Tampa Bay Full-Day Redfish & Spanish Mackerel
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore charter targeting redfish and Spanish mackerel.Expert Captain Brian provides guidance and topquality fishing gear.Covers Tampa Bay waters up to 10 miles offshore.
Get ready for a world-class inshore fishing adventure with Captain Brian and Optimus Fishing Charters. This full-day trip takes you through the best fishing spots Tampa Bay has to offer, covering waters up to 10 miles offshore where the real action happens. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Brian knows how to put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. The boat's comfortable, the gear's top-notch, and the fishing? Well, let's just say Tampa Bay didn't earn its reputation as Florida's premier inshore destination by accident.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Brian at the dock, coffee in hand and ready to chase some fish. The plan is simple but effective – hit multiple spots throughout Tampa Bay's expansive water system, adapting to conditions and following the bite. You'll fish everything from grass flats to mangrove shorelines, oyster bars to deeper channels where Spanish mackerel love to cruise. Captain Brian's been working these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find redfish tailing in shallow water or mackerel busting bait on the surface. The boat's rigged with everything you need, from light tackle perfect for trout to heavier gear when you hook into a bull red or unexpected cobia. Expect to move around quite a bit – that's the beauty of inshore fishing in Tampa Bay. One spot might be dead calm, then you run five minutes to another area and find fish everywhere.
Captain Brian runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where you're fishing. Sight casting to redfish is a customer favorite – there's nothing quite like watching a big red cruise up to your bait in clear water. You'll throw live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait when targeting bottom species like sheepshead around structure. For Spanish mackerel, expect to troll spoons or work the surface with casting spoons when you find them feeding. The tackle setup changes throughout the day too. Light spinning gear works great for trout and smaller reds, while heavier conventional setups come out when you're working deeper water for cobia or when those bull sharks show up uninvited. Don't worry about bringing anything – Captain Brian's got you covered with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box that's seen more fish than most anglers catch in a lifetime. He'll teach you the right techniques for each species and situation, making sure you understand why you're using certain baits and presentations.
Spanish mackerel are absolute rockets when they hit your line. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds in Tampa Bay, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and attitude. Best fishing usually happens during cooler months when they school up and feed aggressively on the surface. You'll see them busting bait balls, and when you cast into the commotion, hold on tight. They're also fantastic table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-size fish around 20-27 inches up to massive bulls that'll test your drag system. Reds hang around oyster bars, mangrove edges, and grass flats year-round, making them a reliable target no matter when you fish. They're smart, strong, and incredibly fun to catch, especially when you spot them cruising shallow water with their backs out.
Sheepshead might look funny with their human-like teeth, but don't let that fool you – they're one of the best eating fish in the bay. These black-and-white striped convicts love hanging around structure like docks, bridges, and oyster bars. They're notorious bait thieves, so you need perfect timing and a quick hookset. Most run 2-4 pounds, but Tampa Bay produces some real slabs that'll surprise you.
Sea trout are everywhere in Tampa Bay's grass flats, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches, with occasional "gator" trout pushing 20+ inches. They hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. Trout fishing is often fast-paced, with multiple hookups keeping everyone busy.
Tripletail are the wildcards of Tampa Bay fishing. These oddball fish float on their sides near the surface, often around floating debris or channel markers. They're incredibly good eating and put up a solid fight, but finding them requires patience and sharp eyes. When Captain Brian spots one, get ready for some precision casting – tripletail can be picky about presentation.
Tampa Bay's reputation as a top-rated inshore fishing destination isn't going anywhere, and trips with experienced captains like Brian book up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. This full-day charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Tampa Bay has to offer – from shallow water sight fishing to deeper water opportunities you won't find on shorter trips. The rate covers two anglers, with additional guests at $50 per person, making it a great value for serious fishing time. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're looking to check some new species off your list, put together a fish fry, or just spend a day doing what you love most, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait – contact Optimus Fishing Charters today and get your spot locked in for what's sure to be a memorable day on Tampa Bay.
Captain Brian's 2021 Kencraft 239 Bayrider is built for serious Tampa Bay fishing action. This reliable center console cuts through the bay waters smoothly while you chase redfish in the shallows or hunt Spanish mackerel in deeper spots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on spooky fish, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures where the action happens. GPS keeps you on the hottest fishing spots, and VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. The boat handles Tampa Bay's varying conditions with confidence, whether you're working the grass flats for trout or targeting cobia around channel markers. Clean layout and thoughtful design make it easy to fight fish and move around the deck safely.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, ranging from slot-size 18-27 inchers to oversized bulls pushing 30+ pounds. You'll spot their signature black spots and copper-bronze backs cruising oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water. They bite year-round but peak during spring and fall when they school up in big numbers. What gets anglers hooked is their bulldogging fights and the sight-fishing opportunities - watching a red crush your topwater plug in skinny water never gets old. They're also fantastic eating in the slot size range. My best advice: look for nervous water and tailing fish on the flats, then make long, quiet casts ahead of their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are Tampa Bay's bread and butter species, typically running 12-20 inches with beautiful spotted sides and a soft mouth that requires finesse. These fish love grass flats, sandy potholes, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're most active in cooler months from October through March, often schooling in deeper channels during cold fronts. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater plugs at first light - nothing beats that explosive surface strike. The meat is tender and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: fish the grass edges with live shrimp under a popping cork, and keep your drag light since their mouths tear easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate structure fish in Tampa Bay, averaging 2-5 pounds with their distinctive black and white stripes earning them the "convict fish" nickname. These guys live on dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter months are prime time when they school up for spawning around February through April. Anglers love the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require quick reflexes. The payoff is sweet, white meat that rivals any table fish. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are one of the most reliable targets in Tampa Bay, typically running 1-3 pounds with their sleek, silver bodies covered in golden spots. These speed demons love structure and baitfish, so we find them around bridges, nearshore reefs, and grass flats in 10-30 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, especially on moving tides. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag every time. The meat is excellent too, mild and flaky when grilled fresh. My go-to tip: when you find one, there's usually a school nearby, so work the area thoroughly with fast-moving spoons or live shrimp.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of Tampa Bay's most unique catches, typically weighing 3-15 pounds with their distinctive three-lobed tail and mottled coloration that changes like a chameleon. These oddball fish float near the surface around channel markers, crab trap floats, and weed lines, often looking like floating debris. Summer months from May through September offer the best action when they're most active in our area. Anglers get excited about their acrobatic fights and excellent table fare that rivals grouper or snapper. The trick is stealth - they spook easily, so cast well past them and work your bait slowly back. Live shrimp or small crabs work best when sight-casting to these surface cruisers.
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