Tampa Bay Fishing Charters | Inshore Action
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charters covering Tampa Bay to Sarasota watersAll licenses and professional equipment provided by experienced guidesSmall group experience with maximum two guests per trip
Tampa Bay's inshore waters are where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of Florida's most sought-after game fish. When you book with Tradewinds Fishing Charter, you're getting a local captain who knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and mangrove creek from Tarpon Springs down to Sarasota. This isn't just another boat ride – it's your chance to work prime fishing grounds that produce trophy fish year-round. We keep groups small at just 2 anglers, so you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows.
Your Tampa Bay fishing adventure starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. We'll cruise out to productive flats and structure where the fish are feeding, adjusting our game plan based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to cruising redfish in 2 feet of water, the next you're working a deep channel for monster tarpon. Our boat's equipped with everything you need: quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, a full tackle selection, and all required fishing licenses. You just show up ready to fish. The intimate 2-person capacity means we can move quickly between spots and spend more time with lines in the water instead of managing a crowded deck.
Tampa Bay's diverse structure calls for different approaches throughout the day. We'll work shallow grass flats with live shrimp under popping corks for sea trout and redfish, then switch to casting topwater plugs around mangrove shorelines when snook are feeding aggressively. For tarpon, we'll deploy live bait near bridges and channels, using circle hooks and heavy tackle to handle their powerful runs and jumps. Bull sharks require a different strategy entirely – we'll anchor near deep holes and fish cut bait on the bottom with wire leaders. The key is reading the water and adapting your presentation. Our captain will coach you through proper hook sets, fighting techniques, and how to handle each species safely for photos before release. We carry both spinning and conventional tackle to match the fishing conditions and your comfort level.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and these ambush predators know how to put up a fight. They hang around docks, mangrove edges, and bridge pilings, exploding on topwater baits during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "rats" to thick-shouldered bruisers over 30 inches. What makes snook special is their attitude – they'll slam a bait with authority, then immediately head for the nearest structure to break you off. Landing a slot snook requires quick reflexes and steady pressure.
Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is world-class, especially during the summer months when massive schools of "silver kings" migrate through our waters. These fish are pure adrenaline – a hooked tarpon will launch itself completely out of the water multiple times, shaking its head violently to throw the hook. Most Tampa Bay tarpon range from 80-150 pounds, though some reach over 200. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight alone makes them bucket-list fish. Best action happens from May through August around bridges, channels, and near-shore waters.
Redfish are Tampa Bay's most reliable target, available year-round in good numbers. These copper-colored fighters prefer shallow flats and oyster bars where they root around for crabs and baitfish. Reds are known for their bulldogging runs and stubborn fights – they won't jump like tarpon, but they'll pull drag steadily and use their broad tails to maximum advantage. Sight-fishing for tailing redfish in skinny water is pure excitement, especially when you can watch them inhale your bait. Fish from 18-27 inches are slot-legal to keep, while oversized "bull reds" over 27 inches make for great photos.
Sea trout are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties roam grass flats throughout Tampa Bay, feeding on shrimp, pinfish, and glass minnows. They're most active during cooler months when water temperatures drop, often schooling in large numbers over deep grass beds. Sea trout have soft mouths that require a gentle touch – too much pressure and they'll throw the hook. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the bay, with flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Bull sharks add serious excitement to any Tampa Bay charter, especially during warmer months when they move into shallow waters to feed and breed. These apex predators can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds, turning any fishing trip into an adrenaline rush. They're aggressive feeders that will hit cut bait, live fish, or even artificial lures. Fighting a bull shark means holding on tight as they make powerful runs and use their weight to test your tackle. We practice catch-and-release with proper shark handling techniques for safe photos and release.
Tampa Bay's reputation as a top-rated inshore fishing destination isn't by accident – these waters consistently produce trophy fish for anglers who know where to look. With Tradewinds Fishing Charter, you're getting local expertise, quality equipment, and access to prime fishing spots that many visitors never see. Our small group size ensures you'll get hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunities to hook into the fish of a lifetime. Whether you're chasing your first snook, hoping to jump a tarpon, or looking to fill the cooler with sea trout, Tampa Bay delivers. Don't wait – peak fishing dates fill up fast, especially during prime season. Book your charter today and get ready to experience why Tampa Bay is considered one
Step aboard our 2022 C-Hawk bay boat, custom-rigged for serious Tampa Bay fishing from Tarpon Springs down to Sarasota. This beauty runs on a brand-new 300 Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast and quiet. We've loaded her with top-shelf Simrad electronics including GPS and fish finder to locate those schools hiding in the grass flats and structure. The VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fishing intel. An onboard icebox handles your catch and keeps drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want a personalized fishing experience without the crowd. Whether you're targeting snook in the mangroves, redfish on the flats, or grouper near the bridges, this rig handles Tampa Bay's shallow waters like a dream. Ready to put some quality fish in the box?
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are Tampa Bay staples running 12-20 inches with beautiful spotted sides. They patrol grass flats and sandy bottom areas in 2-6 feet of water, especially around structure like rocks or drop-offs. Spring through fall fishing is excellent, with early morning and evening being prime times. Trout are popular because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They school up, so where you catch one, you'll often find more. The trick with trout is using light tackle and being gentle - their mouths are soft and tear easily. Try live shrimp under a popping cork or small jigs bounced along the bottom near grass edges.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Tampa Bay's premier gamefish, running 18-36 inches on average with that signature black lateral line and golden coloring. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangroves, bridge pilings, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk. May through September is prime time when they spawn and feed heavily. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: cast live shrimp or pinfish tight to structure and let the current sweep your bait into the shadows where snook wait.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are Tampa Bay's ultimate trophy fish, averaging 80-150 pounds with some reaching over 200. You'll find them rolling in 4-15 feet around passes, bridges, and deep holes during their May through October migration. They're famous for launching 6+ feet out of the water when hooked - pure adrenaline that'll have your heart pounding. Most anglers practice catch-and-release since they're not great table fare, but landing one is a bucket-list achievement. Tarpon are incredibly strong fighters that can battle for hours. The key here is patience and proper technique. My go-to advice: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it prevents the hook from pulling out during their aerial show.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are Tampa Bay's apex predators, typically running 6-10 feet and 200-400 pounds. These thick-bodied fighters cruise channels, passes, and deeper holes in 10-30 feet, but they'll also push into surprisingly shallow water and even freshwater areas. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active in warmer water. Anglers target them for the ultimate test of strength - these sharks make crushing runs that'll smoke your reel. They're pure power and aggression. Fresh cut bait works best - mullet, mackerel, or stingray chunks on heavy tackle. Safety tip: always use a wire leader and circle hooks. When fighting one, keep steady pressure but don't force it - let the fish tire itself out before attempting to land it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are Tampa Bay classics that run 18-32 inches with those distinctive black spots near their tails. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. These copper-colored bruisers make powerful runs and fight hard right to the boat. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky white meat. Redfish aren't picky eaters either - they'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. Pro tip: look for "tailing" reds feeding head-down in shallow water. Approach quietly and cast ahead of their movement for explosive strikes.
Saint Petersburg, FL