Tampa Fishing Charters | 4 Hour "Double" Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to three guestsParker 21 SE boat features custom Aquarium window livewell systemProfessional instruction provided throughout the Tampa Bay fishing experience
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure in Tampa Bay? Strike One Fishing Charters' "Double" charter gives you four full hours to hit multiple fishing spots and really dial in on what's biting. This isn't your rushed two-hour trip – we're talking about proper time on the water to chase redfish in the shallows, work the structure for snook, and maybe even tangle with some aggressive jacks. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, so whether you're bringing the family, entertaining clients, or just need to get bent on some quality fish, this charter delivers the goods.
The "Double" charter runs aboard a Parker 21 SE – a solid inshore boat that handles Tampa Bay's varied conditions with ease. What sets this rig apart is the custom aquarium window livewell, so your bait stays lively and your catch stays fresh. Four hours gives you the flexibility to adapt to what Mother Nature's serving up. Maybe we start working the grass flats for reds at first light, then move to deeper structure when the sun gets high and the snook start holding tight to cover. The captain reads the water, the weather, and the fish behavior to keep you on productive spots. Professional instruction is part of the deal, so if you're new to inshore fishing or want to sharpen your technique, you'll pick up real skills that'll serve you on future trips. The boat accommodates up to three anglers comfortably – enough space to fish without getting tangled up, but intimate enough for personalized attention.
Inshore fishing in Tampa Bay is all about versatility, and this four-hour window lets you experience different approaches. We'll likely start with live bait – pilchards, pinfish, or shrimp depending on what's available and what the fish are keyed in on. The livewell keeps everything frisky, which makes all the difference when you're sight-casting to cruising redfish or dropping a bait near a snook-holding mangrove. Artificial lures play a big part too – soft plastics rigged weedless for working the grass, topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes, and jigs for bouncing bottom structure. The captain will match tackle to conditions and target species, so you might find yourself throwing everything from 10-pound spinning gear for Spanish mackerel to heavier baitcasting setups when black drum are on the menu. Tampa Bay's structure is diverse – from shallow grass flats to deeper channels, oyster bars to mangrove shorelines. This variety means you'll learn to read water and understand why fish hold where they do, knowledge that translates to better fishing wherever you wet a line.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in our waters, with bigger fish always possible. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some memorable days when conditions align. Reds are visual feeders in shallow water, so you'll often see them tailing or cruising before you cast. When one eats, you know it – they make strong initial runs and fight hard to the boat. What anglers love most is their willingness to eat both live bait and artificials, plus they're just plain beautiful fish.
Crevalle jacks bring the muscle to Tampa Bay fishing. These silver torpedoes average 5-15 pounds but fish much bigger than their size suggests. They're most active during warmer months and often travel in schools, so when you find them, you can catch them. Jacks are aggressive feeders that'll crush topwater lures, jigs, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. They're pure fun – fast, strong, and acrobatic. Many anglers target them specifically for the workout they provide.
Spanish mackerel add speed and action to any Tampa Bay trip. These streamlined predators rarely exceed 3-4 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer enthusiasm. Peak season runs from spring through early winter, with the best action often coming during moving water. They're suckers for small jigs, spoons, and live bait, and they bite fast and fight hard. Spanish mackerel are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for families looking to take dinner home.
Snook represent the holy grail of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These line-sided predators are ambush feeders that love structure – docks, mangroves, bridges, and oyster bars. They're most active during warmer months, particularly around dawn and dusk. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times when hooked. What makes them special is their wariness – they require stealth and precision to consistently catch. Landing a quality snook feels like an achievement because it genuinely is one.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they're beloved for their pulling power and year-round availability. These bottom dwellers can range from schoolie-sized fish to genuine giants exceeding 30 pounds. They're primarily oyster bar and structure fish, feeding heavily on crabs and shellfish. Black drum fights are characterized by strong, sustained runs rather than jumping – they're pure power. Many anglers appreciate their consistency when other species aren't cooperating, and smaller drum make excellent eating.
This four-hour "Double" charter hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without burning a whole day. You get enough time to really work productive water, learn from an experienced captain, and potentially boat multiple species. The Parker 21 SE provides a stable, comfortable platform, while that custom livewell keeps your bait game strong all trip long. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to inshore fishing, improve your own skills, or just spend quality time on Tampa Bay's productive waters, this charter delivers real fishing with real results.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 2022 Parker 21 Special Edition center console boat, perfectly rigged for Tampa's inshore waters. This 21-footer cuts through the bay with its reliable 200HP Yamaha engine, reaching speeds up to 35 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. We've equipped her with a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches to shallow flats where redfish and snook love to hide. The GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish, while the custom Aquarium window livewell keeps your catch fresh and visible. Whether you're targeting trout over grass beds or working mangrove shorelines for tarpon, this boat handles Tampa Bay's varied inshore terrain with ease. The center console design provides 360-degree fishing access, making it simple to follow that big fish around the boat.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the workhorses of Tampa's shallow waters. These dark, powerful fish range from 5-30 pounds, with some giants pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and muddy bottom areas using their strong jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time, especially during spawning season when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. The fight is all about brute strength - they'll make long, steady runs that test your tackle. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough. Best approach is bottom fishing with fresh crab or cut bait. Local tip: fish the shallow mud flats on an incoming tide with peeler crab - they can't resist it.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of Tampa's waters, and that's exactly why anglers love them. These brassy, golden fish average 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 4 feet. Look for diving birds - that's your jackpot. Jacks school up and push baitfish to the surface while birds attack from above. They hang around structures, grass beds, and anywhere there's current to ambush prey. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. The fight is pure muscle - no jumping, just raw power that'll test your drag. They're not great eating, but the battle makes up for it. Pro tip: cast silver spoons past the school and retrieve fast. They love the chase and that aggressive movement triggers savage strikes.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's bread and butter. These copper-colored bruisers run 20-35 inches on average and love our shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and that satisfying tail-slapping fight. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your shrimp or gold spoon well ahead of where they're headed, not right at them. They spook easy but the payoff is worth it.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish and Tampa Bay has some of the best fishing for them. These sleek, golden fish with that bold black lateral line average 18-28 inches around here. They're structure lovers - find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and inlet mouths where current brings food. Summer months are peak season when they're most active in warmer water. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. They're ambush predators, so work your baits slow around cover. Here's the secret: during moving tides around dawn or dusk, throw live shrimp or soft plastic jerk baits right into the mangrove roots. They'll slam it when it comes out of the shadows.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are speed demons with beautiful golden spots scattered along their silver sides. They typically run 1-2 feet and 2-8 pounds around Tampa Bay. These fast swimmers school near the surface around structure, jetties, and grass flats, especially in warmer months from spring through fall. They migrate through our area, so timing matters. What guests love is their lightning-fast strikes and the way they peel line on that first run. They're also fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. The key to success is trolling small silver spoons or casting jigs near schooling activity. Watch for birds working baitfish. One trick: use light wire leaders since their sharp teeth will cut through mono, but keep it short so they don't see it.
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