about Optimus Fishing Charters

Reports and Expert Articles

defaultImg

Fishing Report In Tampa Bay

Experience the thrill of fishing in Tampa Bay! Our trip was filled with excitement, and everyone had a great time while learning something new. Don't miss out on the adventure – book your Tampa Bay Fishing Charter today!

defaultImg

Tampa Bay Fishing

We had a great day on the water today with Captain Brian! We caught a few snook and some sea trout. The weather was perfect, we had a good time, and I think everyone got hooked.

Ratings & Reviews Summary

5.00
out of 5
Based on 89 ratings
100%
recommended
recommended
Based on 89 recommendations
5
89
4
3
2
1
Our Captain is loved for...
Great Guide
Best Spots
Best Boat
Good with Kids

May 28, 2025

Our family just did the sunset cruise a few days ago! This was the highlight of our trip! Capt. Brian is super knowledgeable about the area, had us jamming the entire time, and even though it was late in the day, he was able to take us to the open waters where we saw a few dolphins! I highly recommend this charter!

D
DanielMiller

May 28, 2025

Captain Brian was great! Fun and energetic, great with kids and newbie fishermen. Helped us find a good assortment of inshore fish, and a handful of sharks!

B
BrianDockter

May 28, 2025

Great trip! When we are in the Tampa area, I will definitely book again with Optimus fishing!

May 28, 2025

Captain Brian put us on the fish from the time we started and kept us reeling them in all day. We caught a ton of fish, many different species. If you want to catch fish I suggest you book a trip with Captain Brian. My brother and I have gone on a few fishing trips, but this one was the best by far. We had a blast. Even with the hot temps Captain Brian put us on fish. We will definitely book another trip with him.

May 28, 2025

We had a great day on the water with Captain Brian. We are not the most experienced fishermen and Captain Brian was very patient and gracious with us losing his gear in the mangroves. Will definitely be booking again so stock up on some more gear Captain..Thank you for helping make a great memory with my kids..

May 28, 2025

My 5 year old son and I had a great time!

Loading...