Tampa Shark & Tarpon Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Specialty shark and tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay watersExpert Captain Patrick guides anglers to prime fishing spotsSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
Looking to tangle with some of Florida's most legendary fish? Captain Patrick's specialty charters put you right where the action happens in Tampa Bay and the surrounding waters off St. Petersburg. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about targeting apex predators and the "silver king" that make these waters famous. With years of experience reading the tides, structure, and seasonal patterns, Patrick knows exactly where to position you for the best shots at hooking into fish that'll test every ounce of your tackle and skill.
Your day starts early when the bite is hot and the conditions are prime. Captain Patrick runs a tight ship with top-rated gear and a boat built for battling big fish in Tampa's productive waters. You'll be working prime structure, channels, and feeding zones where sharks patrol and tarpon roll. The intimate 2-angler setup means you're not fighting for rod time or competing with a crowd – just pure, focused fishing with personalized attention. Patrick's approach combines local knowledge with proven techniques, positioning you over the spots that consistently produce. Whether you're a seasoned angler or stepping up to tackle these species for the first time, you'll get hands-on coaching that'll make the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
We're fishing with heavy-action rods and reels spooled with serious line because these fish don't mess around. For sharks, we'll be using circle hooks with fresh cut bait – mullet, ladyfish, or whatever's running fresh that day. The key is getting that scent trail going and positioning baits at the right depths where these predators cruise. Tarpon fishing requires a completely different approach – live bait presentations with crabs, pinfish, or scaled sardines, depending on what Patrick's seeing on the fish finder and what the conditions call for. You'll learn proper fighting techniques for both species because landing a 100+ pound tarpon or a bull shark requires finesse, not just muscle. Wire leaders are essential for sharks, while tarpon demand lighter, more subtle presentations that won't spook these intelligent fish.
Scalloped hammerheads are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay shark fishing, and these prehistoric hunters are absolutely beautiful to see up close. They typically range from 4-8 feet in our waters and are most active during the warmer months from May through October. What makes hammers so special is their unique head shape that gives them incredible sensory advantages – they can detect electrical fields from prey hiding in the sand. Fighting one is like wrestling with pure power and grace combined. They'll make blistering runs and use their broad head to create leverage that'll test your drag system to the limit.
Bull sharks are the brawlers of Tampa Bay, and they earn their reputation as one of the most aggressive species you'll encounter. These thick-bodied fighters can handle both salt and fresh water, which is why they're so common in our bay system where rivers meet the Gulf. Bulls typically run 6-10 feet in our area and are year-round residents, though they're most active when water temps climb above 75 degrees. What anglers love about bulls is their pure, raw power – they fight dirty with no finesse, just bulldozing runs that'll leave your arms burning and your heart racing.
Tarpon are the reason anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters, and Tampa Bay is considered world-class tarpon habitat. These silver giants can exceed 200 pounds and 7 feet, with their signature gill-rattling jumps that'll have you holding on for dear life. Peak tarpon season runs from April through August when massive schools migrate through our waters. What makes tarpon so addictive for anglers is the combination of their size, acrobatics, and the technical skill required to land one. They're master escape artists with mouths harder than concrete – hook penetration and constant pressure are critical, and even experienced anglers consider themselves lucky to land 1 in 10 tarpon they hook.
Captain Patrick's specialty trips book fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. This customer favorite charter delivers the kind of adrenaline-pumping action that turns good anglers into great ones and creates stories you'll be telling for years. The intimate 2-angler capacity means every trip is personalized, focused, and designed to maximize your time with these incredible fish. Whether you're looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or want to feel the raw power of a bull shark, these Tampa waters deliver world-class fishing with a guide who knows how to put you on the fish. Don't wait – the best dates fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss your shot at hooking into the fish of a lifetime.
Get ready to chase sharks and tarpon aboard our custom 2022 C-Hawk bay boat, perfectly rigged for Tampa Bay's inshore waters. This fishing machine runs on a brand-new 300 Yamaha outboard that'll get you to the hot spots fast and quiet. Captain Patrick has outfitted her with top-shelf Simrad electronics – the fish finder will mark bait schools and structure where these giants lurk, while the GPS keeps us on productive grounds. The VHF radio ensures we stay connected to other boats reporting fish activity. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, this bay boat handles Tampa's shallow flats and deeper channels with ease. Built for serious fishing, she's your ticket to battling the Gulf Coast's most prized gamefish in waters where tarpon roll and sharks prowl.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bulldozers of our local waters - thick, powerful, and aggressive fighters that'll test your tackle. These stocky sharks run 6-10 feet and 200-400 pounds, with females getting bigger. What makes them unique is they can handle fresh and saltwater, so we find them everywhere from Tampa Bay's backwaters to offshore reefs. Summer months are best when they move into shallow areas to feed and breed. They're ambush predators that hang around structure, drop-offs, and murky water. Anglers love the raw power - no fancy jumps, just straight bulldogging runs that'll smoke your drag. They're great eating too, with firm white meat. My go-to trick is using fresh cut mullet or whole blue crabs on a fish finder rig near creek mouths where fresh and salt water mix.
Sphyrna LewiniThe scalloped hammerhead's unique head shape makes it one of the most recognizable sharks in our waters. Females reach up to 8 feet and 180 pounds, while males stay smaller around 6 feet. These sharks cruise our coastal waters during the day, then head offshore to hunt at night. Their special hammer-shaped head helps them detect stingrays buried in the sand - they'll actually pin them down with their heads. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one in 30-100 feet of water around structure. What makes them special is that incredible head design and how they fight - they're strong but not as aggressive as bulls. One tip: use fresh cut bait like mackerel on the bottom near ledges and wrecks where they hunt.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay, and once you hook one, you'll understand why they're on every angler's bucket list. These giants average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, but can push 200+ pounds. They love our shallow flats, channels, and around bridge pilings in 10-40 feet of water. May through September is prime time when they're rolling and feeding actively in the warmer months. What gets people hooked is watching a 100-pound fish launch 10 feet out of the water - pure athletics. They're catch and release only since the meat's full of bones. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during those wild aerial shows.
Saint Petersburg, FL