World Class Family Fishing Adventure in Tampa Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets redfish and Spanish mackerel inshoreCaptain Brian provides gear and instruction for all skill levelsEighthour trip accommodates families with comfortable boat setup
Tampa Bay's inshore waters offer some of Florida's most consistent fishing, and Captain Brian knows exactly where to find the action. This 8-hour charter aboard Optimus Fishing Charters gives families the perfect mix of comfort, education, and productive fishing time. You'll cover prime fishing grounds up to 10 miles from shore, targeting everything from aggressive redfish to fast-moving Spanish mackerel. With gear included and expert instruction throughout the day, this trip works whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or looking to add new species to your logbook.
Captain Brian sets up each trip based on current conditions and what's biting best. Tampa Bay's expansive flats, channels, and nearshore structure give you plenty of options throughout the day. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the variety of species you'll encounter. Expect to move between different spots as the day progresses – maybe starting on grass flats for trout and redfish, then heading to structure for cobia and tripletail. The captain reads the water, watches for birds, and adjusts techniques based on tides and fish behavior. You'll learn to spot signs like baitfish activity, water color changes, and how different species relate to structure. This isn't just about catching fish – it's about understanding Tampa Bay's ecosystem and becoming a better angler.
This charter covers multiple fishing styles depending on what you're targeting. Live bait fishing works great for redfish, trout, and cobia – you'll learn proper rigging and presentation techniques. Spanish mackerel often hit fast-moving spoons and small jigs, so expect some casting practice and retrieve variations. For tripletail around markers and structure, sight fishing becomes key as you learn to spot these camouflaged fighters. Captain Brian brings everything you need, from circle hooks for safe releases to wire leaders when sharks show up. The boat's setup allows comfortable fishing for different age groups, with adjustable drag settings and appropriate rod weights. You'll get hands-on instruction with knot tying, bait presentation, and reading your rod tip for different species. The captain explains why certain baits work better in specific conditions and how to adjust your approach as the day unfolds.
King mackerel patrol Tampa Bay's edges and nearshore waters, especially around structure and temperature breaks. These silver bullets can stretch 20-40 inches and provide heart-stopping runs when they hit. Best action typically comes during cooler months when baitfish concentrate, though kings can show up year-round. They're exciting because you never know when one will slam your bait – that screaming drag gets everyone's attention fast. Spanish mackerel offer non-stop action, particularly in spring and fall when schools move through the bay. These smaller cousins to kings rarely exceed 18 inches but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. Kids love them because they hit hard, fight well, and provide steady action when the bite's on. Cobia cruise Tampa Bay's flats and channels, often following rays or hanging around structure. These brown sharks (though they're not sharks at all) can reach 30-50 inches and provide powerful, bulldogging fights. Spring brings the best cobia action as they move toward spawning areas. Tripletail float around markers, buoys, and debris like floating leaves – until they're not there anymore. These shape-shifting fish can disappear instantly, making sight fishing both challenging and rewarding. They're excellent table fare and provide unique fishing opportunities you won't find everywhere. Bluefish show up in schools throughout Tampa Bay, particularly when baitfish are concentrated. These toothy predators hit aggressively and fight hard for their size, though their razor-sharp teeth require careful handling and wire leaders.
Tampa Bay's fishing stays productive year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and species rotations. Captain Brian's local knowledge and family-friendly approach make this charter perfect for creating lasting memories while actually catching fish. The 8-hour format gives you time to try different techniques, move between productive areas, and really learn the water. With rates covering two guests and reasonable pricing for additional family members, this represents solid value for a full day of guided fishing. The non-refundable deposit policy reflects serious commitment to your trip date, so book when you're ready to fish. Tampa Bay's reputation as a world-class fishery isn't just marketing talk – it's backed by consistent action and diverse species opportunities that keep local and visiting anglers coming back.
Captain Brian's 2021 Kencraft 239 Bayrider is built for Tampa Bay's inshore waters and designed with family fishing in mind. This 23-foot boat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels where redfish and Spanish mackerel love to hang out. The wireless trolling motor lets us slip up on fish without spooking them, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. GPS keeps us on the productive spots, and the VHF radio ensures we stay connected on the water. With comfortable seating for two guests, there's plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and enjoy the day without feeling cramped. The boat's layout makes it easy for kids and first-time anglers to move around safely while learning the ropes. Whether we're targeting reds in the grass flats or chasing mackerel over structure, this Kencraft gets us there smoothly and brings home the catch.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive blue-green fighters known for their feeding frenzies when they hit bait schools. These toothy predators run up to 20 pounds commonly, with some hitting 40. They show up in summer around sandy harbors, bays, and tidal rivers, often creating surface chaos when feeding. Late summer brings smaller "snappers" perfect for kids to target. What guests love is the nonstop action when you find a school, plus they're decent eating when prepared fresh. The smaller ones taste better than the big ones. Watch those razor teeth when handling - they'll bite anything. Use oily baits like cut eel or sardines, and fish the edges of feeding schools rather than casting right into the middle.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. These dark brown bruisers average around 30-40 pounds but can hit 100+. They're loners, not schoolers, which makes each one a special catch. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet during spring migration and spawning season. Summer finds them deeper on reefs and rigs. They're sight fishing gold - you'll spot them just under the surface. The fight is aggressive and the table fare is outstanding, firm white meat that tastes like premium snapper. Here's the key: use a 4-8 oz bucktail jig and don't worry about color. Work it around current breaks near structure where they ambush prey.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are fast, powerful fighters that run 30+ pounds on average, with some pushing 90. These olive-colored speedsters cruise open waters 40-150 feet deep, but bigger ones move closer to shore around inlets and harbors. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes them special is that blazing speed - they're as quick as wahoo and put up a serious battle with multiple runs. The meat is rich and flaky, though watch the mercury with kids. Use a two-hook rig on wire leader since they love hitting bait from behind. Cast to the tail end first, then work forward - these guys are smart and spook easy if you approach wrong.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are silver speedsters with distinctive yellow spots that school up in massive numbers. These 1-2 foot fish average 8-11 pounds and are some of the fastest swimmers out there. They're perfect for families since they're aggressive biters found near the surface around structure, flats, and oyster bars. Warmer months bring them closer to shore where you can catch them from piers and beaches. The fight is fast and furious, and they make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's great grilled, fried, or even smoked. Try trolling small spoons or casting jigs when you see schools busting bait. Keep moving until you find active fish, then work them quickly before they move on.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail get their name from those rounded dorsal and anal fins that make them look like they have three tails. These olive-colored oddballs with dark blotches run 2-13 pounds typically, but can push 40. They're masters of disguise, lying on their sides to mimic floating debris near weed lines and structure. Spring through fall is prime time when they cruise near the surface in our warmer Tampa Bay waters. What makes them fun is the sight fishing - you actually see them before you cast. Plus they're acrobatic fighters and taste incredible, similar to snapper or grouper. The secret is staying stealthy. Cast well past them and drag your bait back toward the fish. Spook them and they're gone.
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