Full Day Tampa Bay Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targeting multiple fish species throughout Tampa BayFlexible schedule with optional lunch stops at waterfront restaurantsCaptain navigates inshore and nearshore waters for diverse catches
Looking for a fishing charter that puts you in control? Slobby Joe Charters delivers exactly that with our full-day Tampa Bay experience. You'll have the boat to yourselves for up to 8 hours, targeting everything from aggressive snook in the mangroves to massive tarpon rolling in the channels. We can meet you at Tampa, Clearwater, Ruskin, or Anna Maria - wherever works best for your crew. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter charter where you fish one spot all day. We're talking about a custom fishing adventure that covers multiple habitats across one of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries.
Your day starts when you're ready - no rushing to make someone else's schedule. Captain Joe knows Tampa Bay like the back of his hand, and he'll tailor the trip based on what's biting, the tides, and what species you're hoping to land. Want to start light with some sheepshead around the bridge pilings, then move to deeper grass flats for snook? No problem. Feel like chasing Spanish mackerel in the open bay before hitting the mangroves for black drum? We're all over it. The boat comfortably handles 3 anglers with room to move around and fight fish properly. If you get hungry or want to grab a cold beer, we can pull up to one of the bay's waterfront restaurants - Ozona Blue or Sandpearl are local favorites. This flexibility is what separates a top-rated charter from the assembly-line operations.
Tampa Bay offers incredible variety, which means we're switching up techniques throughout the day. Around the grass flats, we'll be throwing live shrimp under popping corks for snook and working topwater plugs early morning. The deeper channels call for live bait fishing with pinfish and pilchards - perfect for tarpon and big black drum. Spanish mackerel love fast-moving spoons and small jigs, especially when we find them busting bait near the Skyway Bridge. We've got all the tackle you need, from light spinning gear for the smaller species to heavy conventional setups when the silver kings show up. The boat is rigged with a live well, plenty of rod holders, and fish boxes to keep your catch fresh. GPS and fish finder help us locate structure and bait schools, but it's really about reading the water - watching for bird activity, current breaks, and those subtle signs that separate good fishing days from great ones.
Spanish Mackerel: These speed demons are Tampa Bay staples from spring through fall. They typically run 1-3 pounds and hit lures with serious attitude. Best action happens when they're schooled up chasing glass minnows, usually around structure or current breaks. What makes them customer favorites? They fight hard for their size, taste fantastic grilled with some citrus, and beginners can catch them while experienced anglers still get a kick out of their aggressive strikes. Peak season runs April through October.
Snook: The crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These ambush predators lurk around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings waiting to crush your bait. They average 20-28 inches in the bay, with slot-sized fish being the target during open seasons. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward structure. They're catch-and-release only during closed seasons, but when they're open, the white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in Florida waters. Prime time is dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding.
Black Drum: These bottom dwellers are year-round residents that provide steady action when other species are finicky. Tampa Bay black drum typically range from 2-8 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 20+. They're suckers for fresh shrimp fished on the bottom around oyster bars and deeper grass edges. What guests love about black drum is their reliability - you can almost always find them - and their impressive pulling power. They won't jump like a tarpon, but they'll test your drag system with long, steady runs.
Tarpon: The silver king needs no introduction. Tampa Bay is world-class tarpon water, especially from April through August. These prehistoric giants range from 50-150+ pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays. We target them with live crabs, pinfish, and cut bait around bridges, channels, and bay mouth areas. Tarpon fishing requires patience and strong arms, but landing one is a lifetime memory. They're strictly catch-and-release, but the photos and bragging rights last forever. Early morning and evening produce the best results.
Sheepshead: The convict fish with human-like teeth are structure specialists found around bridges, docks, and oyster bars. They're notorious bait thieves that require finesse and quick hook sets. Most Tampa Bay sheepshead run 2-5 pounds with occasional slabs pushing 8+. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that rivals snapper. What makes them challenging and fun is their light bite - you really have to pay attention to your rod tip. Winter months are prime time when they school up for spawning around structure.
This full-day Tampa Bay charter gives you everything serious anglers want - variety, flexibility, and access to some of Florida's most productive inshore waters. Whether you're a local looking to fish new spots or visiting from out of state, Captain Joe's knowledge of the bay's seasonal patterns and fish behavior puts you on the best action. The boat handles 3 anglers comfortably, making it perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who prefers a personalized fishing experience over crowded party boats. With multiple meeting locations and the ability to customize your day completely, this isn't just a fishing trip - it's your fishing
Meet your fishing machine for Tampa Bay waters! This restored 2002 Ranger bay boat runs on a powerful 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 45 knots. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS to navigate the flats and channels, VHF radio for safety, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. Whether you're casting for snook in the mangroves, hunting tarpon in the channels, or targeting snapper and mackerel offshore, this versatile bay boat handles Tampa's diverse waters with ease. Your captain can pick you up from multiple convenient locations around the bay, giving you maximum flexibility for your fishing adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Tampa Bay's shallow flats, commonly weighing 10-40 pounds with some giants pushing 60+. These bottom-feeders have crushing jaws perfect for eating oysters and crabs around shallow structure. You'll find them on oyster bars, grass flats, and near bridges in 2-15 feet. Spring spawning season (March-May) is prime time when they school up and make those drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are fantastic eating - firm, sweet meat. Bigger ones are tough and better released. They're powerful fighters that use their size and the shallow water to their advantage. Best tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom, and when you feel that steady pull, don't rush - these fish are deliberate feeders.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the thieves of Tampa Bay - they'll steal your bait faster than you can blink. These black-striped "convict fish" average 2-5 pounds and hang tight to any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, pilings, and rock piles. Winter months (December-March) are best when they spawn around passes and deeper structure. They're prized for their sweet, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. What makes them tricky is those human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish. They nibble baits clean off hooks, so you need small hooks and fresh bait. Fiddler crabs, shrimp, and sand fleas work best. The secret: use a small hook, keep your bait tight to structure, and set the hook at the first tap - don't wait for them to run with it because they won't.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Tampa Bay's premier inshore game fish, averaging 18-28 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They're structure lovers - hanging around docks, mangroves, bridges, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime, especially around full moons when they spawn near passes. What makes them special is that explosive strike and acrobatic fight, plus they're catch-and-release only during closed seasons. They're excellent eating when legal - white, flaky meat with great flavor. These fish are ambush predators, so work your baits slow and close to cover. Pro tip: use live shrimp or pinfish on a circle hook, and when you get bit, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling and let that circle hook do its job.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-3 pounds in Tampa Bay, though bigger ones show up. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots when they're schooling near the surface. They love structure - bridges, reefs, and drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when water temps are up. These speedsters make excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that grills beautifully. They hit fast and fight hard for their size, making light tackle a blast. My go-to trick: when you see them busting bait on the surface, cast a small spoon or jig just past the school and retrieve quickly through the edge - not right into the middle where you'll spook them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate Tampa Bay trophy fish, averaging 80-150 pounds and capable of jumping 8 feet out of the water. These prehistoric giants migrate through our waters May through August, feeding in passes, around bridges, and over deep holes. They're strictly catch-and-release - too many bones and not great eating anyway. What draws anglers is that first jump when a 100-pounder goes airborne right next to your boat. They'll test every part of your tackle and technique during fights that can last an hour. Look for them rolling on the surface early morning or late afternoon. Live crabs, mullet, or threadfins work best. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward them to give slack, or they'll throw the hook on the way down. It's all about respecting these amazing fish.
Tampa, FL