4 Hour Inshore Trip (pm) - Tampa Bay's Best
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon inshore fishing adventure in local watersTarget fish in Manatee River and Terra Ceia BaySmall group experience with maximum three guests
Looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the long haul offshore? This 4-hour inshore trip with Palmetto Pats Fishing Charters hits three of Tampa Bay's most productive fishing spots. We'll work the Manatee River's grass flats, cruise through the Skyway Shipping Channel's structure, and finish up in Terra Ceia Bay's backcountry waters. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want quality fishing without burning the whole day. Captain Pat knows these waters like his backyard, and you'll quickly see why this trip keeps anglers coming back season after season.
We launch in the afternoon when the bite often picks up and the crowds thin out. Starting in the Manatee River, you'll fish some of the most consistent grass flats in the area – perfect habitat where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The Skyway Shipping Channel gives us deeper water and structure that holds fish year-round, especially around the bridge pilings and drop-offs. Terra Ceia Bay rounds out the trip with its maze of mangrove shorelines and oyster bars that create perfect ambush points. The boat stays comfortable with just three anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Pat provides all the tackle and bait, plus he'll clean your catch at the dock.
We run light spinning gear perfect for inshore work – 7-foot medium action rods with 3000 series reels spooled with 15-20 pound braid. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll switch between live shrimp under popping corks, DOA jigs bounced along the bottom, and topwater plugs when fish are busting bait on the surface. In the deeper channel waters, we might drop down live pinfish or grunt for bigger snook and reds. Captain Pat reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the trip – if the grass flats are slow, we'll focus more time around structure, or if the topwater bite is hot, we'll keep throwing plugs until it dies off. The key is staying flexible and fishing what's working that particular afternoon.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system when they make their blistering runs. These silver bullets typically run 1-3 pounds and hit fast-moving baits with authority. Best months are spring through fall when they school up around bait pods. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size – plus they're usually willing biters when other species get finicky.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators can stretch over 30 inches and have an attitude to match their size. They love structure like dock pilings, mangrove edges, and bridge spans where they wait to crush unsuspecting baitfish. Summer months see the biggest fish, but they bite year-round in these warmer bay waters. Landing a slot snook is like winning the lottery – they jump, they run, and they'll test every knot you tied.
Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout) are the bread-and-butter fish that keep action steady throughout the trip. They love grass flats where they can hide and pick off shrimp and small baitfish. Most run 14-18 inches, but gator trout over 20 inches show up regularly in these waters. They hit soft plastics, live bait, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their willingness to bite during tough conditions when other fish shut down.
Redfish are bulldogs that'll make you think you're hung up on the bottom until they start their powerful runs. These copper-colored fighters cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish, often with their backs out of water in skinny spots. They can push 8-10 pounds in these waters and have the stamina to keep pulling even when you think they're whipped. Reds bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in big numbers.
This afternoon inshore trip delivers consistent action across multiple species without the time commitment of a full-day charter. Captain Pat's local knowledge combined with Tampa Bay's world-class inshore fishery means you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, entertaining visiting family, or just want to wet a line after work, this trip hits the sweet spot. The 3-angler limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of casting opportunities. Book your spot now and see why Palmetto Pats Fishing Charters has become the go-to choice for serious inshore fishing in Tampa Bay.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore game fish with their sleek silver bodies and that signature black lateral stripe. They average 18-30 inches but can push 4 feet, and they love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, anywhere with cover. You'll find them in the shallows around Terra Ceia and up the Manatee River, especially during warmer months when they're most active. They're ambush predators that hit hard and fight dirty, making powerful runs and trying to wrap you around structure. The fight alone keeps guests coming back, plus they're prized table fare with sweet, white meat. These fish are smart though - they'll inspect your bait and spook easily. My go-to trick is using a live shrimp on a light jig head, casting past the structure and working it back slowly through their strike zone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers of the flats, easily recognized by their bronze backs and those signature black spots near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can hit 40+ inches and really test your drag. They thrive in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats - places where you'll often see their backs or tails breaking the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime time when they're feeding heavily. What guests love is the visual aspect - watching a big red cruise the shallows, then that powerful run when hooked. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, firm meat. My best tip for these waters is to work live shrimp or cut bait slowly along the mangrove edges during moving tides - redfish use structure to ambush prey.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots and a yellow tinge to their fins. They typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. You'll find them throughout our area, from the grass beds in Terra Ceia Bay to the deeper channels of the Skyway. Spring through fall offers the best action, with cooler months pushing them into deeper water where they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - that surface explosion is pure magic. They're also excellent eating with delicate, flaky white meat. The key to consistent success is fishing live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds, keeping it moving just enough to attract their attention without spooking them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are built for speed with their streamlined silver bodies and distinctive yellow spots along the sides. Most run 1-2 feet and weigh 8-11 pounds, but they're fast swimmers that travel in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structures and flats throughout our waters, especially when the weather's warmer and they move closer to shore. They hit live shrimp, sardines, and cut bait hard, plus they'll smash shiny spoons and jigs trolled at moderate speeds. What guests love is that explosive strike and the way they fight - plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working baitfish, get there fast - Spanish mackerel are usually feeding below and you can have a field day casting spoons into the chaos.
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